First timers to Switzerland. Planning 3 nights in Paris then train to (insert home base here) for 5 nights. Airfare is cheaper to fly home from Geneva than Zürich for us. Thought Bern would be a great base since we decided to see Lucern, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Thun, Bern and then maybe a half day somewhere in Germany just to say we’ve been there. Those all seem to be 60-90 min one way from Bern which is why Bern. Want to go “up” to a mountain top view somewhere in that area but it doesn’t have to be any certain one. (Preferably one that comes with the BO pass or can be used with half price pass.). Basically want to see a taste of city, lake, valley, mtn bc we know we can’t do in-depth for all. But then looking at trains it seems like Bern might make us be on trains more often than not??? Suggestion for base that would be easier access for the above? Last week of April.
Posted by
Paris
7304 posts
I think the last week of April is when Schilthorn closes for maintenance: check your exact dates! This leaves the expensive Jungfraujoch as the only real mountaintop option in the Berner Overland (I don't think Schynige Platte will be open yet either). Expect wintry conditions at highest elevations, and muddy just below.
However, Luzern is likely to be lovely at that time of the year. You could, conceivably, visit Jungfraujoch as a lengthy day trip on a clear day from Luzern, and otherwise focus on the Luzern area. Just a thought.
And in any case, the only German town you could reasonably reach from Bern is Freiburg. Freiburg is fine, but does not deserve going out of your way, I think.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4853 posts
I was in Bern and it's simple to get to Interlaken, which then leads you into the B.O. And while I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, I did a roundtrip daytrip to the Schilthorn and back. The train system was set up so every connection along the way was just sitting there waiting for me. Also did a daytrip to Lucerne and again, simple.
I also enjoyed Zurich, which I guess puts me in a minority here.