Hi all
We will be checking out of our hotel in Munich on a Thursday and would like to travel to/around Switzerland until Monday. On Monday we want to travel to Paris (maybe on a high-speed train from Zurich?). We are a Family of 5: 12,21,22,48,49 years old :). We would like to visit Grindelwald and maybe the Wasserweg trail, but I haven't booked anything yet and we are flexible on this part of our vacation.
I know there are many people here that give a lot of good and sound advice. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Grand Rapids, MI
768 posts
You don't say how you are traveling from Munich to Zurich. Assuming you haven't decided, here's a site that helps: https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Munich/Zurich
Looks like bus is the cheapest and fastest. I'd skip the Wasseregg trail, as you'll have loads of options from Grindelwald itself. As an example, look at all the hikes in the area: https://lauterbrunnenhiking.wordpress.com/ I'd start with the Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg hike, as there is a playground at Mannlichen for your 5 yr old. My kids liked all the trails when they were 13, and returned for the same when they were in their 20's. You'll need to start searching the web for accommodations in Grindelwald as this summer looks very busy for a change.
The high-speed train from Zurich to Paris is fun; I've taken it many times. However, you do need reservations and you can get the details here: https://www.seat61.com/international-trains/trains-from-Switzerland.htm You'll end up at Paris Gare de Lyon train station.
Posted by
Green Bay
21142 posts
Once again, Rome2Rio gives bad information. Now that the rail line from Munich to Zurich has been upgraded, the EC train does this in 3 1/2 hours. Also, you will arrive at Zurich Hbf and make a seamless transfer to the next train on toward Grindelwald. There are EC trains every 2 hours (except no 10:55 train).
If you want to take the Wasserweg Trail in Lauterbrunnen, why stay in Grindelwald? Either location, you can get a high speed TGV-Lyria from Basel rather than back tracking to Zurich.
With one round trip up to Kleine Scheidegg, and a round trip to Lauterbrunnen, you will all benefit with Half Fare Cards at 120 CHF per adult. You can get a free Family Card and the 12-yo rides with you free while in Switzerland. Otherwise they pay 50% of the adult fare.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you so much. I have my ticket now arriving in Zurich on Thursday at 16:27. From what I understood, I should buy a Family card and for example, stay in Lauterbrunnen, do the trails, and from there go to other places like Grindelwald. What would you recommend if you had three full days to visit? We just want to relax, wander around, eat local food, and be together as a family building memories.
Thanks Again
Posted by
Grand Rapids, MI
768 posts
Here's how i'd allocate 3 days:
1st clear day: Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg (likely to be cows at Mannlichen). There are views in all directions for Miies.
Iffy day for showers: Lauterbrunnen up to Grutschalp via cable car, walk to Murren (if it rains, you can catch the train halfway at Winteregg)
More cows: Murren funicular up to Allmendhubel (cows likely), take M2 trail mentioned in Lauterbrunnenhiking website mentioned earlier. This could be done the same day as the walk above.
Grindelwald, take cable car up to First, walk 45 min each way to Bachalpsee. G1 hike on that same website.