Lucerne area in May for a week
Apr 4th, 2019 | 09:30 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 33
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Lucerne area in May for a week
Has anyone used 5 days of Tell Pass around Lucerne area? We will be staying in Morschach Swiss Holiday Park.
What kind of travel plans you had?
We want to go to Mt. Titlis , Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi, Mt. Stoos and if possible Bergenstock, Stenserhorn etc. Along with these things also want to visit cities like Lucerne, Interlaken.
Swiss path, train over there?
How about Zurich?
Does Matterhorn cable is covered in the Tell pass? Is Zermatt just worth visiting if the cable is not covered in the Tell pass?
I want to know your experience please.
What kind of travel plans you had?
We want to go to Mt. Titlis , Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi, Mt. Stoos and if possible Bergenstock, Stenserhorn etc. Along with these things also want to visit cities like Lucerne, Interlaken.
Swiss path, train over there?
How about Zurich?
Does Matterhorn cable is covered in the Tell pass? Is Zermatt just worth visiting if the cable is not covered in the Tell pass?
I want to know your experience please.
Apr 5th, 2019 | 06:17 AM
#2
Joined: Mar 2013
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"Does Matterhorn cable is covered in the Tell pass? Is Zermatt just worth visiting if the cable is not covered in the Tell pass?"
Should that be a choke?
I suppose you know that a journey from Stoos to Matterhorn Paradise would last about 7 1/2 hrs OW.
The Tell Pass is valid up to
Interlaken Ost (with Brienzer Rothorn and Hasliberg - Alpentower, but without all other mountain railways in the area),
Innertkirchen (without all bus lines starting at Innertkirchen or Meiringen),
Titlis and Engstlensee (without Engstlenalp - Meiringen bus),
Andermatt - Sedrun (without Gemsstock and th bus lines to Furka Pass and Gotthardpass),
Klausenpass,
Pfaeffikon SZ (without Lake Zurich),
Zug,
Langnau im Emmental.
With the Tell Pass, you would have to pay 140 CHF (via Andermatt) or 160 CHF (via Interlaken) for a RT ticket to Zermatt (without Matterhorn Paradise gondola).
But with a bit of chance you can get a Saver Daypass for about 50 CHF in the web, if you book well ahead
https://www.sbb.ch/en/buying/pages/k...ntingent.xhtml
Should that be a choke?
I suppose you know that a journey from Stoos to Matterhorn Paradise would last about 7 1/2 hrs OW.
The Tell Pass is valid up to
Interlaken Ost (with Brienzer Rothorn and Hasliberg - Alpentower, but without all other mountain railways in the area),
Innertkirchen (without all bus lines starting at Innertkirchen or Meiringen),
Titlis and Engstlensee (without Engstlenalp - Meiringen bus),
Andermatt - Sedrun (without Gemsstock and th bus lines to Furka Pass and Gotthardpass),
Klausenpass,
Pfaeffikon SZ (without Lake Zurich),
Zug,
Langnau im Emmental.
With the Tell Pass, you would have to pay 140 CHF (via Andermatt) or 160 CHF (via Interlaken) for a RT ticket to Zermatt (without Matterhorn Paradise gondola).
But with a bit of chance you can get a Saver Daypass for about 50 CHF in the web, if you book well ahead
https://www.sbb.ch/en/buying/pages/k...ntingent.xhtml
Apr 5th, 2019 | 11:36 AM
#5
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
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Interlaken itself ain't much - at least in parts where tourist go. I'd say a day trip to Jungfrau area demands going up into the hills - to a type of Alpine Wonderland not seen in Lucerne area. The Jungfrau train even expensive with the pass is fantastic - a see of ice and glaciers you can walk to - ice grottoes, etc. A long full day but so nice at least to see the Jungfrau Massif up close:
https://www.google.com/search?q=jung...hrome&ie=UTF-8
https://www.google.com/search?q=jung...hrome&ie=UTF-8
Apr 5th, 2019 | 03:10 PM
#6
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 25,679
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Spending time in the area around Lucerne could be great!
I'm not sure why you want to visit Interlaken, and I wouldn't plan on the Bernese Oberland in May.
You might find some useful information in my trip report:
https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...thanks-983126/
I'm not sure why you want to visit Interlaken, and I wouldn't plan on the Bernese Oberland in May.
You might find some useful information in my trip report:
https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...thanks-983126/
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Apr 6th, 2019 | 03:29 AM
#8
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 9,499
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kja is right.
A daytrip' from Stoos SZ to Kleine Scheidegg or so (5-6 hrs OW) is just ridiculous.
The whole area would be rather wet with melting snow etc. anyway.
Leventina Valley, Bellinzona, Lugano etc. would be easier to reach and much sunnier and drier
A daytrip' from Stoos SZ to Kleine Scheidegg or so (5-6 hrs OW) is just ridiculous.
