Hotel Oberland in Lauterbrunnen

We haven't stayed at Hotel Oberland, but we had lunch there and the food is very good. I know the hotel is very well-thought of by repeat visitors to the Berner Oberland, and much recommended.

We prefer to stay in one of the car-free villages (Wengen or Mürren), but that is just our personal preference--it doesn't mean they are "better". The views are wonderful, and we like the ambiance of the smaller, quieter (carfree!) towns. Plus, we are there for hiking and have direct access to some great trails. But it is less convenient than Lauterbrunnen for traveling elsewhere.

Mid-October is shoulder season and some places do close down. I checked a few places I like in Wengen and they didn't show prices after 26 September (which generally means they are not open). But In Mürren, the Bellevue-Crystal is showing prices until October 23, and the Alpina until October 17. You might check them out.

Did you contact Hotel Eiger and ask? I don't see dates on their website.

I may have caused confusion due to there being a Hotel Eiger in both Murren and Wengen. The one in Murren closes at the end of Sept--found that out by clicking on dates on the booking page. The one in Wengen is closed and being converted to apartments, according to their website.

Thanks for the suggestions, Lola. I will check them out...

I probably should have added that we will not have a car and will be traveling by train. We hope to do some hiking, weather permitting. Does that change anyone's reaction to the better fit for us?

I guess it would only reinforce my suggestion---stay up in one of the villages if you can. It is really a wonderful experience.

Have you been to Yosemite? The Lauterbrunnen Valley is a bit like Yosemite Valley, with cliffs and waterfalls. The two high villages are perched above the valley---right on the edge of the cliff, in the case of Mürren. Picture Yosemite with villages up on Glacier Point and somewhere above the other rim, maybe near Yosemite Falls. would you rather be down in the valley looking up at the cliffs, or up at Glacier Point looking down over the valley and across the way to high snow-covered peaks?

I have stayed at the Hotel Oberland. It was very nice. The owners (Mark and Ursala) were very friendly and room was large and clean. (We traveled with another couple in 2008 so had an apartment but dropped by to eat in the restaurant. Mark remembered us from our 2003 visit. What a memory!!) We don't stay in many hotels in Europe, but we did enjoy getting to know the other guests that were there as well. Even if you end up staying somewhere else, be sure and eat in the restaurant. Their Rosti is wonderful.

Sharon, I would echo Chris; Lauterbrunnen is convenient to the train coming into town and to both Murren and Wengen. Don't know about rooms at Hotel Oberland; stayed at Silberhorn. But, the food is terrific. The rosti is fabulous. And, the prices are reasonable; downright cheap for Switzerland.