PalenQ

Fussen -take local train to some town on the mainline to Zurich from Munich - in Zurich change to train to Montreux via Lusanne.

shillmac

shillmac

So one month out. Less actually. I have booked train from Fussen to Montreal and have booked a hotel in Wengen for 3 nights following 3 nights in Montreux. The last night in Zurich is booked. I still need to buy a Swiss Pass, so should that be my next step? 2nd class okay? Then do I need reservations on the Golden Pass from Montreux to Interlaken or just show up and get on?

Anything else I need to do ahead of time? Last minute tips?

Thanks in advance!

PalenQ

Don't think you're traveling enough for a Swiss Pass to be worthwhile - but if you traveling everyday perhaps. But Half-Fare Card would seem better bet and if taking Jungfraubahn train above Wengen Swiss Pass only gives 25% off while Half Fare Card gives 50% off that expensive train. buy either when you get to Switzerland, no need to pre-order.

neckervd

What do you mean with "booked a train from Fuessen to Montreux?"
If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, but no reduction in Germany, that would cost 39 EUR/pax, with no reduction if you buy the ticket ahead. As seat reservation is not needed for this journey, I don't see why you bought this ticket ahead.
Or have you already left Fuessen?

PalenQ

Fuessen to Montreux would require 3-4 changes of train - did you book each one? If a Swiss Pass use it from German border unless you got some special discount somehow. And just hop on trains anytime.

Melnq8

2nd class okay?

Better than okay. (Although Pal is probably going to chime in now to sing the praises of First Class).

And there's no need to purchase any pass until you arrive (I suspect he's going to dispute this as well).

neckervd

In addition to post 25:
You better buy a Regio Ticket Schwaben-Allgau (23 EUR for 1 pax, 30 EUR for 2 pax resp. 51 EUR for 5 pax, kids up to 14 years free) for the German leg and point to point tickets for the Austrian leg (6 EUR/pax, 3 EUR for kids).

PalenQ

2nd class in Switzerland is very very nice BUT of course 1st class is always a bit nicer - especially since there are about25% fewer seats in same-size train car - more empty seats is main advantage but most folks find 2nd class in Switzerland perfectly adequate plus you are rarely on a train more than a few hours.

And yes buy any pass you want upon landing - now the reason Melanq says I may dispute that is because at times you can buy the exact same pass in North America cheaper than in Switzerland, due to currency fluctuations - sometimes in past few years was significant differences so I do advice to check prices on both ends - not sure what Melanq sees is wrong with that. If prices about the same buy there because once a pass is issued in U.S. you have 20% cancellation fee and you never know...anyone giving an objective advice would say this too - I have tracked pass prices here and there for years and not unusual for there to be a difference here or there.

Melnq8

If prices about the same buy there because once a pass is issued in U.S. you have 20% cancellation fee and you never know...

This is exactly what I see 'wrong with that'. In addition:

Shipping fees may apply (although you can also print at home for most passes).

Booking fees may apply. Some retailers charge a fee per booking, per pass or per traveler (some do not).

Unlike Pal, I don't have a crystal ball telling me what the exchange rate is going to be on my day of travel vs the day purchased online.

As far as I'm concerned, the risk of not traveling is much higher than a large fluctuation in exchange rate.

Do what makes sense to you, but just know that there is absolutely no need to make a pass purchase in advance.

PalenQ

sometimes the difference was significant - not sure right now - no mailing fees from most agents nor handling fees for passes. And sometimes there is a sale on either end or both - common for travel finished by end of May buying pass could often be 20% off or you get free extra days. I'm just saying to check and always also that if not significant difference just buy in Switzerland. More options the better IMO.

xyz99

So glad you decided to stay in Wengen, we loved it there. It was 11 years ago (wow, time flies!), but we had a wonderful dinner at Schonegg, see if they are still there. Have a great trip!

NarelleN

We visited in July a few years ago. Stayed one night Celerina, 3 nights in Hotel Bodmi in Grindelweld, 2 nights in Le Petit Charme Inn in Zermatt. Travelled by train.
Loved all of it - fabulous walks and scenery. Definitely want to go back to Grindelweld. Wengen is on the list for next time.