Please Help! 3days and 4 nights Itinerary in Switzerland

Posted by harpyleah on 12/18/14 04:12 AM

Hi Guys,
Travelling from Paris to Switzerland in Sep 2015 by Train. We are going to base ourselves either in Lauterbunne valley or Murren for 4 nights. We have 3 days and would like to experience some of the most wonderful sceneries in Switzerland.

Day 1: Depends on the weather, we might explore around Murren - Lauterbunne Valley. We are not big on long hikes as we won't be equipped for gears. Any suggestions for ways to explore the area without too much hiking/walking? ( Bus/train/cable car)
Is 1 day long enough (We want to see all the waterfalls in the Valley as well)

Day2: Either cruise on Lake Thun and see Castillo Oberhofen or Lake Brienz and see ballensberg ( Which one is better?)

Day3: We would like to see more scenery perhaps up the mountain or either areas? (Any suggestions?)

Day4: Train to Munich

Also, is it worth it to buy a Swiss pass saver or half fare card? or would it be better to buy a Swiss and Germany rail pass since we are going to spend 3 days in Munich as well.

Thank you so much for all your help!

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

12/18/14 06:19 AM

32202 posts

harpy,

Day 1 - is that going to be your arrival day in the Berner Oberland (ie: the day you travel from Paris)? If so, the better part of the day will be required for travel, so you probably won't arrive there until sometime in the afternoon, which won't allow much time for "exploring".
Day 2 - I haven't done any cruises in that area, so don't have any comments.
Day 3 - there are lots of "scenery" opportunities in that area. You could take the Allmend-Hubel Funicular from Mürren up to the top and then walk back (it's more of a stroll, rather than a hike). If staying in Mürren, you can walk down to Gimmelwald. You can take the Cable Car down to Stechelberg and then the bus to Trummelbach Falls. You could take the Cable Car to the Schilthorn and have lunch in the rotating restaurant. I'd suggest having a look at the RS Switzerland guidebook to see what sights might interest you.

There are differing opinions on the forum between staying in Lauterbrunnen or Mürren. Both places are good - Lauterbrunnen is more central to both sides of the valley so better for transportation, while Mürren offers more of an alpine scenery experience. With such a short time and if you'll mostly be visiting sites on that side of the valley, Mürren is a good choice.

It's difficult to say whether a Pass would be worthwhile, as that will depend to some extent on the touring you'll be doing there and how much you'll be using the local transportation. One of the others in the group here may have a few comments to offer in that regard.

Posted by harpyleah OP

12/18/14 09:16 AM

6 posts

Hi Ken,
Thanks for your reply and suggestions!
We will arrive the night before my official DAY 1, so we have 3 full days excluding travel from Paris and to Munich.

I will look into more for travel passes!

Posted by Tom

Danville, VT

12/18/14 12:50 PM

12040 posts

My advice- don't try to pigeon-hole your activities onto a specific day this far in advanced. Weather will be the biggest determinant on what is feasible on what day, and although September usually has some of the best weather for enjoying the mountains, don't be surprised if the mountains are shrowded in haze at least part of the time. Keep a flexible schedule.

Posted by Laurel

Forest Grove, OR

12/18/14 04:05 PM

11315 posts

You don't need a lot of gear for some of the hikes: just good walking shoes. The trail from the top of the lift (Grutschalp) in Lauterbrunnen that parallels the train tracks offers fantstic views for miniumu effort. You can take the train back from Murren or descend via lift to the valley floor and take the bus back. if you stay in Murren reverse the route. Mannlinchen to Kleine Scheidigg is also great and not technical nor challenging.