[Anonymous]

14 August 2022 at 12:18:38 #828072

Hi all!

I am traveling with my 68yo mother. She can walk slowly with a trekking pole, but not overly long distance/staircases.

Hence, I rent a car and will be driving in our trip. It’ll be my first time driving left-sided.

I would really appreciate if any experienced traveler can offer some insights here!

Mon, 12/9/22

Zurich Airport – Konstanz (1 night)

Massive thanks to the many replies that recommended Konstanz in my previous post!

Tue, 13/9/22

Konstanz – Stein am Rhein – Rhine falls – Aarau (1 night)

Wed, 14/9/22

Aarau – Kambly Experience – Interlaken (6 nights)

I have not decided yet if I should stay Interlaken or Wilderswil. I plan my trip a little too late. It seems that a lot of good hotels/Airbnb are booked for this period.

Thu, 15/9/22

Interlaken – Schilthorn – Interlaken

We might detour to Murren if we have more time.

Fri, 16/9/22

Interlaken – Wilderswil – Lauterbrunnen – Trümmelbachfälle – Interlaken.

This is actually the DIY Swiss Food Tour recommended by aplinsinthealp, closing with Trümmelbachfälle waterfalls.

Sat, 17/9/22

Interlaken – Grindelwald – Grindelwald First – Interlaken

Sun, 18/9/22

Interlaken – Spiez Castle – Blausee Lake – Rodelbahn Oeschinensee – Interlaken

Mon, 19/9/22

Interlaken – Jungfrau – Interlaken

Tue, 20/9/22

Interlaken – Planning

Maybe Lucerne.

Wed, 21/9/22

Planning

Thu, 22/9/22

Departure at 11 am Zurich Airport

1. Would you say that any day of this trip seems too compact?

2. Or if any day seems too free, please let me know if you have any spots that you would really recommend us to put into this itinerary!

3. Do you any suggestion of where to stay/visit for my last 3 days in Switzerland? Maybe a less populated city close to Zurich, yet with local shopping malls that we can get something for our friends.

Thank you so much!

Qaph

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[Arno]

Reply 1 of 4 • 14 August 2022 at 15:35:22 #945598

Hi Qaph,

That looks like a well-planned and well-paced itinerary to me. Your days aren’t overly full, although the combination of the Spiez castle, Blausee and Oeschinensee might be a bit too much. But as long as you and your mother feel up to that, it’s totally fine!

Mind to prepare your car routes and parking spots. Especially the trips to Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch are easiest simply by train from either Wilderswil or Interlaken: https://www.myswissalps.com/schilthorn/gettingthere, https://www.myswissalps.com/jungfraujoch/gettingthere. If it’s your first time driving in Switzerland, please learn about the rules before starting off: http://www.myswissalps.com/car/trafficregulations.

I think Wilderswil is a lovely alternative to Interlaken. It’s smaller, authentic and has great transport connections to the Jungfrau region and Interlaken. Too bad that hotels/apartments are already booked. Maybe these tips can help you find a suitable option: http://www.myswissalps.com/interlaken/hotels.

Lucerne would definitely be a nice base town for the last 3 days. It has a beautiful old town and lots of scenic activities close by: https://www.myswissalps.com/lucerne. The same goes for Bern: https://www.myswissalps.com/bern. Zug (along the Zugersee) or Rapperswil (along Lake Zurich) would be nice options too. They’re smaller than Lucerne and Bern, so not packed with shopping malls. But it’s pretty easy to find souvenirs in smaller shops and even in supermarkets: see tip #4 at http://www.myswissalps.com/plantrip/doityourself/savemoney.

I hope this helps you finalize your travel plans!

[User]

Reply 2 of 4 • 14 August 2022 at 17:00:56 #945599

Hi Arno,

I love your reply. It’s incredibly helpful!

I couldn’t get a favorable accommodation for Interlaken. Those available are highly-priced.

I reserved 6 days for Ringgenberg. Thankfully, it’s just 5 minutes from Interlaken. My itinerary wouldn’t be much affected.

Considering that I am driving, but we do go to the tourist spots as listed, would you estimate briefly if the Swiss Travel Pass 15 Days would still be cost worthy for this trip?

Thanks again for your feedback, Arno.

[Anna]

Reply 3 of 4 • 15 August 2022 at 3:54:25 #945600

Hi Qaph,

This is a wonderful itinerary. If you’re driving, you might want to consider getting the Swiss Half Fare Card which will allow you to buy tickets at half-price for any travel on public or mountain transport.

Regards,

Anna

[User]

Reply 4 of 4 • 15 August 2022 at 16:42:22 #945601

Hi Anna,

I appreciate your reply. I will definitely be getting the Swiss Half Fare Card. This seems to be cost-effective than the Travel Pass for self-driving travelers.