Zurich to Wengen to Geneva itinerary July 2017

  • Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    3 October 2016 at 14:12:02 #810184

    Hi, there. I’m in early stages of planning 2 weeks in Switzerland at the end of July 2017, for myself, my husband, and one, maybe two, 18 year old girls. Thinking of flying to Zurich, staying in Wengen for a week and flying out of Geneva. My question is whether it would be good to stay somewhere like Lucerne for a couple of days before Wengen, and Lausanne area for a couple of days after Wengen. Suggestions for best locations/time spans would be much appreciated. Also whether it is easy to stop off on the train routes, such as to spend a few hours at Thun, before proceeding to Lausanne. Many thanks!

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    Slowpoke
    Participant
    7567 posts
    3 October 2016 at 20:36:27 #856380

    Hi Springers –

    Welcome to My Swiss Alps. Good time of year to visit. Not quite as full of tourists as August. 😉

    <<“Also whether it is easy to stop off on the train routes, such as to spend a few hours at Thun, before proceeding to Lausanne.”>>

    You have pleasant surprise waiting for you.

    If you use point to point tickets, they are good for one day.

    You can get on and off any place along the route and get back on later.

    There are trains almost everywhere once per hour. On main routes, you can look for two or more per hour. Interlaken Ost has good mainline connections with the rest of the rail network.

    Use the timetable to figure out timing and options. Make sure to read the introductory page at this link:

    Also whether it is easy to stop off on the train routes, such as to spend a few hours at Thun, before proceeding to Lausanne.

    Here is a comment that I just posted in another thread:

    <<“There is a lot of useful material in the time table. Enter any journey – start and destination, date, time. You will get a list of four journeys. Click on the “+” sign to the left of any one entry. You will get a lot of details for that journey. Use the footnotes to see intermediate stops, and get a map of the journey. You may need to uncheck some options with the map. The map can show you a local street map near the stations at the start and finish. Be careful with the posted fares. As noted on the instruction page, those are generally half – fares, because most Swiss have a half-fare card.”>>

    If you choose certain kinds of rail passes, you don’y need tickets. Just get on and get off.

    Arno and Annika are experts on all the rail passes, but here is a start: http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/ticketspasses

    Almost any destination in Switzerland is good for several days of “touristing.” First timers usually start in the high Alps…Jungfrau region….or. Luzern. Most choose Montreux over Lausanne, if you are going to be in that region.

    Explore the “Where to go” links for regions and towns:

    http://www.myswissalps.com/wh eretogo

    Since you have picked Wengen, which happens to be my favorite in the Jungfrau Region, you will find this brief report of some value:

    http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/tips-about-wengen-and-the-jungfrau-region-by-kim

    It is important to allow several days in the Jungfrau region, because high clouds can ruin trips at higher elevations. The weather changes rapidly, and the Alps make their own weather. The regions link on the Bernes Oberland gives a lot of contingencies for less than perfect weather. Altitude is everything…the clouds often come in layers. It may be cloudy at 1500 meters and clear above 2000 meters, for example. There are plenty of resources for weather info in Wengen…tourist ofice, train station, hotel reception, etc.

    So, for two weeks, your idea of a few days in/around Luzern, a centerpiece of the Jungfrau Region, and a short stay near lake Geneva is a good plan for variety and a range of experiences.

    What are your interests….scenery, trains, walking, hiking, sports, museums, arts and music, country villages, cities…..?

    Here is one thing that you must not miss near Wengen:

    http://www.myswissalps.com/hi king/maennlichen-kleinescheidegg

    Attached are a couple of photos from along that route. Be sure to walk toward Kleine Scheidegg… the views of the Eiger add tremendously to the impact.

    Slowpoke

    Slowpoke
    Participant
    7567 posts
    4 October 2016 at 0:31:10 #856381

    Ooops-

    should have included this link in my long answer –

    http://www.myswissalps.com/ti metable

    Slowpoke

    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    4 October 2016 at 15:46:07 #856382

    Slowpoke, many thanks for all your help, I will follow your links!

    Slowpoke
    Participant
    7567 posts
    4 October 2016 at 16:35:14 #856383

    Your welcome.

    Please post again if you have questions, particularly with regard to the best rail pass.

    Slowpoke

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