We are traveling to Switzerland in mid October for 9 days. We are flying in and out of Zurich and getting a car, per our host’s request. We plan to spend 4 nights in Lauterbrunnen, 4 in Hilterfingen, and 2 in Lucerne. We plan to hike, but also use lifts. So far it looks as though we will go to Mürren, Gimmelwald, possibly Schilthorn or Grindelwald; Niederhorn, Stockhorn, Niesen, possibly Oeschinen Lake, possibly Mt Pilates. All this is weather and energy dependent. Is there a pass we should get (2 adults)? Any recommendations for hikes in these areas are also welcome. Also, should we bring mini spikes at this time of year?
Posted by
Switzerland
109 posts
Check prices on SBB and see if you'll spend more than 240.00 CHF—if so, consider getting a Half Fare Card.
Niederhorn, Niesen, and Stockhorn are all about 30.00 CHF round trip with an HFC, and if you choose to hike one section, you'll get a reduced fare. Oeschinen is cheaper at 16.00 return with HFC.
Since you have a car, you'll mostly use the BO pass for lifts, so it’s worth adding up all the activities you plan to do to see if the pass will save you money. Without factoring in train rides, it might not.
Depending on the level of hike you're looking for, you can take the lift to the top of Stockhorn and hike down to the middle station, where there’s a beautiful lake to walk around. For a shorter, easier hike, you can do the circular route just around the lake.
https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/route-324
In Hilterfingen, you can join route #26, which circles around Lake Thun. I've done parts of the route—sometimes you're in the forest, but other stretches offer open fields with unobstructed views of the lake and mountains
https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/route-26/stage-1
Posted by
Los Angeles
4742 posts
These guys do this sort of fare analysis as a business, they might give you enough free advice to help or you might decide it's worth paying for their guidance