Hi all, we are coming to Switzerland from Milan for 2 nights in March. Rick Steves strongly recommend Berner Oberland. My time is limited to only 2 nights and I am bringing a large family including my parents, my wife and my 22-month old daughter. We really want to explore mountain villages in Switzerland. Should we choose Berner Oberland over Luzern? If so, where should we stay and what activities can we do? Thank you!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32198 posts
Kevin,
While it certainly has "mountain villages", I'm not sure the Berner Oberland will be a good location to visit in March. It will be getting to end of the ski season, and the weather may not be the most pleasant for exploring. The Schilthornbahn should still be operating, as maintenance isn't scheduled until 28 April to 2 May. The Jungfraubahn appears to operate all year.
At that time of year, Lucerne would probably be a better choice as there are more choices and you'll have "indoor" activities if the weather is bad. You may find it helpful to have a look at the Switzerland guidebook, as that has lots of information on activities and sightseeing there. Some that you could consider....
- Walking tour of the town - offered at the T.I. which is in the rail station as I recall.
- Explore on your own, including of course the historic Chapel Bridge.
- Visit the incredible Museum of Transport. There are a LOT of exhibits so it's easy to spend a full day there.
- Take a day trip to Mt. Pilatus
- Take a cruise on the lake (if they're operating then)
- Visit the famous Lion of Lucerne that Mark Twain referred to
You can get some more ideas by having a look at the official Lucerne website.
As you're only staying for a very short two nights, you shouldn't have trouble finding things to do. Of course, you could take a day trip to Lauterbrunnen and Mürren if the weather is good, as there are direct trains from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost with a travel time of 1H:50M each way. The trip from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen is only about 20 minutes (through a very scenic valley).
Happy travels!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Luzern. March is not a good time to visit the Berner Oberland unless you're there for skiing. And because this has been a warm winter in Europe, even that will probably be shut down by March.
Posted by
OP
Honolulu, Hawaii
4 posts
Thank you so much, Tom and Ken. Here is my plan after incorporating your suggestions:
March 5: Arrive in Milan from the U.S. around noon. Stay overnight.
March 6: Take train to Tirano and then Bernina Express to Chur or St. Mortiz and stay overnight (should I choose Chur to save time going to Luzern the next day?)
March 7: Go to Luzern and stay 2 nights
March 8: Day trip to GimmelWard and Wurren if weather permits. If not, go to Mount Pilatus
March 9: Lake Luzern cruise or Mount Rigi and return to Milan in the evening.
March 10: Fly back to the U.S. from Milan at 3pm.
My question is (1) whether we should stay overnight at Chur or St. Mortiz on March 6, and (2) should I choose Mount Pilatus or Wurren on March 8? Thank you again!
Posted by
Green Bay
20016 posts
I know Hawaii is a little out of the loop, but here in the rest of the northern hemisphere, it gets cold and snows in the winter. On the 8th of March, Muerren and Gimmelwald will be knee deep in snow and you'll be dodging skiers and snowboarders, as it is a very popular ski resort. If that is what you are looking for, fine. The low lands of Switzerland will generally be snow free.
edit-- If scenic train rides are your thing, I suggest taking the route from Chur to Luzern via Andermatt. This will follow the Glacier Express route through the Rhine Canyon (not quite as dramatic as the Grand Canyon) and up over the Oberalp Pass. You change trains in Andermatt for the short ride down to Goeschenen, then change to a direct train to Luzern. Only do this if the weather is nice, otherwise take the short route.
The Mt Pilatus cogwheel train only operates May to November, but you can go up on the cable car.
Posted by
OP
Honolulu, Hawaii
4 posts
Hi Sam, thanks for the advice! I heard the Glacier Express is over-rated, Chur to Andermatt does not have too much interesting scenes. This is why I chose Bernina Express to go to Luzern through Chur. Am I doing the right thing?
Posted by
Green Bay
20016 posts
I think what ever you want to do is fine. Just a suggestion. The lowland route to Luzern is quite scenic in its own right, and a lot quicker. The route from St Moritz to Chur is actually part of Glacier Express route as well. You'll go through a couple of spiral tunnels and over the famous Landwasser stone arch bridge.
Posted by
OP
Honolulu, Hawaii
4 posts
Hi Sam, what is the Lowland route?
Posted by
Green Bay
20016 posts
The quickest way is to Thalwil, which is just short of Zurich, then changing to a train to Luzern. This route runs in the valley and along the lakes Walensee and Zuerichsee. The train from Thalwil to Luzern goes through Zug and along the Zugersee and then up the valley to Luzern. This way makes just one change and takes 2 hours 9 minutes and there is one departure per hour from Chur.