Sept 12 days Grindelwald-Thun-Locarno: itinerary check + suggestions
Komal, a traveler, is planning a 12-day trip to Switzerland with his family, focusing on scenic train routes and medium-level hiking. They will stay in three bases: Grindelwald, Thun, and Locarno, covering popular areas like the Jungfrau Region and Zermatt while seeking feedback on their itinerary and advice on public transport passes.
- Consider purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass to enjoy free travel for your son and more flexibility on longer train journeys.
- For scenic train travel, the Golden Pass route and Bernina Express are must-dos.
- Don't rush your itinerary; allow for backup days to explore various scenic spots, especially in the Jungfrau Region.
AI-generated summary-
Hello myswissalps team,
Wonderful website, best place to get information about Switzerland tourism. I have referred a lot of information from this site.
We are a family of 3, myself 45 years old, wife 40, and son 11. (We all can do medium level hiking,) are planning a first trip to Switzerland sometime in mid September for 12 Days (11 Nights). I am requesting this to be checked and response to some of my questions here.
On high-level here is plan with 3 bases:
- 5 Nights in Grindelwald, covering Jungfrau Region
- 3 Nights in Thun (Covering Zermatt, Montreux)
- 3 Nights in Locarno (Covering Lugano, Morcote, Ascona etc)
I wanted to cover most of the scenic routes by train. Able to plan 1.Golden Pass 2. Centovalli Railway, 3. Gotthard Pass via Treno Gotthardo 4. Lötschberg Mountain Railway 5. Bernina Exp.
I will be purchasing either BO Pass or Jungfrau Travel Pass + Saver Day Passes
Note: I couldn’t include other beautiful places like Luzern. Probably for next trip , I will focus on Luzern and around.Here is our tentative plan and my questions for feedback:
- Day 1: Morning arrival from Toronto (Canada). Transfer to Grindelwald. Evening rest and local roaming. (Overnight: Grindelwald)
- Day 2 to Day 5 are flexible , not in particular order subject to weather situation
- Day 2: Visit Murren, Schilthorn, Lauterbrunnen Valley + Hiking (Overnight: Grindelwald
- Day 3: Visit Grindelwald First (Hiking to Lake Bachsee), then Visit Manlichen, Wengen (Overnight: Grindelwald
- Day 4: Visit Lake Brienz Cruise, Walking in Brienz or Iselwalt village, Brienz Rothorn Train. Evening in Interlaken. (Overnight: Grindelwald
- Day 5: Free/Backup [Options] (Overnight: Grindelwald
- Day 6: Transfer to Thun, Visit Kandersteg and Lake Oeschinen, Hiking (Overnight: Thun
- Day 7: Day trip to Zermatt, Visit either Gornergrat or Sunnegga Rothorn (Overnight: Thun
- Day 8: Day Trip to Montreux via Zweisimmen on Golden Pass Route (Overnight: Thun. I can change Day 7 and Day 8 sequence subject to Weather , specially in Zermat
- Day 9: Travel to Locarno via Domodossola, covering Lötschberg Mountain Railway & Centovalli Railway ; Evening Roam around Ascona (Overnight Locarno
- Day 10: Day trip to Morcote Village, and Lugano Lakeshore (Overnight Locarno
- Day 11: Free Day or thinking of round trip on Bernina Expres Locarno-Lugano-Tirano (Bernina Bus) – Bernina Exp – Thusis – Bellinzona-Locarno. Overnight at LocarnoDay 12: Locarno to Zurich Airport via Treno Gottahardo for Evening flight back home
Here are my queries/doubts
- Question 1: Overall Is it too packed or relaxed ? I wanted to have some flexibility and avoid reservations, hence will be doing most day trips from one of the bases. Can I cover more places or should remove some
- Question 2. Which hiking is suggested in around Murren on Day
- Question 3. On Day 4 should I choose for a walking tour on Brienz or Iselwalt ? Which village should be more scenic ? And is the Brienz Rothorn Train worth
- Question 4. I have a free/backup day in Grindelwald – What’s the best way to spend
- I was thinking of travelling to Meiringen and visiting Susten Pass or Grimsel Pass by Bus. I am open for suggestions
- Question 5. During Day trip to Zermatt, can I visit both Gornergrat and Sunnegga Rothorn in terms of time? Or if I can do only one, which one should I prefer
- Question 6. On Day 8 while returning from Montreux to Thun, shall I take route via Bern or Visp, in terms of scenery
- Question 7. On Day 10, can I include Valley Verzasca, (Ponte dei Salti) in Day’s plan, along with Morcote and Lugano ?
