Two weeks Zermatt, Trift bridge & Bernina Express

We are having two weeks in Switzerland next August. We are going by train from England and staying in Zermatt for 5 days.

Then going to Wengen for 3 or 4 days. Then wanted to do the Trift bridge, would it be best to stay in Meiringen and if so would you recommend 2 nights.

Then wanted to go on the Bernina express and stay somewhere nice maybe around the heighest point for a few days hiking, maybe 3 nights. What route would be best.

Then either back to Paris by train or to Milan for plane.

Am I right in thinking as we are going for 14 or 15 nights the swish pass is best option. Also seems unclear but if we have Swiss pass do we reserve a seat or we have to pay to reserve one. Also would 1st or second class be best.

A lot of questions there. Thanks in advance

Shaun

Hi Shaun and welcome to MySwissAlps!

Probably the most popular town to stay in along the Bernina Express route is St. Moritz.

Sils Maria is also a very popular town/area that you could look into for a few nights. Here is a previous thread on that area. Searching for St. Moritz and Sils Maria in our search box should bring up a lot more information by other members.
It would make more sense (geographically) from here to continue on to Milan rather than Paris.

Yes, I think the 15 day Swiss Travel Pass would be the best option for your travels plans in Switzerland.
You can see what is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and how to buy it online on the link above.

Reservations on Swiss trains are not needed and indeed not often possible. The exceptions are panoramic trains like the Bernina Express, reservations are mandatory there.

Have a look at our page on 1st vs. 2nd class here. Typically I would recommend 2nd class as sufficient but 1st class can be great as it tends to be quite empty most of the time (quiet and more room for luggage). You can upgrade to 1st class on specific trains as well if you wish as well - its costs 1/2 the price difference between the classes to upgrade. If you want to go 1st class on the Bernina Express you can reserve a 1st class seat right away and then just make sure you upgrade anytime before boarding the train (train station or online/mobile app).

Let us know if you have further questions.
If you'd like more information on what to do and where to stay during your stay click on the following links as well: Zermatt & Wengen. I haven't been to Meiringen, before to recommend it but it makes sense as your base for 1 or 2 nights to see the Trift Bridge.