indiancouple

We will be doing several train journeys in Switzerland during our upcoming trip in August. One of them will be Luzern to Interlaken (via Brunig, Meiringen). There is a convenient train at 8:55 am, but there is a Panorama train at 9:55 am. Are these Panorama trains worth it ? If it really gives a superior experience, we do not mind delaying our plans by an hour. But if it is more of a marketing gimmick, we would rather catch the earlier train. Any views ?

PalenQ

I'd say it makes a difference on what scenic line and then it's about half marketing gimmick and half a more bizarre experience

that said between Luzern and Interlaken there is not the dramatic scenery that there are on other mountain lines where seeing something out of the domed 'panoramic' glass ceilings may be worth it.

On this Brunig Pass line the views are out the huge side windows on every train - can't see Panoramic cars being much a plus

You would need i think a first class pass or ticket to use the panoramic cars on this train - if have a 2nd class pass you'd have to pay a upgrade to first class.

there may be some panoramic cars in 2nd class but not sure - there are on Glacier Express for instance.

kleeblatt

The windows are bigger, the seats a bit more comfortable and it's air-conditioned.

If I were going on a different line (Andermatt - Zermatt) I might consider the upgrade. The trip is quite scenic to Interlaken with lots of nice chalet houses, fields, valleys and mountains, but it's not the spectacular scenery you get on other lines.

Take the convenient train.

swandav2000

Hi indiancouple,

Also consider that, in the Panoramic coaches, the windows do not open. I've heard that the a/c is not very strong and the cars can be stiffling in August. On the regular trains, the windows do open to let in fresh air.

Have fun!

s

PalenQ

Ann Panormaic cars are inevitably stuffed full

i actually prefer the regular cars and regular trains over the same routes where i can scoot from side to side for changing views on each side of the train

On the stuffy full panoramic cars on special trains i'm stuck in my seat.

Give me the regular cars anytime - and no reservations hassles and costs.

indiancouple

Thanks everyone for the very quick response. I checked, and it seems they do have 2nd class travel on the panorama coaches on this train. So there will be no extra charge. But if there is no particular advantage, we might as well catch the more convenient train.
I like the idea of openable windows on the regular trains. Sounds more comfortable, and easier to click pictures out of an open window.