Murren or Grindelwald? 4 days including train from Paris with 2 teen boys
Apr 10th, 2013, 11:55 AM
#62
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"PalenQ, I think the kids only get 50% off Jungfraujoch with Family Card."
So think whatever you want. I cannot repeat the same again and again and again .......>
You give great advice but you can be quite abrasive - seen it several times now - lose the attitude and keep giving great advice sans belittling others, pleeeeeze!
So think whatever you want. I cannot repeat the same again and again and again .......>
You give great advice but you can be quite abrasive - seen it several times now - lose the attitude and keep giving great advice sans belittling others, pleeeeeze!
Apr 11th, 2013, 02:26 AM
#64
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You are right, Palen. May be you understand that it takes some time to "give great advice" (I usually check timetables, opening hours, fares and fees and consult maps). Therefore it may be natural to be somewhat frustrated if people don't even read my answers.
Apr 11th, 2013, 10:53 AM
#65
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Apologies for tagging on here, but I could also use some clarification. Is the Family Card only free if you purchase it outside the country (i.e. online)?
Conflicting information (or perhaps just outdated):
From SwissTravelsystem:
<i>The Swiss Family Card is available free of charge at attended Swiss railway stations or when you book online</i>
(I should just stop here I guess)
From RickSteves:
<i>The Swiss Family Card allows children under 16 to travel free with a parent who has a Swiss Travel System train ticket or Swiss rail pass (not a multi-country Eurail pass). Based on the validity of the parent's ticket or rail pass, they're free even on the high mountain routes. Request a free Swiss Family Card when you order an adult Swiss Pass (Consecutive or Flexi) , Swiss Card, or Swiss Transfer Ticket in the U.S. . . . . Both the Swiss Family Card and a Grandchild Travel Card are <b>also sold for 30 SF per kid at Swiss train stations</b>.</i>
and this thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ree-or-not.cfm
Conflicting information (or perhaps just outdated):
From SwissTravelsystem:
<i>The Swiss Family Card is available free of charge at attended Swiss railway stations or when you book online</i>
(I should just stop here I guess)
From RickSteves:
<i>The Swiss Family Card allows children under 16 to travel free with a parent who has a Swiss Travel System train ticket or Swiss rail pass (not a multi-country Eurail pass). Based on the validity of the parent's ticket or rail pass, they're free even on the high mountain routes. Request a free Swiss Family Card when you order an adult Swiss Pass (Consecutive or Flexi) , Swiss Card, or Swiss Transfer Ticket in the U.S. . . . . Both the Swiss Family Card and a Grandchild Travel Card are <b>also sold for 30 SF per kid at Swiss train stations</b>.</i>
and this thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ree-or-not.cfm
Apr 11th, 2013, 12:40 PM
#66
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Reluctant to weigh into this 'personal' discussion, but in my defence I have not only read every single answer and suggestion, but checked all links and tried to confirm in my own mind what's best option.
Regarding the Swiss Passes, I don't think I'm the first to find them confusing. Aware that my questions have been frustrating on this topic, I've ceased to ask them. See below the excerpt re the Half Fare Card, which had me querying the 'free for children on Jungfraujoch' statement. Don't worry, you don't need to tell me again they're free.
As with all voluntary activities (helping those less fortunate?), I think this forum should be participated in with a willing and open heart. Not a place to be venting frustration.
Children under age 6 travel free. Children from age 6 to 15 with a Junior Card also travel free to the Jungfraujoch, if accompanied by at least one parent. The Junior Card is available at all railway stations for CHF 30.– and is valid for one year. Without a Junior Card, children age 6 to 15 pay half fare.
Regarding the Swiss Passes, I don't think I'm the first to find them confusing. Aware that my questions have been frustrating on this topic, I've ceased to ask them. See below the excerpt re the Half Fare Card, which had me querying the 'free for children on Jungfraujoch' statement. Don't worry, you don't need to tell me again they're free.
As with all voluntary activities (helping those less fortunate?), I think this forum should be participated in with a willing and open heart. Not a place to be venting frustration.
Children under age 6 travel free. Children from age 6 to 15 with a Junior Card also travel free to the Jungfraujoch, if accompanied by at least one parent. The Junior Card is available at all railway stations for CHF 30.– and is valid for one year. Without a Junior Card, children age 6 to 15 pay half fare.
Apr 11th, 2013, 02:00 PM
#67
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Aware that my questions have been frustrating on this topic, I've ceased to ask them> If you have technical questions on anything to do with Swiss trains or passes, etc call Byron at www.budgeteuropetravel.com - I have dealt with him for years buying various passes and he will patiently and expertly answer any questions even if you are not buying anything IME.
Apr 12th, 2013, 02:47 AM
#69
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I really cannot understand why people in this forum believes that the National Swiss Tourist Office doesn't tell the truth. May be the so called "confusion" comes only from this behaviour.
May I just repeat the link I gave above (1 wewek ago):
neckervd on Apr 5, 13 at 3:06pm
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/swis...y-card-en.html
May I just repeat the link I gave above (1 wewek ago):
neckervd on Apr 5, 13 at 3:06pm
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/swis...y-card-en.html
Apr 12th, 2013, 09:51 AM
#70
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Mürren is 100 times better than Grindelwald and reallycan't understand why you would consider staying there rather than Mürren.
