[G_Witt]

1 June 2026 at 1:31:36 #2797108

We are planning a 4 day trip (starting Zurich, returning Zurich) this October 21 – 24 as a pre- cruise extension. We will be based in Lauterbrunnen for three nights (W/T/F).
Depending on weather conditions, our  plan at this point is:
Day 1 > arrive at ZRH early day 1, check baggage at either the airport or train station; train to Lauterbrunnen and explore near by.
Day 2 > cable car to hike trails above Lauterbrunnen leading to Murren, Schilthorn, Piz Goria, then trails down to Gimmelwald, down to Stechelberg and back to the hotel.
Day 3 > train up to Wengen, the cable car up to Mannlichen and hike to Kleine Scheidegg and loop back on trail to Wengen, down to Lauterbrunnen.
Day 4 > Early check out of hotel, catch return train to Zurich with stop in Lucerne to tour for as long as possible before arriving in Zurich by 5:00pm or so.
We did a trip like this about 9 years ago in mid-October that started in Basel and finished in Zurich.
We had amazing weather (sunny, low 70s) and thoroughly enjoyed it but we are open to any and all suggestions you may have.
Questions:
1. Would our train originate out of the Zurich airport or the downtown train station?
2. Is a luggage storage facility available at either?
3. Is the STP the best option for this kind of trip and would it include the cable car / lifts and other transportation required? Will all the cable car/lifts etc. be operating at this time? (we do not plan to take the Jungfraujoch train)
4. Is the Golden Pass train route between Interlaken and Lucerne worth taking?
5. Any dining suggestions for b/l/d while in the Berner Oberland area?
Your website is amazing, thanks for any assistance you can provide!

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[Roger Sexton]

Reply 1 of 2 • 1 June 2026 at 8:49:40 #2797110

Hello G Witt

Welcome back to MySwiss Alps!

Thank you for your trip report dated December 17th 2017(!).

In that trip report you wrote

The Swiss train system is amazing (efficient, timely, clean) and we are glad we acted on the recommendation to purchase the 4 day Swiss travel pass. We even used the luggage forward service provided by Swiss Train to forward two large suitcases from Basel to Zurich so we could travel lightly with two backpacks during our four days and then pick up our luggage at the airport when we departed.

My basic advice would be to do what you did nine years ago, but IN REVERSE.

Invest in four-day Swiss Travel Passes (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/) for the period 21-24 October.

Stop the night of the 24th in Basel, thus avoiding paying Zurich to Basel fares on 25th.

On arrival at Zurich Airport go to the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) offices,  and forward your heavy luggage to Basel SBB station.  As nine years ago, travel in Switzerland lightly with just backpacks.

As was the case nine years ago, your STPs will give you free travel up to Mürren and Wengen. (Note that there is a new very steep cable car which goes direct from Stechelberg to Mürren.  The old cable cars via Gimmelwald are still operating.)

As was the case nine years ago the STP gives you 50% discount on the cable cars Mürren to Schilthorn and Wengen to Männlichen.  (There is a 25% discount on the cog-wheel train Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg.)   All three of these lines will be operating during your stay.

There are now through trains every two hours form Zurich Airport to Interlaken.  But note that in your chosen week the line between the two Interlaken stations is closed for engineering work.

There will no doubt be replacement buses between Interlaken West and Ost,  However, I suggest that in travelling both to and from  Lauterbrunnen you go via Lucerne.  There are through trains Zurich Airport to Lucerne (called Luzern in German).  Lucerne to Interlaken is VERY scenic.

There are frequent trains Lucerne to Basel.  If on the 24th your plan is to explore Zurich, then travel Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost, Interlaken Ost to Lucerne, Lucerne to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (very close to the central area) and finally Zurich to Basel.  (Fast trains run twice an hour, and take just under an hour.)

There are left-luggage lockers at all main Swiss stations.

Best wishes

Roger

[Anna]

Reply 2 of 2 • 1 June 2026 at 9:50:54 #2797112

Hi G Witts,

Yes, left baggage service and luggage lockers are available at Zurich Airport. You can store your baggage at the staffed left baggage counter up to 6 months. For luggage lockers, it is limited to 96 hours (up to 4 days). If you are continuing your trip with a cruise from Basel, I recommend forwarding your luggage to Basel SBB station as suggested by Roger. You can find info on the SBB luggage transfer service here: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/train/luggage/

Lauterbrunnen station also has luggage lockers and left-baggage counter.

Schilthorn (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/schilthorn) is accessible year round. The gondola and cable cars to Männlichen (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/mannlichen/#dates) operate until 25 October 2026.

Regards,
Anna