First trip to Switzerland on short notice. Please advise

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danny_ireland
danny_ireland

I've been in Ireland most of the summer but have decided to take a short trip (3-6 days perhaps?) to Switzerland, next week (August 15 or 16). Nothing is booked yet.

Things I would like to do:

  • Hiking
  • See the stereotypical/classic Swiss mountain scenery

Would this travel itinerary make sense?

  • Fly Dublin to Zurich (have looked at prices with Swiss International Air Lines)
  • Arrive. Take the train (SBB) from Zurich to Interlaken via Bern. Is the train trip to Interlaken fairly scenic compared to others?

My questions:

Is Interlaken an appropriate base for exploring the region? Or would I be better in staying in one of the smaller communities further up? I will be traveling solo and would prefer to stay in relatively moderately prices B&Bs or hostels, if possible (i.e. under 45 SFr. per night). I prefer quieter places rather than loud, touristy towns.

I'm also interested in seeing Gimmelwald and Mürren. This hostel looks nice.
http://www.mountainhostel.com/directions.htm

Would it be wise to get a rail pass or can I see most of the villages by foot and cablecar once I get to Interlaken? It seems

Please advise.

Edited by: danny_ireland

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evscha
evscha

Yes, Interlaken is the right place to be. None of these towns are loud, tourist towns, but at the moment, there are quite a lot of tourists, in spite of the weather, so you really should book in advance. The main tourism site below will give you lots of info about places to stay and things to do.

http://www.interlaken.ch/index.php?id=53&L=3

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aubo23
aubo23

The route from Zurich to Interlaken via Bern is not especially scenic.
That via Luzern and the Brunig pass is

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neckervd
neckervd

"Would this travel itinerary make sense?"
It's up to you to know.
If you fly 1 week later (23 to 29 August) and book aerlingus, you can do it for 160 EUR.
A railpass makes only sense if you visit the whole country or a big part of it. For a train ride from ZRH to Interlaken (130 EUR/round trip), you may check the half fare card, but only if you intend to use railways and buses between Interlaken and the mountains.

Some standard round trip fares from Interlaken:
Murren: 33 EUR
Wengen: 26 EUR
Schynige Platte and back from First: 72 EUR
Jungfraujoch: 180 EUR
Half price with half fare card. A half fare card costs 105 EUR.

"Is Interlaken an appropriate base for exploring the region?" for the Bernese Oberland (one among many Swiss mountain areas): yes

At Muerren or Gimmelwald, you are closer to the Jungfrau area and can begin your hikes directly at the door of your hostel. Journey times and train fares to the above mentioned places (except Muerren) are more or less the same than those from Interlaken, however.

Further info:
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/home.html
http://www.swisstravelsystem.ch/en/

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travelinstyle46
travelinstyle46

In my opinion, Interlaken while geographically a good location as a base is not as desirable as one of the smaller villages such as Murren.

As for time, the more the better is always my rule.

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danny_ireland
danny_ireland

Thank you all for your responses.

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danny_ireland
danny_ireland

Regarding Aer Lingus, the cheap prices seem to say 'Flight Only'. I have two bags with me so that's not an option.

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travelinstyle46
travelinstyle46

Two bags for 3-6 days? Carry-on is free and you are allowed 10kg. If you are taking more than that besides what you are wearing when you board, you would appear to be taking too much stuff danny.

It's summer, long pants, t-shirt, a light jacket and hiking boots. All on you when you board. Two spare t-shirts, a pair of shorts, 2 spare pair of socks and underwear and your toilet kit. What more do you need for 6 days?

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danny_ireland
danny_ireland

I have little choice since I'm returning home to Canada afterwards. I've been overseas for the past seven weeks.

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travelinstyle46
travelinstyle46

Ah I see Danny. You should have posted before leaving Canada and got almost the same packing suggestions as I have given in #7. Just add a rainjacket for Ireland. LOL

The two commonest mistakes travellers make is trying to do too much in too little time and packing too much. You need no more clothes for 3 months than you do for 3 days. As the saying goes, 'one to wear, one to wash and one to spare.'

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