[Cheryl]

20 September 2025 at 20:46:04 #2791461

We are flying into Zurich 7/7 and have loose plans to take the Bernina Express 7/12 to Tirano and then having some days in Italy. I have accommodation already at Silberhorn Hotel because we wanted to do Grindlewald First, that we missed last time, and see some waterfalls/beautiful hikes.

BUT we need to be in Chur by the 11th. I’m worried that the 4-hour train and then another 4-hour train might not go over well. Should we head to Appenzell or somewhere else on the way to Chur instead? We love to hike and do outdoor adventures, but my husband is not in good health, enough to do the more strenuous hikes I thought Appenzell has.

Are there any other suggestions of a place more on the way to Chur to see gorgeous valleys, mountains, and waterfalls with hikes and traditional Swiss culture? For reference, we were in Interlaken in December and have already done Junfraujoch and some of those things (winter though). We didn’t fit in Grindelwald First, which was my reason for staying in Lauterbrunnen, but I’m second-guessing my choice if it’s worth it. Suggestions are most appreciated.

💡 Save time and get daily forum questions & answers by e-mail

[Roger Sexton]

Reply 1 of 3 • 20 September 2025 at 21:22:33 #2791463

Hello Cheryl

Grindelwald to Appenzell takes over four hours, so that I think rules out ‘breaking your journey’ in Appenzell.

I would suggest that you break your journey in Lucerne (called Luzern in German).

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

Changing at Interlaken Ost, Grindelwald to Luzern takes two hours and 38 minutes.

Luzern to Chur, changing at Zurich or Thalwil, takes two hours and thirteen minutes.

Luzern is a very attractive city.  Lots of gentle strolls through the city and/or alongside the lake.

The boats on the lake on the main route to Fluelen run hourly, stopping at attractive villages like Weggis, Vitznau and Beckenried.

https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/boat-lake-lucerne/

Will you be investing in six-day Swiss Travel Passes?   Note that around Lake Lucerne there are some mountain lines which are free with the STP.  That is the case with lines up Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Beckenried to Klewenalp.

https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/
https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/rigi/
https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/stanserhorn/

I hope this helps

Best wishes

Roger

[Cheryl]

Reply 2 of 3 • 12 October 2025 at 17:18:04 #2792851

Thank you, Roger. I don’t know how I missed the reply to my post. I apologize for the confusion, but I meant to go to Appenzell instead of Lauterbrunnen. But I think we have decided to just stay in Chur for a couple of days and enjoy some golf and the small town before another train ride via the Bernina. It’s not set in stone yet, so maybe an overnight in Lucerne might be a good idea as an alternative. We will definitely be getting the STP as we will be doing all train travel around, and like the flexibility of getting on whichever time we feel like. There’s just too many choices and not enough days haha but we will be back again I know so that is my comfort.

[Anna]

Reply 3 of 3 • 13 October 2025 at 17:04:22 #2792864

Hi Cheryl,

If you decide to base yourself in Chur, I recommend doing a day trip to Arosa. There is a direct train from Chur and the route is quite scenic (1 hour train ride). Also if you’re looking to visit a typical Swiss  alpine village, go to Tschiertschen (about 30 mins by bus from Chur).

Appenzell is about 2 hours by train from Chur and therefore a more practical day trip option than Grindelwald.

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Anna