Planning a trip to Switzerland to experience the Alps. The only issue is my wife is extremely claustrophobic. So much so, she will not go through a tunnel of any kind without being able to see the other end first. I've read about Jungfraujoch which sounds fantastic but as I mentioned getting there might be an issue. Can anyone recommend a tunnel free way to enjoy the view? I am open to different locations, ie: Zermatt, Jungfrau, Lugano, Interlaken, Lucerne. We also like to visit "old towns" and enjoy sightseeing. Note: Will be going to Amsterdam after Switzerland as far as logistics. Thank you in advance.
Posted by
Chicago
3003 posts
I’d definitely skip the Jungfraujoch. Besides the tunnels, it will be way too crowded for your wife. I was very uncomfortable with all the people and I’m not claustrophobic. I found the Schilthorn to be a much more enjoyable experience and would recommend that. That uses cable cars to reach the top. Not knowing how many days you have, I’d definitely recommend Wengen (or Murren) and Lucerne as places to stay.
Also, there are views almost everywhere in Switzerland. You don't even have to go up high to enjoy them. The short, downhill walk from Murren to Gimmelwald has some of my favorite views.
Posted by
houston
100 posts
Zermatt. you can walk in town and see the Alps and have a great view at Matterhorn too.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17225 posts
Most routes to Zermatt will involve a long tunnel, so you would have to detour via Lac Leman (Montreux, etc.) to avoid that. And while Zermatt may offer a view of the Matterhorn, that is one mountain. For views of “the Alps” in general, I think the Berner Oberland is a better choice. There are beautiful views of snowy peaks right from the villages of Wengen, Mürren, and Grindelwald. No need to ride the train up to Jungfraujoch ( I hate that long tunnel through the Eiger myself).
Take a careful look at the rail map of Switzerland. The long deep tunnels (which go under the Alps) are indicated by dashed lines.
You will see that both routes between Spiez and Brig/Visp to reach the south side of the Alps and Zermatt, involve tunnels. Getting to Lugano by the usual routes will require a tunnel as well, unless you plan very carefully. Luzern and Interlaken (and nearby mountain villages) should be OK.
Might she also be uncomfortable in the enclosed space of a cablecar? Some claustrophobes ( including me) do, especially when the cabin is crowded to capacity—-which it can be. If this might be a problem for her, skip Mürren and the Schilthorn, and stay in Wengen or Grindelwald instead.