Have a good friend who will be on an organized group trip to Europe and is Switzerland for a short stay this Fall. He has limited time and has asked for recommendations for a good day trip from Zurich. Initially I though of a trip to Lauterbruennen, but that looks too long and not really doable as a day-trip. Has anyone had experience with a trip to Pilatus as a day-trip from Zurich? Would this be realistic and enjoyable? Does anyone have a better suggestion? Thanks for you input. David W.
Posted by
Alabama, USA
271 posts
That would be perfect. An hour from the airport (ZRH) transportation hub to Luzern, a boat to Alpnachstad from the Luzern docks, a cogwheel train up to Pilatus, two cable cars down from Pilatus to Kriens (kree-INS), and a 15 min bus ride back to the Luzern docks.
A nice day with an easy, enjoyable train ride back to Zurich.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
While u are in Luzern you should walk around and see this beautiful town.
Posted by
Alabama, USA
271 posts
Darn tootin'.
Buy a ticket, kick around town, show back up for boat rid to Alpnachstad. Or, get back from Kriens in time for early/late afternoon dinner. Lou's coffee on the docks offers enough food, and a view, to kill 45-1 hour.
Posted by
Green Bay
21141 posts
Go to www.sbb.ch/en and see if there are any Railaway offers for when he is there which should provide some sort of discount. I guess the other question is, if this is an organized tour, what other activities are the group doing? Don't want to repeat yourself.
Posted by
OP
Medford, Oregon, USA
8 posts
Thanks you all for the input. I'll pass it on. I'm slightly jealous and may have undertake a future trip back to Switzerland myself!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
David,
A visit to Lauterbrunnen (and area) is certainly possible, but it would be a longer day trip. Travel time from Zürich Hb to Interlaken Ost is about 1H:55M (one change) each way, and add another 20 minutes or so to Lauterbrunnen. That would provide an opportunity to see some incredible scenery and perhaps take a trip on the cable car to the Schilthorn (where the James Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service was filmed a number of years ago). He could also pre-arrange a tandem flight in a Paraglider.
If he'd prefer to consider sightseeing closer to Zürich, this website may provide some ideas......
Posted by
5 posts
Stein am Rhine is about an hour and a half train ride from Zurich. Truly a story book charming town situated on the Rhine.