The whole area would be rather wet with melting snow etc. anyway.
Leventina Valley, Bellinzona, Lugano etc. would be easier to reach and much sunnier and drier
Apr 6th, 2019 | 09:13 AM
#9
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 25,679
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Because of the weather and its sequelae, at least as I understand them: Although there is variation from year to year, May is usually a period of snow melt in the Bernese Oberland, so trails may be closed and some of the cable cars won't be running. I'm no expert, but experts dissuaded me from going to that region in May. In fact, I shifted my entire trip out a month to avoid that problem.
Apr 6th, 2019 | 01:43 PM
#11
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 33
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thanks
This is the tentative plan:
These are days planned tentatively but we can surely shuffle them.
On the travel day, can store luggage in the storage locker and go to Zurich City tour.
Day 1: Morschach -> bus Brunnen -> boat Vitznau -> cable Rigi -> funicular -> Weggis -> boat Lucerne city tour
Day 2: Morschach -> Stoos -> FronalpStock then option of going to Brunnen and go south side of boat tour.
Day 3: Morschach -> Brunnen -> boat Bürgenstock / Stans (Stanserhorn) -> boat Engleberg -> cable Titlis
Day 4: Morschach -> Brunnen -> train Kerns / Alpnachstad -> cable Pilatus -> Alpnachstad / Kerns -> Goldenpass train Interlaken-> Golden pass train back
Day 5: options
Comprehensive boat tour
or
Zug
or
Lucerne city tour if we didn't do it before.
or
Zurich city tour if we didn't do it before with Zug
These are days planned tentatively but we can surely shuffle them.
On the travel day, can store luggage in the storage locker and go to Zurich City tour.
Day 1: Morschach -> bus Brunnen -> boat Vitznau -> cable Rigi -> funicular -> Weggis -> boat Lucerne city tour
Day 2: Morschach -> Stoos -> FronalpStock then option of going to Brunnen and go south side of boat tour.
Day 3: Morschach -> Brunnen -> boat Bürgenstock / Stans (Stanserhorn) -> boat Engleberg -> cable Titlis
Day 4: Morschach -> Brunnen -> train Kerns / Alpnachstad -> cable Pilatus -> Alpnachstad / Kerns -> Goldenpass train Interlaken-> Golden pass train back
Day 5: options
Comprehensive boat tour
or
Zug
or
Lucerne city tour if we didn't do it before.
or
Zurich city tour if we didn't do it before with Zug
Apr 7th, 2019 | 02:38 AM
#13
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 9,499
Likes: 0
Not interested in:
Lake Lugano (3 hrs via the scenic old Gotthard line, 2 1/4 hrs via Base tunnel (60 kms long). Stop over at Bellinzona and visit the 3 medieval castles) https://www.ticino.ch/en/;
Forum of Swiss History at Schwyz https://www.nationalmuseum.ch/e/schwyz/;
Baroque monastery of Einsiedeln https://www.kloster-einsiedeln.ch/?id=1352;
Tierpark Goldau https://www.tierpark.ch/english/;
Hoellgrotten Baar Höllgrotten Baar;
Rapperswil and Lake Zurich https://newinzurich.com/2018/10/the-...l-switzerland/ ?
There is absolutely nothing to see at Interlaken. Interlaken is just the starting point for trips into the Jungfrau area. A train journey from Morschach into the Jungfrau area lasts more than 4 hrs OW.
If you like long train journeys, you may consider a trip through the Emmental with visits of the cheese diary at Affoltern (3 hrs from Morschach) https://emmentaler-schaukaeserei.ch/en/ and the Kambly biscuit factory at Trubschachen (2 hrs from Morschach and 1 hr from Affoltern) https://www.kambly.com/en/ausflug/68...Experience.htm Stop over at Willisau on the way to Affoltern.
Lake Lugano (3 hrs via the scenic old Gotthard line, 2 1/4 hrs via Base tunnel (60 kms long). Stop over at Bellinzona and visit the 3 medieval castles) https://www.ticino.ch/en/;
Forum of Swiss History at Schwyz https://www.nationalmuseum.ch/e/schwyz/;
Baroque monastery of Einsiedeln https://www.kloster-einsiedeln.ch/?id=1352;
Tierpark Goldau https://www.tierpark.ch/english/;
Hoellgrotten Baar Höllgrotten Baar;
Rapperswil and Lake Zurich https://newinzurich.com/2018/10/the-...l-switzerland/ ?
There is absolutely nothing to see at Interlaken. Interlaken is just the starting point for trips into the Jungfrau area. A train journey from Morschach into the Jungfrau area lasts more than 4 hrs OW.
