Switzerland Help Me Choose
May 31st, 2007, 07:06 AM
#21
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The Hotel Staubbach rooms do have balconies. I was not certain if there were just none available. We had a balcony with a view of Staubbach Falls, we were not able to get one with a mountain view, but they do have them.
May 31st, 2007, 08:36 AM
#22
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Re: Trottibikes. It was probably my post. These are large beefy scooters with handbrakes---sort of a cross between a scooter and mountain bike. They rent them at the First lift in Grindelwald---I can't remember if it is at the top of the bottom, but it is obvious. You then ride them down on a series of wide, safe paths (some paved, some gravel). Our kids loved it. I think there was a package price for the bikes and the lift ride---check at the First valley station (which is pretty near the Gletschergarten).
You can also rent regular mountain bikes and ride down from Kleine Scheidegg. I believe there is information about this on the Grindelwald website, but we've never done it.
Also, you mentioned paragliding at one point. The "Flugschule" in Grindelwald does tandem flights, probably from the top of the First lift;
http://www.paragliding-grindelwald.ch/
If the weather is good you will see lots of them; they land on the hillside above the village, near Hotel Bodmi (which has a terrace reserved for "Gleitschirm Piloten"
.
Oyssey--- you might check on parking at the two hotels you are considering, and make sure it is available.
You can also rent regular mountain bikes and ride down from Kleine Scheidegg. I believe there is information about this on the Grindelwald website, but we've never done it.
Also, you mentioned paragliding at one point. The "Flugschule" in Grindelwald does tandem flights, probably from the top of the First lift;
http://www.paragliding-grindelwald.ch/
If the weather is good you will see lots of them; they land on the hillside above the village, near Hotel Bodmi (which has a terrace reserved for "Gleitschirm Piloten"
. Oyssey--- you might check on parking at the two hotels you are considering, and make sure it is available.
May 31st, 2007, 02:35 PM
#23
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Kwren, Billruth, and Enzian, thanks for the info. Those bikes sound like fun! I especially noticed the hand brake part of your post, Enzian. You perceive correctly that I am safety conscious! (And a complete wimp!) I will look into them when I have more time.
Good news! The Silberhorn wrote back to say that they will reserve a room with a balcony and view. Didn't say which direction, but I don't care.
So, any votes? Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen? Both seem so great to me! Shall I toss a coin? Enzian, thank you also for the parking tip. That's one thing I did not consider. Hopefully they can email back tomorrow.
Travelatte, any passport update?
Good news! The Silberhorn wrote back to say that they will reserve a room with a balcony and view. Didn't say which direction, but I don't care.
So, any votes? Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen? Both seem so great to me! Shall I toss a coin? Enzian, thank you also for the parking tip. That's one thing I did not consider. Hopefully they can email back tomorrow.
Travelatte, any passport update?
May 31st, 2007, 03:33 PM
#24
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Odyssey, I'm looking at what you said earlier: "I guess it boils down to proximity. We want to see the Trummelbach Falls, do an easy hike, see the beautiful mountains, and take a day trip west to see the cheese and watches. Touristy, yes, I know. I want to ride a funicular or cable car, too. And it seems my husband and daughter are interested in the paragliding (?). Is it safe?"
I'd say this spells Lauterbrunnen. The falls are right there---it's a nice walk from town. You have a choice of two cablecars---either up to Grutschalp, from where you can take a nice walk to Mürren; or up to Gimmelwald/Mürren/Schilthorn, which also offers walking opportunities. The lifts from Grindelwald are small (6-person) gondolas up to First and Mannlichen; they hang not far off the ground and are not the same as the big impressive cablecars. For a funicular, however, you'll have to travel elsewhere---maybe to Giessbach?
I don't know about Trottibikes there---maybe they have them in Mürren. If not, they do rent mountain bikes there, and the Lauterbrunnen Valley itself is a lovely place to bike.
As for paragliding---staying in Lauterbrunnen has an advantage because your daughter will not see the commercial flights (as she would in Grindelwald) and the question may never be raised. Just one mom to another.
I'd say this spells Lauterbrunnen. The falls are right there---it's a nice walk from town. You have a choice of two cablecars---either up to Grutschalp, from where you can take a nice walk to Mürren; or up to Gimmelwald/Mürren/Schilthorn, which also offers walking opportunities. The lifts from Grindelwald are small (6-person) gondolas up to First and Mannlichen; they hang not far off the ground and are not the same as the big impressive cablecars. For a funicular, however, you'll have to travel elsewhere---maybe to Giessbach?
I don't know about Trottibikes there---maybe they have them in Mürren. If not, they do rent mountain bikes there, and the Lauterbrunnen Valley itself is a lovely place to bike.
