We are flying into Zurich in July and arrive in the morning. We currently have a three night stay in Luzern. I have a bunch of questions about this part of our trip because I am 65 and might not get back here, and two I have wanted to see this area since Heidi and her Grandfather were in TV. Lol. I would like to see the Rhine Falls, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and my son wants to see Shilterhorn. Any ideas if this is doable? Are these areas all worth seeing or would you recommend other places instead? Any suggestions on how to get to these locations. If by train, do you recommend the Swiss Rail Pass Package? Anyone done a private driver for this?
Posted by
PA, USA
14 posts
The area you describe is the Jungfrau region, and its lovely! It’s definitely accessible for a 65 year old, assuming you don’t have any mobility issues.
However, Lauterbrunnen is over 2 hrs from Lucerne by train. You can do a day trip from Lucerne but it would not give you much time in the area. You might be better off staying in Wengen, Lauterbrunnen or Murren, if you can find a reservation. You can take a cable car from Murren up to the Schilthorn (go up for the breakfast buffet! It’s a bit expensive but there’s a lovely view!)
Lucerne is lovely as well and has mountains Pilatus, Rigi, and others. The city is beautiful with pretty bridges and a lake.
So depending on your trip, go to both places? No need to stay in Zurich unless you have an early flight out of the airport, leaving before 11 am. Otherwise stay the night before in Lucerne and take the hour train to the airport from Lucerne.
Have fun planning your trip! And if you are worried about it being too intense for you, start doing what you can now, walking, hiking, etc to gain the strength and endurance for having a wonderful time in the Swiss Alps. Hiking and being away from the crowds and just soaking in the mountains is the best!!
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you so much.
Posted by
San Diego, California
6170 posts
How many nights ( not days) do you have all together in this beautiful country? I'm a bit confused. Wishing you a fantastic trip!
Posted by
Minneapolis
110 posts
I had a conversation with a 90 year old man who was from Switzerland. When he talked about Rhine Falls his eyes lit up. I went there in 2022 and enjoyed the day there. It works very nice to take the train from Zurich and stay in Schaffhausen then visit the falls in the morning then head to Lucerne. You may want to do more research for activities around Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. The Schilthorn didn't make the top 5 things I did in the area.
The STP may not be the most cost effective for your trip and not cover 100% of some of your activities. However, it is easy to travel with it. There are other options and you can check SBB ticket prices to determine the path you want to take.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34741 posts
Heidiland is more in the southeast, some distance away from both Lauterbrunnen and Luzern.
That said, if you want the atmosphere instead of more distant slightly different Heidiland the places you have outlined around Luzern and the Berner Oberland should suffice for a lovely trip.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
775 posts
Do you have only the 3 nights? I went with my 85 yr old dad and we stayed in Lauterbrunnen for 3 nights. One day we went to the Sjilthorn from thete..so much fun. The next day we went up to Jungfraujoch. We went back to Wengen which we enjoyed. We found Lauterbrunnen to be great as it gives easy access to 2 mountains and has lo Ely views. If you have only the 3 nights in Switzerland I'd do one night Lucerne. Early train to Lauterbrunnen.for 2 nights Depending on weather go to Wengen side or Shilthorn. Next day do different side. Return to Lucerne morning. Rushed bit doable. Pack light