Hotel Bären is a typical Swiss chalet in a small mountain village about 10 minutes drive from Interlaken. There's not much to do up there unless you're into walking or riding, in which case you're in the right place. It's peaceful and the views are nice of course.

The place is run by a couple who have been there for many years; it's a large and comfortable place with relatively small rooms (we also had access to a nice balcony with views), although the rooms do now have private bathroom facilities (small, but with everything you'd need). The hotel has a bar and restaurant, serving good wholesome food. Breakfast was particularly impressive, with quite a spread put on for us (yoghurt, cereals, lovely creamy milk, breads, cheese and ham and coffee or tea). I think we were the only guests, and the only people in the restaurant for dinner or breakfast.

The husband is the barman and cook and the wife takes care of the "front of house". We were well looked after and had a good chat. For dinner we had local smoked ham with potato salad (fresh, and good) and a local sausage with rösti (also good). The home-made apple pie was very good.

The hotel seemed expensive for what it is, but not when compared to other local properties.More