[Jonut]

11 February 2024 at 9:47:26 #1129525

Hi all and thanks in advance for any advice you might be able to give me.

I’m trying to plan a trip for the second week of September, and will be flying to and from Zurich. Ideally I’d like to have two nights each in Luzern, Grindelwald and Zermatt (in any order), with the last night possibly somewhere closer to Zurich airport – Luzern would be fine, or maybe Bern. I’ll be using public transport.

I’d arrive mid- to late- afternoon so I could travel a maximum of about 2 hours to get to the first destination. I’d need to get to the airport for the flight back around mid-morning, so wouldn’t have time to do anything else on that day.

I was quite excited when I realised that the train journey between Zurich and Zermatt is around 3 hours, via Bern (I thought it would be longer), and thought that going via Luzern on the way and Grindelwald on the way back (or vice versa) would break up the journey, but as the fast train between Zurich and Zermatt travels via Bern, stopping off adds considerably to the travel time.

Apologies for the rambling – my question is, what would be the most time (and money) efficient way of having a couple of days in each location? Am I missing something that would make more sense?

I’d rather do long train journeys at the end of the day when I’m tired, rather than in the morning when I’m keen to get going.

I know a travel pass would be the most convenient option for travel, but at £400 for the 8 day pass I’d need, this is a lot of money and I’m not sure I’d get my money’s worth from it.

As I want to spend every day in the mountains, the trip is hugely weather dependent, and I know that’s just how it is. I’m hoping that early September has perhaps the lowest risk of cloudy skies? Being a bit cooler doesn’t bother me, I just want the views!

The places I want to see in each location (a day for each) are:

Luzern – Pilatus, and either Rigi or the Stanserhorn or Stoos

Grindelwald – Hike between Männlichen and Kleine Scheidegg, and the zipline on Pfingstegg

Zermatt – Gornergrat, and Schwarzsee

Thanks so much for reading all this, and for any help you can offer!

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[User]

Reply 1 of 2 • 11 February 2024 at 21:51:57 #1129864

Hi Jonut,

At a glance and the amount of travel you have listed, I would say a Swiss Travel Pass would be a sound investment.  Do note, with this pass it’ll give you unlimited travel during your trip, so also an element of flexibility – if your plans change for whatever reason, you still have the option to travel elsewhere.

It may sound like quite a lot of money upfront but single individual rides can soon mount up.  For example, a single full fare ride Zurich to Zermatt, without any rail pass discount is CHF130.

The Swiss Travel Pass also offers you discounted rates on mountain excursions. If you take a look at some of the mountain trips you are planning, you’ll see the savings you would make with the pass.

One example from your list, Gornergrat:  https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/gornergrat/#price and a visit to Mount Rigi is actually free, it’s included with the Swiss Travel Pass.  https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/rigi/#price

All and more is explained on the Swiss Travel Pass in the below link.  You’ll also find some purchase options too:

• https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/

If you wanted to be double sure of costs and if indeed this pass is the most suited, you are best to carry out some maths.  We have a handy guide to help you with this, see below:

• https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/tickets/compare/

September is considered a very good time to visit (https://www.myswissalps.com/planning/practical/best-time-to-visit/). I’d just suggest you check the weather forecast before committing to any ticket purchases for the mountain trips.  You’ll be fine to buy a day before or on the morning itself.

So theoretically, under perfect weather conditions, I would opt with a schedule, Zurich-Zermatt-Grindelwald-Lucerne and staying 2 nights each, thus allowing you to enjoy each location and you won’t be doubling back on yourself.

If you need additional information on your locations, do use the search icon at the top of the page to find the respective pages.  If not feel free to post a question on the forum.

Kind regards,

Yolanda

[Jonut]

Reply 2 of 2 • 13 February 2024 at 10:38:55 #1138162

Thanks Yolanda for the very helpful advice.

You’ve certainly made me want to reconsider the travel pass.

I think you’re right that it would be best to start at Zermatt, then work my way back, so as to finish the trip in Lucerne and relatively close to Zurich airport. I might spend the first night in Bern or Visp, so that I can get to Zermatt fairly early the next morning and make the most of that day.

Many thanks again!