travel time

Ellen, IMO, a "day and an overnight" is really not enough time for that area, as you wouldn't have enough time to really see much. Gimmelwald and the Schilthorn can be seen in a few hours, but you may also want to spend some time exploring Mürren or other locations in that area. What are you hoping to see and do in that area? I'm planning on a return visit to the Berner Oberland this year, and will be spending at least three days in that area. Happy travels!

I wouldn't budget anything less than 3 nights. Weather here is fickle, and presumably, you wouldn't travel all the way to this isolated, expensive corner of Switzerland to see nothing but rain and fog. Give yourself enough time to get good weather.

My husband and I used Murren as a home base in the region for our 5-day hiking vacation in the region. We stayed at the Eiger Guest House. Even if we hadn't though, keep in mind that getting up and down those hills and mountains takes TIME. It's not a place where you can go scooting here and there to see the highlights and be done. Plus, your body may want some extra rest (or at least a slower pace) given the altitudes. Definitely check out Gimmelwald and scoot up to the Eiger Glacier on their nifty train--and make time for some hiking if you can. Both hub & I regretted every moment spent in Zurich as another minute we could have been up in the hills. (Though Lausanne was really lovely.)

My hubby and I stayed in Spiez and took a day trip to Murren (via Lauterbrunnen- about 30 min away, I think, memory a little faulty after 2 yrs) - but all we did was rent a bike, bike down the mtn to Trummelbach Falls (we found the same guy featured in Rick's episode with the mtn bikes - and he was fr Canada! Yay)...took the gondolas back up...that was about 4-5 hrs, but I think 2 days would have been preferrable - if you are hiking as opposed to mtn biking, 2 days is prob OK. Funny - we asked the guy for the Rick Steves special - lol, but my dumb husband asked if there was another way - needless to say, it was very steep, loose gravel, and I spent a week nursing some huge bruises from my header off the bike...ahh well, memories...didn't even get to see Gimmelwald as we had to get the bikes back before he closed.

This is not the part of Switzerland to rush through! And providing a buffer of extra days ensures you'll have enough good weather to hike up the Shilthorn (or take the gondola) and see the Jungfrau. If you enjoy hiking there are many fabulous hikesI most loved one from First to Grindelwaldthat take up many day. I would recommend 4 full days, no fewer than 3. It is a breathtakingly beautiful area that is a wonderful respite from the city. Enjoy! Sara