Scenic trains from Grindelwald
 

Hello,

I am travelling to Switzerland for a 5 day trip in April,2016. I would be travelling with my family of 3 which includes a 4 yr old kid.My high level itinerary is as follows:
1) DAY 1- Zurich to Lucerne by train- If time/weather permits visit Mt.Titlis- back to hotel
2) DAY2 - Boat trip from Lucerne to Meggen, visit Chapel Bridge,Swiss Transport Museum, local shopping, head back to hotel.
3) DAY3- Check out and head for Grindelwald. Take train via Luzern - Meiringen - Interlaken - Grindelwald (3.5 hrs scenic).
4) DAY 4- Mt.Jungfrau, head back to hotel
5) DAY 5 -Trummelbach Falls,Grindelwald First OR explore other options
6) DAY6 - End of tour- Head back from Grindelwald to Zurich Airport

My question on this thread is to get some suggestions about a scenic train journey which I can fit into my itinerary. As stated, on DAY3, I would be travelling from Lucerne to Grindelwald via train. However, I am not really sure if this journey would be scenic enough. Since, I am staying at Grindelwald for three days, I hope to add /adjust few more visits, but not really sure about where to go. Please advise.

Actually, it is 5N/6D trip :)

Between Lucerne and Interlaklen-Ost via Meiringen you can take the Golden Pass train, one of Switzerland's iconic scenic trains with observation or panoramic cars that are virtually all glass with commentary en route - at Interlaken-Ost jump off and get tiny trains to Grindelwald and yes that is a scenic route. when you go to Jungfraujoch you will also take scenic trains to Kleine Scheidegg. The Golden Pass train is just one of many trains over that route - it is an official scenic train with amenities I mention but regular trains go over the same tracks and windows are big too - the train goes up and over the Brunig Pass - using cogs when doing do because of the severe steepness.

Note you are taking enough trains to merit a strong look at a Swiss Pass - covers trains to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen (Trummelbach Falls) in full and of course Lucerne to Interlaken and Lucerne to Engleberg (50% off the rotating gondola right up Mt Titlis - also gives a 25% discount on the very expensive Jungfraujoch Railway from Grindelwald or Wengen to Jungfraujoch - covers travel in full to Wengen. For lots of great info on Swiss trains check www.swisstravelsystem.com; wwwricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

You need to be sure to return to Grindelwald after your trip up to the Jungfrau by a different route than the one you used from Grindelwald.

Trummelbach Falls is in Lauterbrunnen and is about 20 minutes or so by car from G'Wald. IMO it is a do not miss experience - something you are not likely to see again. BUT, know that there are stone stairs between the levels - the elevator only goes part way up - and you will get wet, not soaked but wet.

If you have time, try a side trip to Wengen - you can go by gondola from just outside Lauterbrunnen.

I haven't been yet (going in July), but Schynige Platte has been recommended to me.

Like dukey suggests take the train back to Grindelwald from Kleine Scheidegg - terminus of Jungfraujoch train - a different way to Grindelwald - the other way via Wengen (yeh get off for a look around as basingstike2 suggests and in Lauterbrunnen get off the train the last stop before the terminus at Lauterbrunnen's main station and do a short walk to Trummelbach Falls - then return to Grindelwald by train via a change of trains at Zweilutchen (sp?).

Schynige Platte is nice but on limited time I'd recommend the excursion to Murren and The Schilthorn/Piz Gloria as much more varied and interesting - Schynige Platt is real nice but lots of things in this area are really nice.

The train ride from Luzern to Interlaken Ost is scenic enough.

The train ride from Wilderswil to the Schynige Platte is much more scenic than the gondola ride from Murren to Piz Gloria.

You can also dine up at the Schynige Platte as well as in the rotating restaurant Piz Gloria.

April is not the best time to visit the BO, by the way.


Good luck.

Thin