I have been reading the posts about my topic and I know that Interlochen is not the place to stay from reading everyone that has commented. I have visited Switzerland and I stayed in Grindelwald and loved it 20 years ago. I am going back this summer as part of a Rhine River Cruise. We are flying into Zurich. I have seen a lot of posts that mention: Murren/Lauterbrunnen and Wengen as ideal places to stay for a true Swiss Alps experience. Are they better places to stay then Grindelwald? Especially for further exploration of places like Schilthorn or Mt. Eiger by tram or cable car once we arrive at our destination. I recently married and my new husband has never been to Switzerland and I want him to see some of the best scenery that this country has to offer in the Alps.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6462 posts
Grindelwald is very nice however, I preferred the other side of BO. Most on the forum will suggest Lauterbrunnen or Murren which are amazingly beautiful. You still would be able to easily get to Grindelwald for a visit.
Posted by
Green Bay
21150 posts
Grindelwald is a bigger town with highway access, so more bus-type groups. Lauterbrunnen is more central, but to get to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, you leave Interlaken on the exact same train, it just splits half way.
Wengen and Muerren are on the sides of mountains on the opposite sides of Lauterbrunnen and you need to take further rail and/or cable cars to get to them. They are car-free. Wengen is easiest to get to the Jungfraujoch (by the Eiger) but it can also be accessed from Grindelwald. Schilthorn is accessed from Muerren via cable car. Of the 2, Muerren is perhaps more charming.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32351 posts
Given the places you want to visit, Lauterbrunnen would be the most efficient place to stay, as it's the transportation hub for that area and central to sights on both sides of the valley. Mürren would also be a good choice, as that will make it easy to visit the Schilthorn or Gimmelwald. If the Allmend-Hubel Funicular is operating, it's a very pleasant trip to take that to the top and then walk back to Mürren through the alpine meadows (complete with cows with bells ringing).
Grindelwald is a bit out-of-the-way so wouldn't be my choice for a home base in that area. It's also very "touristy" so the ambiance doesn't appeal to me as much as the other places. FWIW, I normally stay in Lauterbrunnen as it's the most convenient. I may give Mürren a try on a future trip.
Posted by
Grand Rapids, MI
768 posts
In my opinion, the Best scenery is not from the top of the Schilthorn or the Jungfraujoch (Eiger). Instead it is from the trails that surround them. But you can decide for yourself. Google image those mountaintops, then compare it to views from the trails. For the latter, click on my name and you'll find a link to our dozen favorite trails in the area, with maps and pics.