The views from Mürren at 1650m are amazing,its a true alpine resort with no cars with rustic chalets/houses and you get the true vibe of the Swiss Alps.
If you think journey time is an issue (while on holiday) just add the follwing minutes to your journey..its so worth it
Mürren to Wengen 45 mins
Mürren to Lauterbrunnen 24 mins
I would also consider the Schilthorn as an excursion from Mürren asit only takes 32 mins and you reach 3000m. I would also suggest going after June as you will experience the NEW Bond World up there plus the new viewing platform (all the info on my twitter : @ murrenlover)
ps....Mürren is a village compared to Grindelwald
The views from Mürren at 1650m are amazing,its a true alpine resort with no cars with rustic chalets/houses and you get the true vibe of the Swiss Alps.
If you think journey time is an issue (while on holiday) just add the follwing minutes to your journey..its so worth it
Mürren to Wengen 45 mins
Mürren to Lauterbrunnen 24 mins
I would also consider the Schilthorn as an excursion from Mürren asit only takes 32 mins and you reach 3000m. I would also suggest going after June as you will experience the NEW Bond World up there plus the new viewing platform (all the info on my twitter : @ murrenlover)
ps....Mürren is a village compared to Grindelwald
Apr 12th, 2013, 10:40 AM
#71
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It appears that a lot of the confusion is caused by consulting too many websites and too many third parties. One of the links posted above goes back to a 2010 discussion. The Swiss passes and prices change, and what was true in 2010 may no longer be so. Another person mentioned Rick Steves website. Rs rail pass page had totally wrong info on the Berner Oberland Pass until someone emailed them and pointed out that the pass provisions have totally changed in 2013. They still have last years price for the Half Fare Card. In 2013 the HFCis 120 CHF, not 110.
The best and only reliable sources of information are the official sites like MySwitzerland.com and SwissTravelSystem.com. Also SBB.ch, but they do not cover passes available to foreigners. For Jungfrau passes use Jungfrau.ch. And note that SwissPasses.com is a third party site, not official.
Bottom line is you can purchase a Half Fare Card for each adult upon arrival in Switzerland for 120 CHf, and request a FREE Family Card with it. Children will then travel up the Jungfraujoch ( and elsewhere) for free, just as ours have.
The best and only reliable sources of information are the official sites like MySwitzerland.com and SwissTravelSystem.com. Also SBB.ch, but they do not cover passes available to foreigners. For Jungfrau passes use Jungfrau.ch. And note that SwissPasses.com is a third party site, not official.
Bottom line is you can purchase a Half Fare Card for each adult upon arrival in Switzerland for 120 CHf, and request a FREE Family Card with it. Children will then travel up the Jungfraujoch ( and elsewhere) for free, just as ours have.
Apr 12th, 2013, 01:00 PM
#73
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I believe whenever parents purchase any travel ticket kids of them under 16 get a Free Family Pass that sllows them to accompany a parent or two free. Do not need to buy Half-Fare Card or Swiss Pass, etc.
Apr 12th, 2013, 06:11 PM
#74
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The multiple websites issue certainly sullies the waters when trying to make these sorts of decisions. I have found some contradictions. 'Bottom line' statements are incredibly enlightening!
And the 'official' sites have been duly noted. Thanks.
It is now up to me to figure out which pass suits us. Tending towards Flexi because PalenQ frequently mentions possibility of unexpected day trips to e.g. Thun. Also have noted that on the 'off' days you still get 50% off. See! I am being studious. Do I get an Encouragement Award?
Murrenlover, your enthusiasm for Murren is palpable. We will probably visit rather than stay, though.
And the 'official' sites have been duly noted. Thanks.
It is now up to me to figure out which pass suits us. Tending towards Flexi because PalenQ frequently mentions possibility of unexpected day trips to e.g. Thun. Also have noted that on the 'off' days you still get 50% off. See! I am being studious. Do I get an Encouragement Award?
Murrenlover, your enthusiasm for Murren is palpable. We will probably visit rather than stay, though.
Apr 13th, 2013, 02:51 AM
#75
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After more than a week, they still refuse to read the official text (Myswitzerland com. 2013):
"Swiss Family Card
Coming to Switzerland with the whole family? Take advantage of the Swiss Family Card. It can be requested FREE OF CHARGE with every Swiss Travel System ticket.
Advantages at a glance
Children under age 16 travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one parent holding a Swiss Travel System ticket
The Swiss Family Card is available free of charge at attended Swiss railway stations or when you book online. Children travelling UNACCOMPANIED are entitled to a 50% discount off the entire range of Swiss Travel System tickets. "
I give up!
"Swiss Family Card
Coming to Switzerland with the whole family? Take advantage of the Swiss Family Card. It can be requested FREE OF CHARGE with every Swiss Travel System ticket.
Advantages at a glance
Children under age 16 travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one parent holding a Swiss Travel System ticket
The Swiss Family Card is available free of charge at attended Swiss railway stations or when you book online. Children travelling UNACCOMPANIED are entitled to a 50% discount off the entire range of Swiss Travel System tickets. "
I give up!
