We are planning a trip to Switzerland in may 2008 we will be staying at Frutigen which is not too far from Interlaken. While we are there we would like to make 2 or 3 mountain railway trips, including the Jungfrau and Ice Palace. Any advice on these trips such as buying travel passes etc. would be much appreciated.
Swiss mountain railways
- Thread starter Robin_5041462
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- Mar 14, 2005
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- Mar 14, 2005
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DavidRobin
Are you staying at Camping Grassi?
David
Yes we are staying at camping Grassi. We stayed there last year and enjoyed it very much.
- Nov 14, 2007
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Robin,
We stayed in Lazy Rancho, Interlaken a couple of years ago. Lovely site with views of the Bernese Oberland inc Jungfrau although pitches are a bit tight generally in Swizterland. We didn't have advance passes for the railway and got tickets easily on the day of travel. What I will say is that the Jungfrau is spectacular and a 'must do' but only on a clear day. What I would recommend, which is what we did, is have a peep out of the curtains at about 7am and if the skies are clear - go for it. All the trains are clean and extremely punctual.
We stayed in Lazy Rancho, Interlaken a couple of years ago. Lovely site with views of the Bernese Oberland inc Jungfrau although pitches are a bit tight generally in Swizterland. We didn't have advance passes for the railway and got tickets easily on the day of travel. What I will say is that the Jungfrau is spectacular and a 'must do' but only on a clear day. What I would recommend, which is what we did, is have a peep out of the curtains at about 7am and if the skies are clear - go for it. All the trains are clean and extremely punctual.
- Feb 11, 2007
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Robin - you can buy a 7 day or 14 day travel pass which covers travel on all buses, trains, cable cars, boats in the whole are )apart from last part of trip to Jungfrau and you get a discount). The 7 day gives you 3 days unlimited and 4 days half price, the 15 5 days unlimited and 10 half price. Definitely the best way to travel - Frutigen has a railway station from which it is easy to get into the "circuit" - you can get a train to Interlaken Ost and then boat or train to most areas.
We usually stay in Adelboden (just up the valley from Frutigen) and do all our travelling on local transport.
Lovely area and so much to see and do.
Jan
We usually stay in Adelboden (just up the valley from Frutigen) and do all our travelling on local transport.
Lovely area and so much to see and do.
Jan
Hi Robin
We went a few years back and stayed at a tiny site right on the lakeside at Brienz, other end of the lake from Interlaken.
The Swiss transport system is, like most things in Switzerland, VERY CLEAN, PUNCTUAL and EFFICIENT. We bought family tickets which gave free travel on some days and half price on others. It, also, allowed flexibility as the days did not have to be consecutive. We travelled by boat, train, cable car, bus, etc. All were covered by the tickets with some, like Jungfraujoch, at a reduced price. It is possible to get a travel routes map which we used a great deal. We would go up the mountains by one route and then hike to another railway or cable car to come down again.
The Interlaken area is, also, very good for cycling as the valley floor is pretty flat. As a family we cycled to Meringen from Brienz. We started on the main road but a local motorist concerned for the our children's safety stopped and pointed us to a safer route along the back roads - typical of the helpful Swiss. Meringen is a fascinating place with a museum to Sherlock Holmes in the old English Church. The central square in Meringen had lots of stilts and other activity toys which our kids loved. From Meringen we cycled to the nearby Reichenbach Falls. The falls are spectacular in themselves and can be ascended by a funicular railway. The funicular man points out the cross marking the spot where Sherlock Holmes "fell to his death" in his last struggle.
Schilthorn, used in the James Bond film is spectacular as is Jungfraujoch. Both need clear days, however. There was a CCTV link with the mountain peak areas at Interlaken Rail station so one could choose one's destination before starting out. Allow plenty of time for Jungfraujoch as there is a lot to see. We loved walking on the glacier but missed the ice palace as we had arrived to late - we nearly missed the last train down and were chased to it by a railway official.
This reminds me of a funny story. On the way up the Jungfraujoch we had come down from another cable car and had to frog march the family through Wengen to catch the train up the Jungfrau. We just missed the connection because our, then, 9 year old son would not hurry along with the rest of the family. When we got to the station the train was just departing - we'd jut missed it.
