I am visiting Europe for the first time with a group of 6 (including 2 children, ages 8 and 9). We are planning to go to the Alps from Paris for a few days. What is the best place to base in order to easily get to Munnlichen, waterfalls, easy flat hiking? We are mostly looking to explore the scenery. We are looking at Wengen but I also see there is Murren, Interlaken? Would there be plenty within a 15-min radius, whether by train or something else? We are not looking to rent a car.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
612 posts
You don’t say what time of year, but if summer and with your list, stay in Wengen - quick ride up to Mannlichen (Easy Walk from there to Kleine Scheidegg & Train back) and quick ride down to Lauterbrunnen to walk amidst the waterfalls. If it’s this summer, lodging is going to be very picked over.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Ok I didn't realize. We are going this summer (end of June) - a bit last minute in plans but decided to add a visit to the Alps while we are in France. I do see some hotels with availability - is that a bad sign that they would have rooms available at this point?
Posted by
Michigan
483 posts
Another suggestion is to visit the French Alps, staying in Chamonix. It is absolutely beautiful, may be a shorter train ride, and may be less expensive than Switzerland, although your kids would be able to travel for free on the Swiss trains, I believe.
We spent 4 nights in Annecy and 4 in Chamonix in Sept. 2022… both were stunning! We were able to hike, take a cogwheel train to Montenvers, and see Mont Blanc daily in Chamonix. We hope to visit there again!
We had a direct TGV train back to Paris from Annecy. You might have trouble finding lodging at this point, but maybe not? We used Airbnb in Annecy and found a hotel in Chamonix.
I’m not trying to dissuade you from Switzerland, as I’m heading there this fall…but thought I’d offer another idea since you’re planning to travel from Paris. Chamonix has a helpful app, too. We loved the French Alps region.
Have a great trip!
Laurie
Posted by
Franklin, TN, USA
920 posts
Stay in Lauterbrunnen or Wengen…..the trains will take you wherever you want to go and those places are great for a base. If you want to be IN the mountains and have them at your doorstep stay in Wengen….if you want a good central base for hopping on the train and going to either side of the mountains stay in Lauterbrunnen……..Interlaken is not necessary…….it is not in the mountains like Wengen and Lauterbrunnen. Don’t need a car……..
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17428 posts
I do see some hotels with availability - is that a bad sign that they would have rooms available at this point?
I would not worry about that; they may be rooms that were booked earlier but someone had to cancel. Or maybe they are more expensive than others wanted to pay. You can always check the reviews if you have concerns. Just be glad you found something in Wengen at this late date—-for your sightseeing goals the village is a great choice.
As noted above, your two children will pride the trains and lifts for free, IF one of the parents buys a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card and requests the free Family Card, listing the children on the card by name and birthdate.