We will be coming from Munich by train on Thursday, May 23. We have Eurail passes as we are visiting eastern Europe and Germany before Switzerland. But, we think a rental car for 1 day will make things easier. Here is our updated thinking based on some very helpful comments on our questions about Diemtigen (in another post):
May 23: Train Munich to Bern
6:54 a.m. to 11:58 a.m. or 8:54 a.m. to 13:28 (later train would be nicer for sleep and less stress later in the day in Diemtigen. But, might make next day very full.)
Rent car in Bern: Hertz is closest to main Bern train station:
Drive Bern to Diemtigen: Either approximately 12:45-13:30 or 14:15-15
See Church, Nearby Older Homes/buildings on trail, cemetery, and buy some baked goods and yogurt/cheese across from church: 13:30-15:30 or 15:00-17:00--or later, if not trying to get to chocolate factory tour same day.
Drive: Diemtigen to Gruyeres/Broc: 15:30-16:40 or 17ish-18:10. If early enough, visit chocolate Factory (17:00-18:30)
Stay in Broc/Gruyeres Area: Would love some suggestions.
May 24:
Visit cheese factory: 9-10:30
If toured chocolate day before, drive to Bern: 10:30-11:35. If not, tour chocolate factory: 11-12:30?
Drive back to Bern and return rental car.
Get to main train station and store luggage:
RS Bern Walk and see Bern
Train Bern to Wengen: (could be as early as 4 or as late as 7 p.m.)
May 24-26: Stay in Wengen Hotel Alpenrose
May 25: Schilthorn side: Grutschalp to Murren Train
Do RS Murren walk
Murren cable car to Schilthorn:
Schilthorn 1-1.5 hours?
Schilthorn cable car to Gimmelwald
Gimmelwald Walk from RS
Cable Car Gimmelwald to Stechelberg
Bus Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen, stop at Trummelbach waterfall (elevator to top and can walk back down through wet caves or take elevator?)
Staubach Falls in Lauterbrunnen
Return to Wengen:
May 26:
Morning: Church in Interlaken
Afternoon: Train Wengen to Jungfraujoch:
12:16 -13:41
12:46 – 14:11
1.5 hours at Jungfraujoch
Train Jungfraujoch to Wengen:
15:17-16:39, 15:47-17:09, or 16:17-17:39
Train Wengen to Moxy Bern: 17:12-19:08, 17:42-19:38, 18:12-20:08
May 27: Train Bern Wankdorf to Zurich main station: 8:13-9:28, 8:24-9:56, 8:43-9:58, or 9:13-10:28
Metro to Courtyard
Lindt Chocolate tour (wife's favorite chocolate)
RS Zurich Walk with any extra time
May 28: Depart for US mid day
Any thoughts are very welcome! Thank you.