MySwissAlps.com features ads, commercial and non-commercial 6 days Swiss mountains, towns, Christmas market
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Hey Everyone,
Me and my partner are planning to visit the beautiful country of Switzerland in December. We have a rough idea of the cities we want to visit and as per the below dates:
19 December – interlaken
20 December – Interlaken
21 December – Lucerne
22 December – Lucerne
23 December – Zurich
24 December – Zurich
Our dates are pretty much set in stone and there’s not much we can do about it. However, I am looking for recommendations on what is the best way to experience these cities/neighborhoods, get the best out of our trip and of course; be budget friendly.
The places where we definitely want to go are Harder Kulm, Jungfraujoch, Lake Thun, Old Town , Mt. Titlis, Christmas Market and Night life in Zurich.
Having said that, I have done some research and below are my questions:
1. Cheapest / Efficient way to get from Zurich Airport to Interlaken? I arrive at 10:00Am in the morning. Is it safe to drive a rented car during this time or should I opt for a train/Bus?
2. If train is the most recommended option to travel around Switzerland, should I opt for the Swiss Travel Pass or the Swiss Half Fare card? Do consider the fact that I will be traveling between Interlaken, Lucerne, Zurich and all mountain tops by train.
3. As per the official website, the railway to Harder Kulm is closed on the 19th of December. Is there an alternative way to get to the viewing deck? If not, what other scenic place can I visit in Interlaken that has high views of the city?
4. Day trip to Jungfraujoch on the 20th of December. Is it cheaper to pre book the full day tour package or should I buy them on the spot? Also, having a travel pass offers certain discounts – is that beneficial in any way?
5. If I extend a day in interlaken, should I visit Mürren Lauterbrunnen or Bern? Which of the them have a lot to offer?
6. Travel from interlaken to Lucerne – Same as question number 1. Which is the most economical/Safe mode of transport?
7. Half day in Lucerne on the 21st of December – What are the best sights to cover in the city? Are there any unique romantic experiences?
8. Day trip to Mt. Titlis on 22nd Of December – What can I expect to experience on the trip? Again, same as question number 4, should I pre book or wait until I arrive in Lucerne for a last minute deal?
9. Travel from Lucerne to Zurich on 23rd of December – Which is the most economical/Safe mode of transport?
10. Zurich on Christmas Eve, 24th of December – I have read heaps of good reviews about the Christmas markets in Zurich. Where exactly are these located in the city and what can I expect?
11. Also, what other tourist activities are recommended to do in Zurich? Walking tours? Swiss chocolate factory visits? Ice skating?
12. Best place to experience the night life and happening bars in Zurich? Any recommendations?
I would really appreciate if you can guide me on the above and really looking forward to your suggestions and advise. Also, if you feel there are some must visit places/restaurants/sites in any of the cities above, please do let me know.
Thank you in advance.
Ismail
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Hello Ismaily69,
Welcome to MySwissAlps!
I. I personally think taking the train in Switzerland to be efficient and economical. You get a chance to relax and look out the window at beautiful Switzerland. I find driving to be stressful and expensive (gas and parking). However, that is my personal opinion. I will attach a link with the comparisons so you could decide:
2. If you decide to take the train, the Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to travel unlimited by rail in Switzerland. I will attach links pertaining to the Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Half Fare Card so you can make the calculations yourself.
- http://www.myswissalps.com/tr avel/inswitzerland
- http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/ticketspasses/prac tical/chooserailpass
Swiss Travel Pass:
Swiss Half Fare Card:
3. There is no other way to get to Harder Kulm. I would suggest Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, Schilthorn, or Zermatt. They are different in their own ways, nevertheless each spectacular in their own ways.
Jungfraujoch:
Schilthorn:
Zermatt:
4. If you decide to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card, you will get a discount with the Jungfraujoch. Please refer to this: http://www.myswissalps.com/ju ngfraujoch/tickets.
The month of December is considered low season, so you can wait to purchase the tickets. As well the ticket prices are considered low in December. It’s better to wait and check the weather forecast before you purchase the ticket. (meteoswiss is a great weather app)
- http://www.myswissalps.com/we ather
- http://www.myswissalps.com/ab outswitzerland/practic al/websites
5. If you decide to extend your stay in Interlaken; Bern, Lauterbrunnen and Murren all have their own charms. If the weather is poor outside, consider Bern. Bern is a city and it has six kilometers of arcades so you will be shielded from wind and rain. If you want to see nature, it’s best to go to Lauterbrunnen or Murren. I will attach links to each and let you decide:
Bern:
Lauterbrunnen:
Murren:
6 & 7. If you decide to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass, the trip to Lucerne will be by for free. Here are links of Lucerne where you can find ideas of what would interest you as a couple and highlights of the city. My only suggestion on the romance part is when you are in Lucerne, please have lunch at “Art Deco Hotel Montana.” The views of their balcony is spectacular. I personally know a lot of wedding proposals and announcements took place on that balcony!
8. You should see what the weather is like before you book the tickets. Again, it’s low season in December, so you can wait. With the Swiss Travel Pass to Mount Titlis it will be 50% off.
9. Train to Zurich is best mode of transportation. The Swiss Travel Pass covers that route.
10. The Christmas markets are mix of handcrafts for sale, and local cuisine. I have attached a overview about Christmas markets for you:
11. Whether you want to visit Lindt chocolate factory or ice skating is purely up to your personal interests. I will attach links to give you ideas while you are in Zurich:
Zurich:
- http://www.myswissalps.com/zu rich
- http://www.myswissalps.com/zu rich/activities
- http://www.myswissalps.com/ac tivities/culinarytours
12. Zurich is an international city with plenty of nightclubs and bars to go too. I use to go to “Kaufleuten” but I am not sure if that nightclub is still relevant. Nevertheless, you can’t go wrong in Zurich in terms of bars and nightclubs.
On a side note, I took the liberty to attach a thread about portable wifi while you are in Switzerland. There’s a winter promotion of wifi in Switzerland that could be of interest for you:
- http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/winter-promotion-on-the-swiss-wifi-hotspot
- http://www.myswissalps.com/si mcard
I hope these links will help! I wish you happy planning.
Best regards,
Suzanne
Hi Suzanne
Thank you so much for your reply. I will go through each of the links mentioned above and get back to you with any further questions.
Regards
ismail
Hello Ismaily69,
Thanks for your reply! Yes, please feel free to get back to us if you have anymore questions.
Best regards,
Suzanne
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