PalenQ

Yes the Golden Pass is nice and same price as locals - can just hop on but the scenery is the same from locals and even without the panoramic cars you can see about as well. Take whatever is most convenient - but if you want a seat in panoramic cars that are basically all glass book that in advance.

PalenQ

But it is kind of a novelty to ride in these spiffy panoramic cars on GP trains:

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

kja

I hope you enjoy the Staubbach Hotel as much as I did!

For the 27th, Interlaken isn’t really a place to visit, so you probably want to focus on Bern, Thun, or Spiez. I visited each of the former and loved them, but didn’t make it to Spiez. BUT if you’re going to stop in one of those cities, then you might have to give up your paraglide, as paragliding – which is always a bit iffy, as it depends on the weather – is normally in the morning or afternoon.

For the 29th, there really isn’t much to “explore” in Mürren, or Gimmelwald, or Grindelwald – basically, you just walk through them.

I agree with docdan about the Golden Pass.

Wrexter

Thanks for that.

Im a little confused about the journey from Interlaken to Lucerne.

Looking at the Golden Pass site tells me the Golden Pass runs from Interlaken to Lucerne hourly starting at 11:04 on the Interlaken Express.

However if you go to SBB you can also book the interlaken express form at earlier times for departure.

Im confused, whats the local train and whats the golden pass train. where do i book and see the difference between the 2?

If cost is similar then happy yo pay for novelty of golden pass.

If i can leave interlaken earlier, might be worth taking the earlier non golden pass train to Lucerne?

Is it worth stopping off in Lungerne for lunch and look around? anyone know if we can leave luggage at the train station?


Thanks

PalenQ

There appear to be 'obervation coaches' on every train starting at 8:04 from Interlaken - I think it may be that regular trains have a Golden Pass section of observation cars on them. www.bahn.de/en - German Railways site for all European train schedules says this.

PalenQ

I think it may be that regular trains have a Golden Pass section of observation cars on them. www.bahn.de/en - German Railways site for all European train schedules says this.>

clarify - German site does not say local cars and GP cars are on most trains - just that all trains seem to have Observation Cars on them.

You are advised to reserve a seat for observation cars though not required.

docdan

Well, my goodness, I tried following some of the rail weblinks above, and yes, it is confusing. Part of the confusion comes from the fact that Switzerland actually has 62 separate rail companies, all merged by regulation and common fiscal interests into a seamless system. One primary common fiscal interest is to lift Foreign currency out of happy foreign passengers without their noticing it!! ( I say this tongue in cheek - I am a hopeless fan of Swiss Trains)

The good news here is, you can simply pick a departure time and if you have a valid Swiss rail pass card - just show up. It can be that simple. And as the infinitely wise PalenQ correctly observes; if you want a good seat in the observation car, then a reservation is suggested (but not mandatory) Again, my experience is to call the number listed on the www.budgeteuropetravel.com website (you may have to leave a call back number, they will call you back, just not too promptly) and they can help with suggestions about what pass card to buy and the best way to make any needed reservations.

kja

For transportation within Switzerland, you might want to consult the Swiss Rail website:
http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html

Among other things, you can learn on that web-site what kind of luggage storage is available at each and every station in Switzerland -- are there manned hours, and if so, when; are there lockers, and if so, what sizes and at what prices, etc. And yes, there is luggage storage at Lucerne.

I saw no reason to patronize an expensive, for-tourist option (the “Golden Pass,” when there is convenient and more affordable public transportation along the same rails. While the observation cars may allow views of the sky, I felt no need for that, as what I wanted to see was to the sides. I don't know what I missed. Just something to consider....

Wrexter

Hi all

I have done a full assessment of all our train/railcar/bus journeys and this was the result:

No Swiss Pass or Half Pass - 543 CHF
with Swiss Pass (4 days) - 430 CHF
with Swiss Half Fare Card - 391 CHF

As using the Swiss Half Fare Card is cheaper, it seems the obvious choice, but is there any benefit with buying the swiss pass? flexibility. ease of just hopping on a train without buying tickets?

I dont think we will get to enjoy any of the free visit to museums on the pass as when we are in Lucerne we wont have any time for museum visits.


