Golden Pass Questions

1. The part between Interlaken Ost and Luzern. It goes over the Bruenig Pass.
2. No reservations needed as the train goes every hour. It may be less crowded if you avoid departures that coincide with the arrival off the Golden Pass Express trains coming from Montreux. That may have a lot of continuing excursionists. All the cars have panoramic windows.
3. I'd sit on the righthand side for views of the Berner Oberland mountains across the Brienzersee. I believe the train may change directions at a switchback going over the pass.

It is free with an STP or BOP and half fare with the card.

The train does change directions at Meiringen . It will pull into the station , and a locomotive ( with a rack gear ) will be attached to what was the rear end . It will then pull up grade toward The Brunig Pass . As you descend from Brunig - Hasliberg , switch to the left side of the carriage for the better view

In my experience all of the trains have panoramic cars, but not all of cars are panoramic. Just take a quick look as the train pulls into the station and head toward one of the panoramic cars.

What is nice about the switchback in Meiringen is that the right hand side (best views so far) is now the left hand side (still the best view). No need to switch sides of the train. Move to face the other direction if you like to travel facing forward, but remain on the same side of the train.

Just a thought about reservations, most here see forgoing reservations on panoramic trains as a good way to save money, and I myself have never reserved a train seat, but I am not a tourist and can travel these routes repeatedly. The cost of reserving a seat is likely a very minimal part of your entire travel budget, and if it gives you peace of mind, or can help make your travel experience nicer (if the train is very busy or if all of the good seats are taken), then I think the minor outlay would have been worth it.

There are so many ways to save money, this is just one option and it doesn't make you a bad traveler if you choose to reserve seats. 😄

all my thoughts about one of the prettiest train rides have been said above.....You don't need to change sides in Meiringen, just turn around....