Switzerland - 15 days

Thanks for the reply Steve! Our first choice was Murren or Wengen but we had trouble finding reasonable hotel accommodations - I'll keep searching though.

I'll also take a look at staying in Lausanne or Murten. Thanks for the suggestions!

Chalet Fontana in Mürren is the most reasonable place I know to stay in the whole Berner Oberland---around 75-95 CHF for a double room in the B&B; a little more (130 CHF) in the apartment.

In Grindelwald, Hotel Residence has reasonably priced rooms (180 CHF, double) and apartments (230 CHF, for 2). Apartments are good for a multi-night stay as you can cook your own dinners and save that way).

Berghaus Bort, up on the hillside and accessed by gondola, also looks like a fun place; double roooms are 180 CHF but you can stay less expensively in the dormitory.

We've been in Switzerland on 1 August 3 times, and have not had any issues with train travel. I think most towns and villages have some kind of celebration---parade, street fair, dance, barbeque, etc.

Jen, we stayed in Lauterbrunnen, at the Valley hostel, in a double room. Very good price, clean, nice little town, good access to everywhere else, we would definitely stay there again. www.valleyhostel.com.
You did not mention transportation, i suggest you get a Swiss pass saver, the train is very efficient in Switzerland, and the pass will save you lots of money at a lot of sights.

Jen, if you like hiking, a stay in the Lauterbrunnen area would be nice. From the list of places you want to see, I would not recommend Gimmelwald. It is just a small grouping of buildings, not even a village. Muerren, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen are far better choices. Be aware that you can reach Lauterbrunnen by regular train, Wengen by cog rail, and Muerren only by cable car. If you have substantial luggage, this may be a consideration. I would suggest tripadvisor.com for accomodations. Compared to the cities, you should find Lauterbrunnen and Muerren, and probably Wengen very reasonable.

Thanks Martine!

I'll look at Lauterbrunnen - thanks for the hotel recommendation.

We're definitely getting a Swiss pass - all of our travel will be by train.

Jen

Thanks David.

I'll definitely look at Lauterbrunnen. I used tripadvisor looking at Wengen and Murren and didn't have a lot of luck but I'll take a look at Lauterbrunnen today. Have you stayed in Grindelwald before? That's our other option at this point... We travel lightly so luggage isn't an issue.

Jen

I stayed 5 nites in Lauterbrunnen valley last summer at the hostel (pvt room for 2)very clean and reasonable and Chalet Fontana in Muerren excellent reasonable B&B both in RS guidebk. There is no substitute for this gorgeous alpine region.