The typically polite station master for whom caring for passengers is a serious duty looked really upset that we had missed the train but explained in perfect English how vital it was to keep to the timetable and carefully advised me of the time of the next train. I then lost my "rag" with my son and he ran off, consequently we missed the next train too. When the Station master saw that we had missed the next train too. When the station master saw that we had missed the second train too I thought he was going to burst into tears he looked so upset. We thus only managed the last train of the day which meant that we only had a short time at the summit.
The morale of this tale is don't try to do too much in one day and leave plenty of time for the Jungfrau.
Happy days, Happy memories, I'm sure you'll have a super time in Switzerland. A fantastically beautiful country with very friendly helpful people but very expensive.
Have a super time
Tim
We went a few years back and stayed at a tiny site right on the lakeside at Brienz, other end of the lake from Interlaken.
The Swiss transport system is, like most things in Switzerland, VERY CLEAN, PUNCTUAL and EFFICIENT. We bought family tickets which gave free travel on some days and half price on others. It, also, allowed flexibility as the days did not have to be consecutive. We travelled by boat, train, cable car, bus, etc. All were covered by the tickets with some, like Jungfraujoch, at a reduced price. It is possible to get a travel routes map which we used a great deal. We would go up the mountains by one route and then hike to another railway or cable car to come down again.
The Interlaken area is, also, very good for cycling as the valley floor is pretty flat. As a family we cycled to Meringen from Brienz. We started on the main road but a local motorist concerned for the our children's safety stopped and pointed us to a safer route along the back roads - typical of the helpful Swiss. Meringen is a fascinating place with a museum to Sherlock Holmes in the old English Church. The central square in Meringen had lots of stilts and other activity toys which our kids loved. From Meringen we cycled to the nearby Reichenbach Falls. The falls are spectacular in themselves and can be ascended by a funicular railway. The funicular man points out the cross marking the spot where Sherlock Holmes "fell to his death" in his last struggle.
Schilthorn, used in the James Bond film is spectacular as is Jungfraujoch. Both need clear days, however. There was a CCTV link with the mountain peak areas at Interlaken Rail station so one could choose one's destination before starting out. Allow plenty of time for Jungfraujoch as there is a lot to see. We loved walking on the glacier but missed the ice palace as we had arrived to late - we nearly missed the last train down and were chased to it by a railway official.
This reminds me of a funny story. On the way up the Jungfraujoch we had come down from another cable car and had to frog march the family through Wengen to catch the train up the Jungfrau. We just missed the connection because our, then, 9 year old son would not hurry along with the rest of the family. When we got to the station the train was just departing - we'd jut missed it.
The typically polite station master for whom caring for passengers is a serious duty looked really upset that we had missed the train but explained in perfect English how vital it was to keep to the timetable and carefully advised me of the time of the next train. I then lost my "rag" with my son and he ran off, consequently we missed the next train too. When the Station master saw that we had missed the next train too. When the station master saw that we had missed the second train too I thought he was going to burst into tears he looked so upset. We thus only managed the last train of the day which meant that we only had a short time at the summit.
The morale of this tale is don't try to do too much in one day and leave plenty of time for the Jungfrau.
Happy days, Happy memories, I'm sure you'll have a super time in Switzerland. A fantastically beautiful country with very friendly helpful people but very expensive.
Have a super time
Tim
- Apr 4, 2005
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Hi Robin
Huw is absolutely correct in that when going up the Jungfrau you must pick a clear day. We went a few years ago and the cloud soon rolled in. It was obvious from the post cards that we missed the view of the glacier at the top. We decided to go again another day which was cloudless and the view from the top was spectacular, and really the whole point of the trip. Well worth the money. As a matter of interest take a packet of crisps or quavers with you and see what happens to the packet!!!
Huw is absolutely correct in that when going up the Jungfrau you must pick a clear day. We went a few years ago and the cloud soon rolled in. It was obvious from the post cards that we missed the view of the glacier at the top. We decided to go again another day which was cloudless and the view from the top was spectacular, and really the whole point of the trip. Well worth the money. As a matter of interest take a packet of crisps or quavers with you and see what happens to the packet!!!
