brit37 said: <""I am used to hiking at around 7,000 feet above sea level. I think my question may have been confusing though. We aren't searching for hikes at high altitude, but we would be ok if we were to be on a hike at high altitude (not worried about altitude sickness or anything like that). We are happy to do any hikes! We just like them to be challenging in the way of a steep climb vs a casual stroll along flat paths, although we will do some of those as well for the views i'm sure.">>
The hikes on the Rigi are mostly tame. For challenges, climb the mountain from below at various points.
Climbing up Pilatuis would be hard work, but, at least, the altitude would be OK for you..
In the parts of the BO below 2200 meters (7300 feet), there are plenty of trails with significant altitude change that have great views.
When you get into Luzern, stop at the Tourist Info by Track #1 at the main station. Ask where to get Wanderkarten. Wanderkarten (T series) show the marked and well maintained Wanderwege in red, overlaid on the standard high quality map.. I usually get mine at Orell-Füssli book store , 50 meters away.
Look for the orange-yellow (not bright yellow) ones from the Federal Land office at 1:50,000. Pick up #235T (Rotkreuz) and #245T ( Stans) for the Rigi Luzern area. They are not cheap. My 12 year old ones cost 22CHF then. They come in 1:50,000 which is the old standby. They now also are being produced at 1:33,000. I have not used that scale yet. You want fine detail in the mountains.
For the BO, #254T and #264T.
Before buying any , as a learning process, take a close look at 235T which covers most of the Rigi. Or, check my following post.
It should convince you to buy (some of) the maps.
Those maps will answer your questions about where to hike if weather is assumed to be good. Ask at the local tourist office for further details.
For more detail on special Wanderkarten for popular regions, there are also a very few Wanderkarten produced at 1:25,000. Not cheap -- 32.5 CHF each. Brown covers. Examples -
#2510T - Luzern/Rigi Pilatus. #2520T - Jungfrau region. I have #2522T for the Napf and love it.
Terrific detail, and they cover a fairly large region. Saves the cost of buying several smaller ones matched to the national grid of quadrangles.
Lots of info on maps at the SwissTopo website, under "Products" "Maps.'" "Hiking Maps."
swisstopo.admin.ch/ internet/swisstopo/ en/home/ products/maps/ leisure/hiking/ hiking_25.html
Some hotels and hostels might lend or rent maps.
As noted above, there exist a few special regional 1:25,000 maps (not Wanderkarte) with brown covers for I think Luzern and definitely Jungfau region ( #2520) . The 1:25,00 may be too detailed, but you should look at , eg., Wengen and Müerren on each kind of map to learn a lot.
Better yet, look at at the same maps in "T" series with trails marked. You can't beat 1:25.000 with the Wanderwege already marked on them...but, you do have to pay. ;-(
<<"That weather looks freezing! I hope it warms up by the time we arrive. There are some great suggestions on this site for hiking and I like that you can choose the option for easy, moderate or difficult. I will do so more research so I can figure out which hikes we want to do each day while we are in B.O">>
The Switzerland Mobility site will not give them all to you in the BO. Check out the maps I mention above.
<<". By the way, I am still perplexed as to where to stay in B.O. I know you said Wengen but I have another person telling me that Murren is so much better with better views. We have the option of staying at a hotel with bunk beds in Wengen (for convenience of being close to the train to explore) or for the same price staying in Murren at a place with a little kitchen but less convenient to trains...What do you suggest?">>
Wengen vs. Mürren is one of those never settled wars of opinion. Coffee, or tea? Orange juice or tomato juice?
The views from Wengen are great. They are different and could be called better from Mürren.
In particular, the view of the Jungfrau Massif per se from Mürren is spectacular and more complete than from Wengen. The view from Wengen,. less complete of those mountains, but better in other ways. See attached.More important after you have looked a few times is - access to the trail and transport system. Wengen wins on that one. You are closer to more hikes. If you want to go up to First, which might be accessible by then, for example, it is a lot easier from Wengen.
Wengen has better transport access to most of the region and out of the valley.
I do not wish to fight with your acquaintance. It is a matter of individual preferences. I prefer Wengen. So does Kim. See her reports, linked below.
You can't lose at either place. I like Wengen.
As for eating in Wengen, see if the place you checked out has a common kitchen.
I do not fully understand your position on the classic project management trade-offs -
"Good, Fast, Cheap - pick any two." The point is that you generally can't get all three...;-(
My perspective is get the facilities that maximize your travel and sightseeing, rather than savinng money on some meals.
You can save money at home. You can not explore the B.O . at home.
My wife have need for a certain level of comfort and convenience, due to age and health issues, and we are willing to pay for better than basic.
So, i can't really give much guidance on your tradeoffs.
Here is some solid information about Wengen.
myswissalps.com/forum/ topic/tips-about-wengen-and-the-jungfrau-region-by-kim
The reports or the author could possibly help you. The author (Kim) is a Wengen fan, as you will quickly learn, but what I have read so far in her reports is very accurate.
<<"I spoke with someone on the phone today at the Bergsonne. I told them you made the recommendation and he knew who you were :) He was such a nice gentleman! and they have availability so I'm very excited to stay there. Thanks again for the suggestion.">>
You are welcome. Mr Camps is an excellent host. He just gets grumpy when the restaurant is full and he is working hard. If you like his wine card as much as I do, let him know. He works hard to build his excellent cellar.
More on what to do while you are up there in upcoming posts.