Mountain days in Lucerne, Interlaken & Zermatt

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    24 June 2019 at 19:13:38 #822459

    Hello All,

    Just looking for advice on my plans for a couple day trips while in Switzerland. I’m not sure if I’m being overly optimist on doing all these things on particular days. I am traveling by myself, and I am not one to normally linger at tourist shops; i’m coming to Switzerland to see the famous mountains…not shop. lol.

    On day 3, I am staying in Lucerne (arrive the night before). I plan on seeing Mt Piltus and Stanserhorn on the same day then continue onto Bern in the evening. Is it possible to see Mt Piltus and Stanserhorn in the same day? How long do you need to see both?

    On day 5, I am traveling from Bern to Zermatt. I plan to leave Bern early (6-7am) and travel via rail to Interlaken and go to Harderkulm. Hopefully be done by noon (or earlier) then travel to Grindelwald/Wengen to see Jungfraujoch. After that, take a train to Zermatt. Is this overly ambitious? Is it possible to take see Interlaken (harderkulm) and Jungfraugjoch in the same day? I plan on storing my luggage at the Interlaken train station. Which is the best station to arrive in Interlaken? If I could only do one, is Harderkulm or Jungfraujoch better to see?

    On day 6/7, I’ll be in Zermat. I arrive the night before (on day 5). I am hoping to see both Gornergrat and Matterhorn paradise on the same day. Is it possible to see both in the same day? If I could only do one, which is better to see?

    Given views in the mountain is weather dependent, is it best to buy the tickets up the mountains the day of? or is it best to reserve them in advance? Do they ever sell out?

    Thanks in advance for your opinions!

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    Removed user
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    25 June 2019 at 5:00:53 #916005

    Hello Jeeves,

    First of all it’s worth getting familiar with the timetable you’ll find in below link in order to find out about traveling times, connections, etc.
    http://www.myswissalps.com/ti metable

    On day 3 you can do Mount Pilatus and Mount Stanserhorn on one day, it always depends a little, how much time you want to spend at each place. Also, if you do the Golden Roundtrip on Mount Pilatus this takes longer than just “visiting” the mountain on the fastest route. For details see:
    http://www.myswissalps.com/pi latus
    http://www.myswissalps.com/st anserhorn

    Your day 5 is again theoretically do-able, but you might be quite shattered by the evening, as it will end in a looong day and also includes the altitudes of the Jungfraujoch, don’t forget that. Use the timetable for details.
    http://www.myswissalps.com/ju ngfraujoch
    http://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/harder-kulm/
    http://www.myswissalps.com/ze rmatt

    For day 6/7 see:
    http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/zermatt-peak-to-peak-29th-june

    It’s indeed best to buy the mountain tickets upon knowing that the weather will be fine. In high-high season (you’re not mentioning when you’re coming) reservations might be recommendable for the Jungfraujoch, especially bearing in mind your long-ish day. You could also consider visiting the Jungfraujoch first, and doing Harder Kulm on the way to Zermatt, leaving you some more flexibility. Just an idea. Otherwise tickets won’t sell out.
    http://www.myswissalps.com/we ather

    Best,
    Steph

    Removed user
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    29 June 2019 at 23:38:53 #916006

    Hi Steph,

    Thanks for the feedback. I will definitely take it into consideration. I will visiting Aug 18-25. I’m assuming that’s a busy time of year.

    Thanks for your help.

    Removed user
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    72625 posts
    30 June 2019 at 0:22:22 #916007

    Day 5 is far too ambitious in my view

    Removed user
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    30 June 2019 at 0:26:28 #916008

    Yes, i’m definitely starting to gather that. If only one to visit, which one would you choose? Harderkulm or Jungfraujoch?

    Removed user
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    30 June 2019 at 12:24:15 #916009

    Hard to say Jeeves, use the provided links to get some inspiration. Jungfraujoch is for sure more touristic, more expensive and also quite a bit higher in altitude, these are facts, the rest is very individual.

    Best,
    Steph

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