Switzerland 8 days on a budget near Lauterbrunnen
A traveler is planning a trip with their wife from August 1 to 9, arriving at Zurich airport and spending time in Lauterbrunnen and Luzern. They seek suggestions for scenic train rides and hiking routes, aiming to keep transportation costs low and considering the Swiss Half Fare Card for their Luzern leg.
- Consider using the Swiss Half Fare Card for your Luzern travels to save on train expenses.
- In Lauterbrunnen, don’t miss scenic hikes such as the route from First to Bachalpsee, which offers stunning lake views.
- Evaluate the cost difference between purchasing a pass versus individual tickets to find the most economical option for your trip.
AI-generated summary-
My wife will be in the area between Aug 1 – 9. Arriving via Zurich airport, Lauterbrunnen (day 1-4), Luzern (day 5-8), leaving on the 9th. Don’t want to spend too much on trains since they are expensive.
Plan: buy one way train tickets to Luzern from the airport. Buy the 4 day Regional-Pass Bernese-Oberland to continue the train ride to Lauterbrunnen. Spend the 4 days with combination scenic train rides and hiking in the region. Any suggestions? I am 63 and my wife is 56 ( we can take easy and moderate hikes).
Leave Lauterbrunnen on day 5 to Luzern. What is the cheapest way by train since the regional pass has expired? Side trip to explore Zurich in a day or so. Spend time mostly in Luzern with short train rides and hiking. Any suggestions?
Leave Luzern for Zurich on day 9 taking the train.
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Hi LazerMa, welcome to MySwissAlps!
I think the combination of scenic train rides and hiking is excellent to explore the region. The Regional-Pass Bernese Oberland covers nearly everything so there’s no need to limit yourselves. You could take the same approach in Luzern with a 3- or 4-day Tell-Pass: myswissalps.com/ tellpass.
Since you’re on a budget it might be useful to do the math as explained here. Be sure to take into account the Swiss Half Fare Card as well. Even though it is less convenient as you need to buy tickets for each trip, it could be a cheaper option than two separate passes. It depends on your exact plans though.
These pages are useful too:
Hi,
You can save a lot of money by staying in a holiday apartment rather than a hotel. There are apartments of every standard and you should be able to save as much as 50 percent on hotel accommodation if you do you’re homework.
Have fun
Alan
Thanks Arno and AlanPrice.
Since I have already reserved my accommodations for Luzern and Lauterbrunnen, holiday apartment is not an option anymore.
I am considering the Swiss Half Fare Card after making all my calculations based on the Excel sheet from the site.
Day 1: Arrive Zurich airport, take train to Lauterbrunnen.
Day 2: Lauterbrunnen to Wengen by train, cable car to Mannlichen, hike to Kleine Scheidegg, train to Lauterbrunnen.
Day 3: Lauterbrunnen to Grindelwald by train, cable car to First, hike to Gross Scheidegg, bus to Grindelwald, train to Lauterbrunnen.
Day 4: Lauterbrunnen to Murren by train, funicular to Allmendubul, hike to Murren, train to Lauterbrunnen.
Day 5: Lauterbrunnen to Luzern by train. (scenic view?)
Day 6: Luzern to Zurich city center to explore.
Day 7: Luzern to Pilatus Kulm to explore.
Day 8: Luzern to relax.
Day 9: Luzern to Zurich airport by train.
What do you think?
Hi Lazerma,
That’s a fantastic itinerary! The only suggestion I’d make would be to extend your walk from First and visit Bachalpsee before going to Grosse Scheidegg. This will make for a longer day but the lake is very pretty. All in all, first rate.
Alan
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