We are going on a trip to France and Italy in April. In between, we are planning to stop in Interlaken and then take the Golden Pass train to Lake Geneva. Any suggestions for hotels in Interlaken? We have not decided on whether to stay in Lausanne or Montreux or some other town along the lake. Any suggestions for what to see or hotels in the Lake Geneva area? One of the other options would be to not go to the lake area, but stop in Murton (we are coming from Colmar). If we did that we still want to take that Golden Pass from Interlaken to Montreux. Any other random thoughts on this plan? Thanks
Posted by
Keizer, Oregon, USA
588 posts
Murten will be far less expensive than Montreaux or Vevey but the latter are far more interesting. I loved Montreaux and wished we had more time there. Murten has a pretty lake and cute little village but not much else. FYI, Rick's tours of GAS not stop in Murten.
I truly enjoyed the boat trip from Montreaux-Vevey to Lausanne. Interlaken is touristy but nice location with lots of choices for hotels and dining but I would go up the mountain to Launterbrunnen Valley. You will be much happier and it is gorgeous.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
April is the shoulder season around Interlaken, but most businesses there remain open. About half the businesses in Lauterbrunnen shut down, and the Alpine villages become virtual ghost towns (except for a few workers and confused Rickniks).
Posted by
OP
Minnetonka, MN
66 posts
Thanks Audrey, Originally we had planned to go to Lauterbrunen and some higher up villages. But in postings on this site I was encouraged not to go to Lauterbrunen because it was the tail end of the winter season or between seasons and much would be closed, trails slushy and foggy in the mountains. Maybe Lauterbrunen being down in that valley would be ok.
Posted by
OP
Minnetonka, MN
66 posts
Ricknicks! I love it. haven't heard that yet.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Lauterbrunnen should be OK for April. You can still visit the mountain towns, but not much is open.
Posted by
Rochelle, IL
263 posts
Hello Pat,
Interlaken is very touristy. But there are some neat things to do. There is a little historical area called Ballenberg which has recreated Switzerland by moving houses and buildings to one place. I went planning to spend a couple of hours, but was there most of the day and I loved seeing the different houses. A lake cruise is also an option, on either lake actually. Of course, going up to Jungfrau was my highlight.
I have spent time in the Lake Geneva area. Montreux is nice, but pricey....especially hotels. The statue of Freddy Mercury downtown, Castle Chillon, and a stroll along the lake front are nice, but I find other smaller towns more attractive and quant. Again, a lake cruise from Montreux or Vevey and an afternoon in Yvoirre in France would be better than a second day in Montreux. Staying in Lausanne would allow you to take a train or boat on the lake. Many times we have "trained" to a town and taken the boat back. Check the Lake Geneva navigation web sites for information on schedules.
In the end, the time you have will dictate what you do. Switzerland is a great place, so i Colmar. Enjoy your trip.
Terry