Interlaken and Luzern
Hi, we (family of 4) are visiting Switzerland briefly for 2 days.We arrive in Interlaken from Milan on Wednesday 2 Jan 13 late at night.
Thursday 3 Jan 13 is in Interlaken, and later that night we leave for Luzern (about 20:00).
Friday 4 Jan 13 is in Luzern but it is only a 3/4 day since we need to catch a 17:00 train to Paris afterwards.
For Interlaken, I am planning a day trip similar to Reply #2 in this thread: http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/day-trip-from-interlaken.cfm
But we don't have a Swiss Pass (or similar), and it doesn't seem economical to buy a 4-day pass to cover 2 days in Switzerland. Is my only option to buy point to point tickets for every connection? Any other options?
Also, suggestions for alternative day trips in Interlaken, or for Luzern is appreciated.
Thanks,
BL
P.S: It should be noted that Milan -> Interlaken is via Brig, and I only purchased a fare from Milan -> Brig first. I haven't yet purchased the Brig -> Interlaken connection. I plan to buy that, plus the Interlaken -> Luzern connection through Supersaver tickets.
1
Milano Centrale dp 18.25 - Interlaken:The best solution is a smart2 ticket from Milan to Spiez for 32 EUR plus a Spiez - Interlaken ticket for 8 EUR.
If you buy the smart2 ticket only up to Brig, it will cost 29 EUR. A standard fare ticket from Brig to Interlaken cost 44 CHF resp 36 EUR.
I don't think that supersaver tickets will be available for this train at this date.
The Interlaken - Bruenig - Lucerne train ride (standard fare 31 CHF/26 EUR) is very scenic. But after 5pm, it will be dark. If you want to enjoy this journey, you shouldn't leave Interlaken Ost at 20.08 (as planned) but at the latest at 15.04, or better the following morning at 8.04.
I'm sure you have bought your Lucerne - Paris ticket long ago, as prices get higher and higher towards the date of departure (actually 136 CHF/113 EUR).
So the only tickets you will still have to buy in Switzerland are
Spiez - Interlaken: 8 EUR
Interlaken - Bruenig - Lucerne: 26 EUR
Schilthorn roundtrip: 125 CHF/104 EUR
There doesn't exist any pass or half fare card worth to buy compared to standard tickets for 138 EUR.
Take warm clothes for the Muerren - Schilthorn trip. The sun disappears behind the mountains around 2pm at Muerren at even earlier at Lauterbrunnen in these days. After this time, it will usually get bitterly cold.
I suppose you know that the Schilthorn trip makes only sense if the weather is fine, otherwise you may freeze in the fog without any view even to the nearest mountains.
3
I wish I had your advice earlier - unfortunately our ticket from Milan to Brig is set and my only option is to buy a Brig to Interlaken West ticket.I will take all your other information on board and yes, we are aware of the 16:54 departure time.
Thanks for your response.
EDIT: I bought a set of Supersaver tickets from Brig to Interlaken at 29 CHF each, 1st class special price. In line with your other advice, I also bought Supersaver tickets leaving Luzern at 15:53, 22 CHF each. I figured the 4 CHF difference between 1st/2nd class was acceptable. Thank you so much for your advice!
Edited by: BL5965
