Hi, my little boy (aged 5) and I are going to be camping in Brienz Switzerland in a couple of weeks and I would like to know does anybody have any ideas for us? We are a family on a budget so we are being careful with our spend ... that's why I'm looking for somebody who has perhaps done things in the area, used the travel system, can make recommendations, etc? We both love nature and scenery. I'd hate to spend on something that's a waste of money or not worthwhile. We'll be there for 2 weeks. (If I had known when I booked the ferry/camping last December how tight for cash we'd actually be now then I'd probably have booked a cheaper country than Switzerland . But deposits paid, committed to going, etc).
Anybody have any ideas of what we could do, how to do it?
Humbird
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Hi
We have just come back from 15 days camping in France and Switzerland 4 nights in Switzerland cost us as much 11 nights in France. We stayed 2 nights at Aaregg campsite in Brienz, Probably the best site we have ever stayed at but at £52 ( 2 people car tent & electric )a night its by a long way the most expensive.
Lots of walking in the area and swimming in the lake and gorgeous Scenery which is free but most other things work out expensive, I think you can get a 6 day pass for the railways, buses and cable cars which is expensive to start with but if you use it a lot its cheaper than buying individual fares and the car can stay on the camp site, We looked at the lake steamer but decided against it as it was too expensive. If you go up to Grindlewald the railway up the Jungfrau is a must but it will be very expensive.
How committed are you to going there, would it be worth losing the deposit and going elsewhere it is probably not the best place to go on a budget.
all the best
Rob
Hi Rob, thanks for the reply, we are booked into Camping Aaregg also and it looks fabulous. I already paid them a hefty deposit (nearly 200 pounds) and I hate to lose a deposit ... but it has crossed my mind. Financially things went a bit belly up since we booked ferry and campsite last Dec. We booked a lakeside pitch (28) so even if we are living on a shoe string at the moment, at least we can wake up in the morning and enjoy beautiful scenery from dawn to dusk and that's free!!
Did you buy a vignette? Do you think its possible for me to get away without it (I'd need two as I'm pulling a trailer, so need one for car and one for trailer).
Thanks for the tip about Jungfrau, I'll see if we can stretch to it. Did you book things locally, or am I right in thinking that some things are cheaper if booked prior to arrival in Switzerland?
Hi Humbird
we did not buy a vignette didn't think it was worth it for 4 nights you can manage without one but it would be a lot easier and quicker to get around with one especially if you are there for 2 weeks. We did not book anything in advance i'm not sure if its cheaper or not, If you are thinking of going up the Jungfrau check the weather at the top of the mountain first to make sure its not covered in cloud, the first train in the morning at about 6.30 used to be cheaper.
Rob
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We have just come back from Switzerland and had to buy 2 vignettes which cost £80 and we were only there 5 days, we thought we might try and sell them on but they are stuck fast and we cant get them off. It is expensive if you eat out. Try take as much food as you can and have barbecues each evening. Supermarket food is about the same price as waitrose here. The scenery is fantastic and there are many walking trails in the area which are well signposted. the 6 day pass is about 200 euros each, we didnt get one this time as we were not going to be there 6 days and they dont do a special pass for less, so we ended up paying for individual trips which came to nearly as much, in hindsight we would have payed for a swiss pass which allows you 50% off rail travel. The gondola from grindlwald to first is about £30 each (full price) and is worth every penny, you can easily drive up there (grindlewald) They also have a theme park in Interlaken, i think its aimed at the little ones, dont know how much though. Dont worry about the money, just be careful, you will still have a really great time in this amazingly beautiful country, J xx
Blimey 200 Euro's for 6 day pass each sounds steep! We are thinking about visiting Switzerland for our main holiday next year camping, our children will be 5 and 3 yrs. Is there much to do with young children or is it more suitable for older children. We're not going to be able to hike very far etc.
------------- Holidays
2011 - Turkey, France (Brittany), Finland (Lapland)
2012 - France (Paris), Luxembourg, Belgium (Bruge, Ghent), Germany (Black Forest)
2013 - Scotland (Isle of Mull), Tenerife
2014 - Tenerife, Wales (Abersoch), Scotland
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: What things to do - Brienz Switz. - Ideas
. But deposits paid, committed to going, etc). 
