itininery for Switerland
Aug 17th, 2006, 01:50 PM
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itininery for Switerland
Hi
We are travelling to Switzerland on the 15th September to Geneva we have a plan for our 7 days
one day in Geneva, one day in Bern, One day in Lucerne, 2 days in Interlaken and remaining 2 days in Geneva
From Interlaken to Geneva we will get the golden pass train and stop off for a day trip in Montreaux and Chateaux de Chilleon (excuse the spelling) We will be travelling every day my boyfriend thinks its not a good idea to get a Swiss pass as its too expensive I think we should any ideas?
I think our itinerary is ok a nice mix of culture, shopping and scenery anyone any idea on must sees in the cities I listed. Also how will the weather be mid September thanks
We are travelling to Switzerland on the 15th September to Geneva we have a plan for our 7 days
one day in Geneva, one day in Bern, One day in Lucerne, 2 days in Interlaken and remaining 2 days in Geneva
From Interlaken to Geneva we will get the golden pass train and stop off for a day trip in Montreaux and Chateaux de Chilleon (excuse the spelling) We will be travelling every day my boyfriend thinks its not a good idea to get a Swiss pass as its too expensive I think we should any ideas?
I think our itinerary is ok a nice mix of culture, shopping and scenery anyone any idea on must sees in the cities I listed. Also how will the weather be mid September thanks
Aug 17th, 2006, 06:00 PM
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I've been to Interlaken at least a dozen times. Make sure you take the train up to Gimmelwald and try going to the Schilthorn (the top of Europe)it's expensive but worth it. Try a cruise on the lakes or if you like hiking the trails in the upper alps are fantastic and they have all skill levels.
Aug 17th, 2006, 07:25 PM
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I thought the Jungfraujoch was the top of Europe. The advertisements claim it at any rate, and the rail station at the end of the line at the Sphinx building is higher than the top of the Schilthorn.
I see no real reason for going to Gimmelwald unless you are wanting hike one of the trails around there. It is very small and there is very little there. Even Mürren, the next stop up the line, is mostly hotels and a few shops.
The cost of a round trip point to point ticket from Geneve to Interlaken Ost via Zweisimmen and Montreux is 134 chf.
The 4 day Swiss Pass is 213 each if 2 people purchase together.
If you are under 26, you qualify for the youth pass at 188 chf.
The pass question depends on where you intend to travel.
The SBB, the Swiss rail system, has a good web site that will enable you to learn the point to point prices as well as the various Swiss pass costs.
The Jungfraujoch trip is an expensive ride. Undiscounted, the cost from Interlaken Ost is 172.60 chf.
The ride to Wengen is included in the pass, but you pay half of the cost of the round trip from Wengen or half of 142 chf.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that all trains are included in the pass.
Those mountain trains are private lines and at best you get 50% off of the costs. (Interlaken to Grindelwald is included, beyond that it not, but you do get a discount.)
The Schilthorn is not a cheap trip either.
But to sum it all up, you must predict what your train travel will be, learn the point to point costs, and compare those against the cost of a Swiss Pass.
Otherwise, there is no real way to tell if a pass will help or not.
An automatic assumption that a pass will save you money is not a good assumption to make.
I see no real reason for going to Gimmelwald unless you are wanting hike one of the trails around there. It is very small and there is very little there. Even Mürren, the next stop up the line, is mostly hotels and a few shops.
The cost of a round trip point to point ticket from Geneve to Interlaken Ost via Zweisimmen and Montreux is 134 chf.
The 4 day Swiss Pass is 213 each if 2 people purchase together.
If you are under 26, you qualify for the youth pass at 188 chf.
The pass question depends on where you intend to travel.
The SBB, the Swiss rail system, has a good web site that will enable you to learn the point to point prices as well as the various Swiss pass costs.
The Jungfraujoch trip is an expensive ride. Undiscounted, the cost from Interlaken Ost is 172.60 chf.
The ride to Wengen is included in the pass, but you pay half of the cost of the round trip from Wengen or half of 142 chf.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that all trains are included in the pass.
Those mountain trains are private lines and at best you get 50% off of the costs. (Interlaken to Grindelwald is included, beyond that it not, but you do get a discount.)
The Schilthorn is not a cheap trip either.
But to sum it all up, you must predict what your train travel will be, learn the point to point costs, and compare those against the cost of a Swiss Pass.
Otherwise, there is no real way to tell if a pass will help or not.
An automatic assumption that a pass will save you money is not a good assumption to make.
Aug 18th, 2006, 05:55 AM
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I might change your itin. alittle. I would not spend the first day in Geneva...especially if you get there early enough. I would train to Bern or somewhere else (or drive). That will give you an extra day for somewhere and you will still have 2 days in Geneva which IMO should be plenty.
