[Removed user]

16 September 2019 at 3:53:11 #823870

Hello folks,

Need help in deciding the following:

1) We will be visiting Interlaken area from March 30-April 1. If we were to ride on train to Jungfrau then while purchasing the tickets online do we need to pick a date when we intend to travel? What if the weather is bad on that day and we want to travel some other day so can we purchase the train tickets with open dates or do we have to travel on the date that we chose while purchasing the ticket?

2) On which side of the Jungfraujoch train should we reserve the seats while going up and coming down?

3) Do you think if this train ride is worth spending US$750 (2 adults and 2 kids 4 &9) for a ride of 8 hours? Can we drive to the highest point instead of taking this train?

4) Is there a way to save some money on this train or Bernina Express?

5) Between train to Jungfraujoch and Bernina Express which one is better in terms of beautiful scenery and weather in late March/Early April?

6) Would we need child seats for our kids (9 & 4 years) during driving in Switzerland? Would you advise bringing our own child seats? Any idea how much do car rental companies charge for kids car seats?

7) Please suggest some activities/excursions in Lucerne as we plan to stay there for 3 days? We aren’t very active family so we would avoid hiking.

8) Is it safe to rent through Airbnb? Someone told me to avoid Airbnb accommodations in slightly remote places and should stay in hotels at busy places. Is Switzerland generally safe or should we avoid certain areas? Please share any safety tips.

9) We will be renting car for our entire trip. 3 days in Interlaken and 3 days in Lucern based on this which train pass do you think we should get (Swiss vs Half Fare etc).

10) Which car (sedan vs SUV) would you recommend? Is getting all wheel drive a must considering that we could experience snow during our stay March 30-April 5?

11) Which mobile phone/internet data service works the best in Switzerland and has full signals?

Thanks for all the help!!

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[Removed user]

16 September 2019 at 5:34:04 #922255

Hello Pure,

1) You can also purchase the ticket to the Jungfraujoch upon arrival, once you’re sure the weather will be fine, as at that time of the year there’s a reasonable amount of people visiting and it’s not high-season (yet).
– http://www.myswissalps.com/ju ngfraujoch/tickets
– http://www.myswissalps.com/we ather/forecast

2) Also here, reservations will not be needed when you are here, but of course they’re always possible:
– http://www.jungfrau.ch/shop/e n/bergbahn/reservation /

3) First of all, the Jungfraujoch is not the highest point, but rather the highest point in Europe which you can reach with a train, so the answer to getting there by car is clearly NO!
The second leg of the journey is mainly in a tunnel, so the side you sit on doesn’t matter anyway. On the other section, the answer depends a little on the route you choose.
– http://www.myswissalps.com/ju ngfraujoch/gettingther e
But if you don’t make reservations, you can also move and switch.

4) Yes, by holding a rail pass.
– http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/ticketspasses/prac tical/chooserailpass
– http://www.myswissalps.com/sw issrailpasses

5) Same same but different, I would say. Get some inspiration for the Jungfraujoch in above links and for the Bernina Express below:
– http://www.myswissalps.com/be rninaexpress

6) Yes, children under 12 should travel in a children’s seat in the car and rental companies will for sure offer this option.
– http://www.myswissalps.com/ca r/carrental

7) See the following link for suggestions in and around Lucerne, there are plenty:
– http://www.myswissalps.com/lu cerne/activities

8) I think you can say that generally Switzerland is a save place. Regarding AirBnB, please see our thought about it below:
– http://www.myswissalps.com/ac commodation/airbnb

9) The links in No. 4 will help you answer this question. However, I’m afraid detailed calculations will be up to you. Make sure you use the spreadsheet in the first link of No. 4.

10) I’m not a car expert so I can’t make recommendations. For input about driving generally and also in the mountains, make sure you read the following links:
– http://www.myswissalps.com/ca r/trafficregulations
– http://www.myswissalps.com/ca r/drivinginthemountain s

11) See: http://www.myswissalps.com/si mcard

Also make sure you get familiar with the SBB timetable below, which you can also find as an app in the second link:
– http://www.myswissalps.com/ti metable
– http://www.myswissalps.com/ab outswitzerland/practic al/websites

Happy planning and feel free to get back to us anytime.

Best,
Steph

[Meemskirk]

17 September 2019 at 5:40:57 #922256

We were just there last week. A few additional comments:

1. You can’t change your tickets once booked. Better to give yourself a few days to ensure a good weather day. Hopefully.

2/3/4: You will change multiple trains to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken: http://www.myswissalps.com/ju ngfraujoch/gettingther e. Only the last portion is pricey. For the Kleine Scheidegg/Jungfraujoch portions: Sit right going up; left coming down. The gorgeous Alps will be right there in your face.

4/5: Bernina Express is a great train ride with wonderful views: http://www.myswissalps.com/be rninaexpress. Jungfraujoch gets you to top of Europe among glaciers.

The kids will enjoy the activities. Enjoy!

[Removed user]

18 September 2019 at 21:39:09 #922257

Thank you Steph and Meemskirk for valuable feedback.