Family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children - 6 years and 3 years) will be in Switzerland for 10 nights in May. We fly in and out of Zurich, based on research seems best to have a base in Lucern for half and the trip and then in Wengen for the other half and do day trips from each of the bases. We would really like to do the bernina express but really conflicted on how to add it to the trip!! Thoughts/tips much appreciated!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17418 posts
Take a look at the rail map of Switzerland and you will see why the Bernina Express is so difficult—-it is well to the east of your main path.
I know the Bernina Express gets a lot of love here, but it is logistically impractical for most itineraries, unless you want to spend some time in the Engadine. Actually it works best as a one-way trip from Switzerland into Italy (or vice versa), especially if Lake Como is on the agenda for italy. Then you can take it as a one-way trip and it makes perfect sense.
It also works well as part of a 3-day loop from Chur or Pontresina to Varenna, then to Lugano or Locarno, and back north into Switzerland via the Gotthard Pass route to either Luzern or Zurich. That trip is, to my eyes, even more scenic than the Bernina route—lots of cliffs and waterfalls, hanging glaciers, a nice little Alpine village with a steeple you might realize you have passed 3 times as the train makes switchbacks up or down the mountain.
But as an out-and-back day trip from anywhere in Switzerland but Pontresina or nearby, it makes for too much time on the train, particularly for children.
Your plan to spend time in Luzern and Wengen looks fine—-particularly Wengen due to the car-free aspect. Be sure to visit the wonderful Alpine Herdsman playground up at Männlichen, up the cablecar from Wengen.
https://www.maennlichen.ch/en/summer/experiences/alpine-herdsmans-playground.html
And if your plans include a trip to Mürren across the valley, take the little Allmendhubel funicular up to the Flower Park playground:
I imagine you know all about the benefits of a Swiss Travel Pass + free Family Card, or Berner Oberland Pass + Half Fare card with free FAmily Pass, so your children ride everywhere for free. But if not—-speak up and someone will explain.
One nice benefit of the Swiss Travel Pass is that it gives you the Rigi Round Trip from Luzern by boat, cogwheel train, and cablecar for free. There are nice activities for kids along the way. This is their winter page, but it does show the playgrounds. In summer there will be more activities on offer in the Families section.
Posted by
OP
23 posts
Thank you for the detailed information Lola!
Posted by
Chicago
3125 posts
FYI—The Allmendhubel funicular does not start running until June 12th. So, unfortunately, not an option for your May trip.
Scroll down here to see the maintenance schedule:
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17418 posts
Thanks for pointing that out, Carrie. I did not even think to look at the operating schedule.
They will just have to be content with the “big cow” playground up at Männlichen, or one in Wengen itself.
Posted by
Chicago
3125 posts
They will just have to be content with the “big cow” playground up at
Männlichen
That depends on their May dates. 😊 The cable car to männlichen does not start operating until May 25th.
I travel in early June so I’m aware of when things start to open up.
I’ve noticed lately a lot more people are traveling in May. I just want to make sure they’re aware that not everything will be open. Still plenty of great things to see and do though.