My wife and I are active seniors planning an 11-day visit to Switzerland around a 5-night stay in Murren, which is already booked for the last portion of our trip (we will leave Murren the day before our departure flight). Our flight lands in Zurich late morning 22 August (Day 1). We have done some reading and wonder if the following itinerary for our 6 open days before Murren has any glaring issue (or could be greatly improved) by those who know Swiss towns and trains. I am currently thinking we will buy SBB half-fare cards and the Jungfrau Pass once we get to where we need it, based on advice received here a few days ago.
From the airport, take the train to Lucerne and overnight there 2 nights. On Day 3 take a late afternoon train (via Brunigpass for scenery) to Brienz. I initially added Brienz because of the train route scenery as much as anything. Overnight Brienz and the next morning (D4) ride the Brienz Rothorn steam train (out and back) before departing Brienz on a late afternoon train to Fribourg. That steam train ride allows us to see a different view of the Alps, and is the only reason I have kept Brienz in the itinerary. We added Fribourg because some reading suggested it was an interesting, historic small Swiss town, and possibly off the main tourist track. We overnight in Fribourg and explore it the next day (Day 5) before taking a late afternoon train to Bern. We overnight in Bern's Old Town and explore the next morning and early afternoon (Day 6) before taking the train etc. to Murren, where that night will be the first of our five in Murren. Is such a short time in Bern worthwhile?
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6943 posts
We did Bern on a day trip from Luzurn/Lucerne. We had a great time and saw quite a bit. There was a bit more we might have enjoyed had we had another day, but we were happy to have spent a day.
Posted by
OP
Lakewood, Colorado
44 posts
Thanks, that helps alot.
Posted by
West Michigan
330 posts
Bern is a very nice city. Great old buildings. We'll stop there next Monday for a lunch break. We'll walk or take a tram, to the Old Tram Depot Restaurant and eat a nice meal outside. It's next to the famous Bear Pit, which isn't really a pit anymore.
Good idea to take the train over Brunig pass. Shortly after you depart Brunig for Meiringen, while still in the mountains, look for the animal statues beside the tracks. There are quite a few. My personal challenge is to get a few good photos of as many of them as I can. And if you like old stuff, hop off the train at Brunig, there's a great antique store at the station.
The Rothorn Bahn in Brienz is a great thing. Amazing views of a lot of Switzerland. I believe there's a restaurant partway up, that's open now. I heard it was pretty expensive, don't know any more about it. We like to eat at the Steinbock in town. Where are you staying in Brienz?
Sounds like a great trip!
Posted by
OP
Lakewood, Colorado
44 posts
Thanks, Travelerguy. Your comments help, because I wondered about the overall value of the steam train excursion. The hotel I am considering in Brienz is the Steinbock, and you just provided a useful recommendation for their restaurant.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
874 posts
You’re moving around way too much. 4 different hotels in 5 nights along with jet lag is going to be exhausting.
Stay in Luzern for 3 nights, with 1 day doing an easy day trip to Bern & Fribourg (only 20 minutes from each other) + perhaps a day doing a boat ride to Vitznau & up to Mt Rigi and a day doing historic Luzern.
Then move to Brienz for 2 nights to do Brienzer Rothorn and a day on Lake Brienz and maybe Lake Thun if you want.
Then move to Mürren and focus on the mountains. With this plan you can use the Jungfrau Pass for your time in Brienz & Mürren.
Posted by
OP
Lakewood, Colorado
44 posts
Thank you for that suggestion. I do like the idea of not having to pack each day.
Posted by
West Michigan
330 posts
Great advice from Wanderweg, especially Vitznau and Mt. Rigi. I like to eat at an outside table at the Restaurant Rutli, in Vitznau, and drink genuine Budvar beer.