MySwissAlps.com includes 5-day trip report Interlaken in September – review of Hotel Rössli
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My wife and I (both 60) visited Switzerland in September 2025, combined with Italy. This was my first visit — but certainly not the last.
Switzerland is truly heaven on earth. The landscapes are breathtaking, the people are soft-spoken and helpful, and the transport system is unbelievably efficient.
We used the Jungfrau Travel Pass (3 days) and Saver Day Pass (2 days).
- https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/jungfrau-travel-pass/
- https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/saver-day-pass/
Food is expensive, so we carried ready-packed vegetarian food from India, which helped a lot.
Before starting, I must honestly say — without the help of the MySwissAlps forum, especially Roger Sexton, Annika and Anna, I could not have planned this trip so perfectly. Thank you.The SBB app in Switzerland is excellent. It provides all connections instantly and with complete accuracy. The trains operate with remarkable punctuality — often not even a minute late. The combination of many modes of transport of perfectly timed and precise real-time information through the SBB app makes traveling in Switzerland extremely convenient and stress-free. Everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/public-transport/timetable/
Day 1: Sep 6, 2025
We have this day Saver Day Pass – 52 CHF each, without HFC. Today our stay was booked at Alplodge Hostel, near Interlaken West Train Station. We had to book this for one night as our next hotel was not available on this day.
We arrived from India with Etihad Airways, and reached Zurich airport at 7:00 AM. Immigration was quick. Took a Train to Lucerne.
As our stay was booked at Interlaken, we prebooked our luggage at Bounce Luggage Storage at Monopol Hotel near to Lucerne Train Station (13.4 CHF for 2 bags). This was easier than using the lockers at Lucerne station, which would have required changing platforms, checking locker availability, and ensuring the locker size was suitable.
We bought a mobile SIM card from the Swisscom Shop, Bahnhofstrasse 5, Luzern (about 200 meters from Lucerne Train Station). It cost CHF 20, possibly with unlimited data. We found it the cheapest option compared to other shops charging CHF 30–50.
https://www.myswissalps.com/planning/practical/mobile-internet/
After storing our luggage and buying the SIM, we visited Mt Rigi. In the evening, we explored Lucerne Old Town, Chapel Bridge, and nearby areas.
After an early dinner at Tibits Luzern (excellent vegetarian buffet), we collected our luggage and boarded the Luzern–Interlaken Express to Interlaken West.
Day 2 : Sep 7, 2025
We planned to buy a 3-day Jungfrau Travel Pass – 210 CHF each, without HFC. We had our stay booked for 3 nights at Hotel Rössli Interlaken, near Interlaken West Train Station. This hotel truly enhanced our holidays.
Review of Hotel Rössli Interlaken
The proverb “Come as a guest — leave as a friend” perfectly describes this hotel.
After a lot of research and reading every review, I finally booked Hotel Rossli, Interlaken, and this was the highlight of our holidays.
The real gems of this hotel are the owners, Jean-Louis and his son Christopher Admirat. In India, a son-in-law holds a place of special respect — warmly received, cared for, and treated to elaborate hospitality. That is exactly how Mr. Jean-Louis treats his guests every morning at 7:00 AM when breakfast starts. I could hardly believe that he personally encourages guests to taste all the dishes, serves tea, coffee, and juice himself, and astonishingly remembers most guests’ names and countries. The breakfast is excellent, and as vegetarians, we had absolutely no difficulty.
We have travelled to many countries and stayed in many hotels, but this kind of loving hospitality sets Hotel Rössli at a completely different level. Thank you, Mr. Jean-Louis.
Pretty sure when people come to this beautiful country – the tourists are overwhelmed with the Trains, Mountains, Lakes, Cable Cars, Gondolas and the transporting options – not to talk about the various passes. Tourists are so confused with all these and I found Christopher Admirat very helpful. And more importantly he had the patience to help. We talked to him many times – and he guided us perfectly.
I am also the owner of a 35-key 3-star hotel — DASH HOTELS – Affordable Luxury, Hyderabad, India — and I genuinely learned some finer points of guest hospitality from this father-son duo.
About our stay
The minus points:
– The hotel is a little dated,
– No frills room
– the elevator was difficult to use. Press the button continuously to move with only one guest at a time; it barely fits one person and can stop at any time.
The plus points
+ The father-son duo.
+ The highlight: A beautiful lounge area with Swiss charm, offering 24-hour free tea and coffee, along with fridge and microwave facilities.
+ Spotlessly clean and comfortable rooms
+ Shower with hot and cold water.
+ The location is excellent—just a short 5-minute walk to Interlaken West Train and Bus station. Within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants.
Continuing the holidays….
From our hostel terrace on the first morning, the view was mesmerizing. We were tired the previous night, but the beautiful scenery, perfect weather, and the joy of “being together” made us feel refreshed and energetic.