- Question 8. Day 11 seems packed and long if I do a round trip for Bernina Exp. Is it advisable ? Or shall I plan something better. I am open for alternatives.
- Question 9: Can I do it in a different order ? Zurich-Locarno (3 Nights ) – Thun (3 Nights) – Grindelwald (5 Nights) – Zurich , does it make any difference ?
- Question 10: If I add one more day to this trip, how best I can utilize it ? Somehow not able to give up Luzern.
Please feel free to add if i missed something.
Thanks again to all
-Komal
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Hello Komal
Welcome to MySwissAlps.
Thank you for sharing your travel plans with us. I found them very interesting. With the exception of the proposed day eleven, I would regard this as a ‘relaxed’ itinerary. (Day 11 is ‘doable’, but my reckoning involves leaving Locarno at 08 52 and not getting back until 21 15.)
Which Public Transport Pass or Passes?
I am extremely impressed by the amount of research you must have already done on your travel plans. However I think you may have overlooked an important point regarding passes, which is the SWISS FAMILY CARD (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/tickets/discount/).
If you INVEST 459 CHF per adult in a Swiss Travel Pass, or merely purchase a Swiss Half Fare Card for 120 CHF per adult, you are entitled to get for FREE a Swiss Family Card. With your SFC your son will travel FREE on ALL transport. Free not just on normal trains, buses and boats, but even on high mountain lines (like Gornergrat) where mum and dad have to pay a (possibly quite high) fare! (He will need a reservation on the Bernina Express.)
Swiss Travel Pass (+ Family Card) vs Berner Oberland Pass + Saver Day Passes.
(Unlike the Berner Oberland Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/berner-oberland-pass/), the Jungfrau Travel Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/jungfrau-travel-pass/) covers only a very limited geographical area, basically the area south of Interlaken. The JTP is valid on the BOATS to Brienz and Thun, but not on the trains and buses serving those locations.)
The big advantages of the STP (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/) are:
You have the freedom of an extremely good public transport system; (only high mountain lines are excluded).
It covers the whole country, not just one region.
You have complete flexibility as to on which days you make long journeys such as your proposed Bernina Express circular trip, or your trip to Zermatt. Once you have bought a Saver DAY Pass you are committed to making the long journey even if the weather is bad.
On long journeys from Thun or Grindelwald, you have complete freedom as to the route you take.
With the accompanying SFC, your son goes free.
(Other differences between STP and BOP will appear in the following discussion)
Trips in the Brienz Area. The ‘must dos’ are the boat on the lake and the Brienzer Rothorn Railway (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/brienzer-rothorn/). As well as being steam worked, the railway up the Rothorn is very spectacular! The railway is free with the BOP, but only 50% discount for the adults with the STP)
Trips in the Grindelwald Area The trip up to First is 50% discount both with the BOP and the STP
Provided you go via Zweilutschinen and Lauterbrunnen, getting to Wengen is free with both the BOP and the STP.
The cable cars to Mannlichen from both Wengen and Grindlewald are free with the BOP, 50% discount with the STP.
Mϋrren Both BOP and STP get you up to Mϋrren for free. To Schilthorn BOP (as from this year) gives free travel. STP gives 50% discount.
Bern This is the obvious trip from both Grindelwald and Thun if the weather is bad. BOP will get you to Bern, but unlike the STP it is not valid on the local public transport in and around Bern.
Montreux If you go using your BOP you will have to come back the same way as you came (via Zweisimmen). BOP will get you to Montreux, but unlike the STP it is not valid on the local public transport in and around Montreux.. With an STP (or an SDP) you can come back any way you like! If you come back via Lausanne and Bern you will see the fabulous UNESCO world heritage Lavaux vineyards.
Lucerne Another possible trip from Thun or Grindelwald if the weather is bad. BOP will get you to Lucerne, but unlike the STP it is not valid on the local public transport in and around Lucerne. (The STP is of course valid on Lake Lucerne boats.)
Zermatt The flexibility of the STP enables you to choose a day for this trip when the weather forecast is good.
