MySwissAlps.com features ads, commercial and non-commercial 15 days May: itinerary check, which scenic ride, Zermatt, best pass
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Hi everyone, it is my first time headed to Switzerland in mid late May this year with my elderly parents. I know it is not the ideal time to visit Switzerland, but my schedule only allows for an impromptu trip. I have down a research and roughly an idea of what to visit and have listed down below in a list as such but am still conflicted on many stuffs. Nothing has been booked yet except for the flight so my plans are flexible, would love to hear your thoughts and feedback and also help on optimizing the trip. Am in a dilemma on whether to get the Swiss Travel pass or to get a HFC + BORP.. and also would love suggestions on where to hike in the Interlaken area too.
Day 1 & 2- Land in Zurich in the around breakfast timing. Head to Lucerne, visit Mt Pilatus and a bunch.
Day 3 & 4- Take the cruise and head towards Italy via Gotthard panorama express. Stay in Milan for 2 nights visiting Como & Milan.
Day 5 – Milan to Zermatt?
Day 6-8 – Base in Montreaux, visit Lausanne, Montreax, Geneva and Lavaux vineyards from there.
Day 9-12 Take the Golden Pass to Interlaken where i’ll stay at Lauterbrunnen. Plans to visit Schilthorn, Jungfrauyoch and also perhaps do a hike somewhere in the region but am unsure where would be a nice place with scenic view as most places would be closed still.
Day 13-15 Back to Zurich. Visit Appenzell, Bern and a bit of Zurich before returning home.
-With Milan / Como should i instead go via Bernina express or by Gotthard?
-As for Zermatt, Is there anything to see or do here given this time of the year? I really would like to see the Matterhorn, or should i head to Montreaux instead and take a train from there to see the Matterhorn at Zermatt for a day trip?
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Hi raz22,
Welcome to MySwissAlps and thanks for sharing your itinerary.
Based on your plans, I think travelling to Milan via the Gotthard Panorama Express is sensible. For your information, seat reservation on the Gotthard Panorama is mandatory and the train only has 1st class seating. You can find more details here: https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/gotthard-panorama-express/
From Milan to Zermatt, you can travel with the EC train from Milan to Brig/Visp then change to a local train to Zermatt. Be sure to check train schedules on the Swiss timetable: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/public-transport/timetable/. You might have to book your seat in advance. I suggest staying overnight in Zermatt, maybe two nights, so you’ll have higher chance to go up the Gornergrat and see the Matterhorn in good weather.
A combination of Swiss Half Fare Card (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-half-fare-card/) and Berner Oberland Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/berner-oberland-pass/) will work well for your trip. You can find useful tips on how to choose the best railpass here: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/tickets/compare/
regards,
Anna
Dear Anna,
Thanks for the reply and suggestions, very much appreciated. Would you happen to have any suggestions on where a good hiking (easy to moderate level) with scenic views be? I read that most parts of the trails in the Bernese Oberland is closed still. So if you have trials from the region to recommend or in fact any other region on my itinerary that you may know of would be helpful!
Also I’m headed to Kandersteg to see the Oeschinensee Lake as well while i’m near Interlaken.
Thanks and regards,
Nic
Hi Nic,
Yes, that’s right. It’s likely that many of the trails will not be open yet for hiking when you are here. It really depends on the weather and how the past winter season has been. There’s been quite a lot of late snow this season so this will impact the trails.
A few lower altitude trails should be doable. Here’s some that you can check out:
- https://www.myswissalps.com/blog/hike-lauterbrunnen-stechelberg/
- https://www.myswissalps.com/blog/hike-giessbach-iseltwald/
- https://www.myswissalps.com/blog/hike-faulensee-spiez/
This one too:
Kind regards,
Yolanda
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