As for paragliding---staying in Lauterbrunnen has an advantage because your daughter will not see the commercial flights (as she would in Grindelwald) and the question may never be raised. Just one mom to another.
May 31st, 2007, 06:05 PM
#25
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hi odessey
we were promised a balcony and view of the jungfrau and waterfall when reserving a room at the Silberhorn. When we got there, they gave us the chalet room but facing the other side of the valley...not the promised view. They had some lame excuse why they didn't have our particular view, but it turns out we loved our view anyway, maybe even more. I would even go as far s to say that I would request the same room so we could watch the trains all evening again. I don't think you could go wrong with any view you would get - it's all beautiful. I do recommend however confirming your reservation by email several times, strongly reminding them about the balcony and a view...just to be sure you get what was promised.
we were promised a balcony and view of the jungfrau and waterfall when reserving a room at the Silberhorn. When we got there, they gave us the chalet room but facing the other side of the valley...not the promised view. They had some lame excuse why they didn't have our particular view, but it turns out we loved our view anyway, maybe even more. I would even go as far s to say that I would request the same room so we could watch the trains all evening again. I don't think you could go wrong with any view you would get - it's all beautiful. I do recommend however confirming your reservation by email several times, strongly reminding them about the balcony and a view...just to be sure you get what was promised.
May 31st, 2007, 10:39 PM
#26
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Ok- Lauterbrunnen it is! A decision!
Thank you so much for all your help, Enzian. I stumbled upon this forum somehow. I did not even know it was here, but a link in another search landed me here and I am so glad. Hopefully I can post a report after we return to help someone else.
On a side note, some family members returned this afternoon from a 3 week trip to London, Spain and Italy. In Spain, outside their hotel (small town- outside Madrid), my brother-in-law was approached by a man holding a badge asking to see his passport. He fumbled through his waist pack and in the process, he was robbed. He was so surprised at the request for the passport and id that he didn't even realize what was happening. He guesses now that it happened as he went through his wallet to look for his id. I don't quite understand all the details, but his atm card and some cash was taken. He cancelled the card as soon as he realized it. Thankfully his daughters had their ATM cards with them, so he drained their accounts for the rest of the trip. This happened about halfway through their trip. What a lesson to us! We will be very careful. Would it be okay to tell a police officer your passport was in your room safe? Do you have to carry it with you at all times? I had not thought about this before.
Thank you so much for all your help, Enzian. I stumbled upon this forum somehow. I did not even know it was here, but a link in another search landed me here and I am so glad. Hopefully I can post a report after we return to help someone else.
On a side note, some family members returned this afternoon from a 3 week trip to London, Spain and Italy. In Spain, outside their hotel (small town- outside Madrid), my brother-in-law was approached by a man holding a badge asking to see his passport. He fumbled through his waist pack and in the process, he was robbed. He was so surprised at the request for the passport and id that he didn't even realize what was happening. He guesses now that it happened as he went through his wallet to look for his id. I don't quite understand all the details, but his atm card and some cash was taken. He cancelled the card as soon as he realized it. Thankfully his daughters had their ATM cards with them, so he drained their accounts for the rest of the trip. This happened about halfway through their trip. What a lesson to us! We will be very careful. Would it be okay to tell a police officer your passport was in your room safe? Do you have to carry it with you at all times? I had not thought about this before.
Jun 1st, 2007, 05:26 AM
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there is a really lovely walk from the Trummelbach Falls to the gondola that goes to Gimmelwald. It goes right along the river through the trees. I don't know if you can take this path all the way from town or not.
Jun 1st, 2007, 08:11 AM
#31
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From the Silberhorn website:
"Breakfast is an extensive buffet that always includes hams, cheeses, cereals, fresh fruit, yogurt, and much, much more. Every night, dinner consists of four courses, plus a large and colorful salad buffet and cheese board."
The "much, much more" at breakfast would include Muesli (similar to granola but not toasted); one or two other cold cereals (cornflakes, branflakes); and a selection of fresh breads and rolls, often including croissants, and some wonderful whole grain bread. Some breads are presented as the whole loaf which you slice yourself (clean towel provided to hold the loaf while you slice). There may also be soft- or hardboiled eggs. And a choice of juices---orange, apple, grapefruit. Our daughter loves the hot chocolate at breakfast.
The dinner described above is provided if you take half-board (which is a very good value with generally excellent food, but no choices). Or you can eat in the public dining room and choose off the menu (a copy of thieir dinner menu is on the website; it looks very good). In that case you pay the prices listed, not the package price that comes with the half-board (Halbpension).
