I'm going to be visiting Switzerland sort of on the way from Paris to Florence. I'll only have a couple of days (unless I decide to stay more - trip is flexible) and I'm trying to figure out the best places to go. Originally I'd planned on Zurich, but I want to see the Alps and lakes and beautiful scenery of Switzerland, and I'm already doing a LOT of big cities this trip (London, Paris, Rome). I am debating between Interlaken and Luzern right now - any recommendations for either, or can I do both, one each day? I will be travelling with my boyfriend and we'd like to stay in hostels, which I know Interlaken has. I want to hike and do other outdoorsy things (is swimming a possibility the first week of June, or too cold?) Can I take a train into Interlaken and explore on foot? I'm really unfamiliar with the country and area in general and I'm having some trouble figuring it all out, sorry if this is a confusing post. Thanks in advance for your help!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17432 posts
Lia, if you want beautiful mountain scenery, I suggest you continue past Interlaken 25 minutes into the Lauterbrunnen Valley. This is a lovely valley much like Yosemite, complete with cliffs and waterfalls. The hostel there, Valley Hostel, is very well-regarded. Or you could stay in one of the mountain villages above the valley, such as Wengen or Mürren. Gimmelwald, just below Mürren, has a very popular hostel, the Mountain Hostel.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
First of all, go to either your library or book store and pick up Rick Steves' tour book for Switzerland. He has a large section just on the Berner Oberland mountains which surrounds Interlaken. He gives details on what to see and do and where to stay. There is a mountain hostel in Gimmelwald, however, they do book up fast. There is also the "sleep in the hay" option which many young people, like yourself, take advantage of. Staying up in the mountains is so much more rewarding than in Interlaken. IMO, Interlaken is much too touristy so I like to stay in Muerren. However, lodging is expensive. Staying up in Gimmelwald would give you a lot of hiking possibilities. At the hostel, people gather and talk about the hikes and what to do. There is also an outdoor (overlooking the valley) cafe. It's a beautiful area and I think you would thoroughly enjoy it. Have a great trip!
Posted by
OP
san francisco, california, United States
11 posts
WOW - the Mountain Hostel looks absolutely perfect!! Thanks for the suggestion! Now I'm wishing I had allotted more time to spend there....
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
We've taken several people to Mürren and Wengen and every single one of them always says "wish we had more time here". Yosemite is nice - but I don't think it even compares with the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Posted by
Atlanta
97 posts
Definitely stop in the Lauterbrunnen area to explore the Berner Oberland. As mentioned, it is very accessible to Interlaken where you can catch the train to Italy. But after spending a few days enjoying the Alps, you may decide to stay there and forget about going to Florence.
Posted by
Lynden, WA
97 posts
Sounds like you've been put on the right track here. Given your time frame, don't worry about Luzern. That's my "backyard" when I'm in CH, since my husband is from a nearby village, but you'll get more out of the Berner Oberland. It won't be warm enough to swim, though; not by a long shot. And while it's exquisite scenery, I don't think you'll be derailed from moving on to Italy. Not if you're well-versed in the Cascades, anyway. Particularly given the time of year, you'll want to head to warmer environs. Next time around you can carve out more time for an Alpine trek, if you'd like.