Advice on Swiss Itinerary and Pass
Oct 2nd, 2013, 05:44 AM
#21
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ether one you do - Pilatus or Rigi can be done in combo with a boat ride on lovely Lake Lucerne - for Rigi to Vitznau ot Weggis - take the train up from the former and an aerial cable way from the latter - for Pilatus get off at Alpnachstad, right near the mountain train start to Pilatus' summit, from where you can take an aerial cable way back to Lucerne itself - suburban Krens where buses take you the few miles to the city center.
With a railpass boats are 100% covered as is the train to Rigi - 50% off Pilatus trains.
With a railpass boats are 100% covered as is the train to Rigi - 50% off Pilatus trains.
Oct 3rd, 2013, 11:40 AM
#23
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Boats are divided into two classes - first-class the up top out back part - 2nd class lower level - with a 2nd class pass or ticket if you want to sit in the IME much nicer first-class section you can pay on board the difference between the ordinary 1st and 2nd class fares - at least that is my understanding of it all.
Oct 5th, 2013, 08:28 AM
#25
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thanks dubai1
If you want a real Alpine wonderland area near Lucerne then head to Engelberg and Mt titlis, one of Switzerland's primo Alpine resorts and with snow-girdled peaks that will fulfill perhaps the image in your mind of how awesome the Swiss Alps can be - about an hour by train from Lucerne - Mt Titlis for a very real awe-inspiring Alpine experience - neither Pilatus nor Rigi comes close to this.
If you want a real Alpine wonderland area near Lucerne then head to Engelberg and Mt titlis, one of Switzerland's primo Alpine resorts and with snow-girdled peaks that will fulfill perhaps the image in your mind of how awesome the Swiss Alps can be - about an hour by train from Lucerne - Mt Titlis for a very real awe-inspiring Alpine experience - neither Pilatus nor Rigi comes close to this.
Oct 9th, 2013, 06:44 AM
#26
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Of course you can do GE route (ZERMATT - ST MORITZ) by the local train which is 100% Swiss Pass covered and no 33CHF reservation fee. But there is a catch. I think you have to get down in between and re board in another train. But every thing else is same except on board food which you can buy before hand and carry with you. Pl correct me if i am wrong.
I think the OP has included Mt Titis also in his itinerary and what PalenQ has quoted is a perfect
statement about Titlis
I think the OP has included Mt Titis also in his itinerary and what PalenQ has quoted is a perfect
statement about Titlis
Oct 9th, 2013, 07:07 AM
#27
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There is another way to get to Rigi Kulm which I've done -- I'm not saying it's better than the ways recommended here, it's just another option.
From Luzern busbahnhof (in front of the train station), catch Postbus 73 to Rotkreuz. It's a scenic bus ride. From Rotkreuz, take the Postbus 53 to Kussnacht am Rigi. Part of the ride is very pleasant, with scenic views of farms and Lake Zug, from Rotkreuz past Risch. Gets a little pedestrian after that, but still ok. From Kussnacht am Rigi either go to Rigi Kulm via train to Arth-Goldau and onward or via NFB Bus 2 to Vitznau and on to Rigi Kulm via the train.
I did this when I had to attend a brief meeting in Rotkreuz but had a first class day pass. As I recall, everything was covered by the pass. You can then go back by the routes mentioned above.
What I liked about the two Postbuses (between Luzern and Rotkreuz and between Rotkreuz and Kussnacht am Rigi) is that they were off the tourist radar, used mostly by locals. But they were still pleasant, scenic rides.
Anyway, just throwing this option (which I haven't seen mentioned here before) onto the pile.
From Luzern busbahnhof (in front of the train station), catch Postbus 73 to Rotkreuz. It's a scenic bus ride. From Rotkreuz, take the Postbus 53 to Kussnacht am Rigi. Part of the ride is very pleasant, with scenic views of farms and Lake Zug, from Rotkreuz past Risch. Gets a little pedestrian after that, but still ok. From Kussnacht am Rigi either go to Rigi Kulm via train to Arth-Goldau and onward or via NFB Bus 2 to Vitznau and on to Rigi Kulm via the train.
I did this when I had to attend a brief meeting in Rotkreuz but had a first class day pass. As I recall, everything was covered by the pass. You can then go back by the routes mentioned above.