We started at 7.00am from the hostels to our next stay for 3 nights at the Hotel Rössli. On arrival we were greatly impressed with the authentic Swiss Charm and met Mr Christopher. We were informed that we would get the room by 3.00pm , we just kept the luggage there. When I asked where to buy JTP, he said right here. I paid him 420 CHF for both of us (3 days). This was very helpful – rather than buying at the train station. He also explained about the room keys, hotel facilities, and gave the complimentary city pass for local buses.
For 3 days – we visited / explored many places, taking full use of the JTP. The reason for this pass was we wanted to visit Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe (CHF 63 per person would be extra)
As the weather was perfect – we decided to visit Jungfraujoch today.
https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/jungfraujoch/
Our route for Jungfraujoch – going upInterlaken West →Train → Grindelwald Terminal (Tip. Sit on right side)
Grindelwald Terminal → Cable Car → Eigergletscher
Eigergletscher→Train → Jungfraujoch (Tip. Sit on left side)
At the Top
- Sphinx Observatory: Highest viewing platform.
- Aletsch Glacier: Longest glacier in the Alps.
- Ice Palace: Carved ice sculptures inside the glacier.
- Lindt Chocolate Heaven: Free chocolate samples.
- Send a postcard from Europe’s highest-altitude post office
Down
Jungfraujoch →Train → Kleine Scheidegg (Tip. Sit on left side)Kleine Scheidegg →Train → Grindelwald Grund (Tip. Sit on right side)
- Historic WAB 257 yellow cogwheel train
Grindelwald Grund→Bus → Grindelwald First Cable Car Station
Grindelwald First
https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/grindelwald-first/
Grindelwald First Cable Car Station→ Cable Car → First Summit
- First Summit Thrill Walk
- Hike to Bachalpsee Lake – we did not go.
- Adventure Activities First Flyer/Glider, Mountain Carts, Trottibike Scooters – we did not do.
First Summit→ Cable Car → Grindelwald First Cable Car Station
- Grindelwald Village
Grindelwald Village →Train → Lauterbrunnen →Train → Interlaken OST
Here we wanted a short Ferry ride on Lake Brienz, but the ferry operation was closed today. So we went to
Harder Kulm
https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/harder-kulm/
Harderbahn Talstation → Funicular → Harder Kulm & back
Day 3 : Sep 8, 2025
After Breakfast we started around 9.00am
Interlaken West → Train → Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen → Train → Wengen
- Walk to the Männlichen cable car station,
- Views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau are breathtaking.
Wengen → Cable Car → Männlichen (Royal Ride 5 CHF per person extra)
Männlichen
https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/mannlichen/
- Männlichen Summit
- Royal Walk hike (20 min uphill, great views)
- Playground
Männlichen→Train → Kleine Scheidegg
Kleine Scheidegg →Train → Wengen
Wengen→Train →Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen → Cable Car → Grütschalp
Grütschalp→Train → Mürren (Tip. Sit on left side)
- One of the most beautiful Train journeys in the world. Since 125 years
- Allmendhubel – amazing playground (we did not go – not included in JTP)
- Hike Blumental Flower – we did not go
Mürren→ Cable Car → Gimmelwald
- Can also walk 30–40 min downhill ~2.5 km.
- Honesty Shop
Gimmelwald→ Gondola → Stechelberg
- The steepest gondola in the world
From Stechelberg if we return to Lauterbrunnen (for our hotel) – this route is not included in JTP. We rode the gondola all the way back up, and we rode the “steepest gondola” again in reverse and then the mountain train.
Day 4 : Sep 9, 2025
After Breakfast we started around 9.00am
Interlaken West → Bus → Spiez (this bus ride not included in JTP, maybe we got some discount with the local guest card. We wanted to visit the Schloss Spiez Castle, but it was not open when we reached). So we took a Ferry.
Spiez Schiffstation → Ferry on Lake Thun/Bus → Interlaken West (see)
https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/boat-lake-thun/
Interlaken West → Bus → Wilderswil
Wilderswil →Train → Schynige Platte (Tip. Sit on the right side for mountain views, left for valley/lake views)
Schynige Platte
https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/schynige-platte/
- Historic Cogwheel Train: The vintage carriages from the 1890s makes it a nostalgic journey.
- Schynige Platte Skywalk
- Alpine Garden (Alpengarten)
- Panorama Terrace: Breathtaking views of Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau , Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz.
- Mountain Music: Listen for traditional Alphorn players who often perform near the terrace.
Schynige Platte →Train → Wilderswil
Wilderswil →Train →Lauterbrunnen
Trümmelbach Falls
Lauterbrunnen → Bus141 →Trümmelbachfälle- Trümmelbachfälle ( entry fee extra)
Trümmelbachfälle → Bus141 → Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen → Bus → Iseltwald, Dorfplatz (train or bus, don’t remember)
Lake Brienz
https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/boat-lake-brienz/
Iseltwald → Ferry on Lake Brienz → Interlaken OST
From Interlaken OST we walked to Höhematte Park to the Yash Chopra Statue. We also had snacks / Ice Cream at the Funky Chocolate Club.