- Mar 14, 2005
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Thank you all very much for the information provided for our trip to Switzerland. It has been very useful, and we are now lookig foward to going.
Regards Robin. Merry Christmas to all and happy travels in 2008
Regards Robin. Merry Christmas to all and happy travels in 2008
- Mar 14, 2005
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RobinRobin
Are you staying at Camping Grassi?
David
We stayed there in June and liked it a lot.
David
- May 21, 2007
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I am following this topic with interest as we also have booked to go to Switzerland, last 2 weeks in June 08.
It's booked and paid for,all that's left now is the planning.We are using camping cheques.
It's booked and paid for,all that's left now is the planning.We are using camping cheques.
- Apr 4, 2005
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Hi Pat
We stayed at the campsite in Lauterbrunnen. This was very handy for the station for trains to the Jungfrau and also just general mountain walks. You can also get a good idea at the start of the day of the 'cloud' situation for the trip up the Jungfrau. Also within walking distance of the site are the waterfalls which are well worth a visit. Have a great trip.
We stayed at the campsite in Lauterbrunnen. This was very handy for the station for trains to the Jungfrau and also just general mountain walks. You can also get a good idea at the start of the day of the 'cloud' situation for the trip up the Jungfrau. Also within walking distance of the site are the waterfalls which are well worth a visit. Have a great trip.
Hi Robin,
One little tip when you go up the Jungfrau......take woolly hats & gloves in addition to warm jackets because if you go out to see the glacier it will freeze your ears off !!
Be aware that shortness of breath up there is also common so don't rush anywhere.
The journey is a MUST....it is spectacular.
One little tip when you go up the Jungfrau......take woolly hats & gloves in addition to warm jackets because if you go out to see the glacier it will freeze your ears off !!
Be aware that shortness of breath up there is also common so don't rush anywhere.
The journey is a MUST....it is spectacular.
- May 21, 2007
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Hi Pat
I used the "AA Tour Guide Switzerland". It is a good intro as it gives a series of car tour guides for the country split up into 8 regions. Each region includes a piece on each of the main towns and sites. It is well illustrated with colour photos.
I, also, borrowed a number of guides from my local library - this is, also, a good way of choosing which is the best to buy.
When we were in Switzerland we found the Tourist and Transport offices very helpful. There always seemed to be someone who spoke perfect English and all our queries were dealt with typical Swiss courtesy and efficiency.
Tim
I used the "AA Tour Guide Switzerland". It is a good intro as it gives a series of car tour guides for the country split up into 8 regions. Each region includes a piece on each of the main towns and sites. It is well illustrated with colour photos.
I, also, borrowed a number of guides from my local library - this is, also, a good way of choosing which is the best to buy.
When we were in Switzerland we found the Tourist and Transport offices very helpful. There always seemed to be someone who spoke perfect English and all our queries were dealt with typical Swiss courtesy and efficiency.
Tim
- Dec 2, 2007
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Is the AA guide to switzerland still in print? Tim recommended it. Does any one have any routes that we could follow, we have never been to switzerland before, We have a motorhome.
Thanks
Chris B
Thanks
Chris B
- May 21, 2007
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Please keep the comments coming as I will print them.
We are thinking of going through Belgium,into Germany and then into Switzerland.
There will be 2 caravans, can anyone recommend an overnight stop.We are stopping overnight just outside Dover so we don't mind how far we travel on the first day.
Thanks
We are thinking of going through Belgium,into Germany and then into Switzerland.
There will be 2 caravans, can anyone recommend an overnight stop.We are stopping overnight just outside Dover so we don't mind how far we travel on the first day.
Thanks
Hi Chris B and other Swiss bound.
