Cuckoo Clocks in Switzerland

Since you have only a few days in Switzerland, and you are going to go through Interlaken to get to Murren, I would search for a cuckoo clock in Interlaken. Interlaken is a very touristy town with lots of souvenir shops. Yes, they may be more expensive, however, with your limited amount of time, you won't have to search a large city for a cuckoo clock. I believe the street with lots of shops is Hoheweg. Have fun making lifetime memories on your trip.

You can also purchase clocks in Muerren at the souvenir shop next to the Chalet Fontana. If not there you can EASILY purchase one in Wengen...just across the Lauterbrunnen Valley. If you go to the Jungfrau you will pass through Wengen on your way. I just couldn't recommend for anyone to waste their precious Swiss vacation time in Interlaken.

Just a note that cuckoo clocks are mostly German. Yes they are available in Interlaken. As explained on an episode of Samantha Brown where she visited the shop in Interlaken, the mechanisms are often Swiss.

I bought my cuckoo clock in Switzerland a few years ago. I was in both Germany and Switzerland on that trip and I personally liked the style cuckoo clocks I found in Switzerland better. I bought mine in Gruyere and found similar ones this past June in Lauterbrunnen. Interlaken has a lot of tourist shops so I think you'll be able to find one there as well. We stayed had limited time in Lauterbrunned (similar to your trip)...we went to Interlaken one night for dinner and found shops still open while everything was closed in the smaller towns...might be a good time to get a clock on the way to dinner.

Have a great time!

We saw cuckoo clocks in a small gift shop in Wengen near the Mannleichen Lift--no desire to own one though. Prices seemed reasonable but have to admit I know little about the clocks.

How much do these cost usually? We are traveling to Switzerland next week and so want to get one of these.

Thanks

For Switzerland, expect to pay even more. I bought a basic cuckoo clock in Germany several years ago for about $300.

I wouldn't waste my time and money to buy a "made in China" cuckoo clock ANYWHERE...I'm surprised that the Swiss even allow them to be imported.

Yes, cuckoo clocks are very expensive. I researched them a lot before my trip to Germany/Austria last year. You have to decide if you want 1-day or 8-day movement, as the price difference is quite a bit. I chose 8-day so I didn't have to wind it every single day. I also wanted a 'chalet' style with dancers, water wheel, and a lady pulling a bell. Mine also plays alternating music on each hour, another cost to consider.

You should check out a few websites to narrow down the features you want: http://www.german-cuckoos.com/ or even Ebay.

Also, I would have the store ship it to your home so you're not carrying it around on your trip. I bought mine in Rothenburg, Germany at a store Rick Steves recommended. They deducted the VAT refund right there, gave me another discount because I mentioned Rick Steves, and then shipped it for me for a decent fee.