Abhik_Sengupta

Dear Forum Members,

I will be on a 2 day trip 2 Switzerland on the 18th March Weekend and be based at Zurich. Till no this is my planned Itinerary.

Day 1: Lucerne-Engelberg-Titlis

Day 2: Interlaken- Lauterbrunnen (Trummelbach Falls) > Murren > the Schilthorn

1. Is this itinerary ok ? Considering I am ready to leave Zurich early morning and I have free accommodation in Zurich. Also, I intend to be amongst Nature all the time. No buildings And also considering the weather at this time.

2. With this kind of schedule, could you please suggest, if Half Fare or Swiss Flexi Saver would be a better option.. ?

Really counting upon your replies ... and also let me know if you see any Risks in this plan !

mokka4

I can help with part of your questions!
Do you plan on winter activities on Titlis (i.e.: skiing, snowboarding,etc)? Hiking will not be possible of course.
The temperature today at Titlis is -10 C, so dress accordingly!
At www.rail.ch you can check train ticket prices for individual trips, then compare against the cost of a Half Fare Card or Flexisaver Pass to see what is cheaper. For instance, Zurich HB to Engelberg takes 1 hr 59 minutes and costs 70 E Roundtrip 2nd class. From there you would walk to the Engelberg-->Titlis Bahn (5-10 minutes) and purchase your up-and-down ticket additionally (takes approximately 45 minutes for full ascent). First morning ascents begin at 8:30 am at this time of the year.
The Lauterbrunnen-->Schilthorn cable is running, but Truemmelbachfaelle generally opens the first week of April, so may not yet be open during your trip next weekend...

nytraveler

I hope you realize that all the nature you want to be in the middle of will be covered with snow - and have appropriate boots/clothing.

mokka4

Continuing:
Zurich HB to Schilthorn takes 3 hrs 25 min.
Zurich to Lauterbrunnen RT costs 165.20 CHF.
A Swisspass is valid to Muerren, with a 50% reduction from Muerren to Schilthorn (this segment costs 74 CHF Roundtrip without).
Stechelberg to Schilthorn RT costs 94.80 CHF and the Half Fare Card is valid (so 47.40 with HFC).
The Stechelberg-->Schilthorn trip leaves every 30 minutes at this time of the year Hour:55 and Hour:25 for the 32 minute ascent.
I believe a one-month validity HFC costs 99 CHF, so factor this in to your calculations.
Happy Homework!

Abhik_Sengupta

wow .. thanks for ur invaluable inputs guys.

I was never too good in maths .. but looks like , it might be needed now. A few more clarifications:

1. Swiss Flexi - if i take a 3 day one , then for 3 days does all journeys of mine become free ?
2. I dont plan to ski , but maybe tobogganing and sledging.
3. Considering 20th march is start of spring, I hope there wouldn't be snow in the lower levels ?

And I have pretty much experienced -18 here in warsaw, so i guess I should be ready for the snow

quokka

Even at low levels snowfall can occur until mid May, on higher levels until mid June, on mountain tops all year round. Looks as if we are having an early spring this year, so you may be lucky about the weather. Anyway, you never know. Don't expect lush green meadows.

mokka4

Have you been busy calculating?
Up to date pricing on passes:
Swiss Flexipass Unlimited travel on any 3 days inside of a month, 2nd class = $265.48 + gives 50 % discount on gondolas and mountain trains.
Haf Fare Card for 1 month= $114.97 gives 50% off on ALL travel forms.