We're staying 5 nights in Switzerland at the end of a month long Europe trip and originally we were traveling from Salzburg to Lucerne and staying in Lucerne for 4 nights before flying out of Zurich. After learning of the train line construction bw Austria and Switzerland for the scenic route along with overall preferences we've changed our plans and will now be traveling from the Garmisch area to Grindelwald staying 4 nights and then staying in Lucerne for 2 nights. We need to stay near Zurich at the end bc we fly out the next day around lunch time. My main question is does that schedule make sense with the time we have (no we cannot add more days) and is it worth traveling so far into Switzerland our day getting there? If not we most likely will just have to stay in Lucerne and do a few day trips. We switched from only staying in Lucerne and also adding a day to Switzerland by taking away one from Salzburg based on the recommendations on this forum, but it definitely makes for a lengthy travel day. Is this too much or are the train rides enjoyable and scenic in Switzerland so it doesn't feel as cumbersome? Appreciate any advice.
Posted by
Switzerland
421 posts
From what I can see on SBB, Garmisch - Grindelwald is about 8.5 hours, going to Luzern instead can shorten the trip by about two hours, depending on your connections.
In my opinion going to the Jungfrau region (Grindelwald, or wherever you choose as your base there) for four nights is certainly worth the additional two hours on the train.
When you consider how much time and money is already invested in a trip like this, adding a couple more hours on the train to experience one of the most beautiful areas of Switzerland will almost certainly feel worthwhile.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
1356 posts
The problem with Garmisch is that you have to backtrack to Munich to go to Switzerland. It's not the end of the world, but you could consider skipping Garmisch and instead adding nights back on to Salzburg to experience the Dachstein mountains around that area instead with day trips to Gosausee, Konigssee, Salzkammergut, etc. It's incredible around there. Your plan is fine too. Just a thought.
It's not a mistake to spend time further into the mountains than what Luzern gives you. I already suggested this in your other thread, but also look into Wengen. With as much city time as you have on your itinerary, personally I'd do 5 nights in Grindelwald/Wengen and just 1 night in Luzern, especially since you have to spend an entire day getting from Garmisch or Salzburg to Switzerland. Leave Grindelwald/Wengen in the morning after breakfast to have the whole afternoon to explore the Old Town of historic Luzern. That's plenty in order to hit the highlights. Of course there are other things to do around Luzern, but I'd rather have the time in one location to maximize all the things there are to do around the Jungfrau region + a rest day after a long day on trains getting there. You can experience the lakes from Wengen/Grindelwald by doing a trip to Lake Brienz or Lake Thun.
Posted by
OP
37 posts
Thank you SwissNomad and Wanderweg. That's extremely helpful in solidifying our final plans. You don't think it's worth 1.5 days in Lucerne to visit Rigi or Pilatus? Also, I didn't mention that on our last day in Lucerne we have friends visiting us from France, but they'll be open to doing some sightseeing with us. If it's not worth seeing Rigi or Pilatus I'd have to see if we can extend our lodging by one night on the front end.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
1356 posts
It's not that Rigi isn't worth it, it's a lovely place. If you're excited for it, go for it, but my suggestion is always to stay in one location longer to allow for weather buffer (in the alps you 100% need it!). There are mountain viewpoints with lake backdrops in both areas, so it's a bit of comparing varieties of apples. They're all slightly different but also pretty similar. Your friends visiting could adjust this scenario, as it really depends on what you want to experience with them. You could also leave Grindelwald/Wengen in the morning after an early breakfast, drop off your luggage at your hotel (or store at the train station in Luzern), head up to Rigi in the early afternoon and then explore Old Town in the evening. It's a busy day, but possible, as you can hit the highlights of Old Town in an hour or two around dinner.