Switzerland>Travel to Interlaken area

The train to Murren leaves from the Interlaken East Station. You go to Lauterbrunnen first and then change to a funicular which will take you up to Grutschalp. At this stop you change to a small cogwheel rail that takes you on up to Murren. It is a breathtaking view well worth the effort!! As for a hotel, all are somewhat expensive in Switzerland. We enjoyed the Hotel Splendid which is in the center of Interlaken between the two train stations. It was a wonderful location directly across from a beautiful park and wonderful views of the mountains. Breakfast was terrific!!

When are you traveling to the region? Shoulder season starts in October so hotel prices shouldn't be that bad. In Interlaken I like to stay here: http://tinyurl.com/296efcs For transportation options head over to the Swiss Rail site at rail.ch to see what the connections are from Interlaken to Murren.

One other thing about the various steps of going up the hill to Murren. I noted that your in-laws are 80. You can take pleasure that the different bits expect the passengers from the previous bit and go when they have all got on (unless you really dawdle), so it all flows really smoothly and you don't have periods of waiting....

About the hotels in Interlaken, I agree with my learned colleague from New Paltz about the Hotel Lötschberg, and especially the Suzi's B&B. We have stayed in both parts of the enterprise and enjoyed both a lot. I think you will be hard pressed to beat their price, value, and location. How are your in-laws on stairs?

The funicular from Lauterbrunnen up to Grutschalp has been replaced with a cablecar. It is a large and sturdy one, and the entry is level with the platform, very easy to walk into (no climbing or steps up). At the top of the cablecar, the train will be waiting for the last leg of the journey, the short trip to Muerren.

If my memory is holding up, I believe the Hotel Lotschberg does have a small elevator. It's also a short walk to the Interlaken West station.

We just returned from taking them to Strasbourg, France and Marlenheim, France. It appears that they do have trouble walking more than a half mile..and stairs are a problem too as they are afraid of falling. I certainly appreciate the info on the ease of going between all the different stops. We are now questioning what to do as the parents seem to not be really "thrilled" with the sites that we've shown them. We're not sure the trip will be worth the expense and travel time. We are going to Garmisch for two days on a request from them to see Weis Kirche...a site they saw 26 years ago. Oh well...someone should write a book on Senior travel tips in Europe. I think short day trips might be in order. We planned to go from Garmisch to Interlaken on Saturday and spend two days and then onto the Black Forest and then return to Kaiserslautern. Sorry for the rambling - but if anyone has any great trip recommendations we would certainly consider them! Thanks again, Cindy

We visited Weiss Kirche in 2007 (after many years), although on the surface it seems touristy (doesnt everything change) it still was a memorable experience. We drove down from Munich toward Fussen (and Garmish) a ppleasant trip with pleasant scnery. When you get to the foothills you do notice the snow caps ahead. Garmish can be pleasant to walk around, and a good drive to Mittenwald

Thanks for all the good advice. We did go to Wies Kirche, Oberammergau, Garmisch (up to the Zugspitze) then drove on the north side of Bodensee, then our last stop was in the Black Forest town of Triberg. They got to shop for a cuckoo clock and they were pleased with our trip. We also did a day trip to take a river boat on the Rhine going downstream and returning via train to our car. The secret is to make small trips and not to expect things to move at a fast pace.

Cindy, another method of getting from Interlaken to Murren is to take the small Berner Oberland train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen. Once there, transfer to the bright yellow Post Bus for the short (~15 minute) ride to Stechelberg, where you'll transfer to the Cable Car. There are some stairs to get up to the Cable Car station, but I believe there may also be a lift (my memory is a bit "foggy" on that point). ¶ The first leg of the trip stops in Gimmelwald. Disembark and walk a few metres to the next Cable Car which will take you to Mürren. Happy travels!

Cindy; sounds as if you had a successful trip. Maybe you should write that book

Consider staying in Lauterbrunnen instead of Interlaken. You will be happier and the gondola up to Muerren should be no prob from there it is nr the rail station in Lauterbrunnen.

we just stayed in Wengen and were very happy. I suggest that as an alternative. You get a cogwheel train at Lauterbrunnen with no bus and no cable car needed. There is a Best Western right across from the train stop-very pretty and I'm sure they have an elevator. The town is small enough to walk around a bit with ease.

I just want to put my 2 cents in for the Hotel Lötschberg. GREAT staff will help you with everything. Very nice breakfast room, they do a great job, and the price is probably the best you'll find. They even have winter clothes you can borrow! Just don't eat at the Thai restaurant next door. I thought it was awful. But I loved Interlaken, who wouldn't!