Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen?

If you're looking for affordability don't miss the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald and also Chalet Fontana in Murren. Top of Europe is very nice - but it can definitely be omitted as the WHOLE area is breathtakingly stunning and will provide you with many free hiking options.

I second the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald for general awesomeness and affordability. 45 francs/night is tough to beat!

Given that you are hikers/backpackers, I think you'd prefer the Lauterbrunnen area. Grindelwald is more touristy, and, it has a few less hikes (in my opinion) than the Lauterbrunnen/Murren side.

I've sent you a private mail about our dozen favorite hikes in the overall area, just click on your name in the upper right of this page to read your forum mail.

As for budget places in Lauterbrunnen, check out Valley Hostel, or, my favorite for outdoorsy folks like you, is www.campingjungfrau.swiss

They rent out trailers by the week in high season, but in shoulder season it goes by the day and is cheaper. If it were warmer, you could camp there for almost nothing. Of course, if you are used to cold weather camping (maybe 45 deg at night, 60 deg by day) then that's the cheapest, around $20 a night, if you bring your own tent.

Without a doubt, I would base in the Lauterbrunnen Valley or the city of Lauterbrunnen. There are many waterfalls in the valley and from Stechelberg, just 4 miles or so from Lauterbrunnen, you can easily get to Gimmewald (where you might check for accommodations at the Hostel), Murren and Schilthorn. From Lauterbrunnen you can also get to Kleine Scheidegg and Wengen easily. I thought Grindelwald was touristy and lacked charm. For the budget minded, the Coop grocery stores are fantastic for picnic supplies, pastry, chocolates, beer and wine. There are Coops in Lauterbrunnen and Murren (and Grindelwald). If you get an AirBnb you could cook dinners and all your supplies could be easily purchased at the Coop. I stayed at an Airbnb in the Lauterbrunnen Valley and I believe there are quite a few. There is a bus (is free for people staying locally, and it would seem everyone because they never check) from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg. You can hike from Murren down to the valley. There is the trip to the Jungfrau (top of Europe) its expensive tho there is a discount with the Swiss Travel Pass. You would want to watch the video of the mountain top to see if its clear to make it worthwhile. Schilthorn is included in the Swiss Travel Pass, and can be clear if Jungfrau is clouded, also Jungfrau can be clear if Schilthorn is clouded. The Swiss Travel Pass also includes the trains/transportation between Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Gimmelwald, Murren, and Grindelwald. I believe there also is some kind of pass for the region but I don't know anything about it.

Just to be sure about your question, as a first time poster we don't know about the rest of the trip nor a lot about you, most readers/watchers/readers of Rick Steves follow Rick's suggestions for Gimmelwald, Mürren, Wengen and Lauterbrunnen.

Big bus folk tend towards Grindelwald (similar spelling, completely different vibe) and Interlaken.

You speak of Wengen and Lauterbrunnen but also specifically Grindelwald where I would have expected Gimmelwald.

So just to be completely clear, that it is Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen you are asking about...

I would also recommend staying in the Lauterbrunnen / Mürren / Gimmelwald area. As you're backpacking, if you're looking for cheap accommodations, you could look at the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald, or the Valley Hostel in Lauterbrunnen.

Grindelwald would not be my first choice for a home base location for exploring that area. It's a bit removed from the other places, so requires time and money to get to some of the nicer spots. It's also more posh and touristy (IMO). There's also an HI Hostel in Grindelwald, but it's quite a hike up the side of a mountain above the main part of town (I know, as I've been there).

The ideal location for incredible views as well as lots of hiking opportunities would be Mürren (again, IMO).

As far as budget, Lauterbrunnen is best. Grindlewald is too touristy. Plus you can easily get to hikes on either side of the Valley. Check out the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald. In order to stick to a budget cook for yourself.

Thank you so much for all your responses, this has really helped me out. I think I’m going to follow everyone’s advice and stay in one of the Lauterbrunnen Valley towns rather than Grindelwald. The Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald unfortunately isn’t an option because my boyfriend and I are after a private room, but I will defiantly investigate all the other accommodation and activities suggested.

Livyj, did you check the Gimmelwald Hostel website? I feel like it wasn't what I think of as a hostel, and I think there were smaller rooms

The Hotel Oberland in Lauterbrunnen is a perfect spot. The town is small, friendly (there is a Co Op Market for inexpensive eats) and it is quite easy to take the train to the Jungfraujoch Region

livyj,

The Valley Hostel in Lauterbrunnen has at least one double room, but you'd likely have to get that booked well in advance of your trip. If you don't mind "no frills" accomodations, you could also have a look at the Hotel Horner in Lauterbrunnen, which also operates a pub.

One other budget place you could consider is Chalet Fontana in Mürren. I've never stayed there, but it seems to get consistently good ratings.

The Valley Hostel looks like a winner thank you!