Revised trip based on what I’m reading in the forums!

I haven't been to Zermatt so can't coment on that, but we have been to the Berner Oberland 4 times. Each trip we added an additional day. I couldn't get enough of it! Usually we stay in Lauterbrunnen as it's so central, but one trip we spent 2 night in Murren and 2 in Wengen and really enjoyed both. We have been to Lucerne once for a 2 night stay. It was nice, but very crowded and very touristy. I SO prefer the Lauterbrunnen valley! We do a lot of hiking while there. If you're not into hiking 4 days may be a bit too much for you.

We have always gotten the Berner Oberland Pass. You'll have to do the math, but I think if you're staying in that area 4 or more days and will be doing a lot of gondolas/trains it probably makes sense.

I would spend two in Lucerne and 4 in Wengen. We loved the fact that Wengen was car free, and travel was easy for the mountain excursions. It's a beautiful little village with warm and welcoming people. After conducting some research, I determined that the half fare card and the BO pass was the best option for us. If you are not big hikers, consider the walk from Murren to Gimmelwald. It's very relaxing on a beautiful day.

We do like to hike so plan on doing a fair bit of that, and I’m leaning towards the 2 day Lucerne 4 day Wengen. Out of curiosity why do you need a half fare pass plus the BO pass? I thought the BO pass covered most routes in these two locations and surrounding areas?

You made an excellent decision. Definitely, four days in Wengen and two in Lucerne. The Berber Oberlsnd is heaven on earth, and the hiking is fantastic.

Out of curiosity why do you need a half fare pass plus the BO pass? I thought the BO pass covered most routes in these two locations and surrounding areas?

The Berner Oberland Pass covers the BO very well, which for you starts at Luzern. The Half Fare Card offers a 50% discount on transportation in all areas outside of the BO plus you get an additional discount on the BO Pass. It usually noodles out to get both (is always does for us, avid hikers and Swiss travelers) but you have to do the math yourself to see.

Oh okay, I’ll take a look but it sounds like you recommend get the half price fare first, then the BO for a discount on that. I will do my own research soon, I just find people on here do helpful to eliminate some of the initial overwhelming information confusion!

You can buy both the HFC and the BO Pass online, at the same time (on different websites). You do not need to have the HFC in hand to get the discount on the BO Pass. You just need to have them both to show the conductor when you are actually riding the train or lift or boat.

In addition to giving you 50% off all your travel outside the BO Pass coverage area, the HFC gives you a better discount on the pricy Jungfrau trip if you plan to do that (50% rather than the 25% offered with the BO Pass).