Sorry to hear about your brother-in-law's troubles. That is a pretty common scam in Spain, but I've never ever heard of it in Germany or Switzerland. You do not need to carry your passport with you at all times, but some people do just so they know where it is. You may be asked for it when you check in to your hotel; I carry a copy of the page to give them for this purpose.
Have a wonderful time! We'll be in the Lauterbrunnen area ourselves just about that time (staying up higher, in Wengen and then Mürren), so let's hope for good weather.
"Breakfast is an extensive buffet that always includes hams, cheeses, cereals, fresh fruit, yogurt, and much, much more. Every night, dinner consists of four courses, plus a large and colorful salad buffet and cheese board."
The "much, much more" at breakfast would include Muesli (similar to granola but not toasted); one or two other cold cereals (cornflakes, branflakes); and a selection of fresh breads and rolls, often including croissants, and some wonderful whole grain bread. Some breads are presented as the whole loaf which you slice yourself (clean towel provided to hold the loaf while you slice). There may also be soft- or hardboiled eggs. And a choice of juices---orange, apple, grapefruit. Our daughter loves the hot chocolate at breakfast.
The dinner described above is provided if you take half-board (which is a very good value with generally excellent food, but no choices). Or you can eat in the public dining room and choose off the menu (a copy of thieir dinner menu is on the website; it looks very good). In that case you pay the prices listed, not the package price that comes with the half-board (Halbpension).
Sorry to hear about your brother-in-law's troubles. That is a pretty common scam in Spain, but I've never ever heard of it in Germany or Switzerland. You do not need to carry your passport with you at all times, but some people do just so they know where it is. You may be asked for it when you check in to your hotel; I carry a copy of the page to give them for this purpose.
Have a wonderful time! We'll be in the Lauterbrunnen area ourselves just about that time (staying up higher, in Wengen and then Mürren), so let's hope for good weather.
Jun 1st, 2007, 04:01 PM
#32
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Enzian, thanks for the clarification on breakfast. I did read the description on the website, but you answered my main question. IS there bread? That's what I love! I hope you enjoy your trip.
My family said the weather was fairly unpredictable. Tuscany was the coldest of all their destinations, while London was the rainiest. In all, they had a fantastic time. They caught up with their daughter who is doing a year abroad near Madrid and vacationed as a family for three weeks. Sounds like it was great! Unfortunately, she doesn't return until the beginning of July, so we won't get to see her until we get back a week later.
My family said the weather was fairly unpredictable. Tuscany was the coldest of all their destinations, while London was the rainiest. In all, they had a fantastic time. They caught up with their daughter who is doing a year abroad near Madrid and vacationed as a family for three weeks. Sounds like it was great! Unfortunately, she doesn't return until the beginning of July, so we won't get to see her until we get back a week later.
Jun 1st, 2007, 05:11 PM
#33
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That description from the website really does sum up breakfast - it was wonderful. There were 3 different types of bread that you sliced yourself, and they were delicious with or without grains - you will be in heaven! There were large platters of many different types of cold cuts and sliced cheeses, including the different types of cheeses wrapped in tin foil, sort of like laughing cow, but different flavors. There were huge piles of croissants and pastries, usually an enormous bowl of cut up fruit. Plus all the other things mentioned above. The website didn't mention individual packets of Nutella though - a huge hit with the kids. They also loved that they could get pitchers of hot milk for hot chocolate delivered to the table.
Here's a tip to avoid getting into trouble (like we did). Each table has a number which corresponds to your room number so each table is set for the appropriate number of people in your party. We didn't notice this our first time at breakfast, probably because we were so astounded by the incredible array of food choices. We weren't really in trouble - they were very nice about it, and we sat at 'our' table the rest of the mornings.
I didn't pay too much attention to the dinner menu, although I think I remember seeing tables set with little menus outlining the half board choices. I didn't want to do that because I wasn't sure what would be offered to my picky son, because I wasn't sure if we would be back every night for dinner there (although it turned out that we were) and because I love to wander the streets and love to try different restaurants. The fondue was very good at the Silberhorn, but every restaurant also offered it on the menu. As suggested by the waitress, we ordered a double order for the 3 of us for 42 Swiss Francs.
The Oberlander Hotel had a nice restaurant. We tried the rosti there and enjoyed it. For example, the Oberlander Rosti - a huge plate of hash browns with bacon, Swiss cheese, onion and a fried egg on top for 18.50 Swiss Francs. There was a whole list of different rostis - my son has one with curried chicken next to the hash browns. Another night we tried pizza and Gulaschen soup on the menu. They had a pretty outdoor section in front of the hotel.