Day 5 : Sep 10, 2025
We have this day Saver Day Pass – 52 CHF each, without HFC. Today our stay was booked in Milan, Italy.
I wanted to take scenic trains and I was feeling some difficulty in planning. So I asked on the MySwissAlps Forum.
With great and perfect help from this forum experts, Roger Sexton, Annika, Anna, I am sure I could not have planned this in a better way. I could take quite a few Scenic trains before we reached Milan. And we had to pay nothing extra, besides the cost of SDP. Though I had 2 pcs luggage, I could do everything seamlessly with the forums help and wonderful SBB app.
Interlaken Ost → Scenic Train Luzern Interlaken Express → Lucerne (Tip. Sit on Right side)
Lucerne → Scenic Train IR 26 Treno Gottardo → Locarno (Tip. Sit on Right side)
Locarno → Scenic Train Centovalli Railway → Domodossola
Domodossola → Bus / train → Milan
This was a fantastic scenic journey, and I highly recommend it.
After this we had 3 days in Italy, we stayed in Milan and did day trips to Florence, Turin, besides Milan.
This was our short 5-day sojourn in Switzerland, and we enjoyed every single moment. I will certainly return soon to explore the many places we could not visit this time.
Once again, sincere thanks to MySwissAlps, Roger Sexton, Annika, Anna, and Hotel Rössli Interlaken. Without your help, this trip would not have been so smooth and memorable.
Disclaimer:
If there are any mistakes in my report, I kindly request the experts here to edit/correct them. Many travellers follow and read these forums, and I would not want anyone to be misled.
Thanks again !!
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Hello Sanjeev
Many thanks for this excellent and very detailed report. It made very very interesting reading. I am obviously highly delighted that you found this forum so useful; and I see my name mentioned twice!
I draw two conclusions of central importance from your report.
The first conclusion is easy. Switzerland has Superlative Public Transport. You say
The SBB app in Switzerland is excellent. It provides all connections instantly and with complete accuracy. The trains operate with remarkable punctuality — often not even a minute late. The combination of many modes of transport of perfectly timed and precise real-time information through the SBB app makes traveling in Switzerland extremely convenient and stress-free. Everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
I would particularly emphasize your phrase ‘THE COMBINATION OF MANY MODES OF TRANSPORT.’
My second conclusion requires readers to think carefully.
Make Full Use of Your Public Transport Pass(es)
This forum is full of requests as to what public transport pass(es) should be purchased. You decided on a Jungfrau Travel Pass.
You then proceeded to use your JTPs very extensively. In fact I think you covered almost every line and route included within the JTP.
You also showed the FLEXIBILITY of having a public transport pass. In particular, when you found at Interlaken Ost there was no boat to Brienz, you changed your plan and went up Harder Kulm!
I would recommend your approach to anybody who invests in any Swiss Public Transport Pass, whether it is a Jungfrau Travel Pass, a Berner Oberland Pass, a Lucerne Travel Pass, a Swiss Travel Pass or…….whatever.
All Swiss visitors should make extensive use of whatever pass they have invested in, and remember that it gives them the flexibility to change their minds.
One point for clarification, please.
Almost at the end of your report you say
Domodossola → Bus / train → Milan
Please could you give us a bit more detail. In particular, were you happy with the (Italian) rail replacement bus?
I am asking this because a lot of visitors to Switzerland (and a lot of participants in this forum) are travelling to or from northern Italy, especially Milan. The ongoing disruption on the Domodossola to Milan line (engineering work is scheduled to continue until 2028) is of concern to all these people.
Once again, very many thanks.
Roger
Good to talk to you again, Roger
Point for clarification : Domodossola → Milan
Outside Domodossola train station, there is a bus stand. From there, we took a bus to Arona, which takes about 1.5 hours. Tickets can be paid for by cash or card.
From Arona, we boarded an Italian regional train that reached Milano Centrale in approximately one hour.
We found that Italian trains are simply no match for Switzerland’s rail system. On a couple of occasions, the trains were delayed — including high-speed services. While the interiors of Italian trains are quite good, Switzerland stands far ahead in terms of punctuality, reliability, and overall efficiency. Most importantly, the SBB app makes travelling in Switzerland extremely smooth and well-coordinated.
Thanks a lot for your extensive trip report Sanjeev. You sure used your days and your travel pass very well! I hope to see you back with a new trip plan in the future.
Hello again Sanjeev
Many thanks for your reply two. When you say ‘Switzerland stands far ahead in terms of punctuality, reliability, and overall efficiency. Most importantly, theSBB appmakes travelling in Switzerland extremely smooth and well-coordinated,’ I think everybody (including Italians) would agree with you.
Best wishes
Roger
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