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Berner Oberland and Lucerne in 4 days

Hi, we’re planning a trip in mid September 2019 to Switzerland. We have 4 days time slot and our flight will arrive in Zurich. On the 5th day we have an early morning flight to Prague from Zurich. Both of us are in our mid 30s so we’re looking for a mix of nature, adventure, and city exploring.

Our itinerary are as follows:
1st day Arrive at Zurich (7 am) - check in Lucerne - Explore Mt Titlis & Engelberg - explore & stay at Lucerne

2nd day UNESCO Biosphare Entlebuch - Mt Pilatus - stay at Lucerne

3rd day Train to Grindelwald - First Station (Cliffwalk, Flyer, then walk to Bachalpsee) - Pfingstegg toboggan - stay at Grindelwald

4th day (Jungfraujoch - if weather permits) or Eigergletscher - explore Wengen (train from Eiger) - Interlaken - stay at Zurich

5th day Early morning flight to Prague

Question:
1) Is my route the most time efficient? We plan to use train for transport (no car)
2) Should I visit Interlaken on the last day? Or better to explore Wengen instead?
3) Should we use Swiss Travel Pass 4 days? Or mix it with Berner Oberland Pass?
4) How’s the weather in mid Sept for Jungfraujoch? Is it worth it as I heard it’s often very foggy and unable to see anything at the top?
5) Should we visit Schillthorn? Or do you have other suggestions?
6) On the 2nd day should I stay in Grindelwald or Lucerne?

Thanks in advance. Cheers!

Posted by
285 posts

Hi!

I found Zurich and Lucerne, the actual cities to be very similar. The old town being the best part of both. However, I did not do Mt Pilatus, I did do a lake tour and that was great (boats are covered by the STP also).

We stayed in Lauterbrunnen, and although we never made it as far up to Grindelwald I'm sure it's lovely. We did the other side of the valley Murren and Gimmelwald, absolute magic. Schilithorn as well right there. Covered by Swiss Travel Pass all the way to the top.

Choose your mountaintop experience based on the weather outlook, go where it's clear, if its not skip it all together IMO. The valley could take up your entire trip easily. Its magical in every way.

Train is the best, you'll be amazed how timely and efficient they all are.

Lastly, skip Interlaken unless you want to hike or paraglide. Loved the Harder Kulm hike, incredible Jungfrao views. Otherwise the town is just a modern tourist trap. It has a Hooters, that is all you really need to know :)

Have fun, that region is on my mind always. (35/40 yrs old if that is helpful)