Aug 18th, 2006, 06:11 AM
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Look at the Swiss saver pass for 2 traveling together. You can tailor it for the days needed. I agree about Geneva. It's the one mistake we made on our first trip. After half a day, we were ready to get out of the crowded city and visit Gruyeres, Chateau D'Oex and the villages around Vevey. There's so much charm in parts of Switzerland, IMO Geneva is just a big, loud, expensive bustling city (with a lot of graffiti) Some interesting sights, but unless you go for specific museums, etc not the best place to stay, IMO. I wouldn't stay there for more than a day.
Aug 18th, 2006, 06:39 AM
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I wouldn't stay in Interlaken - I would take the extra 20 train trip and go at least as far as Lauterbrunnen. That way you are a bit closer to the mountains and hikes you would want to do from there. I've stayed in Interlaken twice and wish I had known to get to the Alps for those 2 trips. I got smarter when I found this board!!!
Aug 18th, 2006, 06:46 AM
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It seems the Swiss Pass, a 3-day flexipass at $150 per person in 2nd class would be a good deal for such an itinerary.
You get three 100% covered travel days to do longer trips (also on these days you get a free museum pass good at over 400 Swiss museums) and then for the one-month period the pass is valid for you get 50% off everything - including pricey trains like the Jungfrau and Schilthorn gondolas in the Interlaken area - boats, buses, 50% oof everything that moves in Switzerland for the 4 days you don't use the 3 for 100% coverage. Do the math and if the pass is close go for it for ease of use - and with the pass i often take rides i wouldn't have taken - like when i get to Interlaken i have just decided to hop on the Lake Thun boats in the afternoon just to relax on this amazing cruise - covered by pass. That said you can buy Swiss Passes in Switzerland but they are considerably cheaper in the US right now for some reason - I recommend BETS (www.budgeteuropetravel.com) for passes because of their exceptional knowledge of Swiss trains in my long experience with them. Ask for their free European Rail & Planning Guide that has a good chapter on Switzerland with trains spotlighted. You will also find good Swiss train info at www.ricksteves.com and www.euraide.com.
Pass prices are universal no matter where you buy it in the U.S. Some agents tack on S&H fees and mailing fees, however. And if traveling every day you may well want to look at the 8-straight day pass, saver 2nd class at $224 p.p. I find a pass simply solves decision making as to whether a certain trip is worth it or not, so i love carte blanche passes. But perhaps, being a rail buff, i travel more than others.
From Interlaken one great day that would be covered in full by the Swiss Pass, and make it more worthwhile is to take the train to Lauterbrunnen, then the postal bus two miles to Stechelberg where you take one of the Alps' most thrilling aerial cable cars to Gimmelwald, like taking a plane as it goes straight up the cliff, and then another cable car to Murren - both Gimmelwald and Murren offer fantastic views over the Jungfrau Massif - Murren is a tony resort - from here the Schilthorn gondolas take off - one of the world's longest aerial cable car rides, it goes to the Schilthorn outpost in the midst of ice - 50% off Murren-Schilthorn with the pass. Double your way back to Interlaken and all this travel, rather pricey, is 100% covered by your Swiss Pass. Get back to Interlaken by 4 or so and hop a boat on Lake Thun to relax - point is a pass can be very advantageous to you.
If you have kids under 16 then they get a free Family Pass to match yours and then they go free on everything - even the 50% things like the Schilthorn.
You get three 100% covered travel days to do longer trips (also on these days you get a free museum pass good at over 400 Swiss museums) and then for the one-month period the pass is valid for you get 50% off everything - including pricey trains like the Jungfrau and Schilthorn gondolas in the Interlaken area - boats, buses, 50% oof everything that moves in Switzerland for the 4 days you don't use the 3 for 100% coverage. Do the math and if the pass is close go for it for ease of use - and with the pass i often take rides i wouldn't have taken - like when i get to Interlaken i have just decided to hop on the Lake Thun boats in the afternoon just to relax on this amazing cruise - covered by pass. That said you can buy Swiss Passes in Switzerland but they are considerably cheaper in the US right now for some reason - I recommend BETS (www.budgeteuropetravel.com) for passes because of their exceptional knowledge of Swiss trains in my long experience with them. Ask for their free European Rail & Planning Guide that has a good chapter on Switzerland with trains spotlighted. You will also find good Swiss train info at www.ricksteves.com and www.euraide.com.
Pass prices are universal no matter where you buy it in the U.S. Some agents tack on S&H fees and mailing fees, however. And if traveling every day you may well want to look at the 8-straight day pass, saver 2nd class at $224 p.p. I find a pass simply solves decision making as to whether a certain trip is worth it or not, so i love carte blanche passes. But perhaps, being a rail buff, i travel more than others.
From Interlaken one great day that would be covered in full by the Swiss Pass, and make it more worthwhile is to take the train to Lauterbrunnen, then the postal bus two miles to Stechelberg where you take one of the Alps' most thrilling aerial cable cars to Gimmelwald, like taking a plane as it goes straight up the cliff, and then another cable car to Murren - both Gimmelwald and Murren offer fantastic views over the Jungfrau Massif - Murren is a tony resort - from here the Schilthorn gondolas take off - one of the world's longest aerial cable car rides, it goes to the Schilthorn outpost in the midst of ice - 50% off Murren-Schilthorn with the pass. Double your way back to Interlaken and all this travel, rather pricey, is 100% covered by your Swiss Pass. Get back to Interlaken by 4 or so and hop a boat on Lake Thun to relax - point is a pass can be very advantageous to you.
