Apr 14, 2011 - 11:52 AM
My 13-year old son and I will be traveling from Paris to Switzerland on Friday, 23 May. I have not made our train reservation yet because I am questioning my itinerary. Here is our very brief plan:
Friday: Arrive Lausanne, tour Chateau de Chillon and Montreaux area, and sleep somewhere in this area.
Saturday: Hike in vineyards near Lausanne in the morning and then take Golden Pass train to Schilthorn area. Sleep in Murren or somewhere nearby.
Sunday: Ride cable car to top of Schilthorn, eat a meal, eventually continue on to Zurich later that day for 10 AM flight home on Monday.
I have several specific questions.
1. I am looking forward to a daylight ride on the Golden Pass. How late in the day could we leave and still enjoy the view? If fairly late in the afternoon, we could leave Lausanne area on Friday afternoon after a few hours of sightseeing (Chateau de Chillon, Montreaux, maybe short lake cruise are our primary goals) and head towards Schilthorn area. I like the thought of spending more time there.
2. Given our limited time (and my 13-year old son's eligibility for free travel) the Half Fare card sounds like a smart purchase. I have read of others traveling from Paris to the Swiss border and then purchasing half price fares into Switzerland from that point. Would that be a practical suggestion for us? If so, which stop would be closest to the Swiss border if we ultimately want to go to Lausanne area?
3. When looking at sbb.ch site for Golden Pass travel from Montreux to Murren, there are two Murren choices. One is BLM and the other is ISMS. Which is the correct stop if we would like to stay overnight in Murren?
Thank you so much for your help. I have been researching for weeks and want to make a decision soon.
