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Itinerary advice for too short a trip :-(

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Hello experts,
We are a family of 4 adults traveling to Switzerland then onto Milan. I always plan our trips, but this one has me rattled. We arrive in Zurich on 7/22 and immediately head to Lucerne. Our Swiss leg of the trip includes 2 nights in Lucerne and 3 nights in Wengen before heading to Milan. There's so much to do and so little time to do it, so I could really use some help to make the best of our taste of Switzerland. I think Mt Pilatus is a must-do in Lucerne(?) Other suggestions are appreciated. We then head to Wengen. I know I'd like to do a day trip to Interlaken (Lake Brienz,) but beyond that, I'm not sure what else to look into. Is Jungfraujoch a must do or maybe skip it due to the crowds and do something else?
Trains are another stress factor. I think our best bet might be 1/2 fare pass plus either Jungfrau pass or BOP. Suggestions appreciated. Do I need to book any trains or boats in advance? Particularly concerned about a train out of Wengen to Milan?
Thank you all for your input.

Posted by
85 posts

sdangelo21,
I was in Wengen this month, as well as 1 year ago! Other than my own home in the southern USA, Wengen CH is my most favorite place on earth. With that being said, I actually don't think I would take the day trip to Interlaken. Also, I would skip the crowds and hype of the Jungfraujoch. Whilst based in Wengen, you have the wonderful opportunity to do so very much that is close by and not as swamped with tourists! For instance, it's super easy to go to Mannlichen and then get to the Kleine Sheindegg which has been called RS most favorite hike/walk. Also, the views and the experience of Lauterbrunnen Valley is just a short train ride from Wengen and simply stunning. I think you'll adore Wengen. It's magical.

ETA: While in the Valley, you can easily get the brand new lift to Murren (precious town!) and take the downhill walk to Gimmelwald (not to be confused with Grindelwald). Then, take the Steckelburg lift back down to the Valley and the train back to Wengen. Just an idea of how to see a lot and yet not travel outside the Lat.Valley

Posted by
5920 posts

You will have one full day in Lucerne, so that is perfect for your day trip to Pilatus. If you see enough of Lucerne on the first day and second evening, you can head on to Wengen in early morning.
What did you want out of the Lake Brienz trip? You could possibly stop en route, as you pass right through Interlaken.
I would also focus on the immediate area of Wengen for your two full days there.

Posted by
35249 posts

the train (the train is on and off the rack, it is cogwheel equipped) from Luzern to Interlaken Ost (beautiful views, sit on the right but look off to the left after you have come out of the tunnels after leaving Luzern) stops and changes ends in Meiringen after the ride down from the summit. (Meiringen is where the infamous Reichenbach Falls is). The next stop is Brienz where you can get off and in about 30 yards get on Lake Brienz ships. The boat will zigzag along the lake calling at various settlements, including the magnificent Gießbach Falls and hotel, until it terminates at Interlaken Ost just a few feet from the train station where the train up to Lauterbrunnen starts.

Doing it that way saves a day trip down from Wengen, and you are going right by anyway.

Posted by
7 posts

Thank you @tripletblessings. I've read a lot about both Mannlichen and Kleine Sheindegg, and it sounds like they are better options than Jungfraujoch given we are traveling peak tourist season. Great options for in and around the Valley. Thanks!

@valadelphia As far as Lake Brienz, I figured we could take the boat en route either to or from Interlaken. It really looks beautiful. Thanks for your help.

Posted by
7 posts

@Nigel. I like this idea very much and makes a lot of sense logistically, but the only issue is we will have our luggage with us traveling from Lucerne.

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