10 day Switzerland trip help – late March
A traveler named Surima is planning a trip to Switzerland with their spouse from the end of March to early April. They want feedback on their itinerary, which includes several scenic trips and day trips from Gimmelwald, and are unsure if their plans are too hectic, especially regarding visits to Montreux and Milan. They are seeking advice on optimizing their travel schedule and destinations.
- Use the Swiss Travel Pass for 8 days to save on transportation costs while traveling around Switzerland.
- Consider prioritizing the scenic Golden Pass trip to Montreux over Interlaken, as the latter offers less charm.
- Since it's still ski season, check skiing options in the Jungfrau ski region for some added fun during your stay.
- Reservations aren't required in March for trains, but arrive early to secure your spot, especially due to ongoing construction on the Golden Pass route.
AI-generated summary-
Hi friends, my spouse and I will be in Switzerland from 29Mar-07Apr.
We would like to have your comments and suggestions based on our itinerary below:
Day 1: Arrival @ Zurich (AM) > Train to Gimmelwald [overnight Gimmelwald]
Day 2: Schilthorn & Birg [overnight Gimmelwald]
Day 3: Jungfraujoch [overnight Gimmelwald]
Day 4: Daytrip to Montreux via Golden Pass ‘OR’ Daytrip to Interlaken [overnight Gimmelwald]
Day 5: Train to Lucerne [overnight Lucerne]
Day 6: Mt. Pilatus [overnight Lucerne]
Day 7: Train to Lugano [overnight Lugano]
Day 8: Explore Lugano ‘OR’ Daytrip to Milan [overnight Lugano]
Day 9: Train to Zurich [overnight Zurich]
Day 10: Depart
Is this doable or too hectic? Should we go-ahead with the Daytrip to Montreux & Daytrip to Milan?
Thank you in advance!!
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Hi Surima,
Looks nice here – not hectic at all! You can use the Swiss railways timetable here to plan out the trips.
Day 5: A day trip to Interlaken is just a one hour trip and it isn’t too exciting there. Perhaps look at Lake Thun? The day trip to Montreux on the Golden Pass is a good idea though.
You will want to look at rail passes to get around too. A Swiss Travel Pass for 8 days is probably the most beneficial for your itinerary.
Note late March is still ski season and a lot of hikes etc will be closed due to snow. The mountains you chose are all available to visit though.
Hello Surima,
Gimmelwald is REALLY tiny. Read this thread http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/murren-v-gimmelwald. Especially “Gimmelwald is not a village, it is a gondola stop with two hostels there and nothing else” comment from Kim.
Take a look at Wengen.
Hi Surima,
>> Day 4: Daytrip to Montreux via Golden Pass ‘OR’ Daytrip to Interlaken
I agree with Lucas that a trip on the Golden Pass would be the better choice. Interlaken itself has the least to offer of any town in the Jungfrau Region in my opinion. It’s a good transport hub and has a lot of shops, restaurants and hotels, but has little charm. Personally, I would give it a miss.
Due to construction work on the Golden Pass line between 19 Mar and 1 Jun 2018, there will be substitute buses for the sector between Château-d’Oex and Montbovon (a stretch of about 10km), and you won’t be able to make reservations between Zweisimmen and Montreux. However, don’t let this deter you – it will still be a wonderful trip.
>> Day 6: Mt. Pilatus
The cogwheel train from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm will not be operating, but you can go up and back on the cableway from Kriens.
>> Day 7: Train to Lugano
The Gotthard Panorama Express will not be operating, but if you would like to follow the train route of the Gotthard Panorama Express, put “via Göschenen” into your timetable search. This will generate connections that allow you to see the lovely mountain scenery instead of travelling underneath it in the 57km-long Gotthard-Basistunnel. You could also incorporate the boat sector from Luzern to Flüelen if you wanted to, but this would increase the journey time considerably.
>> Should we go-ahead with the Daytrip to Montreux & Daytrip to Milan?
I would say yes to Montreux and no to Milano, but your preference is what counts. The Golden Pass would be a long day though – well over 4 hours each way. You could shorten the return trip by about an hour by coming back via Visp instead of retracing the Golden Pass route.
If you do decide to go to Milano, check the timetable for your chosen connection to see if reservations are required. If you are using a Swiss Travel Pass it will cover you as far as the border (Chiasso in most cases), and you will need a separate ticket for the return trip Chiasso-Milano Centrale-Chiasso.
Alpenrose
Hi Lucas,
Thank you for your advise.
Montreux via Golden Pass is to experience the scenic ride. We will consider Lake Thun and see if we can squeeze in our itinerary. heheh!
Since its still the skiing season, could you recommend us where we could we do some skiing & snowboarding near Wengen/ Murren.
Thank you again!
Hello rockoyster,
Thank you for your advice.
We will look into Wengen & Murren.
The Jungfrau ski region has plenty of opportunities for you!
Have a look here for Wengen area: https://www.jungfrau.c h/en-gb/jungfrau-ski-region/
And here for Schilthorn (near Murren) https://schilthorn.ch/ en/Info/Winter#ski
HI Alpenrose666,
Thank you for your advise.
>> Day 4: Daytrip to Montreux via Golden Pass ‘OR’ Daytrip to Interlaken
However could you advice on how we can still enjoy the scenic journey hustle/fuss-free despite the ongoing construction. No reservations between Zweisimmen and Montreux means first-come-first served basis? We will take the return route via Visp to see a different scenery.
>> Day 6: Mt. Pilatus
Noted on the cogwheel not operating.
>> Day 7: Train to Lugano
We will consider on taking the Gotthard Panaroma Express minus the boat ride.
Thank you again!
Hi Surima,
Yes, first-come first-serve on the Golden Pass route (like almost all trains in Switzerland). In March you shouldn’t have any issue at all getting on the train.
When needed, the train stops and everyone will depart for the buses to get around the construction. It shouldn’t be an issue unless you have a lot of luggage with you that is hard for you to handle( to move to the bus and back).
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