8889 posts
Think you may be trying to jam a little too much in. See attached showing 7 hours 20 min travel time only.
72625 posts
Thanks, Rockoyster. That was what I thought, but was hopeful that others thought differently. What about the train ride from Vevey to Lucerne? Is the scenery as spectacular going that direction, as it is into Montreux from Lucerne? Should we take the shorter route and have more time in Lucerne?
8889 posts
I would say the fastest (3 hour) route would not compare scenery-wise. But you could get to Lucerne in time to do Pilatus for example. Or GPL and drop Grindelwald. Your call.
72625 posts
>> What about the train ride from Vevey to Lucerne? Is the scenery as spectacular going that direction, as it is into Montreux from Lucerne?
Via which route? Via Lausanne or Lausanne-Olten? Via Puidoux-Chexbres and Palézieux?
The fastest routes for getting around in Switzerland (generally speaking) are fast because they go through the flatter parts of the country and/or take valley and tunnel routes, which is great for commuters.
However, if you are a tourist, you miss out on so much by choosing the fast routes over longer, more scenic ones. Scenic routes tackle the mountains and transport you through stunning scenery instead of zooming underneath it in a tunnel or detouring through the flatter parts of the country to avoid the mountains.
The route from Vevey to Luzern via Lausanne or Lausanne-Olten does not have much to recommend it in my opinion, and certainly can’t compare with beauty of the Golden Pass route. You do, however, have a short scenic section between Vevey and Lausanne, as you travel along Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) and past the Lavaux Terrace vineyards. However, if this is a winter trip, the vineyards do not look their best in winter, as the vines are bare.
The route via Puidoux-Chexbres and Palézieux starts off with a lovely trip climbing up through the vineyards, but that is a very short section, and the rest of the trip is nothing special in my view: that is, compared with what other routes have to offer.
Alpenrose
72625 posts
Thanks Alpenrose666 for your input! My thoughts are that we will take the scenic route and possibly spend the night in Grindelwald before going on to Lucerne. So excited about our time in Switzerland!
1206 posts
<< However, if this is a winter trip, the vineyards do not look their best in winter, as the vines are bare. >>
Unless you happen to be going through the Lavaux when the vinyards have been covered with some snow ! See attached image.
72625 posts
>> Unless you happen to be going through the Lavaux when the vinyards have been covered with some snow
Oh yes, that is indeed beautiful!
Alpenrose