If you like long train journeys, you may consider a trip through the Emmental with visits of the cheese diary at Affoltern (3 hrs from Morschach) https://emmentaler-schaukaeserei.ch/en/ and the Kambly biscuit factory at Trubschachen (2 hrs from Morschach and 1 hr from Affoltern) https://www.kambly.com/en/ausflug/68...Experience.htm Stop over at Willisau on the way to Affoltern.
Apr 7th, 2019 | 09:07 AM
#14
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 33
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Thanks a lot; but I don't understand what you meant by not interested in:
Lake Lugano (3 hrs via the scenic old Gotthard line, 2 1/4 hrs via Base tunnel (60 kms long). Stop over at Bellinzona and visit the 3 medieval castles) https://www.ticino.ch/en/;
Forum of Swiss History at Schwyz https://www.nationalmuseum.ch/e/schwyz/;
Baroque monastery of Einsiedeln https://www.kloster-einsiedeln.ch/?id=1352;
Tierpark Goldau https://www.tierpark.ch/english/;
Hoellgrotten Baar Höllgrotten Baar;
Rapperswil and Lake Zurich https://newinzurich.com/2018/10/the-...l-switzerland/ ?
Lake Lugano (3 hrs via the scenic old Gotthard line, 2 1/4 hrs via Base tunnel (60 kms long). Stop over at Bellinzona and visit the 3 medieval castles) https://www.ticino.ch/en/;
Forum of Swiss History at Schwyz https://www.nationalmuseum.ch/e/schwyz/;
Baroque monastery of Einsiedeln https://www.kloster-einsiedeln.ch/?id=1352;
Tierpark Goldau https://www.tierpark.ch/english/;
Hoellgrotten Baar Höllgrotten Baar;
Rapperswil and Lake Zurich https://newinzurich.com/2018/10/the-...l-switzerland/ ?
Apr 10th, 2019 | 07:01 AM
#15
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,331
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Love kja but I could not disagree more on the B.O. in May. May is the ideal time to visit for me. I've been there from mid- to late-May and I've always had mostly great weather with a few rainy days thrown in. Flowers are in full bloom and everything is lush and green. And the crowds are about 20-40% smaller comared to June and July. LOTS of trails are open. Sure, some high level ones are closed but I generally don't do them anyway.
Apr 10th, 2019 | 10:44 AM
#16
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
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For lots on Swiss transports and passes and things like the Half-Fare Card check www.swisstravelsystem.com; BETS-European Rail Experts and www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 10th, 2019 | 02:28 PM
#17
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,146
Likes: 83
Love kja but I could not disagree more on the B.O. in May.
Me too. Some of our best trips to Switzerland (in fact most of them) have been off season, including April and May (and the BO), when we encountered a heatwave (!) and some pretty incredible wildflowers. I would never discourage anyone from visiting in May, unless said person has a wish list and specific closures prevent the fulfilling of that list.
Closures are a valid concern, but all one need do is check operating schedules and plan accordingly.
Interestingly enough, those who suggest not travelling off season are the very ones who've never done it.
Me too. Some of our best trips to Switzerland (in fact most of them) have been off season, including April and May (and the BO), when we encountered a heatwave (!) and some pretty incredible wildflowers. I would never discourage anyone from visiting in May, unless said person has a wish list and specific closures prevent the fulfilling of that list.
Closures are a valid concern, but all one need do is check operating schedules and plan accordingly.
Interestingly enough, those who suggest not travelling off season are the very ones who've never done it.
Last edited by Melnq8; Apr 10th, 2019 at 02:36 PM.
Apr 10th, 2019 | 03:41 PM
#18
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 25,679
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@ Edward2005 &
@ Melnq8:
Geesh, I did note that I'm not an expert, and was just passing on what I'd been told! (And neckervd did agree with me.) For the record, I found the area delightfully full of waterfalls and wildflowers in mid-June, and am happy that each of you have had good experiences in the Bernese Oberland in May. And I thank you each for your affectionate phrasing -- I love you guys, too.
@ Melnq8:
Geesh, I did note that I'm not an expert, and was just passing on what I'd been told! (And neckervd did agree with me.) For the record, I found the area delightfully full of waterfalls and wildflowers in mid-June, and am happy that each of you have had good experiences in the Bernese Oberland in May. And I thank you each for your affectionate phrasing -- I love you guys, too.
Apr 14th, 2019 | 06:01 AM
#20
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 141
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PatsTravel - We visited the B.O. area last June and it was truly a travel highlight! We stayed three nights in Wengen and found the WengenSwiss Twitter account really helpful for understanding the current weather conditions. They feature video clips of nearby hikes and weather conditions in real time. Check them out; it might help you decide whether a trip up the mountain is right for you.
https://twitter.com/WengenSwiss
I hope this helps with your decision making!
We loved our short hike around Mt. Pilatus!
https://twitter.com/WengenSwiss
I hope this helps with your decision making!
We loved our short hike around Mt. Pilatus!
