[Anonymous]

28 December 2017 at 4:46:53 #813885

Hello

Thanks.I have been much benefited from your website.

I am travelling with my family on April 2018. Can you advice me as how best is to take (time needed) for a boat ride in Lucerne? Also how to book to enjoy a ride in the Glacier express . For a few hours ride which will be the best route from Lucerne? Is necessary to go to Zermatt? As we will be in Lucerne for 3 days. I intent to take a Swiss rail pass, so both the rides will be free I suppose?T

Thanks in advance

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[rockoyster]

Reply 1 of 5 • 28 December 2017 at 6:14:24 #873278

Hi Zulfee,

Lucerne is not an ideal base to experience the Glacier Express unless you want to spend at least 7 hours in a train.

You don’t need to go to Zermatt. You can join the Glacier Express at Brig or Zermatt.

Attachment 1 shows the route to experience the Oberalp Pass (which I wold say is the best part).

Attachment 2 shows the route for the other way round. See also http://www.myswissalps.com/gl acierexpress/gettingth ere

You will find timetable for Lake Luzern cruises is at http://www.lakelucerne.ch/en/ timetable-fares/timetable/

Yes, Glacier Express and Lake cruises are “free” with Swiss Travel Pass but you will need to buy a mandatory seat reservation on the Glacier Express.

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[rockoyster]

Reply 2 of 5 • 30 December 2017 at 2:11:45 #873279

Hello Zulfee,

If you don’t want to spend all day on a train here’s a different option to consider for an excursion from Lucerne. http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/steepest-funicular-in-the-world-luzern-area

You could even consider taking a lake cruise Lucerne to Brunnen, train to Schwyz and then the funicular to Stoos. Only problem is that the funicular appears to be scheduled to close for maintenance from 3 April and re-opening on 28 April so the timing may not work for you.

Cruise to Brunnen or even to Flüelen and train back to Lucerne is still an option.

[User]

Reply 3 of 5 • 30 December 2017 at 6:11:46 #873280

Thanks for the suggestion.

But as I have seen and read from your links, it seems for both the Glacier express trip and the travel to the Alps- Jungfru region, we need to climb to mountains at an altitude, so as i will be travelling with a infant, plus at 2nd week of April, because for the weather, both the things seems not very conducive for me.

I also know that these two are the best parts of swiss, for afirst time traveller llike or me, sill can you suggest some area avoiding the peaks of the mountains?

Thank you once again

[rockoyster]

Reply 4 of 5 • 30 December 2017 at 6:30:55 #873281

I’m no expert on travelling with infants. Opinions seem to vary on what age it is safe to take children to the high Alps. Perhaps it is best for you get an opinion from your doctor before travelling?

You can always visit the Jungfrau region and visit Wengen or Mürren. Both of which are very scenic without going up to the high Alps.

[User]

Reply 5 of 5 • 31 December 2017 at 1:49:25 #873282

>> it seems for … the Glacier express trip … we need to climb to mountains at an altitude, so as i will be travelling with a infant, plus at 2nd week of April, because for the weather, both the things seems not very conducive for me … can you suggest some area avoiding the peaks of the mountains?

I don’t think there’s any need to avoid taking the Glacier Express on the basis of altitude (though there may be logistical reasons why it isn’t the best choice). The temperature inside the train will be comfortable, and the train is only at an elevation of over 2,000 metres for a very brief time.

Please see attached diagram of the elevation profile for the Glacier Express route.

Alpenrose

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