Switzerland: A Pit Stop
Jan 30th, 2019, 02:46 PM
#21
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Well I am not an expert on train fares on those sites but many folk here use Loco2 for tickets and pay about the same as on the official site/ You may be able to reserve tickets to Spiez on Itaalian site but then you'd have topay about $20-25 to get to Wengen. www.seat61.com is the bible on discounted fares - have you checked it?
Not best to purchase tickets on separate sites - will pay more usually - www.sbb.ch does not routinely offer discounts I believe for travel in Switzerland.
You will likely have to change at Spiez for Interlaken-Ost station then change for trains to Lauterbrunnen (beware these trains split half way up- be sure you are in the clearly marked cars that are going to either place - then due to track gauge you have to change at Lauterbrunnen for Wengen. If you can get a Venice-Wengen ticket at a good price hop on it. Also check www.trainline.eu - matches prices of official sites but not sure they deal in Italian or Swiss tickets.
The Italian site does flummox many.
Not best to purchase tickets on separate sites - will pay more usually - www.sbb.ch does not routinely offer discounts I believe for travel in Switzerland.
You will likely have to change at Spiez for Interlaken-Ost station then change for trains to Lauterbrunnen (beware these trains split half way up- be sure you are in the clearly marked cars that are going to either place - then due to track gauge you have to change at Lauterbrunnen for Wengen. If you can get a Venice-Wengen ticket at a good price hop on it. Also check www.trainline.eu - matches prices of official sites but not sure they deal in Italian or Swiss tickets.
The Italian site does flummox many.
Jan 30th, 2019, 06:35 PM
#22
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Ok, great ... I'll check out those sites. When I initially planned on going into Munich I did check out seat61 and thought it was just a wealth of information! I will definitely go back to it.
thank you!
thank you!
Jan 31st, 2019, 02:07 AM
#23
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As you don't give your travel dates, I just checked some highly discounted web fares for the random date April 13th:
Venice - Brig (Trenitalia): 39 EUR/45 USD/pax
Venice - Domodossola (Trenitalia): 35 EUR/40 USD
Milan - Spiez (Trenitalia): 39 EUR/45 USD/pax
Venice - Spiez (Trenitalia): 60 EUR/70 USD/pax
Venice - Milan (Italotreno): 16 EUR/18 USD/pax
Half Fare for kids up to 12 years
Standard fares of Swiss railways:
Domodossola - Wengen: 70 USD/pax
Brig - Wengen: 60 USD/pax
Spiez - Wengen: 26 USD/pax
Wengen - Basel airport: 80 USD/pax
Half Fare for kids up to 16 years, free with family card
Standard fares of Swiss railways with Half Fare Card:
Domodossola - Wengen: 35 USD/pax
Brig - Wengen: 30 USD/pax
Spiez - Wengen: 13 USD/pax
Wengen - Basel airport: 40 USD/pax
Family Card for kids up to 16 years free
Bus Fare Grindelwald - Freiburg im Breisgau: 14 USD/pax, no reduction for kids
Venice - Brig (Trenitalia): 39 EUR/45 USD/pax
Venice - Domodossola (Trenitalia): 35 EUR/40 USD
Milan - Spiez (Trenitalia): 39 EUR/45 USD/pax
Venice - Spiez (Trenitalia): 60 EUR/70 USD/pax
Venice - Milan (Italotreno): 16 EUR/18 USD/pax
Half Fare for kids up to 12 years
Standard fares of Swiss railways:
Domodossola - Wengen: 70 USD/pax
Brig - Wengen: 60 USD/pax
Spiez - Wengen: 26 USD/pax
Wengen - Basel airport: 80 USD/pax
Half Fare for kids up to 16 years, free with family card
Standard fares of Swiss railways with Half Fare Card:
Domodossola - Wengen: 35 USD/pax
Brig - Wengen: 30 USD/pax
Spiez - Wengen: 13 USD/pax
Wengen - Basel airport: 40 USD/pax
Family Card for kids up to 16 years free
Bus Fare Grindelwald - Freiburg im Breisgau: 14 USD/pax, no reduction for kids
Jan 31st, 2019, 02:16 AM
#24
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Car rental:
If you need a car for France only, rent it at Basel airport French side.
