I would love some help with planning an itinerary for 5-6 days in Switzerland followed by 4-5 days in the Dolomites. Currently I am planning to arrive in Zurich with my daughter ( in her 20's) at 8 am on Aug 27th. My goal was to spend the majority of the time in Switzerland hiking/ exploring in the Lauterbrunnen valley (probably Gimmelvald) , with a trip up Schilthorn likely . However, I was also interested in seeing the Appenzal/ Ebernalp area for at least 1 day (?2 nights). (The photo of the Ebenalp hut in the cliff has always intrigued me!). I definitely prefer to maximize stays to 2-3 nights if possible. I'm wondering if the logistics of getting over to Appenzal are worth it or if I should instead spend time in Luzern (maybe doing the Mt Rigi trip ?) .
Also, what is the best (and most economical way) of getting over to Bolzano, Italy so I can head to the Dolomites for the second part of the trip? I will be departing from Milan or Verona. Should I train it thru Austria or Lugano/Milan/ Verona/ Bolzano? Should I fly? Finally, I have read a TON on Swiss Travel pass / Half Pass/ Saver Day pass and have my head spinning on what is best there as well. I would LOVE ANY help and am most grateful for any expertise on this!
Thanks!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11293 posts
It is a long train day, about 8 1/2 hours (including transfer times) involving 5 trains. Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken OST to Spiez to Milano to Verona to Bolzano. Flying not easy nor direct. You might look at Www.Rome2rio.com to examine the route.
The two areas - Berner Oberland and the Italian Dolomites - are plenty and gorgeous. I would not take night away from those two destinations for a night or two and the extra transfer time for Ebenalp.
The pass situation has been addressed here several times in the past month. Try the search box above for general info and then perhaps come back with specific questions about passes.
Posted by
Austin, TX
92 posts
Appenzal fits better with Davos, St Moritz, Schaffhausen, and Lake Constance (Bodensee); it's a bit out of the way to be considered between Lauterbrunnen and Dolomites.
Rick has a review of Ebenalp and Berggasthaus Aescher at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/high-in-switzerlands-appenzell; that'd be a memorable place to spend a night.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16166 posts
Skip Appenzell; it is out of the way and takes away from time spent in the Alps and Dolomites. Rick publicizes the Aescher guesthouse and makes it sound unique, but there are other cliff-top huts you can visit, such as
https://www.fruendenhuette.com In the Berner Oberland (near Kandersteg), or
https://www.tonidemetz.it/index_eng.html in the Dolomites. It is accessed by a 2-person gondola from Passo Gardena, or by a hike from the Saltria lifts (Alpe di Siusi),