This December my husband and I are planning a trip to drive from Colmar to Lauterbrunnen. We are not experienced drivers on icy roads and in snowy conditions. I wanted to see if anyone has made this drive and if there are any major passes that we will have to drive through to get to Lauterbrunnen. What to expect for winter conditions.
I am open to any other suggestions on where to go in Switzerland. I just want to experience a quaint village the Swiss Alps that is not too far from Colmar.
Take the train and you'll be worry free....
Is there a reason that you want to do the journey by car?
Parking will cost money, your car will need a CHF40 (or equivalent in Euro) toll Vignette to drive into Switzerland, and then you have to drive the narrow road up from Interlaken at the same time as all the skiers.
Then you also need to know that cars rented in France don't normally come with snow tires, and you may find that if it has snowed in Switzerland you would be more comfortable with them.
The train is very easy from Colmar to Lauterbrunnen. You get a train right in Colmar, it takes you quickly to the Swiss border at Basel/Basle where you change platforms and trains. There is a really nice double decker train (lots of views) with big comfortable seats and big windows which can either take you straight to Interlaken Ost station (or you may change trains in Bern). At Interlaken Ost you change to a little cog-wheel train which carries you up the hill all the way to Lauterbrunnen. It sounds complicated but it is really easy. Scenic (the driver can look too), with lake and mountain views. And no traffic or any other worries.
Thank you for the detailed input. This is very helpful. I have only 3 days to explore Switzerland. That is why I was thinking about driving. Any suggestions on other places to visit that are worth the drive or a short train ride from Colmar? I would love to experience a quaint village in the alps.
a quaint village in the alps
Please define what exactly do you mean?
We have been talking about Lauterbrunnen.
It is in a valley in the Alps, quite small, with a church - with bells - a train station, a number of restaurants and hotels, and beautiful views of the mountains and many waterfalls (but they might be frozen in December). It is a base, well described in the Rick Steves book, for visiting the even smaller car-free villages on both sides of the valley.
Is that not what you want?
If not, can you try to describe how the quaint village you are looking would be composed?
I know it well around there, and in many other parts of the country too but I need to know what exactly you are looking for.
Is it incredible scenery or Heidi, or the Sound of Music?
Thank you Nigel for your input and willingness to help me out. I decided to take a train and not drive from the inout that I have received in this forum. I appreciate that advice.
I love the ideal of being in a valley or even on a mountain top with endless views. I just do not want to be in a bog city. I want quiet and peaceful. I am open to any suggestions on villages that are a must see.
Any suggestions are welcome.
Thank you!
More quiet and peaceful in Mürren and Wengen, in my opinion, than Lauterbrunnen, although before the ski season in Lauterbrunnen in December will be pretty quiet too. Check the Schilthornbahn (the segment above Mürren to the Schilthorn) for your days as they are shut for routine maint. around then.
As you are there between seasons, check wherever you wind up for closures.
The train really is the way - no weather concerns, and dry and warm inside.
keep an eye on another similar thread to yours about similar things:- https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/switzerland/murren-in-early-dec-too-early
