After flying into Zurich, we are heading to Lauterbrunnen.I know it's not too far, however, I'd like to spend the first night between the two. Does anyone know of a beautiful area that they can suggest? If not, can you suggest lodging on Lake Brienz? Thank you, Nancy
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Since you're spending your time in Lauterbrunnen and since it's only a 20 minute train ride from Lauterbrunnen down to the lakes of Thun and Brienz, why not spend your first night in someplace like Lucerne? It's about an hour from Zurich by train, and it's a beautiful town with a medieval town center with the River Ruess (sp?) slicing down the middle.
You'll can see Lakes Brienz and Thun easily from Lauterbrunnen anytime you like.
Posted by
Clarksburg, MD, USA
92 posts
Luzern is certainly a very nice place to spend a day, and it is in-between Zurich and Lauterbrunnen. But I would not recommend staying in Interlaken (which is closer to Lauterbrunnen than Luzern). It did not appeal to me at all!
Penn
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
I agree with Penn--Interlaken was not appealing at all although we had a good meal there at The Baren. Lots of tacky shops and casinos.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17435 posts
Or if you like the idea of Lake Brienz, how about the Grandhotel Giessbach, a short boat ride from the town of Briennz:
Posted by
Baltimore, MD, USA
18 posts
On Lake Brienz, Hotel Brienzerburli and Lowen (seem to have joined) is right on the lake with balconies looking over at the aforementioned Geissbach and right in the very cute town of Brienz, offering a good restaurant and nice after dinner walks in the alleys full of chalets across the road from the lakeside hotel. We got a better rate by walking in and booking on the spot than we had seen online, but that was June 1st and could be tougher as the season progresses. The view of the lake and high mountains opposite is incredibly beautiful. We took the boatride from Brienz over to Geissbach, then the funicular up to the hotel and the walk up along the various levels of the falls with bridges over and under them, also very beautiful. The Rothornbahn from Brienz is an interesting moutain ride.
Subsequently we stayed at the Hotel Beausite in Beatenberg, above Lake Thun, with another balcony, this time with quite astonishing views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.
We warmly recommend both.
Posted by
Prince George, BC, Canada
444 posts
We spent some time around Brienz and surrounding area, and can also highly recommend it as a stopping place. The hotel Geissbach was built in the late 1800's and has a lot of charm. Here's the website http://www.giessbach.ch/
The Brienzer Rothorn Bahn is quite the adventure. This train starts it's travels just across the road from the main train station in Brienz. This is a cog wheeled steam train that winds it's way up the Rothorn. Fabulous views over the Brienzersee and onto the back side of the Jungfrau and Eiger. Very beautiful. http://www.brienz-rothorn-bahn.ch/
If you want to stay longer in the area, the open air museum Ballenberg is very close by and well worth a visit. http://www.ballenberg.ch/en/Welcome