Hi, I'm like to visit Oeschinensee, hike 4 of 6 days, do Mt Rigi with boat cruise. Really would like to incorporate Bernina train, even the full Golden Pass train or Glacier express.
With this information, should I purchase half fare with BO pass? Or just half fare and buy day pass for couple days.
I'm in early stages of planning and my head's spinning from too much reading.
Can you help?
Thanks.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
1333 posts
To really help you we need more information.
What are your travel dates?
Are you flying in and out of Zurich?
Have you already booked lodging or are you still trying to figure out what bases you're using?
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Hello,
June 29, 4 nights Kandersteg, Oeschinensee and hiking, scenic train ride or Lake Thun/Brienz boat cruise
July 5, 4 nights Wengen, hiking
July 7, 3 nights Lucerne, Mt Rigi, boat cruise, Stoos hike
July 10, 3 nights Zurich, Bernina train, day trip to Appenzell? 2 day passes ?
I haven't booked yet as I'm unsure with itinerary.
I don't like rushing about so itinerary seems sparse.
Does route look logical? Is half fare enough with couple day passes?
Thanks for any assistance.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
1333 posts
Sounds like a really fun trip!!
A few suggestions...
1. Doing the Bernina from Zurich as a day trip would be way too much. If you really want to do the Bernina, then your route doesn't make sense and you should add in Zermatt & Pontresina to make that happen more logically.
2. You have too many nights in Kandersteg, which isn't my favorite base. There are a lot more hiking options from the Jungfrau Region, so I'd add some nights to Wengen and honestly you can do a day trip to Oeschinensee & Lake Thun or Brienz from Wengen to open up your options for the Bernina/Glacier if that is of interest to you.
3. Zurich isn't an exciting base, especially after the other spots you'll be. You can do a day trip to Appenzell from Luzern if you really want to. Keep to the mountains for a better experience.
Zurich Airport > 6 nights Wengen > 2 nights Zermatt > Glacier Express to Pontresina 2 nights (Bernina day trip while in Pontresina) > Luzern 4 nights > Zurich Airport
Wengen - hiking from the Jungfrau, day trip to Oeschinensee, day trip to Lake Thun or Brienz
Zermatt - Gornergrat, hiking
Pontresina - hiking, Glacier & Bernina Express scenic trains
Luzern - boat + Rigi, Stoos, optional Appenzell
If you don't want go over to Pontresina for the Glacier/Bernina, then I'd simplify your plan further to just do Wengen 7 nights > Zermatt 3 nights > Luzern 4 nights and branch out for day trips from 3 bases. You may be able to get a slight extended stay discount on a chalet apartment by staying for a full week in Wengen if budget is of any concern to you. That way you have a kitchen or kitchenette for breakfasts, hiking lunches and simple dinners on your patio with a view.
I think it would work to do Half Fare Card + Saver Day Passes for the days you plan to do Airport > Wengen, Zermatt > Pontresina (Glacier Express), and depending on how far out you get them, possibly Pontresina to Luzern. The price goes up as you get closer, so the savings is only had when they're purchased far enough in advance once your itinerary is set in stone. The Saver Day Passes don't work well for mountain activities, as they only get you to inhabited places and you don't really want to commit to a pass for things like going to Lake Thun when you have no idea what the weather will be.
If you do an itinerary similar to what I'm suggesting you may benefit in addition with a reduced price Berner Oberland pass - that would cover going to Oeschinensee, Lake Thun or Brienz + the more expensive mountain trips like Schilthorn, Mannlichen, Schynige Platte, etc. where there is incredible hiking. If you list out your planned trips within that region it's pretty easy to calculate out whether the BO Pass on top of your half fare card will pay off for you.
I'm happy to suggest hikes for you if you share your fitness ability (distance and elevation gain). Hope that helps!
Posted by
Northern California (formerly Brescia and Lago di Garda Italy)
191 posts
FWIW we were in Wengen (5 nights) and Kandersteg (2 nights) last summer and I would have added several nights to the Kandersteg area. Excellent hiking to discover there in addition to Wengen area. Little more low key also. Hope to go back . Day trip wouldn’t do it justice if you are an experienced hiker who wants to really explore the area. Just another opinion . :)
We had half fare card and BO pass .
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Hello, I have noted all you suggested. Here is my plan.
Pontresina 2 nights; do partial Bernina route, hike next day, take the train through Andermatt for scenic ride to Kandersteg?
Kandersteg 3 nights; hike and Oeschinensee
Wengen 5 nights; hike and relax and take boat cruise (Thun or Brienz)
Lucerne 3 nights; Mt Rigi, boat cruise, Stoos
Does this route seem logical? I hope so as it's difficult to get the right hotel to fit the schedule
Please let me know.
Thanks