We are staying in Lucerne Sept. 2025. We will be going to Mt. Titlis to view the mountains and give us the "classic" view of Switzerland (snow covered peaks as far as the eye can see, not counting fog or clouds). On another day it would be the next "classic" view. A small town in the middle of hills surrounded by mountains. Would a day trip to Interlaken (not for hills and mountains) and Grindelwald fit that bill? If neither, where would you recommend with in approximately a 1 hour drive or 30 minute local train?
Thank you.
PS: These are my definitions of a "Classic" view.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
1997 posts
Engelberg fits the bill and is just 45 minutes by train from Lucerne. The 2.5-hr train ride over the Brunig Pass from Lucerne to Interlaaken is spectacular also.
Posted by
OP
New York
64 posts
Sounds just right. Can I incorporate Engelberg and Mt. Titlis on same day trip? Looks like they are near each other.
Posted by
Green Bay
21137 posts
I would not try it unless all you want to do is ride trains all day.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17417 posts
Engelberg is at the base of Titlis. You go there on your way to Titlis. Train from Luzern to Engelberg takes about 45 minutes, then you walk through town to the Talstation for the Titlis cablecar (about 12-15 minutes to walk).
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8963 posts
ET, I'll be the first to say that Interlaken itself is not worth a stop or visit. It's close to the mountains but not in them. But it's a transit hub, so you have to go through there to visit Grindelwald. Change trains in Interlaken - a car would be a burden. Up the valley is worth it. Make sure you take into account how much travel time it takes for a day trip from Luzern. Classic view would be from Mürren or Wengen.
Posted by
New York, NY
4071 posts
Grindelwald has cars. I prefer a car-free environment. I instead would go to Mürren. We were in Mürren this past September & loved it! Interlaken I found to be a disappointment. Mürren is so worth it!
Posted by
Switzerland
158 posts
A small town in the middle of hills surrounded by mountains.
If you are hoping for an overall landscape view like this, I would say you can certainly find it in Grindelwald. Searching images of Grindelwald on google will show you that this is so. Also, the route along the way in areas like Lungern. Driving takes 1.5 hrs one way.
Posted by
Noblesville, Indiana, USA
1405 posts
Interlaken and Grindelwald is good. Lauterbrunnen to Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg is better.