[RickS]

9 May 2024 at 0:16:31 #1520667

Hello Swiss Geniuses!

I am traveling with my lady to visit castles in Switzerland between the 14th-20th of May (renting a car… hoping this won’t be hard)!  Any “must see” castle tips appreciated (we’re staying in Schwarzenburg)!

I’m nervous about our departure on the 20th leaving from Bern to Basel SBB where we will make a connection to Strausbourg on “La Region Grand Est” also in Basel SBB.  I purchased the first part to Basel SBB (train supersaver tickets) online on the SBB CFF FFS (Swiss Pass) and the tickets say the train is in Bern but there is no address.  There seem to be several stations right in that area and I’m concerned we will have trouble finding the right one (also returning a rental car to the SIXT lot near the Bern train station but again… there are several stations?)  So my question is, does anyone have an actual address of the station?   I’m assuming it is the “Bern Train Station” which is a large five(ish) story glass windowed modern-looking building but not quite sure.  Which track would we want?  etc.  I can’t seem to find it online despite a concerted effort.  We only speak English (obviously) and are concerned we may have trouble getting any help.   Also wondering about the connection in Basel SBB… has anyone ever done it and how challenging is it?  We only have 20 minutes to make our connection.

Many thanks for any help / suggestions!

[Yolanda]

9 May 2024 at 23:57:00 #1522501

Hi RickS,

Welcome to MySwissAlps.

Switzerland is full of wonderful castles. Schwarzenburg itself has a castle.  A comprehensive list of castles in Switzerland can be found here:  https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/experiences/summer-autumn/excursions/historical-switzerland/castles-and-palaces-search/

In regard to your train trip to Strasbourg from Bern. Yes, you will need Bern main station (Bern Hauptbahnhof) on Bahnhofplatz 10a, Bern 3011.  The Swiss are very competent in English so please don’t worry if you are concerned, no one will understand 😉

Use the Swiss timetable to research your journey, you’ll also be able to see all the necessary platforms and changes you will require for your trip.  Here’s the link:

• https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/public-transport/timetable/

20 minutes is ample connection time, all  doable. We have a section explaining transfer times in the timetable link above.

Have a great trip.

Kind regards,

Yolanda