If you need a car up to the German/Dutch border, rent it at any German town around Basel, like Loerrach, Weil am Rhein, Rheinfelden (Baden)....
Trains from Basel to Colmar as well as those from Basel to Freiburg run every hr.
There is also a (slow) train-bus connection from Freiburg via Breisach to Colmar
If you need a car for France only, rent it at Basel airport French side.
If you need a car up to the German/Dutch border, rent it at any German town around Basel, like Loerrach, Weil am Rhein, Rheinfelden (Baden)....
Trains from Basel to Colmar as well as those from Basel to Freiburg run every hr.
There is also a (slow) train-bus connection from Freiburg via Breisach to Colmar
Jan 31st, 2019, 08:06 AM
#26
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Great information neckervd, especially about where to pick up a car!
Your last comment is one that confuses me .... I too thought I read that the Schilthorn is FREE with the Swiss Travel Pass? But I thought the majority said that it's only a % off? Because kids 16 and under are FREE with the Swiss Family Pass, that would completely be a deal if it includes the Schilthorn. If that's the case, can you see how I would lean toward taking a train from Venice to the Swiss border where I would then pick up trains on the Swiss Family Pass? Not sure if I'm being clear enough but it seems like that would be my best bet because the Swiss Family Pass gives both of my children FREE rides while charging me and my wife $250 for 3 days???
One last thing, I am somewhat concerned about altitude sickness when reading about the Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn .... any experiences?
Thanks!
Your last comment is one that confuses me .... I too thought I read that the Schilthorn is FREE with the Swiss Travel Pass? But I thought the majority said that it's only a % off? Because kids 16 and under are FREE with the Swiss Family Pass, that would completely be a deal if it includes the Schilthorn. If that's the case, can you see how I would lean toward taking a train from Venice to the Swiss border where I would then pick up trains on the Swiss Family Pass? Not sure if I'm being clear enough but it seems like that would be my best bet because the Swiss Family Pass gives both of my children FREE rides while charging me and my wife $250 for 3 days???
One last thing, I am somewhat concerned about altitude sickness when reading about the Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn .... any experiences?
Thanks!
Jan 31st, 2019, 09:12 AM
#27
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Trying to state this in a way that is clear to understand and not a rambling tangled mess
* It appears that the Swiss Family Pass is $250 for 3 days, each adult - kids ride free. That would be cost a family of 4 $500 for three days of unlimited Swiss rail travel if I'm understanding this correctly?? And if I'm understanding this correctly, that same pass would also completely cover the Shilthorn ... again, if I'm understanding it correctly. I say that because the consensus here is that the Shilthorn and Jungfraujoch are NOT included on any pass.
*If, that's a big IF, the Swiss Family Pass includes the Shilthorn, I would think that it would pay for itself, supposing you actually took the family up to the Shilthorn.
*I assume that the Swiss family Pass is NOT going to include my train ride from Venice to Wengen. So, in that case, if I did purchase the Swiss Family Pass, wouldn't the most cost effective scenario be to take a train from Venice to the Swiss border where I would then switch over and begin to utilize my Swiss Family Pass for intra Swiss trains?
Thank you!
* It appears that the Swiss Family Pass is $250 for 3 days, each adult - kids ride free. That would be cost a family of 4 $500 for three days of unlimited Swiss rail travel if I'm understanding this correctly?? And if I'm understanding this correctly, that same pass would also completely cover the Shilthorn ... again, if I'm understanding it correctly. I say that because the consensus here is that the Shilthorn and Jungfraujoch are NOT included on any pass.
*If, that's a big IF, the Swiss Family Pass includes the Shilthorn, I would think that it would pay for itself, supposing you actually took the family up to the Shilthorn.
