Switzerland Problems

Lauterbrunnen, 20 minutes from Interlaken by train, is a better choice. It is in a beautiful valley that looks a lot like Yosemite, with cliffs and waterfalls. There are several nice hotels there.

I would second Lauterbrunnen. We spent three days there last summer and it was beautiful. It's a quick commute to Wengen or Murren. I hope you have a wonderful trip.

If this is your first trip, instead of Interlaken consider Lucerne (principally) and Bern

Thank you all for your suggestions. I will check out Lauterbrunnen, Bern and Lucerne locations and accommodations when I get home. The Canucks/Bruins hockey game will have to wait while I work this out.
Yes, this is our first time to any of these countries. And although I'm trying to move my price comfort zone upwards cost is still a consideration.

Now you have discovered the real problem with Switzerland-the cost. I love Switzerland and used to contend that it was not expensive, so long as one avoided the high-priced cities like Luzern, Montreux, etc. That was when the Swiss franc was 80 cents. With the franc now pushing $1.20 US, I now put it in the "very expensive" category. There must be something going on in the area that weekend, a festival or other event, but I cannot find anything apart from the Jungfrau Music Festival, which shouldn't fill up all the hotels. But many do seem to be booked. Hotel Silberhorn in Lauterbrunnen shows one superior double room left for your 3 nights, at 209 CHF. This hotel is not the rustic style we prefer, but it gets rave reviews on Tripadvisor. I would check Hotel Oberland first; you have to send an inquiry via their website so I was not able to check availability. Hotel Staubbach only has one room left, a budget room with twin beds under the eaves and bathroom down the hall. At 120 CHF it is a bargain but maybe more rustic than you like. They said it is for people who are "flexible". The Luzern hotels I have checked recently were 280 CHF and up, but maybe someone can suggest something more moderate in price.

I agree with Lola...... Switzerland is expensive. Even if you ignore the dollar (like not paying attention to an elephant standing on your foot) Swiss prices are high. Restaurants, hotels, goods in the grocery store.... all are somewhat pricey. When you add the weak dollar, it can be expensive. My daughter lives in Vevey and always stocks up on some items on her annual trip home. Lucerne is nice, and the round trip up Mt. Pilatus is pretty neat. Don't be scared... they don't bite and most people are pretty welcoming. Enjoy the trip.

If Alpine thrills are what you seek but Swiss prices are too high for your budget, I would suggest hitting the Austrian or Bavarian Alps instead.

George, As this is your first trip to Europe, it would be a good idea to read Europe Through The Back Door prior to your trip (if you haven't already). It will provide you with a LOT of good information on "how" to travel well in Europe. July is in the PEAK travel season, so not surprising to find Hotels booked up. Interlaken tends to be somewhat of a "posh" resort town, so there are better choices in that area. It would help to know what type of "travel experience" you're looking for in Switzerland? Are you more interested in city life, Museums and Galleries OR are you more interested in the quintessential Swiss alpine activities such as hiking, etc. It would be a good idea to have a look at the Switzerland Guidebook, as there are lots of lodgings listed in various towns in that area. You have a couple of choices..... For more of a "city" experience, you might try Lucerne. It's a beautiful city and while there you could take a cruise on the lake, day trip to Mt. Pilatus, see the famous "Lion of Lucerne" or just relax. For more of a "country" experience, the Berner Oberland (outside of Interlaken) is incredible! You could stay in Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Gimmelwald, Grindelwald, Wengen, etc. While there travel to the revolving restaurant on the Schilthorn, take the Jungfraujoch mountain railway, hike, visit Trummelbach Falls or perhaps do some Paragliding! As the others have said, Switzerland can be a bit "pricey" but I still enjoy visiting there. If you're only there 3-days, that shouldn't be a huge problem. If you could provide a few more details, it would be easier for the group to offer suggestions. BTW, where are you staying in Bacharach? Happy travels!

Posting to this "Helpline" has been a wonderful experience. I truly appreciate all of your comments and suggestions. to my Vernon friend ... because this is completely new for us any "experience" would be fine. We are staying at Pension Lettie in Bacharach. Just communicating with her by email was a delight! In the end after considering all of your suggestions and some concerns of our own we have decided to stay in Lucerne for those 3 days. And by the way we are using Rick's books on Germany and Switzerland to help us. Thank you very much everyone!