In our upcoming trip, we have scheduled a couple days to "wander" the alps, starting from the northern side (coming down from Frankfurt) and going to our next segment in the Cinque Terre (Italy). What's the best way to experience them and cross them as we go? What combination of train schedules and guide books do we need to piece together?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Jennifer,
It's difficult to suggest a "combination of train schedules and guide books" without knowing which area you're most interested in visiting.
The most popular area with most here is the Berner Oberland region, and specifically the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the towns of Murren and Gimmelwald.
Have a look at the rail schedules at www.bahn.de for details on the trains to that area.
I'd also suggest picking up a copy of the Switzerland Guidebook, as it provides a LOT of very helpful information for touring.
Posted by
OP
Ashburn, VA, USA
5 posts
Thanks, Steve and Ken - I guess the piece I'm missing is how best to make the last cross into Italy (to end at the Cinque Terre). I have plenty of info on the Swiss Rails (Bernina, Glacier, etc.). To then head south, do I need to go to a major connection and take a direct train or is there a way to gondola/funicular/cogwheel/train our way south? Thanks!!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17401 posts
Yes, to head south you need to go to Milan and connect there with a train to Cinque Terre. So any train through the Alps you take needs to end up at Milan. If you take the Bernina Express, you can stop that journey at Tirano and go directly from there to Milan (instead of taking the bus from Tirano to Lugano.)
There aren't any cablecar or funicular routes ofver the Alps in this area like the one from Chamonix to Italy over the Aguille du Midi and the glacier.
There is, however, another scenic train you could take, should your Swiss train journey end at Locarno. The Centovalli Railway connects Locarno with Domodossola on the line down to Milan:
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Jennifer,
"The Centovalli Railway connects Locarno with Domodossola on the line down to Milan"
I've taken the Cento Valli trip a couple of times, and it's a beautiful and very scenic journey. Once you reach Locarno, you can also take the boat back to Stresa and then train from there to Milan (it's only about an hour by train). You could also take the train from Locarno to Milan.