*I assume that the Swiss family Pass is NOT going to include my train ride from Venice to Wengen. So, in that case, if I did purchase the Swiss Family Pass, wouldn't the most cost effective scenario be to take a train from Venice to the Swiss border where I would then switch over and begin to utilize my Swiss Family Pass for intra Swiss trains?
Thank you!
Jan 31st, 2019, 09:14 AM
#28
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Going to check out the train sites everyone has provided me with when I have more time on my hands, but sometimes that can take some digging through an overload of information. If anyone has a quick answer to steer me in the right direction that would be greatly appreciated!
Feb 1st, 2019, 01:33 AM
#30
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Schilthorn:
open https://schilthorn.ch/en/Infos/Timetable__and__Tariffand click at
Fare information 2019
open https://schilthorn.ch/en/Infos/Timetable__and__Tariffand click at
Fare information 2019
Feb 1st, 2019, 02:45 AM
#31
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COMAPRISON OF TRAIN FARES
Discounted web fares for Venice - Domodossola (Swiss border) - Brig - Spiez vary according to the train, the travel date and the booking date.
ao I can only compare the rates for the trains and the random date I chose. The result may be completely different for other dates and other trains.
POINT TO POINT TICKETS:
Venice - Spiez: adults 70 USD/pax, kids 57 USD/pax
Spiez - Wengen: adults 26 USD/pax, kids 30 USD/pax (Junior Card)
Wengen - Schilthorn RT: adults 120 USD/pax; kids 0 USD/px (Junior Card)
Wengen - Basel airport: adults: 80 USD/pax; kids 0 USD/pax (Junior Card)
Total: adults 296 USD/pax, kids 87 USD/pax
SWISS TRAVEL PASS FOR 3 DAYS:
Venice - Domodossola: adults 40 USD/pax, kids 25 USD/pax
Swiss Travel Pass for 3 days: 240 USD
Total: adults 280 USD/pax, kids 25 USD/pax
I suposes you are aware that it doesn't make any sense to go to Schilthorn if the weather is really bad.
I wouldn't even go there if the weather is fine. A gondola ride from Wengen to Maennlichen (23 USD/pax/OW) and a hike back to Wengen could be as fine.
Discounted web fares for Venice - Domodossola (Swiss border) - Brig - Spiez vary according to the train, the travel date and the booking date.
ao I can only compare the rates for the trains and the random date I chose. The result may be completely different for other dates and other trains.
POINT TO POINT TICKETS:
Venice - Spiez: adults 70 USD/pax, kids 57 USD/pax
Spiez - Wengen: adults 26 USD/pax, kids 30 USD/pax (Junior Card)
Wengen - Schilthorn RT: adults 120 USD/pax; kids 0 USD/px (Junior Card)
Wengen - Basel airport: adults: 80 USD/pax; kids 0 USD/pax (Junior Card)
Total: adults 296 USD/pax, kids 87 USD/pax
SWISS TRAVEL PASS FOR 3 DAYS:
Venice - Domodossola: adults 40 USD/pax, kids 25 USD/pax
Swiss Travel Pass for 3 days: 240 USD
Total: adults 280 USD/pax, kids 25 USD/pax
I suposes you are aware that it doesn't make any sense to go to Schilthorn if the weather is really bad.
I wouldn't even go there if the weather is fine. A gondola ride from Wengen to Maennlichen (23 USD/pax/OW) and a hike back to Wengen could be as fine.
Last edited by neckervd; Feb 1st, 2019 at 02:48 AM.
Feb 1st, 2019, 03:55 AM
#32
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Looks like they are pretty comparable in price, the pass coming in slightly lower.
I agree with you and kja, I will probably forgo Shilthorn, was just curious if it was included in the Pass price, why not. But with two nights, we're probably best just taking the gondola to Männlichen and hiking down. The dates I'm looking at are in June so I suppose the prices that you are pulling for April will open up closer to my travel date? I've done a lot of the pricing myself as well but since the sites can seem a bit confusing to me, it helps to know I'm not misreading something.
Greatly appreciative!
