Our family of 8 is looking at taking a train from Fussen, Germany to Wengen, Switzerland in July. What is the best train to take and should we break it up by stopping somewhere wonderful for one night in between? Thank you!
Posted by
Green Bay
21166 posts
It is about an 8 to 9 hour journey with anywhere from 7 to 9 train changes on the way. I would suggest stopping in Lindau, which is on an island in the Bodensee and has been described as "wonderful". Its only about 3 hours from Fuessen, but since you would have to change trains there anyway, it's a logical stopover point. You can use Regio-Allgau-Schwaben tickets for this trip if you start after 9 am weekdays (anytime weekends). That will get you to Lindau for about 11 EUR per person.
What is the make up of your group, ages? You'll need 2 tickets for this journey to Lindau as the Regional ticket is good for only up to 5 people, but kids may be free depending on their ages. Then you'll also need a ticket for the next days journey to Wengen. Will you be getting Swiss Travel Passe for your time in Switzerland, or Half Fare Cards?
Posted by
OP
9 posts
There are 6 adults and 2 kids ages 8 and 11.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
We were looking at Half Fare cards also.
Posted by
Green Bay
21166 posts
Buy the Regio tickets like this, 2 parents (or grandparents) of the kids plus the 2 kids: 31 EUR, then the other ticket 4 adults: 47 EUR. Buy them from a ticket machine, otherwise you'll be charged a 2 EUR service fee if you buy at the window. Write the names of the travelers on the back of the ticket. So the total cost should be 78 EUR, just a hair under 10 EUR pp.
In Switzerland, you can get a free Family Card so the kids will travel with you for free. All the adults will need there own.
From Lindau, you have the option of taking the ferry across the lake to Rorschach, Switzerland. then train from there to Wengen. I believe the Half Fare Card and Family Card a valid on the ferry, but you will need to have them on hand, because I don't think you can buy them in Lindau. Depart at 9:25 am and arrive at Wengen at 3:19 pm.