There was also an outdoor creperie to the left side of the Hotel Oberlander and my kids were thrilled. A big ham and cheese crepe was 8.50 SF and a chocolate crepe was 6.50. They would have eaten there every night. I think crepes were also served inside for a bit more money.
There is a small grocery store in Lauterbrunnen, the Co-op. We bought a lot of snacks (ie chocolate!) and drinks there to enjoy on our balcony while watching the trains and chalet lights coming on across the valley and while listening to the crickets and the rushing stream. We found out the hard way that the Co-op closes at 5 on Saturdays - just when I wanted to stock up for our 10 hour train ride the next day. The Co-op in Wengen was bigger and may have stayed open longer.
Speaking of Wengen, I really liked the Swiss-Made Shop. Lots of great gifts made in Switzerland. I bought a lot of Christmas presents there.
I wish I were going back!!!
Here's a tip to avoid getting into trouble (like we did). Each table has a number which corresponds to your room number so each table is set for the appropriate number of people in your party. We didn't notice this our first time at breakfast, probably because we were so astounded by the incredible array of food choices. We weren't really in trouble - they were very nice about it, and we sat at 'our' table the rest of the mornings.
I didn't pay too much attention to the dinner menu, although I think I remember seeing tables set with little menus outlining the half board choices. I didn't want to do that because I wasn't sure what would be offered to my picky son, because I wasn't sure if we would be back every night for dinner there (although it turned out that we were) and because I love to wander the streets and love to try different restaurants. The fondue was very good at the Silberhorn, but every restaurant also offered it on the menu. As suggested by the waitress, we ordered a double order for the 3 of us for 42 Swiss Francs.
The Oberlander Hotel had a nice restaurant. We tried the rosti there and enjoyed it. For example, the Oberlander Rosti - a huge plate of hash browns with bacon, Swiss cheese, onion and a fried egg on top for 18.50 Swiss Francs. There was a whole list of different rostis - my son has one with curried chicken next to the hash browns. Another night we tried pizza and Gulaschen soup on the menu. They had a pretty outdoor section in front of the hotel.
There was also an outdoor creperie to the left side of the Hotel Oberlander and my kids were thrilled. A big ham and cheese crepe was 8.50 SF and a chocolate crepe was 6.50. They would have eaten there every night. I think crepes were also served inside for a bit more money.
There is a small grocery store in Lauterbrunnen, the Co-op. We bought a lot of snacks (ie chocolate!) and drinks there to enjoy on our balcony while watching the trains and chalet lights coming on across the valley and while listening to the crickets and the rushing stream. We found out the hard way that the Co-op closes at 5 on Saturdays - just when I wanted to stock up for our 10 hour train ride the next day. The Co-op in Wengen was bigger and may have stayed open longer.
Speaking of Wengen, I really liked the Swiss-Made Shop. Lots of great gifts made in Switzerland. I bought a lot of Christmas presents there.
I wish I were going back!!!
Jun 1st, 2007, 05:25 PM
#34
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Kwren, you're detailed description is making me ready! Thank you so much! The breakfast sounds great. My niece (who just returned from Europe) told me they really craved fruits and vegetables on their trip. She said at one point, her tongue just wanted some fruit! I am sure my daughter will be the same.
You mentioned pizza. Available in a lot of places, or a specific restaurant? I couldn't tell if you were still talking about the Silberhorn. In our case, it's my daughter and I who are the picky ones. But, we'll try things, and probably like them.
Thank you also for the info on the coop. We'll be ready to load up on snacks by the time we get there.
You mentioned pizza. Available in a lot of places, or a specific restaurant? I couldn't tell if you were still talking about the Silberhorn. In our case, it's my daughter and I who are the picky ones. But, we'll try things, and probably like them.
Thank you also for the info on the coop. We'll be ready to load up on snacks by the time we get there.
Jun 1st, 2007, 06:41 PM
#35
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sorry I wasn't clear - the pizza we had was in the Hotel Oberlander. I don't remember if the Silberhorn served it or not, it was a bit more upscale. The Oberlander was more of a family restaurant. They charged for a jug of water. Don't know if that's routine in Switzerland. There were other small restaurants which may have served pizza, but sorry I don't remember for sure.
Don't forget, when you got off the train, you'll see the Silberhorn straight up the hill from the station. Don't take the path straight up - it is steep and turns into gravel - not so easy with the suitcases. Go to the left out of the station and you will come to a road on the right which doubles back a bit to the hotel. Much easier!
Don't forget, when you got off the train, you'll see the Silberhorn straight up the hill from the station. Don't take the path straight up - it is steep and turns into gravel - not so easy with the suitcases. Go to the left out of the station and you will come to a road on the right which doubles back a bit to the hotel. Much easier!
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