Apres-ski
Like many Swiss resorts, Meiringen-Hasliberg does not have as thriving an après-ski scene as party hotspots in neighbouring France and Austria, but there are a handful of lively bars from which to choose.
Sherlock Alpenclub (tel: +41 339 710 003) is a good stop for late-night clubbing, while Lyon's Pub (tel: +41 339 716 369; www.lyons-pub.ch) offers pub-style games in a friendly setting. Aquarium Bar (tel: +41 339 712 786) on the slopes at Käserstatt is the place for a post-ski drink amid Europop sounds.
A number of night-time activities are available from the tourist office, including a meal and night skiing at Käserstatt every Friday, and a choice of fondue or raclette plus unlimited night tobogganing at Mägisalp on Wednesdays.
Eating out
Swiss specialities such as rösti, fondue and raclette can be found at the two dozen restaurants scattered throughout the resort. Among the best on the slopes is Berghaus Mägisalp (tel: +41 339 725 326; www.maegisalp.ch) at Mägisalp. This wood-clad chalet-style restaurant serves local dishes and hosts musical entertainment. A similar concept operates at Berghaus Käserstatt (tel: +41 339 712 786) in Käserstatt, which also offers generous helpings of moreish meringue.
For pre-skiing nourishment with spectacular views, catch the gondola up to Alpentower, home to Panoramarestaurant Alpentower (tel: +41 339 725 326) with its breakfast buffet, brunch and lunch options. And between runs, head to Balisalp in Bidmi– it has a varied menu including steak, schnitzel, hamburgers and salads.
Additional offerings include a tasty pizza at Pizzeria Pinocchio (tel: +41 339 721 212; www.hotel-meiringen.ch) or, for those searching for something a bit more luxurious, Hotel Victoria (tel: +41 33 972 1040; www.victoria-meiringen.ch) offers gourmet dining with a French and Asian influence.
Resort Information
Beyond the slopes
There's a surprising abundance of activities in Meiringen-Hasliberg, but unsurprisingly, the Sherlock Holmes connection looms large, with a museum (tel: +41 33 972 5151) dedicated to the detective housed in the basement of the English Church in Casinoplatz.
Another attraction is the Ballenberg Swiss Outdoor Museum (tel: +41 33 952 1030; www.ballenberg.ch) in nearby Hofstetten, which includes full-scale rebuilt houses dating back as early as the 14th century.
For a taste of local industry, watch craftspeople at work in the Oberhasli Weaving Studios (tel: +41 339 711 457; www.waebi.ch) in Innertkirchen or violinmakers putting the finishing touches to their instruments at the Violin-Making School (tel: +41 339 511 861; www.geigenbauschule.ch).
Other available facilities include indoor tennis courts in the Alpine Tenniscenter (tel: +41 339 713 900), a 5.5km (3.4-mile) toboggan run (tel: +41 338 541 616) and 40km (25 miles) of winter hiking trails, as well as an abundance of snowshoeing tracks.
Family fun
Meiringen-Hasliberg is a family-friendly resort and has thus been granted the 'Family Welcome' award by Switzerland Tourism.
Children can find their feet on skis using the nursery slopes at Skihäsliland Swiss Snow Sport School (tel: +41 339 725 141; www.skischule-hasliberg.ch) at Bidmi. Once proficient, children can be taken by instructors on the guided Muggestutz ski trail, which tells the story of Muggestutz, a forest-dwelling dwarf (descriptions mainly in German).
A kids' club (tel: +41 339 725 050), for children aged two to 12, runs at Hotel Viktoria and babysitters (tel: +41 339 710 763) are also on hand.
Retail therapy
Meiringen has a range of shops to suit most needs. The Migros supermarket (Bahnhofstrasse) stocks most typical food items, but for more specialist local food products - including a wide variety of cheeses, yoghurts and homemade ice cream - head to Molki Meiringen (tel: +41 339 711 432;www.molki-meiringen.ch)
Those looking for souvenirs should head to Heimatwerk Oberhasli (tel: +41 33 971 3376), which offers locally made woven gifts and crafts.
Splashing out
Make the most of being among some of Switzerland's highest peaks with a scenic helicopter flight, which takes in the iconic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau summits, as well as the glistening Aletsch Glacier. Flights are operated by Berner Oberländer Swiss Helicopter AG (tel: +41 338 289 000; www.swisshelicopter.ch) in Interlaken. The company also offers heli-skiing and skydiving packages.
Hotels
There are various forms of accommodation in Meiringen, from chalets and self-catering apartments to budget guesthouses and luxury hotels. Most of the hotels in Meiringen are a short walk from the main gondola lift, while there are also slopeside options further up the mountains.
Luxury
Hotel Victoria
This centrally located hotel is a short distance from both the train and bus stations in Meiringen. Featuring minimalist modern décor, Hotel Victoria offers gourmet dining with French and Asian flavours in its on-site restaurant.
Address: , Bahnhofplatz 9, Meiringen 3860, CH 3860Telephone: +41 339 721 040
Website: http://www.victoria-meiringen.ch
Parkhotel du Sauvage
Famed as the setting for the fictional Englischer Hof hotel in the Sherlock Holmes novels, the Parkhotel du Sauvage offers 3-star accommodation amid art nouveau elegance. Features of the 19th-century hotel, located on Banhnhofstasse, include a restaurant, bar and nightclub.
Address: , Bahnhofstrasse, Meiringen 3860, CH 3860Telephone: +41 339 721 880
Website: http://www.sauvage.ch
Moderate
Das Sherlock Holmes Hotel
Incorporating a restaurant, swimming pool and sauna, The Sherlock Holmes Hotel is the closest accommodation to the base of the gondola. The 3-star hotel provides comfortable rooms with balconies and views of the mountains surrounding the town.
Address: , Alpbachallee 3, Meiringen 3860, CH 3860Telephone: +41 339 729 889
Website: http://www.sherlock.ch
Alpin Sherpa Hotel
The 56-room Alpin Sherpa Hotel can be found on Bahnhofstrasse, the main street in Meiringen, close to the shops and train station and a short walk from the gondola. A meeting room is available for guests who can also relax in the on-site sauna.
Address: , Bahnhofstrasse 3, Meiringen 3860, CH 3860Telephone: +41 339 725 252
Website: http://www.haslitalhotels.ch
Cheap
Hotel Viktoria
Located slopeside at the Hasliberg-Reuti gondola station, the Hotel Viktoria – not to be confused with the Hotel Victoria with a 'c' – offers family-friendly accommodation with a panoramic roof terrace and a restaurant serving Swiss favourites.
Address: , Hasliberg-Reuti, Meiringen, CH 3860Telephone: +41 339 723 072
Website: http://www.hotelviktoria.ch
Hotel Bären
Just north of Meiringen in Hasliberg Hohfluh, Hotel Bären provides basic accommodation and on-site dining in a beautiful forested environment. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available on site.
Address: , Hasliberg Hohfluh, Meiringen, CH 3860Telephone: +41 339 716 022
Website: http://www.hotel-restaurant-baeren.ch
Images of Zermatt
Zermatt Information
Images of Wengen
Wengen Information