Home base needed in or near Lauterbrunnen

First, be sure to get Rick Steves Switzerland ASAP. His chapter on the Berner Oberland is one of his very best, except for his over-emphasis on Gimmelwald (it's fine for a half day, but hardly as earthshaking as he depicts it).

Second, since this is a U-shaped valley with steep mountains on both sides, your choice of bases are Lauterbrunnen (in the valley), Gimmelwald or Mürren (up one side) or Wengen (up the other side). Any of them work well; I stayed in Mürren at the Hotel Edelweis and was very happy with my choice. If I had it to do again, I'd still stay in Mürren, as it's not only higher than Gimmelwald (better views from my window, not to mention wandering around town), but larger with far more (and tastier) dining options as well as a supermarket. I didn't see Wengen, but Lauterbrunnen was less appealing to me. However, since Lauterbrunnen is on the valley floor, it's equally convenient for going up both sides, which some prefer.

Again, each of these four has adherents; read about them in Rick's book and elsewhere, and realize you can't go wrong. However, you certainly can go wrong if you stay in Interlaken, which is near but not in this area. Unless you need or want large tour groups, large supermarkets, sex shops, or a "Paksitani" restaurant (that's what the sign said - reminded me of Punxsutawney Phil from Groundhog Day), don't stay there.

Be sure to e-mail the hotels directly to ask about rooms and prices. Not only the Hotel Edelweis, but also the two other Swiss hotels I used, did not show the room I needed on their Internet booking engine on their website. But when I e-mailed the hotels directly, they not only had the room, but two of the three had a Rick Steves discount!

mary jane,

Lauterbrunnen makes a great "home base" location as it's the rail hub so easy to get to both sides of the valley from there. There are a good range of accomodations including hotels and a hostel, and it's a really nice smaller town. It's in the valley floor so doesn't have the same scenic views as higher towns like Mürren but I find that I'm usually out touring anyway so not there to enjoy the views anyway. However, I find Lauterbrunnen to be very scenic also.

You might enjoy having a look at this website.....

http://mylauterbrunnen.com/

I agree stay in lauterbrunnen valley. If you decide to stay a night on the mtn i vote for murren, oh so swiss, with outstanding jaw drpping views.