What I liked about the two Postbuses (between Luzern and Rotkreuz and between Rotkreuz and Kussnacht am Rigi) is that they were off the tourist radar, used mostly by locals. But they were still pleasant, scenic rides.
Anyway, just throwing this option (which I haven't seen mentioned here before) onto the pile.
Oct 9th, 2013, 07:21 AM
#28
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FWIW, I finished that day with a dinner at the lakefront restaurant Domus in Zug. Very good food, excellent wine choices and terrific service from Isabelle and her team. http://www.restaurant-domus.ch/wein-mehr/ausgezeichnet/
http://www.restaurant-domus.ch/filea...dard_Domus.pdf
Whenever business takes me to Rotrkeuz, I try to fit in a meal at Domus.
http://www.restaurant-domus.ch/filea...dard_Domus.pdf
Whenever business takes me to Rotrkeuz, I try to fit in a meal at Domus.
Oct 9th, 2013, 08:24 AM
#29
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You have to change 4 times:
at Visp, Andermatt, Disentis and Reichenau.
These stations are small, however and the connecting train is usually on the same platform.
If you really want to enjoy this solution, stop over at attractive places, for example like that:
Day 1:
Zermatt dp 7.39 - Visp (railway station restaurant) 8.47/9.08 - Fiesch ar 9.56, deposit your luggage at the railway station left luggage counter, walk through the scenic village to the cableway station and go up to Eggishorn (2930m) ar 10.48 with a splendid view over the whole Aletsch Glacier up to Jungfrau as well as to the Rhone Valley and Weisshorn, Matterhorn, Monte Leone, Binn Valley .....
Go then back by gondola up to Fiescheralp (view only to Matterhorn etc), have lunch at the terrasse of a panoramic restaurant and continue finally to Fiesch and board there the 12.58 train to Oberwald ar 13.38. Change to the historic steam train to Gletsch - Furka - Realp (mountain village) ar 16.15 and go on by ordinary train to Andermatt and Disentis ar 18.36. Visit the church of the old Benedictine Monastery.
Sleep at Disentis.
Day 2:
Spend the morning at Caischavedra (1900m, viewpoint, gondola). Leave Disentis at 10.44 for Ilanz, put your luggage in the lockers, walk through Ilanz, the highest town aloong the Rhine river and leave Ilanz at 12.00 by bus to the scenic hidden mountain village of Vals with a Calcium Sulfate, Hydrogen Carbonate Thermal Bath, built by the famous architect Peter Zumthor:
(Indoor pool 32° C - Outdoor pool winter 36° C - Outdoor pool summer 30° C - Fire pool 42° C - Ice pool 14° C - Drinking stone with naturally warm, ferrous spring water 29.8° C - Flower pool 33° C - Sound Bath - Resonance Room 35° C Sweat Stone and Steam Stone air humidity 85-100% - Sounding Stone composition by Fritz Hauser - Massage rooms - Relaxation rooms).
Leave Vals at 16.36, change at Ilanz from bus to train an arrive at Chur at 18.01. Walk through the city center of Chur, the second town along the Rhine river. Sleep at Chur
Day 3:
Visit the famous Rhaetian Museum and board then any St. Moritz bound train, may be Chur dp 10.58 - St. Moritz ar 12.58.
If you want to see more, you may go from Ilanz by bus to Flims and visit the Vorab Glacier (gondola) as well as the Cauma Lake (public swimming baths, cold mountain water) and the menhirs not far away ....
at Visp, Andermatt, Disentis and Reichenau.
These stations are small, however and the connecting train is usually on the same platform.
If you really want to enjoy this solution, stop over at attractive places, for example like that:
Day 1:
Zermatt dp 7.39 - Visp (railway station restaurant) 8.47/9.08 - Fiesch ar 9.56, deposit your luggage at the railway station left luggage counter, walk through the scenic village to the cableway station and go up to Eggishorn (2930m) ar 10.48 with a splendid view over the whole Aletsch Glacier up to Jungfrau as well as to the Rhone Valley and Weisshorn, Matterhorn, Monte Leone, Binn Valley .....
Go then back by gondola up to Fiescheralp (view only to Matterhorn etc), have lunch at the terrasse of a panoramic restaurant and continue finally to Fiesch and board there the 12.58 train to Oberwald ar 13.38. Change to the historic steam train to Gletsch - Furka - Realp (mountain village) ar 16.15 and go on by ordinary train to Andermatt and Disentis ar 18.36. Visit the church of the old Benedictine Monastery.
