We spent 5 nights in Wengen at Chalet Gerbera. We were 6 people and rented the attic apartment and 2nd floor apartments. Both were wonderful. The view from the balcony is breathtaking.
We arrived in Lauterbrunnen by van from Stresa, and had reserved parking in the garage at the train station. No problem parking a 8-seater full size van. Plenty of spots available.
We bought Half Fare Cards and Bernese Oberland Passes at the train station. We were given paper passes. This turned out to be a pain because the gondolas have scanners, but our passes would not scan. So we always had to get the attention of a worker to let us through the turnstiles.
On our arrival day, we stopped at the Coop right before our 6:30 reservation at the Eiger Restaurant. The Coop gets very busy right before closing. It has a good selection of bakery items for the next day’s breakfast, along with very tasty pre-made sandwiches right up front near the produce. And of course, wonderful chocolate! We found multi-packs of chocolate bars with beautiful mountain scenes to bring home for friends.
Dinner was good and we were smart to make a reservation for 6 outside. Meals were about 10 CHF more than we were used to paying in Italy. For example, a pasta dish that would have cost 16€ in Italy would cost 26 CHF in Switzerland. But grocery store prices were not that much higher.
Day 1: We had laundry facilities (both washer AND dryer - what a treat!) So we did some laundry in the morning. Weather was cloudy so we took the train at 10:42 down to Lake Brienz. Explored a little then took the boat to Hotel Giessbach for lunch. Took the boat to Interlaken OST, then train back to Lauterbrunnen. Explored town a bit, stoped at the grocery for some items for dinner, then returned to the apartment.
Day 2: Another partly cloudy morning. We kept watching the weather with hopes for making the trip to Jungfraujoch. Today was not the day. So we went down to Lauterbrunnen, then took the gondola to Grutschalp, then train to Murren. Then funicular to Allmendhubel. It was pretty much empty. We played in the playground (yes, 6 adults!) and stopped for hot chocolate at the restaurant. Explored Murren, took the cable car to Gimmelwald, then down to Stechelberg. Took the bus back to town, wanting to have lunch at the Camping restaurant but they were closed until 3. Stopped for lunch at the Horner Pub and had good burgers, ham & cheese pretzels. Then took the train to Grindelwald and the gondola to First. Did the thrill walk, then took the train back to Lauterbrunnen via Kleinne Scheidigg. Such gorgeous scenery. You really can’t be prepared for how spectacular it each. Each place gives you totally different views.
Day 3: Finally a clear morning with perfect condition at Jungfraujoch. We left from Wengenwald at 7:38, connecting on to first train to Jungfraujoch. Transferred at Eigergleisher, where there were different lines for reservations or no reservations. We did not have reservations. Everyone got on the train. Arrived at 9:11. Did the full tour, including a stop for hot chocolate at the “snow fun” area (20 CHF zipline rides available). Stopped in the gift shops, did a bit of shopping. Left on the 11:47 train. We were the only people in our train car. The trains coming up the mountain were almost completely full.
We had decided we wanted to return to First and ride the mountain carts, so I bought tickets while we were at the Jungfraujoch. We took the Eiger Express down to Grindelwald Terminal and put our cold weather clothes in a packable tote bag and checked it at the train station for 5 CHF. We took the train to Grindelwald, then the bus to First, although we could have walked from the train station.
To be continued