Thanks

Wrexter

Also, on our final day we are travelling from Lucerne to Verona via. Arth Goldau.

What is cheapest was to purchase tickets?

Use the Pass for Lucern to Arth Goldau and then can i purchase the train from Arth Goldau to Verona using the Half Fare Card?

Thanks

PalenQ

Use the Pass for Lucern to Arth Goldau and then can i purchase the train from Arth Goldau to Verona using the Half Fare Card?>

No - go to www.sbb.ch - Swiss Railways site and book a discounted ticket from Lucerne to Verona and also try www.trentialia.com for this.

You could use the pass to get to the Italian border at Chiasso then buy tickets via Milan to Verona.

docdan

wrexter - yes, the Swiss pass allows one to hop on/hop off any train you like, but the ability to get the tickets is fairly easy. If you are sure you can stick to your schedule, what you have proposed 1/2 fair pass should work fine.

PalenQ

what you have proposed 1/2 fair pass should work fine.>

I'd compare fares vs the 4-consecutive-day Swiss Pass + discounted Lucerne to Italy ticket from www.sbb.ch.

PalenQ

with Swiss Pass (4 days) - 430 CHF
with Swiss Half Fare Card - 391 CHF>

for that little difference I'd go with the pass -I always travel more than I expect with a pass- especially nice in Alps when weather turns foul - from Murren or Grindelwald easy to day trip to Bern or Lucerne with the pass without thinking about how much it will cost.

Maybe even to pop down to Interlaken for the night at a casino!

Dianedancer

We will be at the Staubbach Hotel in Lauterbrunnen May 27-31st. I medium darkish red curly hair if you see someone like that it could be me! Please say hi. We've been to Switzerland a number of times but never in the Spring so we're looking forward to it!

Dianedancer

Oh and BTW, the first time we were in Switzerland we went to Schynige Platte. And we returned last year. I absolutely loved it. The cog wheel train up to it is a visual adventure in itself. We liked it much more than Schilthorn for the main reason that you could do walks when up there and the views are tremendous. Restaurant too, of course. With the Schilthorn you basically go up and stand on a platform.

Anyway, I believe it will be open at the end of May and you might want to check it out.

http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/s...-jungfrau.html
Diane

PalenQ

With the Schilthorn you basically go up and stand on a platform.>

diancedancer makes some great points about Schilthorn.

Yes not much up there but the famous revolving restaurant and nice ice caves and a viewing platform - to me the ride there and back by the long cableway is neat and the whole loop from Lauterbrunnen - thrilling gondola up to cliffside mountain train to Murren -then Schilthorn - and back to Gimmelwald (very unique place don't miss at least a short walk around or a snack at the local hotel restaurant) and plunging gondola back down to Lauterbrunnen valley.

PalenQ

Use the Pass for Lucern to Arth Goldau and then can i purchase the train from Arth Goldau to Verona using the Half Fare Card?>

Half-Fare Card is valid for 50% off Swiss trains - it does give 25% off some direct journeys from Switzerland to other countries I believe.

ozibird

Day 2 - Morning train to Interlaken, see Interlaken , Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mürren, Junfrau, stay in Interlaken till end"= not possible

Lucerne is more lovely than Bern, with the river/lake cruise too, and close by museums.

Agree wuth Edward - I was diappointed even on a perfect blue sky day on our Zermatt trip - it was a long long day.

You could stay in our apartment in Lauterbrunnen via Airbnb if the dates fit.


Walk from First to Schynige Platte flower gardens. Schilhorn walks with new Brig and Bond activities, swum in the little lake below it and then walked down to Murren, and walk down to Gimmelwald- beer on the balcony with an amzing view in post card territory.

http://truemmelbachfaelle.ch in Lauterbrunnen, Walk under Staubbach Falls opposite our apartment balcony.

www.gletscherschlucht.com in Grindlewald

https://www.tropenhaus-frutigen.ch/

http://www.aareschlucht.ch/

PalenQ

. Schilhorn walks with new Brig and Bond activities>

curious as to what you mean by this - Huge Bond fan and of his movie in part filmed here???

Thanks