Sleep at Disentis.
Day 2:
Spend the morning at Caischavedra (1900m, viewpoint, gondola). Leave Disentis at 10.44 for Ilanz, put your luggage in the lockers, walk through Ilanz, the highest town aloong the Rhine river and leave Ilanz at 12.00 by bus to the scenic hidden mountain village of Vals with a Calcium Sulfate, Hydrogen Carbonate Thermal Bath, built by the famous architect Peter Zumthor:
(Indoor pool 32° C - Outdoor pool winter 36° C - Outdoor pool summer 30° C - Fire pool 42° C - Ice pool 14° C - Drinking stone with naturally warm, ferrous spring water 29.8° C - Flower pool 33° C - Sound Bath - Resonance Room 35° C Sweat Stone and Steam Stone air humidity 85-100% - Sounding Stone composition by Fritz Hauser - Massage rooms - Relaxation rooms).
Leave Vals at 16.36, change at Ilanz from bus to train an arrive at Chur at 18.01. Walk through the city center of Chur, the second town along the Rhine river. Sleep at Chur
Day 3:
Visit the famous Rhaetian Museum and board then any St. Moritz bound train, may be Chur dp 10.58 - St. Moritz ar 12.58.
If you want to see more, you may go from Ilanz by bus to Flims and visit the Vorab Glacier (gondola) as well as the Cauma Lake (public swimming baths, cold mountain water) and the menhirs not far away ....
Oct 9th, 2013, 12:48 PM
#30
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We really enjoyed staying in the valley floor of Lauterbrunnen. We spent a day going up the schilthorn then hiking down thru Murren, another day biking and horseback riding in Interlaken. We plan to return again next summer and spend no less than 4 nights there to really relax and get up all the mountains in that area. Train comes directly into the town from Interlaken.
Oct 9th, 2013, 02:20 PM
#31
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Don't neglect taking a boat ride on a nice afternoon on Lake Thun, from behind Interlaken-West train station - a surrelaistic experience with the awesome Jungfrau Massif's peaks all snugged in with glaciers and snow reflecting in the lake - doesn't matter if you get off the boat or just do a Rundfahrt sp?) round the lake cruise - bring a picnic, some Swiss wine... ah as delectable as the views!
Oct 10th, 2013, 04:38 AM
#32
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...and if you get off the boat:
visit St. Beatus caves
http://www.beatushoehlen.ch/index.php?lg=3&id=7
go by cable car from Beatenbucht to Beatenberg and then by gondola to Niederhorn (viewpoint)
http://www.niederhorn.ch/sommer/erlebnisse.html
http://www.funimag.com/suisse/beatenberg01.htm
go from Gunten to Sigriswil (bus or hiking trail) and cross the famous Gummi suspension bridge
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/p...lake-thun.html
visit Oberhofen castle
http://www.schlossoberhofen.ch/en/exhibition
visit Schadau castle and Thun castle
http://www.thun.ch/en/about-thun/the...au-castle.html
take a train from Spiez to Muelenen and board the cablecar to Niesen
http://www.niesen.ch/index.cfm?oid=1325&lang=en
visit St. Beatus caves
http://www.beatushoehlen.ch/index.php?lg=3&id=7
go by cable car from Beatenbucht to Beatenberg and then by gondola to Niederhorn (viewpoint)
http://www.niederhorn.ch/sommer/erlebnisse.html
http://www.funimag.com/suisse/beatenberg01.htm
go from Gunten to Sigriswil (bus or hiking trail) and cross the famous Gummi suspension bridge
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/p...lake-thun.html
visit Oberhofen castle
http://www.schlossoberhofen.ch/en/exhibition
visit Schadau castle and Thun castle
http://www.thun.ch/en/about-thun/the...au-castle.html
take a train from Spiez to Muelenen and board the cablecar to Niesen
http://www.niesen.ch/index.cfm?oid=1325&lang=en
Oct 10th, 2013, 06:10 AM
#33
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Yes a whole wonderful day could be spent exloring towns and places along Lake Thun - often over shadowed by the Jungfrau peaks do not neglect a nice float on a nice lake on a nice day!
thanks to neckervd for listing all those sweet possibilities!
thanks to neckervd for listing all those sweet possibilities!
