We are traveling to the Berner Oberland from Luzern for three nights in September. I'm trying to determine if it is better to base ourselves in Wengen or in Murren. This is part of a 5 week trip, and at this point it appears that we will have one large suitcase and two roller boards. (still trying to convince my spouse that their overpacking is not necessary) I have looked at Rick's Berner Oberland map in the guidebook, and it appears that Wengen will be easier to reach with that much luggage. Am I correct that in order to get to Murren we would have to take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp and then transfer to another mountain rail? I'm guessing that taking that much luggage on the cable car is not the best plan? Looking for all suggestions/advice on the best way to manage this transportation. We are fine with taking daily excursions from either location. If anyone has suggestions on hotels in Wengen that would also be appreciated. Thanks for your assistance!
Posted by
Chicago
3125 posts
Yes, getting to Wengen will involve one less step. So, easier with luggage. I prefer Wengen anyway, but many here prefer Murren.
I stayed here at the Hotel Schönegg last year and will stay here again.
https://www.hotel-schoenegg.ch/
As you’re approaching the hotel from the train station (a short walk), walk past all the stairs at the front entrance. There is another entrance with a ramp. So, you won't have to carry all that luggage up the stairs.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33819 posts
it is horses for courses, six of one and half a dozen of the other in my mind.
Sure there is a bit of moving around to get to Mürren, as there is to Wengen. But by the time you have reached Lauterbrunnen after the delightful trip from Luzern (I hope you are planning on the exceptionally scenic narrow gauge cogwheel line via Brünig, sit on the right hand side for best views, you will change ends in Meiringen) you will have found ways to deal with the three pieces of luggage (is it really only 3, no backpack too?). Sure that much luggage makes it a hassle to travel, but 5 weeks is a long time - most folks though do washing weekly or fortnightly, you don't need 5 weeks' clothes - you will have been on 2 different narrow gauge trains when you get to Lauterbrunnen.
You can then make one of 4 choices. Stay in Lauterbrunnen, change to the train up to Wengen, take a bus to Stechelberg for the lift up to Gimmelwald and Mürren, or take the lift up to the little train at Grütschalp and onwards to Mürren.
The first is pretty obvious.
The ride up to Wengen also pretty obvious. Change to the green and yellow train and get off at Wengen and walk or be met.
The Postbus to Stechelberg involves luggage underneath and a ride up the valley to the base of the cable car up to Gimmelwald, walk off that cable car and walk a few feet to get onto the next one which takes to the other end of Mürren, closer to the Allmendhubel funicular. It all depends on where your hotel is.
The shorter ride to Mürren is, in my mind, as easy as Wengen. Just board the cable car up to Grütschalp (fantastic view) then walk off the cable car , turn right and walk maybe 20 feet to the little train and board it. You may be able to put the larger suitcase with the freight. Ask. At the end of the line is the Mürren BLM station. Up a bit of a hill and then down again.
The fabulous thing about Mürren is the incredible views - you think you can stretch your arm out and touch the mountains across the valley.. Indescribable. You look over and down to the left to see Wengen, way below.
You are right about ditching some of the luggage, but at the end of the day, Happy Wife - Happy Life.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5604 posts
I vote for Murren, sorry Carrie, we respectfully disagree! 😁
Also, the Hotel Bellevue, highly recommended by RS fans, in Murren , has a laundromat.
Safe Travels.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17419 posts
Like Pat, we prefer Mürren, for hiking and for views, especially from the end of the village at Hotel Bellevue.
Luggage should not be a problem.. As you approach the cablecar station from Lauterbrunnen, look for the luggage drop, to the right. They will load your luggage into a container beneath the main cablecar.. At Grutschalp, the container full of luggage is transferred to to the train to Mürren. . You pick up, your luggage on Mürren.
Posted by
OP
South Carolina
56 posts
Thanks everyone for all of the great advice! @Nigel, I really appreciate your detailed response as to the specific routes; very helpful indeed!
Posted by
Nashville, TN
612 posts
They don't advertise the luggage drop in Lauterbrunnen to go to Murren so I see people all the time huffing their luggage up there. As mentioned, you just veer off to the right before the steps up to the cable car to hand off your luggage.
That being said, both Murren and Wengen can be a bit of a pain in the butt with a lot of luggage depending on where your apartment/hotel is. In Murren if you're on the lower road it's all flat and easy to roll your luggage. If you're on the back road you have to walk uphill a bit. Same with Wengen. If you're near the train station it's flat but as soon as you stay down below the station or above it, you will walk up/downhill. You can get a little taxi thing to help if you have a ton of luggage, but we usually just suck it up and be annoyed for 10 minutes coming and going with luggage.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4853 posts
there are many vlogs of both locations so it's easy to see what they are like.
Posted by
4961 posts
Whether it’s five weeks or two weeks, you generally have to do laundry anyway, so it will make everything so much easier if you pack light, in all locations.
I took a rolling suitcase to Murren, and it was not that difficult, no more so than anywhere else. And we were even walking up to a hillside chalet. If you are in a hotel on the main road, it’s paved and you can choose which transport based on which end of town you are staying (train one end, lift at other end).
But both towns have fans, so I would choose based on what you want to do and accommodations you find appealing.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Either town is not difficult to get to, but they're on opposite sides of the valley.
With that in mind, it might be a good idea to base your choice on what touring you plan to do while there. If you're planning to visit the famous Schilthorn and do some hiking down, perhaps down from Allmendhubel, then Mürren is a better choice. If you're planning to visit the Jungfraujoch and sights on that side of the valley, then Wengen is a good choice. Before visiting the Jungfraujoch, it's a good idea to check the local webcams to make sure the weather is clear at the top. One other point to note is that the Jungfraujoch is at an altitude of about 12,000 feet, so if you have any altitude issues, it would be prudent to discuss that with your doctor.
In any case, it's quick and easy to get to either town. The trip from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren is about 20 minutes total. Be sure to specify the "BLM" route when you buy the tickets. The cable car is a fairly good size so I doubt you'd have any problems hauling your luggage in it. As I recall, there's an elevator in the cable car terminal at Lauterbrunnen. You'll arrive at the small station in Mürren in the lower level and it's only a short walk to any of the hotels along the main street, which goes towards the Schilthornbahn at the other end of town.
The trip from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen via the Wengernalpbahn (green & yellow train) is about 12 minutes. I believe they have departures about every half hour so you may have a short wait.