3 nights in the Alps

We will be there in late June. We can do some hiking, but we are not really big hiking fans. We will be happy just looking at the mountains from a train or cable car :)

Hannah, I wouldn't recommend staying in Interlaken, as you'll get a much nicer "Alps" experience by staying in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. You'll be able to enjoy the gorgeous views while lingering over your morning repast and coffee. You could certainly stay in Gimmelwald, but Mürren might be a better choice as it's larger and would provide more options in the evenings. While there you could take the Allmend-Hubel Funicular to the top and then enjoy a leisurely walk down through alpine meadows, past cows contentedly grazing. You'll be able to hear their bells long before you see them. As I recall, there are a couple of Bars/Hotels on the way down so you could stop for a "cool one" as well. You could also stay in Lauterbrunnen, as that's a really convenient "home base" for exploring that area. If your budget will allow, you could take the Cable Car to the famous Schilthorn / Piz Gloria, which was used in the making of the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Enjoy a fine hot meal in the revolving restaurant while admiring the panorama of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau passing by the windows. Have a "Martini shaken not stirred" in the James Bond bar (one floor below the restaurant). From Mürren it's a very easy walk down to Gimmelwald (take the Cable Car back). The path is paved, so it's not really a "hike" but more of a "stroll". Stop at the Hotel Mittaghorn or the Pension Gimmelwald for a "cool one" and enjoy the view (or both if you're really thirsty!). You could also take the local trains and explore Wengen and Grindelwald on the other side of the valley. If you have a REALLY large budget you could take the trip to the Jungfraujoch. When you arrive there, you may wish you had more time. Happy travels!

When are you going? Do you want to do any hiking?

Late June is good. The wildflowers will be blooming if you find a walk to take in an area that hasn't been grazed by cows. I agree with everything Ken recommended. I will add that we likeWengen just as much as Murren, and there seem to be more hotel choices there. But the views from Mürren are spectacular and worth getting a place with a balcony. Evennifnyoundon't like hiking, I suggest you to the ridgetopmramble from Mannlichennto Kleine Scheidegg if you get a sunny day. This starts with a cablecar ride from Wengen up ( straight up) to Mannlichen. Then you walk the nearly level path for about an hour, to Kleine Scheidegg. There are restaurants there if it is time for lunch, but we prefer one that you pass on the trail about ten minutes before you get to KS. Nice deck for enjoying the views. From KS you ride a train back down to Wengen, continuing on the same train to the valley floor if you are staying in Mürren.

Ken and Lola, Thank you so much for your input! I wish we could stay there longer too, but we are traveling about a month, visiting different countries in Europe. I first didn't include the Alps and planned to move from Paris to Venice. I am so glad that we are now going to visit the Alps :) So it sounds like it is a good idea to stay in Murren and take trips from there. Do you know if I should buy lift tickets in advance or should I do it when I get there? Also, would I take a train from Paris into Interlaken, and then to Murren, and when I leave, go back to Interlaken and take train to Venice from there? Thanks!!! Hannah

You definitely do not need to buy lift tickets before you arrive ( in fact I don't know that you can, other than for the Jungfrau train). Wait until you get there to decide which ones younwant to do. Your route from Paris to Mürren will generally be Paris BaselInterlakenLauterbrunnen. Mat Lauterbrunnen you catch the cablecar up toGrutschalp,mwhere the train to Mürren will be waiting. It sounds like a lot of changes but it actually very easy and itis all timed to work smoothly. To head to Venice, you will return to Interlaken, then to Spiez. Mthere you catch a southbound train to Milan,mwhere you catch the fast Le Frecce ("arrow") train to Venice. Make sure you buy a ticket to Venice Santa Lucia ( Venezia S.L) not Venice Mestre. You can save money on the Paris tomBasel, Spiez to Milan, and Milan to Venice by buying in advance on TGV-Europe and Trenitalia, but the tickets are non-flexible.

We will be there in late June. We can do some hiking, but we are not really big hiking fans. We will be happy just looking at the mountains from a train or cable car :) If you enjoy mountain train journeys then you could really try and fit in of these in your trip: GoldenPass Glacier Express Berina Express

Just a word of warning...if this is your first time to Murren and the Lauterbrunnen Valley area when you actually get there you're not going to want to leave. I know you've got other places you want to see, but you'll want to spend more time here. Every person we've ever taken here has always said "we saved the best for last" - because it's always our last destination. Have fun staying in Murren - it's my favorite place I've ever visited.

I stayed in Interlaken and took trains to various hiking spots, Interlaken is a bit touristy but it is a good base if you want to get to several different spots. I might do something different the next time I visit Switzerland but it worked out well for my first trip there.

Really, Mürren is a much better choice than Interlaken if you are going to see the Alps, especially if younwant to see them from your hotel balcony at the beginning and end of the day.

Thank you so much for your comments!! They are so very helpful, as this is my first trip there.

Ken's description makes me want to go back so bad - I have to rewatch my video of the cow bells ringing....it's awesome...and we only had one short day there - will def plan for more the next time...you'll love it!

We love Gimmelwald, stayed there twice and would love to go back. It is my favorite place too. You get to experience so many senses. The mountains are gorgeous, air so fresh, beautiful wild flowers, cow bells ringing in the distance, the smell of grass (and cows), fresh food you can buy from locals, raw milk just after cows have been milked, etc,. It is the best mountain experience ever! The weather is very changeable so it is good you have three days. Both times we were lucky to get good weather but the days we were leaving it was foggy and rain was expected. The fog totally covered the fabulous view of the mountains. Only bad thing was in June there was a fly problem, a big problem, and local restaurants keep doors open, but nothing we couldn't handle. I think it was unusual. Stay in the alps! Forget about Interlaken! Just my opinion.

Thanks everyone for all your input! It all sounds wonderful, and I wish we could stay there longer! It is our first trip to Europe. We plan to stay in London (7 nights), Paris (6 nights), the Alps (3 nights), Venice (3 nights), Florence (3 nights), and Rome (7 nights). We have exactly one month to travel. We are trying our best to see as much as possible and at the same time not to make it too hectic.

Hannah, let me compliment you on a great itinerary with a good amount of time in each place. You will have a wonderful trip. Mürren will make the perfect break from city sightseeing, right in the middle. I hope you write a trip report when you return.

Thank you, Lola! I hope this plan will work out well...