jkpark

It has been a bit since I asked my initial questions about my trip and you have all been so helpful. Now that I am about a week away, I have a few more questions.

(1) I will be traveling from Zurich to Montreux throughout the day on Monday 29 May. I am likely making this a longer trip than it needs to be, but my plan is Zurich to Luzern to Interlaken to Zseisimmen to Montreux. I did book VIP seats on the last portion as that sounded like the most unique aspect, and so I have all day to get to Zseisimmen by the 18:25 train (hoping to even catch a little sunset towards the end of the trip). This will be our 3rd day in Europe, so if the kids (11 and 9) are exhausted and sleep in, I know I can get to Interlaken via Bern more quickly. If we are awake early, could you rank Zurich, Luzern, Interlaken and Zseisimmen in terms of where you would want to spend a few hours. Stretch our legs, grab a bite to eat, with great scenery (whether that be walking around a town, or strolling along a lake). I am not planning on hitting museums or the like and guess I will have the time to spend a bit of time in at least two of these places.

(2) Depending on the weather and if we are just tired of trains after a long day Monday, we may head to the Matterhorn from Vevey on Tuesday. My understanding is you travel via train to Visp, and then take some type of bus/trolley into town? I also read about the Gornergrat, but I can't picture how this all fits together. Can someone walk me through this? We would be up for walking around/mild hiking, but we aren't looking to ski/strenuous hike. Would you recommend eating in Zermatt or back in Visp? I am happy to take any recommendations you may have. Nothing too expensive, but would love a place for a glass of wine, light meal and views. Also - is it important to get there first thing in the morning, or are crowds pretty consistent throughout the day? I wasn't sure if we could visit Chateau de Chillon before heading to Visp? or if that would push our day too late?

(3) How much time does a visit to Chateau de Chillon generally take? With our free time in the area, we would like to wander Vevey, see the Chateau, and possibly walk a bit along the lake. Anything else for a more relaxing day not spent on trains.


Thank you - I cannot believe this trip I have been planning for so long is finally here.

neckervd

May 29th:
It will get dark a little after 9pm. Your train will arrive at Montreux at 20.13. So, you can fully enjoy the view over Lake Leman from your VIP seats.
Classic itinerary and short cuts:
Classic:
Zurich airport dp every hr fron 8.47 until 13.47 - Interlaken Ost ar every hr from 11.55 until 16.55. Change trains at Lucerne where a stopover is possible; last departure from Lucerne at 15.05. Interlaken Ost dp 17.08.
Short cut:
Zurich airport dp every hr until 15.18 - Zweisimmen ar every hr until 17.56; change at Bern,
Zurich airport dp every second hr until 15.40 - Zweisimmen ar every second hr until 18.17, change (rapidly) at Spiez (same platform).

May 30th:
Vevey - Zermatt is a 2 3/4 hrs train ride (one way); change at Visp. From Vevey up to Gornergrat, it's 3 1/2 hrs OW. You can do hikes neither at Gornergrat (still too much snow), nor at Matterhorn Paradise (in snow and ice all the year round). But hiking is possible around Zermatt and Riffelalp (first stop of the Gornergrat railway).Don't waste your time at Visp: Zermatt and surroundings are much nicer.

3. Chillon
Count about 3 hrs for Vevey - Chillon and back (visit included) if you go by train or trolleybus, more if you go by boat via St. Gingolph (Upper Lake Cruise).

swandav2000

Hi jkpark,

Please note the correct spelling of Zweisimmen -- for your future google or railroad searches.

Zweisimmen the town is really very small. If you had a lot of time, you could ascend the Rinderberg mountain and have a little hike, but you obviously don't have the time for that. So, I would say that Luzern is a good spot for a little walk-around. The old town is interesting and charming, and a walk along the lake has just stunning scenery.

If you didn't have VIP reservations, I would also suggest a walk at either Saanen or Gstaad -- you'll see why when you roll through those towns on the train.

One of the best parts of Montreux is the flowered lakeside promenade, and I hope you don't miss it. You can take the town bus #201 (free with the pass your hosts will give you) from Vevey to Montreux, then walk along the lake for 45 minutes to get to Chillon. It will take about 2h to see the inside of the castle.

The train goes right to Zermatt. Sorry, not sure about the rest.

Have fun as you plan!

s

jkpark

Thanks. I even copied my spelling from another source - appreciate the correction as I thought it was a little long. I am getting so excited for this trip! And am already starting my list of things to see/do next time

PalenQ

Nothing too expensive, but would love a place for a glass of wine, light meal and views.>

Impossible quest in Switzerland. Are you getting a Swiss Pass -with that type of travel seems would be a great deal- can buy at any Swiss station - probably gave these resourceful sites before but if not - www.sbb.ch - official site of Swiss Railways; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

My understanding is you travel via train to Visp, and then take some type of bus/trolley into town?>

No as neckervd says change in the same station - or out front that station.