We are visiting Luzern and the Berner Oberland in September. I'm looking at the costs of going up and down the more popular mountains. Is it worth it to do all of them, or just a few? From Luzern, I'm looking at Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Rigi. From Interlaken, it's Shillthorn and Jungfrau. I do understand that we shouldn't count on Jungfrau until the last minute while we check the weather forecast. We are planning to purchase a Half-fare card as opposed to a Swiss Pass. (We'll be in Switzerland for 10 days total)
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8966 posts
The weather is a factor in ALL of those mountain visits. Check every morning. Take one and decide if you need to do more. We did Pilatus from Luzern, and chose to do a lake cruise instead of another mountain. It takes a lot of time and energy to get up there. I would prioritize Schilthorn over Jungfrau, because of the long boring train ride up the Jungfrau. But I've been there too, so for some its a bucket list item. But please consider staying up in the valley instead of Interlaken. It takes precious time to get to either Jungfrau or Schilthorn from there, and its much more scenic in Mürren or Wengen, or Lauterbrunnen.
Posted by
Chicago
3125 posts
A favorite of mine, that is not on your list, is Mannlichen. In Sept. the cows should still be up there and you can walk down to Kleine Scheidegg.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsp2XG8lPyw
I was in Switzerland last month and was so disappointed in the Jungfrau. For me, it was just too crowded to enjoy. I went up to the Schilthorn last year and much preferred that one. Rigi is one of my favorites having been there twice. I also went tup to Titlis last month and much preferred that to Jungfrau.
While weather is definitely a factor, I’ve been up to several mountains on a cloudy day and still had a fabulous experience. Those clouds make for some amazing pictures.
I’m with Stan on your home base and would highly recommend Wengen.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you. If we stayed in the Lauterbrunnen area, we wouldn't have to double back through Interlaken to see the sites? I'm not sure I realized that when I made our bookings (Way back in February).
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
No, from Lauterbrunnen, you do not need to double back at all! You have direct access both to Mürren (for Schilthorn) and Kleine Scheidegg (for Jungfrau).
If you want to go to Grindelwald, then the quickest way is indeed to double back, but only halfway to Interlaken (to a place called Zwei...something, it's getting late 😅).
Better choice than Interlaken for accommodation.
Posted by
Grand Rapids, MI
768 posts
Zweilutschinen, where you change trains to go from Lauterbrunnen to Grindelwald.
Posted by
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
740 posts
For me, Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Rigi were sufficiently different experiences that I would do both again if I'm back in Lucerne.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5604 posts
And don't forget the open air Cabrio cable car to Mt Stanserhorn- it's just a 20 minute train ride from Lucerne to the cable car, and I think the whole one-way trip took 45 minutes. It's a great way to experience a sunset, and there's restaurants at the top.
Safe travels!