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Itinerary check for first visit to swizerland

Hi everyone,
Wife and I will be ending a cruise in Basel in early July. We've had Switzerland on our bucket list so decided to spend a week here. Need a check on our planned itinerary to see if it sounds reasonable. Based on the RS advice, we are centering the stay in the OB (3 nights), while visiting other cities. We have travelled Europe by train many times and are comfortable with train travel. We are in our mid 60's but have no mobility issues. We are looking to experience the mountains while still having time to visit some of the cities outside the OB. Our planned trip includes Bern, Grindelwald, Lucerne, and Zurich (departure city).

Saturday: train from Basel to Bern. Overnight there.

Sunday: train from Bern to Grindelwald. Stay 3 nights in Grindelwald. Would like to visit Jungfraujoch, and either First and/or Schilthorn. As time permits, visit one or more of the towns such as wengan, murren or lauterbrunnen. We are not big hikers but may do some easy hiking.

Wednesday: train to Lucerne. Hopefully a scenic train. Two nights in Lucerne.

Friday: train to Zurich with early flight Sunday morning. Likely stay near airport.

Questions:

Would Golden Pass work going back to Lucerne from Grindelwald for the scenic train ride? I understand we would likely change trains at Interlaken.

Also, what would be a useful pass for this whole itinerary, assuming no major flaws?

At Jungfraujoch and other peaks, do we need snow shoes to do short hikes, and if so, any where that rents them? Timeframe is early July.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks.

Tom

Posted by
5597 posts

Go directly to the Berner Oberland. You need as many days as possible to increase chances of clear mountain weather. Bern is an easy day trip from the OB on a rainy day. Even on cloudy days, the OB is spectacular , you just may not see the summits.
Note that in July the Swiss cities can be in the 80's, quite hot, so bring a summer outfit.
I'd stay in Murren or Wengen instead of the more touristy Grindelwald, if possible. Sleep IN the Alpes.
You'll have a fantastic time in this beautiful country.
Safe travels.

Posted by
11569 posts

We preferred to stay in Grindelwald but visited Wengen and Murren too. Grindelwald has more dining and hotel options, great transportation options. All three are beautiful We had a car and rented a chalet.

Posted by
612 posts

I agree, get rid of the night in Bern. You can do it as a day trip from Grindelwald or from Luzern.

You don’t need snow shoes for Jungfraujoch. Just wear your hiking or tennis shoes and bring a jacket.
Look into the Berner Oberland Pass, as well as the Half Fare Card. The combo may work, but at the very least you’ll want the half fare card.

Posted by
21 posts

Appreciate the feedback. Am looking to extend my stay in the BO.