[Debbie H]

12 September 2025 at 16:23:17 #2790988

We have our trip planned arriving Fri November 28, 2025 and departing Saturday Dec 06, 2025.
Our plane tickets are bought, hotels booked.
We are looking for some guidance on the best train tickets to purchase based on our travel plans and also suggestions of mountain activities available during this time.
Nov 28- land in Zurich and  travel by train to Lucerne
Nov 28- Dec 1- spend time in Lucerne, Rigi, Bern and other local attractions
Dec 1- travel by train- Lucerne to Wengen
Dec 1- 4-  explore area around Wengen
Dec 4 train back to Lucerne
Dec 5- train to Bellinzona just for the day to see castles- is this worth the time?
Dec 5- back to Lucerne for Christmas market at night
Dec 6- Lucerne farmers market, pack up for trip home
Dec 6- train to Zurich airport for 5 PM flight out

[Roger Sexton]

Reply 1 of 2 • 12 September 2025 at 21:48:49 #2791010

Hello Debbie H

Welcome to MySwissAlps

What Public Transport Pass to Invest in

It looks as though you have a choice.

Either get a Half Fare Card AND a Berner Oberland Pass.

Swiss Half Fare Card: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-half-fare-card/
Berner Oberland Pass: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/berner-oberland-pass/

Or (particularly in the light of the planned trip to Bellinzona and the fact that you are staying in Lucerne) get a Swiss Travel Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/).

Activities around Wengen

Firstly note that the cable cars to Männlichen (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/mannlichen/) will not be operating.

On the other side of the valley, from Műrren, the cable cars up the Schilthorn (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/schilthorn/) will be operating.  And those cable cars are free with the BOP.  (if you have an STP, travel is free to Műrren; 50% discount on the Műrren to Schilthorn cable cars.)

There is one boat a day on Lake Thun (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/boat-lake-thun/).  And there is also one boat a day on Lake Brienz (finishes running December 7th!)

Activities around Lucerne.

Now even if you were staying in Lucerne MID-November, the possibilities for day excursions would be endless. Just look at a map.  Lucerne is bang in the middle of the fabulous Swiss public transport network.

Lucerne: https://www.myswissalps.com/town/lucerne/

It is at the western end of a stunningly beautiful lake on which the boats run 365-days-a-year.  (STP gives free travel on all lake boats.)  The two closest mountains, Rigi and Pilatus, are both accessible 365-days-a-year.  The lines up Rigi are FREE with the STP.

Excursion to Bellinzona (https://www.myswissalps.com/town/bellinzona/) is a must, but only if you travel on the TRENO GOTTARDO.  The fast Intercity trains heading south from central Switzerland will go through the 57 kms Gotthard Base Tunnel, currently the longest railway tunnel in the world.

But the Treni Gottardi (brown painted and numbered IR26 or IR46) take the highly scenic OLD ‘panoramic’ line opened in 1882 (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/gotthard-panorama-express/).  After Bellinzona, the Treni Gottardi continue to the beautiful lakeside town of Locarno (https://www.myswissalps.com/town/locarno/).

You have a lot to think about.

Best wishes

Roger

[Roger Sexton]

Reply 2 of 2 • 12 September 2025 at 22:44:27 #2791011

Further to my previous reply, note the thread recently started by moderator Arno regarding a Swiss Travel Pass special promotion.  In particular ‘get 10 days if you buy an 8-day 1st class Swiss Travel Pass (2 days for free).’

https://www.myswissalps.com/blog/swiss-travel-pass-promotion-2025/
If you bought an ‘eight-day’ STP commencing on November 28th, it would last for all nine days of your stay!

First class is well worth having.  More comfortable seats, less crowding.  On the boats the UPPER DECKS (better views) are first class only.

https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/train/classes/

Best wishes
Roger