Urgent - Interlaken or Lauternburren or gimmelwald

[lynx]

Hi everyone,

I have got nearly everything ready and now looking at the itinerary I am now having second thoughts as to whether to stay at interlaken at all, and just stay at either Lauternburren or Gimmelwald. I was thinking more on Lauternburren because of the waterfalls and easy access to Jungfurgh. Also, staying at Lauternburren I can do actiivties as well like white-water rafting. I was planning to stay here for about 4-5 nights so that I can cover everything. Please let me know what you think about this.

Many thansk

[Eagle]

lynx, it's difficult to recommend which location would be the best "home base" for your stay in the Berner Oberland. I imagine the location will largely be determined by the majority of the acitivities you want to do in that area. A few thoughts to consider....

> Interlaken - as this is the largest city in the region, there will be a lot more facilities in the area (including some pricey "old world" Hotels). If you're staying in Hostels (Balmers or Backpacker's Villa), the costs shouldn't be too excessive, and it's somewhat of a "central" location for access to either of the valleys (Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald) and the lakes (for boat trips).

> Lauterbrunnen - (note spelling) somewhat smaller than Interlaken but a convenient base for exploring destinations in the valley and for outdoor activities. Trummelbach Falls and Gimmelwald are quickly and easily accessible. From what I recall, there are some outdoor touring businesses located here, so it should be easy to arrange white water rafting, Paragliding or whatever.

> Gimmelwald - this is essentially a small farming community that also does a good job of hosting tourists. There are a number of B&B's in the community, a great Hostel and a small and "rustic" Hotel, but unfortunately the Pension closed at the end of October (along with it the only restaurant) and AFAIK new operators haven't been secured yet. Breakfasts are usually provided, but guests are on their own for lunches and dinners (it's not difficult to get to Murren for meals - see below). There isn't a lot to do in the evenings, but I didn't find that to be a problem. There's always someone to chat with over a Beer or whatever, or just enjoy the peace and tranquility. Despite it's small size, Gimmelwald tends to be quite popular, so it's usually a good idea to pre-book accomodations. It's a convenient place to stay for hiking in the mountains and for access to the Schilthorn.

If you want to stay in that general area, you could also consider Murren. It's just uphill from Gimmelwald, and is a somewhat larger centre with a Co-Op grocery store, larger Hotels, ATM's (Cash Points), etc.

One question - could you clarify what you are referring to as "Jungfurgh" - I'm not familiar with that?

Hopefully this information will help with your decision. Good luck and happy travels!!!

[lynx]

Thanks Eagle for replying.

Sorry for the spelling mistakes. After spending time doing more research on the net, I have decided to stay at Lauterbrunnen (surrounded by waterfalls etc and the views etc...). Here I can then go and do various activities,hike and go onto visit Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch. However, I am not sure how many days I will need to do all this. Presently, I have got 6 nights free at the moment and would really appreciate any comments on this. I was thinking of spending 6 nights here, but not sure whether this would be too long and that time could be otherwise spent visiting other parts of Switzerland ( I am already doing Lucerne).

Any help will be much appreciate.

Many thanks

[Eagle]

lynx, IMHO, six days is not too long to spend in that area as there are so many things to do. Aside from outdoor activities, it will take some time to tour Gimmelwald, the Schilthorn, Trummelbach Falls, the Lauterbrunnen area, Murren, etc. As long as you're in the area, you might enjoy spending a day in Interlaken (perhaps a boat tour?).

A trip to the Jungfraujoch will probably take the better part of a day as it's in "the other" valley. The ride to the Jungfraujoch is a bit "pricey", so be prepared for that (the current second class rate for the "good morning" pass is listed as CH$152.60, return). There might be a slightly reduced fare if you're travelling with a Rail Pass that covers Switzerland. Check www.jungfraubahn.ch/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-139/86_read-6483 for current rates. You could have a look around Grindelwald when you're in that area as well.

The problem with travelling to other areas, is that it divides your time too much for the limited time you have available in Switzerland, so there wouldn't be sufficient time to really have a proper tour of either area. My preference would be to concentrate on the one area and see as much as possible in the time available.

Happy travels!!!

[lynx]

Thank you so much for your reply back Eagle.

After reading your comments and also doing further research, I have finally decided to stay 3 nights at Interlaken and then a further 3 nights at Lauterbrunnen. Reason for this (and as you've suggested) is that there are many things to do. Besides part of my trip was to do all the things that I mentioned earlier (trekking, activities etc...) and will keep me away from the cities for awhile!

I was going to stay at Gimmelwald , but since this is my first trip to this area and Switzerland, it will be easier for me to get access to other areas if I stayed at Lauterbrunnen.

Thanks again for everyone's comments

Take care

Lynx.