I agree with you and kja, I will probably forgo Shilthorn, was just curious if it was included in the Pass price, why not. But with two nights, we're probably best just taking the gondola to Männlichen and hiking down. The dates I'm looking at are in June so I suppose the prices that you are pulling for April will open up closer to my travel date? I've done a lot of the pricing myself as well but since the sites can seem a bit confusing to me, it helps to know I'm not misreading something.
Greatly appreciative!
Feb 1st, 2019, 05:29 AM
#33
It looks like you decided that you will not go up the Shilthorn (which I think is best, since it frees your time to do scenic hikes) , but you asked about altitude sickness. I did not experienced any in Switzerland. The only time I did was in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Feb 1st, 2019, 05:42 AM
#34
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Fares within Switzerland are fix and will not change. But you can get huge discounts for trains starting in Italy, if you book at the right time.
BTW: the standard fare for a Eurocity ride from Venice to Domodossola (Swiss border) is 66 USD, 33 USD for a kid up to 12 years.
Tickets for this price will always be available.
BTW: the standard fare for a Eurocity ride from Venice to Domodossola (Swiss border) is 66 USD, 33 USD for a kid up to 12 years.
Tickets for this price will always be available.
Feb 1st, 2019, 08:16 AM
#35
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Yeah, we went skiing one time at Sandia Peak in Albuquerque, which is higher than Denver. Took the tram to the top and skied all day without problems. But at the end of the day we had to linger at the top waiting for our entire party arrive before taking the tram back down....not fun!
Thanks again for the fare info neckervd.
Thanks again for the fare info neckervd.
Feb 1st, 2019, 11:49 AM
#36
Not sure when you're travelling in June, but do check that the Mannlichen will be operating during your stay:
https://www.maennlichen.ch/en/summer...timetable.html
Looks like a new cableway is going in this summer as well (from the Grindelwald side if I understand correctly).
https://www.maennlichen.ch/en/summer...timetable.html
Looks like a new cableway is going in this summer as well (from the Grindelwald side if I understand correctly).
Feb 1st, 2019, 12:09 PM
#37
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It looks like you decided that you will not go up the Shilthorn (which I think is best, since it frees your time to do scenic hikes)>
But going to The Schilthorn means you can do awesomely scenic hikes at several places in this day trip - like from Grutschalp where cable from Lauterbrunnen takes you - can hike from there on a flat cliffside stroll to Murren - this is one of the most popular walks in the whole area IME. And can walk down from Schilthorn - though initial descent a bit tough - rather get off at Brig - a cable stop and do easy and lovely walks down to Gimmelwald from there - or from Murren you can do a fe-mile stroll on paved paths to Gimmelwald, a popular farming hamlet admist serenly beautiful scenery.
And then take the cable car down to Lauerbrunnen Valley and walk from lower depot back to Lauterbrunnen on a flat path following a gurgling small stream, passing the famous Trummelbach Falls - a water torrent inside a mountain - a unique site - then to Lauterbrunnen passing the famous Staubach Falls if want to Lauterbrunnen - great easy walks - plus Piz Gloria capping The Schilthorn has ice grottos and a viewing platform out in the middle of nowhere. James Bond's On Her Majesty's Secret Service was in part filmed here when this famous revolving restaurant was being built.
Personally, I feel the Scilthorn excursion is one of the best things to do in the Jungfrau area if you do Lauterbrunnen-Murren-Schilthorn-Gimmelwald-Stechelberg-Trummelbach Falls- Lauterbrunnen. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass everything is covered (uincluding bus Stechelberg-Lauterbrunnen) except 50& off Murren-Schilthorn.
But going to The Schilthorn means you can do awesomely scenic hikes at several places in this day trip - like from Grutschalp where cable from Lauterbrunnen takes you - can hike from there on a flat cliffside stroll to Murren - this is one of the most popular walks in the whole area IME. And can walk down from Schilthorn - though initial descent a bit tough - rather get off at Brig - a cable stop and do easy and lovely walks down to Gimmelwald from there - or from Murren you can do a fe-mile stroll on paved paths to Gimmelwald, a popular farming hamlet admist serenly beautiful scenery.
