Lauterbrunnen vs Murren

Lauterbrunnen murren and wengen all have co op groceries....wengen is the largest.....the only thing about staying in murren is that it will cost 10.8 each to get down to lauterbrunnen if u want to go to the wengen side of the valley....paul

the only thing about staying in murren is that it will cost 10.8 each to get down to lauterbrunnen if u want to go to the wengen side of the valley Not if you have a Swiss Pass; it's included.

Joe, Both locations have pros & cons, but the deciding factor in this case may be the fact that you're working with a "tight itinerary". Mürren provides more spectacular views, while Lauterbrunnen is a bit more limited as it's on the valley floor. However, that's not to say that great views aren't also possible in Lauterbrunnen. Looking down the valley towards Staubbach Falls is a view I always enjoy. One other point to consider is that while the views are nice in Mürren, how much time will you actually be spending there to enjoy them? Lauterbrunnen is a perfect "home base" for those wanting to visit both sides of the valley and perhaps even Interlaken, as transportation is so easy. It's a very short walk from most hotels there to the station. As far as dining choices, Lauterbrunnen has some good places so you'll have some choice. I would highly recommend Hotel Oberland for great food. When I was there last September, people from other hotels seemed to be stopping by there for dinner. I especially enjoyed the Oberland Rösti. Switzerland IS NOT cheap though, so you might want to take out a second mortgage on your house prior to your trip. Happy travels!

Flip a coin both are great locations. While Lauterbrunnen is more centrally located, Murren is a bit bigger and Murren will actually have more restaurant choices.

...and Mürren has dramatic views. For a cheaper hotel try the Hotel Alpina. It's perched right on the cliff overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It's just a stone's throw from the Edelweiss. If money is your concern and you don't mind sharing a bathroom then check with Denise at Chalet Fontana. The chalet has an attached apartment with a private bathroom. Denise also has another smaller private apartment in Mürren to rent. Lastly for cheap price look at the Sports Chalet http://www.muerren.ch/sportchalet/seiten/frame-e.htm

If your itinerary is tight I'd choose Lauterbrunnen. The scenery down there is still gorgeous and the falls should be in full swing that time this year. Getting to other towns in the region is easy for your day trips and it'll give you a bit more flexibility if your schedule is tight. There is a Migros or Coop right in town for groceries and enough restaurants. If you really get in a pinch Interlaken is only a 20 minute train ride away - the last train back is at 11:30 pm I believe. If you stay down in Lauterbrunnen, make sure you do an early morning walk towards the back of the valley. You'll see rural Switzerland in action.

My first question is, Are you traveling by car? We have stayed in both places and my nod goes to Lauterbrunnen based on the flexibility to get around the area and that it is less expensive to stay in the valley. In the immediate area there are the Trummelbach Falls, the great open air museum at Ballenberg, a steamer ride on the Brienzersee all of which are directly accessible from Lauterbrunnen without the inconvenience of first having to get down to the valley floor. Also you can take the Schilthornbahn up to the Schilthorn and stop in Murren on your way up or down.(When the tram leaves the base station you want to be by a window on the right side of the car, the unfolding view of the valley is simply awesome). Ken has it right about the food at the Hotel Oberland we haven't been able to get a room there but have dined there many times without any disappointment, it's a good value. Last time we stayed at the Hotel Staubbach in a small third floor room with a valley view that is now my screensaver and liked it very much.
In Murren, we were at the Alpina with a valley side room and the view was utterly fantastic. If you stay in Murren, a valley side room is what makes it truly worthwhile. The only trouble with Murren is that your kind of stuck there and it is a cable car ride to go anywhere else. My thought would be, if time allows, spend one night in Murren on the edge and the rest of your time in Lauterbrunnen. Yes, Switzerland is expensive but it is worth very cent. Another trip to the Lauterbrunnen valley is item #1 on my permanent bucket list, have a great time.