Lauterbrunnen, Murren or Gimmelwald with 2 small children

Hey Paige,

Murren would be my choice simply because it is sunnier than Lauterbrunnen and might be more interesting with kids. Gimmelwald is tiny and "rustic" with not much to do if you are not skiing all day. Of more concern is where you are going to find a place to stay if you are going to be headed there in a couple of weeks. I would think rooms are tight in all three places at this time of year and you may have to consider Interlaken for accommodations (not necessarily a bad thing with kids and it is the gateway to all the sights of the B.O.). Something you need to jump on right away. Have fun!

Also look into Wengen and Grindelwald. Each of these probably have more lodging options. In my brief experience skiing through Wengen, it appeared to be the most family-friendly of the towns in the region.

brown,

I'd also suggest staying in one of the larger towns as there will be more activities, especially in the evenings. Activities in that area will be focused mostly on winter sports at this time of year. I agree with the previous comments that Gimmelwald is probably not a good choice, but Mürren is larger and very scenic. I agree with Tom that Wengen (on the other side of the valley) would also be a good place to consider, as it's a larger and will have more lodging choice. You could also look at Grindelwald which is also larger, but it didn't "click" with me so it's not a place I would choose to stay.

At this late date, your choice may be determined by where you can book accommodations.

Do not be disappointed if you "have" to stay in Lauterbrunnen, which you might have to do when it comes to available lodging. We "had" to do so last New Year's because we didn't decide to make the trip until 4 weeks prior. Lauterbrunnen was our only affordable option at that point. Your kids will love the lift to Grutschalp and the little train to Murren as well as the train up to Wengen and Kleine Scheidigg from Lauterbrunnen. Be sure to ask at the TI about the best pass for your stay. Individual tickets are a bit pricey so a pass makes sense.

By the way, you didn't mention if you're skiing. If so, then Grindelwald would be my choice because it has the eaisest access to the most pistes. If not, then Mürren or Wengen would work fine. I wouldn't even consider Gimmelwald in the winter.

Thank you all for the reply!! We have decided to stay in Murren. Now we're deciding whether to try and fit in a two day stay in Lausanne to visit the Chateau de Chillon on our way back to Geneva (where we're flying out of). We'll be arriving in Geneva on the 7th and taking the train to Murren. Flying out of Geneva the evening of the 11th. Thoughts? Or do we just stay in Murren the whole time? Keep in mind we have two small children so it takes a little longer to see things and we have nap time in the afternoon. Also, we are not planning on doing a lot of skiing. If anything, my husband may take our 4yr old out for a little bit. Mostly we want to enjoy the beautiful scenery!

I would stay put in Murren. It will be so much more relaxing. The castle is great, but not worth giving up two nights (or even one, which is all you would probably need) in Murren. I just don't think it's worth the challenge of moving your whole family. I feel sure once you get to Murren, you will not want to leave for anything! It is stunningly beautiful.