Murren/Wengen

We have done that- several nights in each place. There are great hikes from both. One of our favorite hotels is in Wengen, and we would rather stay there than commute over from Mürren. Ifnyou are looking for more places to hike in Switzerland to fill your 17 days, try Bettmeralp in the Valais. Www.bettmeralp ch

Actually we were going to spend a few days in Lucern and do the Golden Round trip to Mt. Pilatus, spend a few days around Lusanne and Montreaux and hike in the vineyards (do you know any good ones there?) and go over to Chamonix and spend a few days hiking there before going back to Zurich.

I have not hiked in the Lavaux vineyards, but it is supposed to be very nice. One way is to take the train to the lakeside town of Vevey and catch the " wine train" to Chexbres. You can walk paths through the vineyards from there.

You will love your stay in Murren, Wengen and the rest of you visit to Switzerland. I could live there!

My husband and I did exactly what you are suggesting: 3 days in Murren, 3 days in Wengen. It was the perfect answer to hiking on both sides of the valley as well as scooting up to the Shilthorn above Murren then the Jungfrau above Wengen.
Enjoy your trip - we will never forget ours!

Thank you all for the replies. Does anyone have any suggestions on places to stay in Wengen or Murren? Lola, we will be checking out Bettmeralp as we would like to see the Matterhorn and that area. Where would you suggest staying for exploring that region?

Hotel Falken in Wengen was lovely,, older lots of character, most rooms had incredible views,, lovely bedding, cozy lounge, great cheese fondue served there, as well as a good breakfast buffet .

This is such a great place for information and again I can't thank you all enough for the suggestions and replies. There are a lot of really nice and helpful people here. We took a trip to Europe last year (and used public transportation the entire trip) and it was our best vacation we have ever taken and much of the credit goes to the helpful people on this site (and Rick's guide books). Friends have asked me how we knew what to do and where to go and where to stay and the first place I tell them to look for information is here - because someone will know the answer to a question or offer helpful opinions and suggestions. Thanks again to everyone? BTW, has anyone ever taken the "Chocolate train" out of Montreux? It looks like a nice way to get a feel for the French/Swiss countryside.

In Wengen we lover Hotel Bären. It is jot a full-service hotel( reception is not fully staffed), more like a restaurant with rooms upstairs. The rooms are basic and modern ( no antiques or florals or doilies) and many have balconies with south-facing views. The food is fantastic very fresh and imaginative. Their breakfasts are the best we have had in Switzerland, with local products including rustic butter. Their half-board option is a bargain. In Bettmeralp, we like three-star Hotel Panorama. FamIly-run, nice rooms , great views. They speak very little English, but surely enough to welcome American guests . I have only ever spoken German with them. Be aware that the Matterhorn views from Bettmeralp are very distant. You "can" see it from there, but it is not the in-your-face view you would get in Zermatt. The main attraction of Bettmeralp is the Aletschgletscher, which is unique and makes for very rewarding hiking.

We have stayed twice at Hotel Alpenrose in Wengen and loved it. They offer half board and meals do not disappoint. A small balconey has a terrific view of the Jungfrau.

Mürren: I can highly recommend Chalet Fontana. Others on the Helpline have also stayed there and recommend it all the time. Small place with a couple of shared bathrooms, but super clean big rooms and a good breakfast. Views are spectacular. Price are very reasonable.

We spent 4 nights at Chalet Fontana last summer and it was wonderful. There were five of us so we had an apartment with our own bathroom and kitchen. Denise, the owner was great in helping us plan our hikes. Have a great time.