We may be arriving in Murren around 11:00AM, after an overnight flight: Chicago-Zurich. Our apartment will be available at 2:00PM. I'm anticipating being mentally and physically tired, and would appreciate any thoughts on low-energy input ways to pass the time. Maybe walk around Interlaken and/or Lauterbrunnen, as opposed to heading direct to Murren? Thanks!
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2820 posts
I would store your bags at the station in Lauterbrunnen. Walk through town to the Camping Jungfrau. Have a lovely lunch and enjoy the views. Explore the shops on the way back through town. Pick up some groceries.
Or take the train up to Wengen and have lunch there. You could take the cable car up to Mannlichen to check out the views.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3239 posts
That sounds like a good plan. If you can drop off your luggage prior to check-in, you also could go up to Murren and pick up some picnic supplies at the Coop grocery store and then enjoy the views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley from Murren. If not, Travel4Fun’s idea is a good one.
Definitely don’t stick around Interlaaken as it’s just a bustling service center and transit hub,
Posted by
Moncton NB
1296 posts
My advice is always to stay out in the sun on day of arrival to get over jet lag. With that in mind, I would either:
- walk from Lauternbrunnen to Staubachfalle and back (10 mins each way), then sit in an outdoor cafe in Lauterbrunnen;
- head up to Murren, take the funicular to Allmendhubel (alpine meadow park with great views), then sit in an outdoor cafe in Murren.
Posted by
Green Bay
22336 posts
Another way is to take a slow scenic way to get to Muerren.
Assume you are on the Swiss flight from Chicago that arrives at 6:20 am. You should be able to easily make the 7:15 train direct to Luzern that arrives at 8:25. Take the 9:06 train to Brienz. That is part of the Golden Pass route going over the Bruenig Pass. It arrives at Brienz at 10:33, then take the connecting boat to Interlaken for a relaxing lake cruise to Interlaken, arriving at 11:53. You can take your time exiting the boat and the short walk to Interlaken Ost station to get the 12:34 train to Lauterbrunnen, with the continuing connections to Muerren, arriving at 1:24 pm. By the time you walk to your lodging, it will be check in time.
Posted by
2 posts
You could just take a relaxing boat ride on Lake Brienz with your luggage.
Check with your lodging. They may allow you to drop it off as soon as you arrive.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1517 posts
Knowing that you’re coming from Chicago and knowing how I feel after an international flight from the West Coast, I would go for Kenko’s recommendation. Find the Coop in Murren, do a picnic lunch and enjoy the views outside for a couple of hours. Or if the weather is good, take the tram up to the Schlithorn for lunch and views.