Munich, Karlsruhe, and Interlaken in October
 

Hi,
I will be travelling to Munich, Karlsruhe, and Interlaken soon and am trying to figure out transportation between the destinations. I know Lucerne to Interlaken is part of the scenic train ride, I'm just wondering if I book a train from Karlsruhe to Interlaken if it will still be through the scenic area once we are in Switzerland, or if this train would take a different route?

Also, what is the train from Interlaken to Munich like? Does this ride have decent views?

Thanks in advance! Any help is appreciated! We have not been anywhere in Europe except for 1 trip to Italy, that was all pre arranged through a travel company so this is all very new to me! :)

Karlsruhe-Interlaken takes a different route than the scenic Brunig Pass route you are talking about Lucerne to Interlaken. Former is on main lines with nice but not spectacular scenery (though one could say all of Switzerland is scenic!)

Interlaken to Munich goes via Zurich and overall is also so-so scenery for the area. But you can go Interlaken-Lucerne via the Brunig Pass and then go to Zurich in not much longer.

Check www.bahn.de/en for schedules - for Swiss trains check www.sbb.ch and www.swisstravelsystem.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Look into a Swiss Pass or Swiss Transfer Ticket or Half-Fare Card on the above sites - some kind of pass is often beneficial even for a few days.

For Karlsrhue - Interlaken tickets go to www.bahn.de/en- German railways site - you can if you book early enough get sweet discounts over full price but you are pegged to a certain train at a certain time and no changes and a refund fee but much cheaper than full price.

Ditto for Interlaken/Zurich to Munich.

How long will youse be in the Interlaken area - if just a few days buy tickets locally if longer look into the Jungfraubahn Railpass that covers nearly all trains and lifts and lake boats and buses in the Interlaken area.

Slight schedule change so the Interlaken to Munich train will no longer be necessary.

For the Karlsruhe to Interlaken train, is it worth booking it differently as to see the more scenic route?

We will be in the Interlaken area for approx 4 days

Train rides are never really scenic. The trains go through the valleys and industrial districts. Furthermore, the views from the train cars are somewhat restricted (you need a seat right at the window on the side where the views are and, sadly to say, often the windows are dirty). So, do not worry too much about the train rides. Trains are means of transportation. Period.

The scenery starts once you are on the Jungfrau mountain.

Yes just take the most direct train to Interlaken and head for the hills by train where all rides are awesomely scenic.

the detour via Lucerne for the Brunig Pass route will be no more scenic than what you will see in the Jungfrau Region.

If going to Zurich take the Brunig Pass route to Lucerne then Zurich.

Between Zurich and Munich, buses are much more frequent and usually cheaper than trains.
Domestic Interlaken - Zurich train rides are cheaper via the scenic Brunig route than via the faster itinerary via Berne.

In the case you should plan several trips from Interlaken into the mountains, you might be interested in the Bernese Oberland Pass which is valid between Berne - Interlaken/ mountain railways and Lucerne.
http://www.regiopass-berneroberland.ch/home-en