If you have kids under 16 then they get a free Family Pass to match yours and then they go free on everything - even the 50% things like the Schilthorn.
Aug 18th, 2006, 06:12 PM
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Your right Mr. Brown I was just refering to the region in general, my mistake. The cable car takes you to the Schilthorn and it's a little more exciting then the train. Especially with the whole 007 thing. Have you heard about the piece of rock falling off the Eiger. Apparently it's attracting lot's of visitors
Aug 18th, 2006, 09:02 PM
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There are several scenic rides in the Berner Oberland area that are cheaper than the Jungfrau or the Schilthorn.
The gondola line from Grindelwald to First is spectacular ride and it gives you something you don't get on the Schilthorn ride: A full frontal view of the north wall of the Eiger and the higher peaks to the left of the Eiger as you face it from the north.
I think it all depends on what you want to see.
As for the cost of a pass, the whole thing depends on whether or not you can predict where you want to go.
On the Schilthorn trip, the last leg from Muerren to the top is the most expensive, and it is never free -- 50% is the best pass holders can do, even with the Berner Oberland Regional Pass.
The gondola line from Grindelwald to First is spectacular ride and it gives you something you don't get on the Schilthorn ride: A full frontal view of the north wall of the Eiger and the higher peaks to the left of the Eiger as you face it from the north.
I think it all depends on what you want to see.
As for the cost of a pass, the whole thing depends on whether or not you can predict where you want to go.
On the Schilthorn trip, the last leg from Muerren to the top is the most expensive, and it is never free -- 50% is the best pass holders can do, even with the Berner Oberland Regional Pass.
Aug 18th, 2006, 09:14 PM
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Where the Eiger is concerned, the piece of rock fell off of the east side. Luckily it fell into the glacial gorge, which at that point is very deep.
Even so, I am not sure I would have wanted to be on that section of the trail on the opposite side of the gorge. The hunk was about the size of the Empire State Building.
I am quite sure it shook up the troops in Grindelwald. I bet the roar was quite loud!!
The cable car that goes from Grindelwald to the station called Pfingstegg will take viewers up a little closer.
The valley station is downhill from the church in Grindelwald, with a parking lot fairly close at hand.
To get to a point from which you can see the spot, head west from the Pfingstegg station toward Stieregg. After passing through the home of the local hogs, making sure to close the gate, walk along the trail until it makes a sharp turn to the south. The trail is on a shelf high above the glacier.
To the west, you can see the east side of the Eiger. The edge of the arrowhead is surprisingly thin for such a huge mountain. I don't know how well one can discern the exact spot from which the chunk of rock broke away, but the remains of it are still piled up in the gorge.
At one time there was a restaurant at a flat place called Stieregg. But I have heard it was no longer there. The ground under it had become unstable.
I will find out in a few days when I get back to Lauterbrunnen in a little over a week.
I did not hike the trail last year, but I have done it a couple of times in years past. It is still a rewarding walk because from the site of the restaurant there is a great view of the inner mountain world.
Even so, I am not sure I would have wanted to be on that section of the trail on the opposite side of the gorge. The hunk was about the size of the Empire State Building.
I am quite sure it shook up the troops in Grindelwald. I bet the roar was quite loud!!
The cable car that goes from Grindelwald to the station called Pfingstegg will take viewers up a little closer.
The valley station is downhill from the church in Grindelwald, with a parking lot fairly close at hand.
To get to a point from which you can see the spot, head west from the Pfingstegg station toward Stieregg. After passing through the home of the local hogs, making sure to close the gate, walk along the trail until it makes a sharp turn to the south. The trail is on a shelf high above the glacier.
To the west, you can see the east side of the Eiger. The edge of the arrowhead is surprisingly thin for such a huge mountain. I don't know how well one can discern the exact spot from which the chunk of rock broke away, but the remains of it are still piled up in the gorge.
At one time there was a restaurant at a flat place called Stieregg. But I have heard it was no longer there. The ground under it had become unstable.
I will find out in a few days when I get back to Lauterbrunnen in a little over a week.
I did not hike the trail last year, but I have done it a couple of times in years past. It is still a rewarding walk because from the site of the restaurant there is a great view of the inner mountain world.
Aug 21st, 2006, 01:08 PM
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thanks for all the help guys we are arriving late into Geneva so have to stay a night there however my plan is to get a train and check out Bern, Lucerne and interlaken I will have two days remaining then so I can sight see Geneva and do a bit of shopping. I think I am now swayed towards the pass as it will in the long run save me a lot of time and money. Glad to know the weather will be good in Sept too 