Oct 10th, 2013, 08:11 AM
#34
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Lake Brienz is also a wonderful experience though you do not get the awesome views of the high peaks from it like from Lake Thun.
These boats leave from behind Interlaken-Ost train station and go to Brienz and around the lake - north side to Brienz and south side back from Brienz or vice-versa.
Lots of neat sights along Lake Brienz' shores as well.
These boats leave from behind Interlaken-Ost train station and go to Brienz and around the lake - north side to Brienz and south side back from Brienz or vice-versa.
Lots of neat sights along Lake Brienz' shores as well.
Oct 11th, 2013, 01:20 PM
#35
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I just came back from Switzerland (was there in September) and did both Glacier Express (Zermatt-St Moritz) and Bernina Express (St Moritz-Tirano). I also took the train from Interlaken-Lucerne and Interlaken-Bern (both had gorgeous views along the lakes, especially Interlaken-Lucerne. I think this path overlaps with a portion of the Golden Pass route because we saw a Golden Pass coach enroute).
My verdict? Glacier Express was quite a disappointment while Bernina Express was excellent! You can get equally lovely views on the Interlaken-Lucerne route, at a fraction of the time spent on Glacier Express.
Actually, we didn't ride on Bernina Express but instead rode on the "regular" train which ply the same route (thanks to tips on this forum). We had the Swiss Half Fare Pass and bought a Supersaver ticket with extra discounts with the Half Fare Pass. Got a good deal on 1st class and we literally had the whole coach to ourselves... which made it easy to move left to right to take photos. Plus you can draw down the window to take reflection free photos... something that you can't do on the Glacier Express.
No doubt there are parts of the Glacier Express that are interesting, but they overlap with portions of the Bernina Express (between St Moritz and Chur). Another plus point for Bernina Express
I second neckervd's suggestion to do it in the reverse. Since Zermatt is on your list, the Glacier Express would seem inevitable. However, I would highly recommend doing the Venice-St Moritz leg via Bernina Express.
I too visited both Interlaken/Jungfrau and Zermatt. Sadly it was cloudy during our 3 days there but got a lucky break on our last day with clear sky up in Jungfrau (but below it was cloudy). However, we had the most beautiful weather while in Zermatt... Matterhorn was clearly visible all throughout the day and night. What great luck!
Whatever it is, weather permitting, you'll get gorgeous views all throughout Switzerland.
Have fun!
My verdict? Glacier Express was quite a disappointment while Bernina Express was excellent! You can get equally lovely views on the Interlaken-Lucerne route, at a fraction of the time spent on Glacier Express.
Actually, we didn't ride on Bernina Express but instead rode on the "regular" train which ply the same route (thanks to tips on this forum). We had the Swiss Half Fare Pass and bought a Supersaver ticket with extra discounts with the Half Fare Pass. Got a good deal on 1st class and we literally had the whole coach to ourselves... which made it easy to move left to right to take photos. Plus you can draw down the window to take reflection free photos... something that you can't do on the Glacier Express.
No doubt there are parts of the Glacier Express that are interesting, but they overlap with portions of the Bernina Express (between St Moritz and Chur). Another plus point for Bernina Express
I second neckervd's suggestion to do it in the reverse. Since Zermatt is on your list, the Glacier Express would seem inevitable. However, I would highly recommend doing the Venice-St Moritz leg via Bernina Express.
I too visited both Interlaken/Jungfrau and Zermatt. Sadly it was cloudy during our 3 days there but got a lucky break on our last day with clear sky up in Jungfrau (but below it was cloudy). However, we had the most beautiful weather while in Zermatt... Matterhorn was clearly visible all throughout the day and night. What great luck!
Whatever it is, weather permitting, you'll get gorgeous views all throughout Switzerland.
Have fun!
Oct 12th, 2013, 07:22 AM
#37
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My verdict? Glacier Express was quite a disappointment while Bernina Express was excellent! You can get equally lovely views on the Interlaken-Lucerne route, at a fraction of the time spent on Glacier Express.>
I agree 100% with this -
Glacier Express most overhyped scenic train in Europe - great marketing and everyone thinks of the GE when thinking of Swiss trains. GE is not nearly the most scenic train in Switzerland.
I agree 100% with this -
Glacier Express most overhyped scenic train in Europe - great marketing and everyone thinks of the GE when thinking of Swiss trains. GE is not nearly the most scenic train in Switzerland.