And then take the cable car down to Lauerbrunnen Valley and walk from lower depot back to Lauterbrunnen on a flat path following a gurgling small stream, passing the famous Trummelbach Falls - a water torrent inside a mountain - a unique site - then to Lauterbrunnen passing the famous Staubach Falls if want to Lauterbrunnen - great easy walks - plus Piz Gloria capping The Schilthorn has ice grottos and a viewing platform out in the middle of nowhere. James Bond's On Her Majesty's Secret Service was in part filmed here when this famous revolving restaurant was being built.
Personally, I feel the Scilthorn excursion is one of the best things to do in the Jungfrau area if you do Lauterbrunnen-Murren-Schilthorn-Gimmelwald-Stechelberg-Trummelbach Falls- Lauterbrunnen. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass everything is covered (uincluding bus Stechelberg-Lauterbrunnen) except 50& off Murren-Schilthorn.
Feb 1st, 2019, 04:09 PM
#38
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Hmmm.... I know I recommended that you consider Schilthorn as an alternative to Jungfraujoch. I don't believe I recommended that you forgo it if you are visiting the Bernese Oberland. Actually, I'm not taking a position -- it really depends on your interests and preferences.
Feb 1st, 2019, 11:53 PM
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Swiss Travel Pass for 3 days at the CURRENT exchange rate is $233 per adult. Family card comes with it free of charge. The STP does cover the Schilthorn 100% this year (2019). To go to the Jungfrajoch you will spend an additional $140.61 per adult. Children are free on the Family card.
Generally speaking tourists are better off with the Half Fare card IF the Jungfrajoch is on their itinerary. Plus with the HFC you can buy a Saver Day Pass to cover the day you arrive from Italy - will cover Domodossola/Wengen or any other "inhabited" place in the country - for about 29frs. Saver Day Passes go on sale 60 days out. Price rises (and they can be withdrawn from the market at any time) as the date of travel nears. So best to get one of these as early as you can. Since you would have the HFC your children travel free on the Family Card. This combination is, I think, the most economical of them all BUT there are no "freebies" with the HFC so you would have to pay around 52frs per adult to go to the Schilthorn. Getting a Saver Day Pass will also be economical for the day you travel from the Oberland to Basel SBB to move on to Alsace.
Generally speaking tourists are better off with the Half Fare card IF the Jungfrajoch is on their itinerary. Plus with the HFC you can buy a Saver Day Pass to cover the day you arrive from Italy - will cover Domodossola/Wengen or any other "inhabited" place in the country - for about 29frs. Saver Day Passes go on sale 60 days out. Price rises (and they can be withdrawn from the market at any time) as the date of travel nears. So best to get one of these as early as you can. Since you would have the HFC your children travel free on the Family Card. This combination is, I think, the most economical of them all BUT there are no "freebies" with the HFC so you would have to pay around 52frs per adult to go to the Schilthorn. Getting a Saver Day Pass will also be economical for the day you travel from the Oberland to Basel SBB to move on to Alsace.
Feb 2nd, 2019, 03:03 AM
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I had altitude sickness going up to and at the Jungfraujoch. I started to feel as if I couldn’t breath properly in the train on the way there and the whole time we were up there. I also had a headache and felt as if I was going to faint, especially if I walked up stairs.
I had to spend a lot of the time sitting down. I read that drinking water and eating carbohydrate helps, so I did that and felt somewhat better. We didn’t spend too long up there as although I don’t think it’s dangerous, it made me feel very vulnerable not being able to breathe properly.
The next day we went up the Schilthorn and I didn’t have altitude sickness. It’s about 400 metres shorter, so I guess that was why.
I had to spend a lot of the time sitting down. I read that drinking water and eating carbohydrate helps, so I did that and felt somewhat better. We didn’t spend too long up there as although I don’t think it’s dangerous, it made me feel very vulnerable not being able to breathe properly.
The next day we went up the Schilthorn and I didn’t have altitude sickness. It’s about 400 metres shorter, so I guess that was why.