I think that this is the book I have, revamped, some other interesting books here too (I just googled AA Touring Guide Switzerland)
http://www.visitdunkeld.com/tour-switzerland.htm
Regarding routes to Switzerland I find the best route is on the autoroute, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, France turn on to the N66 through the Balloon de Vosges. The N66 is a good quality single lane carraigeway which crosses the scenic lowish mountain range by a series of easy hairpins. I then cross the Rhine to enter Switzerland from the German side. I would NOT recommend crossing into Switzerland on the French side near Basle as that involves driving right through the city centre which has lots roadworks. This route is on excellent roads and the autoroutes are toll-free as far as Switzerland.
Regarding stops. We tend to go against Caravan Club advice and stop at autoroute aires en route. We travel with the 'van ready to sleep, ie, floor space accesible,bed made-up, a little drinking and toilet water in the tanks. We have a cheap Lidl alarm on the door which screeches if the door is opened. We do use commonsense when choosing aires and don't stop at ones which are deserted. French and Belgian aires are very frequent so if we don't like one we drive on to the next. We've never had any problems in the 10 years of doing it.
Campsites we've stayed at enroute are
Camping Chenefleur, Tintigny. A pleasant rural site with 20 mins drive of the autoroute near Arlon.
Camping Acasias, Cernay in Eastern, France. Near the end of the N66 part of the route.
You can read my reviews of these sites here:
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=7390
and here
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=7389
In Switzerland we spent 2 very happy weeks a few years back at Camping Seergatli in Brienz. This is just a few miles from Interlaken. It is a tiny site right on the edge of the Brienzersee (Lake) we could, almost touch the water from our 'van. We didn't even book but just turned up and asked. There's another slightly larger campsite a bit further down the same road, also, on the Lake side. Brienz is a pretty little village with a range of shapes and excellent road, rail. bus and boat links in the village. We did look at the larger sites in Interlaken but found them very crowded - we're teachers and have to go in the peak season
All of these sites are in the Caravan Club "Caravan Europe" site guidebooks which I would highly recommend. I would, also, recommend the Alan Rogers "France" and "Europe" guides. All thes books are cheapest from Amazon, even cheaper than the CClub's own members' special price usually.
I think that this is the book I have, revamped, some other interesting books here too (I just googled AA Touring Guide Switzerland)
http://www.visitdunkeld.com/tour-switzerland.htm
Regarding routes to Switzerland I find the best route is on the autoroute, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, France turn on to the N66 through the Balloon de Vosges. The N66 is a good quality single lane carraigeway which crosses the scenic lowish mountain range by a series of easy hairpins. I then cross the Rhine to enter Switzerland from the German side. I would NOT recommend crossing into Switzerland on the French side near Basle as that involves driving right through the city centre which has lots roadworks. This route is on excellent roads and the autoroutes are toll-free as far as Switzerland.
Regarding stops. We tend to go against Caravan Club advice and stop at autoroute aires en route. We travel with the 'van ready to sleep, ie, floor space accesible,bed made-up, a little drinking and toilet water in the tanks. We have a cheap Lidl alarm on the door which screeches if the door is opened. We do use commonsense when choosing aires and don't stop at ones which are deserted. French and Belgian aires are very frequent so if we don't like one we drive on to the next. We've never had any problems in the 10 years of doing it.
Campsites we've stayed at enroute are
Camping Chenefleur, Tintigny. A pleasant rural site with 20 mins drive of the autoroute near Arlon.
Camping Acasias, Cernay in Eastern, France. Near the end of the N66 part of the route.
You can read my reviews of these sites here:
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=7390
and here
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=7389
In Switzerland we spent 2 very happy weeks a few years back at Camping Seergatli in Brienz. This is just a few miles from Interlaken. It is a tiny site right on the edge of the Brienzersee (Lake) we could, almost touch the water from our 'van. We didn't even book but just turned up and asked. There's another slightly larger campsite a bit further down the same road, also, on the Lake side. Brienz is a pretty little village with a range of shapes and excellent road, rail. bus and boat links in the village. We did look at the larger sites in Interlaken but found them very crowded - we're teachers and have to go in the peak season
All of these sites are in the Caravan Club "Caravan Europe" site guidebooks which I would highly recommend. I would, also, recommend the Alan Rogers "France" and "Europe" guides. All thes books are cheapest from Amazon, even cheaper than the CClub's own members' special price usually.
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