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3 nights in Interlaken or up in mtns?

Hey -
Travelling with husband in late October in Switzerland (Zurich, Lucerne, Zermatt and 3 nights scheduled in the BO area.. I thought to stay in Interlaken as a base, but have read many less than stellar reviews. We want to visit Jungfraujoch, Glacier Canyon in Grindlewald (last there in college - excited to experience with husband), Schilthorn, Lauternrunnen. Interested in touring and gentle hikes as well. Thought we could head back to Interlaken after doing day trips into the hills. We head to Zermatt after the B.O. and then back to Zurich to head home.

Am I making a mistake in staying in Interlaken? Should we stay up in the mountains? If so, where??
Thanks for any insights!

Posted by
8966 posts

cbro, do a Search on "interlaken" here on this forum, and you'll find hundreds of similar inquiries, for which almost always the replies are - don't stay in Interlaken. Interlaken is basically a transportation hub, with more shops and restaurants for tourists. But its not IN the mountains that you're there to see. It is at the foot of the mountains, not in the mountains or the valley where you are surrounded by the mountains. Distances are deceiving in the mountains. That means that you'd be wasting a lot of transportation time both ways every day to get to the places you want to be. Lauterbrunnen is central, on the valley floor, makes it a good hub for those places you want to see. But being halfway up the mountain like Mürren or Wengen just makes it more spectacular.

Posted by
44 posts

I agree whole heartedly. Grindelwald is just the perfect place for a base to the area. Check out the Spinne hotel. Be sure to Google gentle walks in the Jungfrau. Many of them for all types of hikers.

Posted by
7300 posts

Grindelwald would be an upgrade vs. Interlaken. Wengen is even better, as it is really up in the mountains. Mürren is even higher but less convenient (further from Grindelwald and Jungfrau). Have a look at Lauterbrunnen as well.

Posted by
740 posts

If it were anywhere else, Interlaken would be a great destination. But when you're so close to Lauterbrunnen, Murren and Wengen, staying in Interlaken is a lost opportunity.

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks all for the insights. Interlaken is out and I've made hotel res in Grindelwald...

Posted by
692 posts

Definitely enjoy the accessibility and tranquility of the mountain and valley towns.

Posted by
4 posts

One other question - we will be in BO from Oct 23-26. I am reading that some cable cars close mid October - can I assume that we can find alternative ways to access villages and trails later in the year?

Thanks again for all of the feedback and input!