Will be on a two week trip this May, starting week one in Italy then riding the train from Milan to Lugano fro 2 nights. From Lugano, we intend to take the train to Lucern for 2-3 nights and then train to Interlaken. I'd like to stay in an apartment for 3 nights in the area. There are quite a few apartments available in Grindelwald, Wengen and Lauterbrunnan. Does anyone have advice on these locations with our without a car? Is one any more or less convenient as far as getting there from the train station at Interlaken, finding groceries, going on hikes and seeing the Shilthorn and Jungfrau? On leaving Interlaken we plan to pick up a rental car for the rest of our trip heading towards Geneva. However, if advantageous, we could pick it up on arriving in Interlaken.
Thanks!
Posted by
11569 posts
Grindelwald is beautiful and well connected by train to what you want to see.
Posted by
Houston, TX
219 posts
A train connects Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald (in separate valleys). Wengen doesn't allow cars. You get there by short cog-rail train ride from Lauterbrunnen (or a long, expensive cog-rail ride from Grindelwald). Lauterbrunnen is the public-transit hub for connecting to Wengen, the Jungfrau, Mürren, and the Shilthorn. You get to the Jungfraujoch by cog-rail train from Lauterbrunnen via Wengen, or from Grindelwald. You get to the Shilthorn from Lauterbrunnen via Mürren (also doesn't allow cars) by cable car and train (or by bus and cable car). Each of these villages has at least a Co-op grocery store.
Depending on where your apartment is, you might need a car to connect to the public transit if you stay in Grindelwald. But your car will stay in a parking lot in Lauterbrunnen or in Stechelberg if you choose to stay in an apartment in Wengen or Mürren.
All these locations are beautiful and charming.
Posted by
Florida
1450 posts
I've stayed three times in the apartment at Ole & Maria's in Gimmelwald (not Grindlewald). Very comfortable and scenic. Ole has a few spare hiking boots you can borrow if they fit and knows everything about every trail in the area. 3 night minimum, I believe.
Posted by
Grand Rapids, MI
768 posts
Do not stay in Interlaken Ost. You are not yet in the Alps there, at least as you think of them.
What you can do there is get groceries. There is a HUGE Coop store across the street from the Interlaken Ost. train station.
There are also smaller stores in Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Murren, but not Gimmelwald.
From Interlaken Ost, it is a about a 25 min train ride to either Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen. This train typically leaves from tracks 1 or 2, but be sure to check the city name on the side of the train car, as the train splits half way up to the towns.
I don't see any need for a car.
In May there are probably more non-snow hikes on the Lauterbrunnen side than the Grindelwald side. I'd recommend staying in Laut. or Murren for what you want. Tourist office can tell you which are open. Personally, I wouldn't do BOTH Schilthorn and Jungfrau excursions (I like Schilthorn, cheaper) but use the extra time for hikes and a trip to Trummelbach Falls in the Lauterbrunnen valley.
Here's a map that will give you a sense of the area south of Interlaken:
http://ontheworldmap.com/switzerland/ski/jungfrau/jungfrau-summer-map.jpg
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
If you've never had the opportunity to stay in a high alpine village with no cars allowed then why not choose Wengen or Murren and be amazed at the eye-popping views from high atop the alps? It's an experience that you won't get from staying in Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen. And don't even THINK about staying in Interlaken when the alps are only 20 minutes away by train.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thanks everyone! We found an apartment in Wengen for 3 nights that looks great!