MySwissAlps.com features ads, commercial and non-commercial 4-6 weeks in Switzerland next Dec with a pet dog
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Hi, a newbie here.
We (hubby & myself with a pet dog) Planning to re-visit Switzerland next Dec for 4-6 weeks. Have few places in mind like Geneva, Zermatt, St. Moritz , Zurich… (love alps & ❄️) And need some advice on what are the other places that we should not miss and worth the visit.
And I need help with the flwg:
- is pet allowed on public transport like Train, buses, tram, cable car?
- Easy to find pet friendly eateries/restaurant?
- what is the easiest way to travel between the cities?
- Easy to drive in Switzerland? Is it safe ?
It would be great if anyone could share their itinerary for reference 🙂
Any adv / information is greatly appreciated.
thank you 🙏
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Hello CctChris74 and Welcome to MySwissAlps,
The Swiss transport network is very pet friendly.
I suggest you read http://www.myswissalps.com/carversustrain which ought to convince you to use trains to get about (especially in winter). Have a look at http://www.myswissalps.com/activities/scenictrips/train. Many people base their itineraries on this major routes.
I recommend using the SBB Mobile app (bit.ly/2ICIUHi) for checking train, bus, boat and cable way timetables, finding fares* and buying tickets on-line if required. In the unlikely event you don’t have a device capable of running the app then you can use the timetable on the SBB website (bit.ly/2HH1U7B). If you are not familiar with using the SBB timetable it is worth first reading the instructions at http://www.myswissalps.com/timetable.
* The SBB website shows half-fare prices by default, the mobile app allows you to nominate whether to show full or half-fares (by editing the passenger details in settings) and is also smart enough to offer you the Saver Day Pass (http://www.myswissalps.com/saverdaypass) if that offers the best fare. The app can also display a platform map (at least at the larger stations) to help you make connections. You can also easily filter modes of transport (eg bus or ship).
The app (or website) will always show the fastest, most direct routes unless you tell it you want to go a longer way round by including other stations to go VIA. For example, if you wanted to follow the Golden Pass route you would need to search the SBB app looking for Luzern to Montreux via Interlaken and Zweisimmen.
Based on your personal itinerary you should read “How to choose the best travel pass” (http://www.myswissalps.com/train/ticketspasses/practical/chooserailpass), download the handy spreadsheet calculator and do the math. The spreadsheet also includes links to the “Where it’s valid” page for all available passes. Be sure to check those pages for each pass you are considering. Study the map AND read all the text on those pages to fully understand what is covered by the respective pass.
Happy planning.
Thank you so very much for your information & advice.
Hi Cctchris74,
I also recommend the trains as the Swiss train system is amazing, it is safe, comfortable and als eco-friendly. So I suggest you to take the train, as driving can be tricky on the mountain routes, if you are not to used to it: http://www.myswissalps.com/car/drivinginthemountains. You should be aware of the speed limits too, as Swiss traffic fines are really high, also the parking is not the sometimes not the easiest and it cost a fortune.
You can read many trip reviews and personal experiences at http://www.myswissalps.com/forum/tripreports.
First time travellers usually are interested in Zermatt (http://www.myswissalps.com/zermatt), the Lake Lucerne area (http://www.myswissalps.com/lakelucerne) and the Jungfrau region (http://www.myswissalps.com/jungfrauregion). I suggest to start with these.
Have a look at these pages to get to know Switzerland:
- Regions in Switzerland: http://www.myswissalps.com/regions
- Towns in Switzerland: http://www.myswissalps.com/wheretogo/towns
- Mountain tops and lakes in Switzerland: http://www.myswissalps.com/activities/naturalsites
- Panoramic train routes: http://www.myswissalps.com/activities/scenictrips/train
- Practical information: http://www.myswissalps.com/aboutswitzerland/practical
- Best time to visit: http://www.myswissalps.com/besttimetovisit
- Weather in Switzerland: http://www.myswissalps.com/weather
These will help you to start your planning and compose your itinerary:
- http://www.myswissalps.com/plantrip
- http://www.myswissalps.com/plantrip/doityourself/composeitinerary
Regarding your dog read at http://www.myswissalps.com/train/practical/dogs, you’ll find to the SBB website, you can check the latest information there, how can you travel on trains with your dog. This will be useful for you too: http://www.myswissalps.com/forum/topic/30-days-in-switzerland-with-my-dog. For sure your dog will need a vaccination certificate and a microchip. You can find the regulations at http://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/en/home/tiere/reisen-mit-heimtieren.html.
About the snow please check: http://www.myswissalps.com/activities/snow.
As you’ve mentioned these cities, have a look at these pages too:
- Geneva: http://www.myswissalps.com/geneva
- Zermatt: http://www.myswissalps.com/zermatt
- Zurich: http://www.myswissalps.com/zurich
- St Moritz: http://www.myswissalps.com/Stmoritz
Thank you for the links and advice, that’s very helpful.
yes we have dropped the idea of self driving. Just too bad that Glacier Express doesn’t accept pet to be onboard the train.
You can replicate the Glacier Express route on regular trains on which your dog would be allowed. The scenery is just the same.
Will do 😀 ty
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