There are three major mountain lines up from Zermatt. There is general agreement that the best line for viewing the Matterhorn is to Gornergrat, so go up that line. The STP will give 50% discounts for adults, your son goes free. The Saver Day Pass gives no discounts on mountain lines.
Valley Verzasca Very well worth a visit, but combining it with both Lugano and Morcote would make for a long day.
Do the trip in Reverse?
Yes. Invest in Swiss Travel Passes and go as follows.
On day one travel to CHUR from Zurich, and spend the first night there recovering from the flight.
On day two take the 08 17 Bernina Express (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/bernina-express/) from Chur to Tirano. Take the Bernina Express Bus to Lugano. Local train on to Locarno. Spend three nights there. Use one day to visit Ascona and the Val Verzasca, the other day to visit Lugano and Morcote.
On day five go via the Centovalli (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/centovalli-railway/) and Kandersteg lines (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/lotschberg-mountain-railway/) to either Thun or Spiez. Stay at one or other of these places for the remaining six nights.
Why Thun or Spiez? Both these towns are very good public transport hubs.
Unlike Grindelwald, they are very good bases for day excursions both short ones within the Berner Oberland and longer ones to places like Montreux and Zermatt. (From Grindlewald to Spiez is about 65 minutes, to Thun 75-80 minutes.)
Kind regards
Roger
Thanks a ton Roger,
You have immense experience and practical information about Switzerland and it’s fantastic public transport system. Best of all, spending time, replying and sharing your wealth of knowledge with others. Really appreciate your contributions.
I got lot of information from this site and forum as well.On my tentative plan, you brought a very important aspect of Swiss Family Card, which I overlooked in my original post. And STP covering local transport in cities like Bern and Luzern.
Here is what I am thinking: Option 1: STP (with SFC) + Pay discounted as you go for other mountain lines like First, Gornergrat, Brienz Rothorn, Schilthorn etc.
Option 2: Half Fare Card (with SFC) + BOP (for Jungfrau Region & Oeschinen Lake) + Discounted Saver Day Passes + Discounted fare for Gornergrat.I will use the calculator available in this site for compare for difference. However inclined towards option 1 for greater flexibilities, unless there is significant savings in option 2.
Again, thanks for answering my queries. You brought many additional details which I overlooked.
I understand Thun is a very good base for day trips to most of Berner Oberland and even up to Montreux, Zermatt. However, I wanted to spend more than 2-3 days in Jungfrau region hence Grindelwald as additional base. I had Wengen and Murren as well in mind for few nights, but due to additional transit changes I am avoiding them. Staying in Grindelwald means I will be staying in between Jungfrau mountains.
Also I had Interlaken as base in mind (in lieu of Thun & Grindelwald) but somehow couldn’t convince myself. I felt both Thun and Grindelwald are more beautiful then Interlaken.Few more follow-up questions:
1. When I will be visiting Montreux from Thun, via <span>Zweisimmen, do I need advance reservation in Sept ? How can i choose my trains so i don’t need reservation ? </span>
2. Should leave Luzern for another Switzerland trip ? I am thinking 1 day trip may not be enough for area’s around Luzern. Probably in another trip i will spend couple of days in Luzern.
3. Any other place which I can or should visit either from Locarno or Thun or Grindelwald.Note: I am becoming a fan of Switzerland public transport system even before using or experiencing it. I started using SBB app (amazing app) and reading in the forum. Totally impressed about how efficient and connected the system is.
I hope crowd level will be manageable in September ?Thanks
Komal
Hello Komal
Thank you for your very kind words.
Your Two Options regarding passes
Yes, you have correctly identified the options which make sense for your trip. I too would incline towards option one ‘for greater flexibilities’.
Thun and Grindelwald v Interlaken
I felt both Thun and Grindelwald are more beautiful then Interlaken. I totally agree. Thun (https://www.myswissalps.com/town/thun/) is a smallish but historic city, situated where the River Aare flows out of the lake. Grindelwald (https://www.myswissalps.com/town/grindelwald/) still has traces of its origins as an Alpine farming village. By contrast Interlaken is a creation of nineteenth century tourism.
Thun to Montreux via Zweisimmen
Study the SBB app, typing in Spiez to Montreux via Zweisimmen. You will see that there are hourly departures from Spiez at 12 minutes past each hour. On these departures you will have to change trains at Zweisimmen from a standard gauge train to a metre gauge train. The journey from Spiez takes just over three hours. As is usual on ‘normal’ Swiss trains, reservation is not required.