Oct 12th, 2013, 08:42 AM
#38
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"Interlaken/Jungfrau: it was cloudy during our 3 days there but got a lucky break on our last day with clear sky up in Jungfrau (but below it was cloudy). However, we had the most beautiful weather while in Zermatt..
Not surprising: the weather at Zermatt is better most of the time
Not surprising: the weather at Zermatt is better most of the time
Oct 13th, 2013, 03:18 AM
#39
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Hai Experts,
Thank You all for your best suggestions. Finally I made my Itinerary after getting lot of information from so many forums.
Day 1 to 3 : Arrival into Vencie, Italy and around venice.
Day 4 : Early morning depart from Venice to Tirano (By Italy rail) and again Tirano to St.Moritz (By Berina Express). Overnight at St.Moritz
Day 5 : St.Moritz to Zermatt (By Glacier Express). Overnight at Zermatt
Day 6 : Zermatt (Visit Matterhorn and Gornergrat). Overnight at Zermatt
Day 7 : Zermatt to Grindelwald (By trian). Overnight at Grindelwald
Day 8 : Grindelwald (Visit Shilthorn). Overnight at Grindelwald
Day 9 : Grindelwald (Visit Jungfrau). Overnight at Grindelwald
Day 10 : Grindelwald to Lucerne (By Trian). Overnight at Lucerne
Day 11 : Lucerne (Visit Mt.Rigi). Overnight at Lucerne
Day 12 : Lucerne (Visit Mt.Pilatus). Overnight at Lucerne
Day 13 : Lucerne (Visit Mt.Titlis) . Overnight at Lucerne
Day 14 : Lucerne to Zurich (By train). Night fly back to Home.
I plan to Buy Swiss Flexi Pass 05 Days/ 01 Month. Iam going to use on Day 4, 5, 7, 10 & 11 and for balance day's I will get 50% reduction fare. From the above Trains and Excursions, which one needs reservations? We like to travel lot, so my Itinerary seems to be more travel package.
Hotels List :
St.Moritz : "Youth Hostel" (01 Night)
Zermatt : "Le Petit", (02 Nights)
Grindelwald : "Lehmann`s Herberge" (03 Nights)
Lucerne : "IBIS ETAB" (04 Nights)
Experts how the Itinerary seems to be? Whether it is ok or need to change? Looking for your valuable suggestions.
Regards,
Muthu
Thank You all for your best suggestions. Finally I made my Itinerary after getting lot of information from so many forums.
Day 1 to 3 : Arrival into Vencie, Italy and around venice.
Day 4 : Early morning depart from Venice to Tirano (By Italy rail) and again Tirano to St.Moritz (By Berina Express). Overnight at St.Moritz
Day 5 : St.Moritz to Zermatt (By Glacier Express). Overnight at Zermatt
Day 6 : Zermatt (Visit Matterhorn and Gornergrat). Overnight at Zermatt
Day 7 : Zermatt to Grindelwald (By trian). Overnight at Grindelwald
Day 8 : Grindelwald (Visit Shilthorn). Overnight at Grindelwald
Day 9 : Grindelwald (Visit Jungfrau). Overnight at Grindelwald
Day 10 : Grindelwald to Lucerne (By Trian). Overnight at Lucerne
Day 11 : Lucerne (Visit Mt.Rigi). Overnight at Lucerne
Day 12 : Lucerne (Visit Mt.Pilatus). Overnight at Lucerne
Day 13 : Lucerne (Visit Mt.Titlis) . Overnight at Lucerne
Day 14 : Lucerne to Zurich (By train). Night fly back to Home.
I plan to Buy Swiss Flexi Pass 05 Days/ 01 Month. Iam going to use on Day 4, 5, 7, 10 & 11 and for balance day's I will get 50% reduction fare. From the above Trains and Excursions, which one needs reservations? We like to travel lot, so my Itinerary seems to be more travel package.
Hotels List :
St.Moritz : "Youth Hostel" (01 Night)
Zermatt : "Le Petit", (02 Nights)
Grindelwald : "Lehmann`s Herberge" (03 Nights)
Lucerne : "IBIS ETAB" (04 Nights)
Experts how the Itinerary seems to be? Whether it is ok or need to change? Looking for your valuable suggestions.
Regards,
Muthu
