Please sign in to post.

Best train routing from Varenna to Thun

Posted by (Tucson, AZ) on

We will be traveling from Varenna to Thun on April 21st for a five night stay in Thun after the Bernina Express and a couple of nights in Varenna..
I am looking for an interesting route to Thun via train that could involve a stop for lunch in a town with a train station close to restaurants, etc. Chances are we would have to go to Milan and then onwards, but if we can avoid that by taking a ferry from Varenna to another train station, etc. we are open to that.

We will be traveling with a carry-on and a backpack each, so we aren't looking to make this a big excursion day. Just looking for some great scenery in the routing and a couple of fun stops to explore.

Thanks!

Posted by
1054 posts

The ways to get up to Switzerland from northern Italy are through the Gotthard Tunnel via Lugano or the Lotschberg-Basistunnel when coming from Milan.

You can go the long route via Monza/Lugano/Zurich to have lunch in Lugano or Bellinzona, but you’ll have 4 transfers instead of 1 and it’s not more scenic, as you go through the high speed Gotthard Tunnel. Not worth it in my opinion.

You could go via Milan, but stop on Lake Maggiore at Arona, where their waterfront is very close to the train station and then continue on.

Posted by
22324 posts

Try this:
7:35 train to Milan, connecting to a train to Arona, arriving at 10:24
12:45 train to Domodossola, connecting to a train to Kandersteg via the scenic route mostly over the mountains (no Loetschberg base tunnel), arriving at 3:13 pm
4:14 pm (or 5:14 pm or 6:14 pm) train to Thun, arriving at 4:58 pm (or 5:58 pm or 6:58 pm).

Posted by
10 posts

Thank you!
I will explore both of these options. I do like the idea of stopping in Italy for lunch and doing some exploring.
Also, Sam, I have noted your trip to taste wine in Sion as a day trip from Thun. It looks fabulous and we wanted to squeeze in some wine tasting at some point. Thank you.
Also, high five Green Bay! I am from the region and visit our cabin in northern WI in the summer.

Add Reply

Please do not reply to violations of our Community Guidelines.