You will also see trains at 09 38, 11 38, 14 38 and 16 38 which run through from Interlaken to Montreux. These are the GoldenPass Express trains (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/goldenpass/). The trains change track gauge as they pull out of Zweisimmen! These trains make the trip in just under three hours. Now, except if you travel in ‘Prestige’ class, reservation is not required. However, these trains are proving very popular, so I recommend reserving seats.
Leave Luzern for Another Time?
Yes. Luzern (https://www.myswissalps.com/town/lucerne/) is a quite big historical city, situated where the River Reuss flows out of the lake. It is right in the middle of the country, and is an incredibly good base for day excursions, both short and long.
Anything Missing?
Some people would answer ‘Jungfraujoch’ (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/jungfraujoch/). I would not. This trip is extremely expensive, and in my view not good value for money. In particular note that the last twenty minutes of the ride are in a tunnel!
I always contrast Jungfraujoch with Gornergrat (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/gornergrat/), mentioned in my earlier reply. Now that line is incredibly good value for money. It does not go as high as Jungfraujoch, but the run is almost entirely in the open air. At the top there are 360 degrees views, which is not the case at Jungfraujoch.
Crowds in September?
September is not (yet) as busy as July and August, but there may still be queues at popular attractions. I remember that on a fairly recent day trip to Grindelwald in mid-September, I had to queue for about fifteen minutes to go up on the FIRST cable car.
‘Totally impressed about how efficient and connected the system is.’
I am British, and I have been visiting Switzerland regularly ever since 1971. Why do I keep going back? The fantastic scenery; the world’s best public transport system; and the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives me the freedom of that system.
Kind regards
Roger
Hello Roger,
Thanks for your prompt response. You gave very accurate suggestions and feedback.Two questions regarding your response:
1. I checked in SBB App regarding Thun to Montreux connections via Zweisimmen, without need of reservation. First leg via RE 11 which runs 12 minutes past each hour from Spiez is fine. But between Zweisimmen to Montreux, I am getting GoldenPass Panaromic only. Do we need reservation on these golden pass trains starting Zweisimmen ?
2. You did mentioned about short and long day trips from Luzern as base. Just for my knowledge and future reference, can you suggest some longer day trips probably with 1 or 2 changes? I will mark them for my future trips. I am aware of shorter trips around Luzern like Pilatus, Mt. Titlis, Rigi, etc.Thanks again
Komal
Hello again Komal
Trains between Zweisimmen and Montreux
The names of trains on this route are confusing, and I had to double check before typing this reply!
The four trains a day which run through from Interlaken to Montreux are called GOLDEN PASS EXPRESS, and on these trains reservation is essential
The hourly trains which leave Zweisimmen at 02 minutes past each hour (and Montreux at 12 minutes past each hour) are called either ‘Golden Pass Panoramic’ or ‘Golden Pass Belle Epoque’. On these trains reservations are not required.
Longer Excursions from Luzern
Here are three suggestions, though there are plenty of other possibilities.
The Voralpen Express which runs every hour to St Gallen via Rapperswil.
The Treno Gottardo which runs every two hours to Locarno via the OLD Gotthard line through Airolo. For Lugano you change at Bellinzona.
The IR15 trains which leave every hour on the hour for Geneva via Bern, Fribourg, Romont, Palezieux and Lausanne. For the the Lavaux Vineyards, Vevey and Montreux you change at Palezieux!Kind regards
Roger
Hello Roger,
Thank you for your response, this helps a lot knowing that reservation not required on ‘Golden Pass Panoramic’ or ‘Golden Pass Belle Epoque’.
I will consider your suggestions for Lucerne long day trips for my future trips.Thanks again to you and the team behind this amazing website.
Regards
Komal
Hi Komal,
In regard to Roger’s helpful replies, the following links should also help you:
- GoldenPass: https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/goldenpass/
- Voralpen Express: https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/goldenpass/
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Thank you Yolanda,
I will refer again those links in details, I am sure all relevant information is there, I may have missed some details earlier.
Thanks for maintaining this great site. It’s Wikipedia of Switzerland tourism. Well connected, easy to navigate and complete.Regards
Komal
Hi Komal,
Thank you for the encouraging and kind words regarding MySwissAlps.
Wish you a great trip ahead.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
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