Our family of 4 (2 adults + kids ages 7 and 9) will visit Switzerland for 4-5 nights, and would like to focus on the Bernese Oberland. Our plan is to choose a single spot for homebase, and take day trips. We like hiking, strolling, cable cars, chair lifts, alpine air and scenery, but don't know whether it would be better to stay in a mountain village (if so, which?) or a more populous place like Interlaken or Thun.
We've never been to Switzerland before and would love suggestions! Thanks!
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I stay in Lauterbrunnen at base of Jungfrau on one side and Muerren on the other. It is on the valley floor, you will not be disappointed. Depending upon the days weather you can choose the valley, Jungfrau side or Muerren side. If you like family hostels the hostel on the valley is perfect wioth private rooms close to trams, train sytation and restaurants. can't be beat IMO. I stayed there in 2009 in a pvte room, very clean, quiet, well run.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32202 posts
PHB, As you've already identified the Berner Oberland as your "base" area, there are a couple of good choices. Lauterbrunnen would be good as it's a somewhat "central location" and offers ready access to the railway for trips to Interlaken or wherever. Mürren is another good choice. It's located up in the mountains a short distance from Lauterbrunnen. It's large enough that it has a good ion of Hotels and B&B's, a Grocery Store and some nice restaurants. If you decide to stay there, you could make the short hike down to Gimmelwald (one of Rick's favourite spots) and then return to Murren by Cable Car (it's only about a 5-minute ride). You could also take the Allmend-Hubel Funicular up the hill and hike down. It's not a difficult hike (especially as it's all downhill), so may be tolerable for your children. There are lots of other hiking trails in that area as well. You could also take the Cable Cars to the Schilthorn & Piz Gloria, where the James Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service was filmed a number of years ago. Be sure to stop for a nice meal in the revolving restaurant and watch the Eiger, Monch & Jungfrau pass by the windows. You might find it helpful to check your local Library to see if you can find a copy of the Switzerland Guidebook. There's LOTS of information in the book about all the sights in that area. Happy travels!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Choose Muerren all the way. Perfect place for families. It's high up in the Alps with stunning scenery. I highly recommend the Chalet Fontana.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
I also love Muerren. We stay at Hotel Alpina. It's a bit worn, however, the balcony rooms have an awesome view of the valley and the mountains. They also serve a large buffet breakfast and you have access to free internet in the lobby. My daughter and I enjoyed the folklure night in Muerren. It takes place on Wednesday nights at 20:30 from June through August. Mürren's Sportzentrum hosts this lively free cultural night with alpenhorns, folk music, and local wine. The grocery store in the town have your basic needs. We'll also purchase picnic supplies in the stores down in the valley before we go up to Muerren. When hiking with the kids, remember to bring water. The kids also may need to take it easy. You don't want them to get elevation sickness. Have fun making lifetime memories with your kids.
Posted by
Michigan City, In, US
3 posts
If you seek a rail"base" Interlaken. On a lower level for enchantment-but it offers more direct and quicker access. The trains are great. Car and train is probably the best. Lovely place. be well. Kilian