Melnq8

<<I noticed there is something called as a "super saver ticket", does the half fare card discount apply to these tickets? If I get these super saver tickets, and I don't go many gondolas and rides, is the half fare card worth it?>>

I have no experience with double discounts on Swiss trains, but I found this TA thread which might give you some perspective:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...itzerland.html

PalenQ

If I get these super saver tickets, and I don't go many gondolas and rides, is the half fare card worth it?>>

I'd say not-even with a full fare ticket- if you do not much more than previsioned no. If taking train up to Jungfraujoch -the most popular excursion in Interlaken area however the Half-Fare Card will almost pay for itself on that awesome experience - walk to a glacier - dance thru ice grottos - marvel at views from the top of the Alp's longest glacier - a Top of the World Experience as they hype it - Europe's highest train station. Some kind of bungy jump ride there too.

Melnq8

I'm trying to picture PalenQ dancing through ice grottos...

ashwinb

Thanks a lot, I think I shold take the Half fare card every month.
what would be a good month to go to Lavaux and it's wine terraces? Closer to the harvesting season in late August? Or it doesn't really matter?
Also, if I see the weather as moderate cloudy with occasional rain, that would be bad only for viewing mountains from a distance, or visiting the mountain tops with cable cars, right? It wouldn't be too bad for walks which go close to the peaks or going to the lakes?

swandav2000

Hi ashwinb,

Yes, the Lavaux is best the later in the season; actually, I think it's prettiest in October when the leaves are turning.

If you like Jazz, you may want to visit Montreux during the Jazz Fest, which runs for two weeks from 30 June. If you dislike crowds, then try to stay away from Montreux/Vevey completely in July and August. You can see the Lavaux by staying in Morges or in Lutry.

If the weather is cloudy, it's a bad day to ascend the mountains. Most folks go up to see the views from the top, but if it's wreathed in clouds, you won't see anything. But if you just want to hike, then, yes, just put on a hood and a waterproof jacket and head out.

There is a one-year Half Fare Card that will be cheaper than getting three of them. I got my first year-long HFC when I lived in the USA, and I got several of them after I'd moved to Germany (so you don't need to be a Swiss resident to get one). Just go to a train station with a photo of yourself and your passport, and buy one.

Have fun as you plan!

s

neckervd

As you will stay in Switzerland for 3 months, you may check the Swiss half Fare Card for 1 year (185 CHF) too.

PalenQ

I'm trying to picture PalenQ dancing through ice grottos...>

well the reflections you know but hard for me to imagine too.

Half-Fare Card for the whole three months is a no brainer IMO- buy it at any Swiss station. No photos required, right?

swandav2000

Photo required for the full year HFC, Pal, as I said above.

s

PalenQ

thanks swan - I should have read better. And to be sure each person of a group needs their own -kids under 16 get a free Family Pass.

ashwinb

Thanks!
If I had to go to just one place in the Upper Engadines, where should I go? The Sils Maria lake looks good, but would the mountain tops like Diavolezza or Muottas Muralg give me anything different from what I would see in Bernese Oberland? Which are the more unique places?

PalenQ

the mountain tops like Diavolezza or Muottas Muralg give me anything different from what I would see in Bernese Oberland? Which are the more unique places?>

Of course but the biggest difference in awesomeness would be to take the famed Bernina Express or local trains over the same route to say Bernina-Ospiz at the summit area and you'll see this:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Bern...w=1745&bih=864

Walk around the glacial lake to the glacier that feeds it - have a snack on the sun terrace at the station hotel/restaurant!

Can also hit Diavolezza from the rail line by cable way I think.

kja

I thought the views from Muottas Muralg absolutely breathtaking.

ashwinb

Thanks a lot everyone, I had a great trip, and have posted my trip report on fodors, here it is: Switzerland: 11 weekends in the summer, across the entire country
On the whole, I was able to touch all the different regions in the country(Except the Appenzell region). Found every place spectacular, especially the Valais.

ashwinb

Sorry, something went wrong with the link, here's it: https://ashwinbahulkar.wordpress.com...2/switzerland/

PalenQ

marking for later digestion of what seems an interesting TR!

neckervd

" https://ashwinbahulkar.wordpress.com...2/switzerland/ "
very nice report. All mentioned places are well known by Swiss people (no hidden gems!), but worth to have a look at.
Engadine: don't forget Corvatsch: panorama over glaciers and lakes.

Engadine has it's own language, architecture, cuisine and culture. But it's less than 30 miles away from Italy, Austria and German speaking Switzerland. You can easily drive in less than 1 hr from glaciers to vineyards and Palm trees.

St. Moritz is a well known summer tourism destination since 1856, famous with British tourists.
The first bobsleigh run of the world was inaugurated in St. Moritz in 1864.
The first Winter Olympic Games after WW2 took place in St. Moritz (in 1948)

ashwinb

neckervd, agreed, several of the places had only local Swiss tourists, which is great. I would say those places are still as good as hidden gems for international tourists.
I wish I would have gone to Corvatsch, but it wasn't yet open on the weekend I went.

PalenQ

Engadine yes great area but why does nobody here like St>Moritz?

Melnq8

I'm but one person, but for me, St Moritz is an over-priced concrete jungle. Not completely charmless, but not exactly what I'm looking for when I visit Switzerland. The Engadine has a lot on offer, least of which is St Moritz, IMO.

farrermog

Thank you Ashwin for a very interesting and informative report and blog. That Hardergrat trail certainly looks dicey, especially after wet weather! In the mid 80s I stayed by the railway station at Wasserauen near Appenzell and had a very pleasant walk around the Seealpsee.