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Switzerland trip suggestion with parents

Hello guys,

The plan

I am planning to travel to Switzerland (mainly the Berner Oberland region) during the last week of August/first of September with my parents aged 50ish from Rome, Italy. On a strict 3n4d itinerary, we have plans to cover :

  1. Lauterbrunnen stroll, hiking a couple of falls (if possible)
  2. Interlaken stroll, boat ride on any of the lakes, Harder Klum (including cable car)
  3. Grindelwald with a mountain cliff walk (including the first phase cable car)

Suggestion

Since we are on a very tight budget, I am looking for a few suggestions based on the trip plan and accommodation options.

  1. What would be the most efficient and scenic way to reach the Oberland region from Rome, Italy
  2. Shall we get the Oberland pass costing above 250 euro+ each or stick to regular tickets as we go along the plans?
  3. We are planning to stay at lodges/Airbnbs. Which of the places along the rail track have the most affordable options?
  4. Feel free to suggest addition/alterations to my existing plan (This would probably be our first and last trip in Switzerland)

Thank you

Posted by
33818 posts

will you all be returning to Rome after leaving Switzerland? Do your parents live in Rome?

Posted by
5604 posts

This year? You may have difficulty finding accommodations at this late date, as the demand for travel currently is very high. I'd suggest looking at any and all available lodging, as that may influence your itinerary.
Does your four days include your travel days?
Switzerland is not the most budget friendly place to visit, altho the scenery is fantastic.
Safe travels!

Posted by
8 posts

Hi Pat, I am seeing some options on AirBnb like 130ish euro per night which kind of fits the budget. However, the places are around 40-60 mins train ride one way from my intended visit places.

Do you have any suggestions with lodge finding website? Do you think the travel time is manageable? . . I would like to spend three full days for the places

Posted by
234 posts

Try looking at booking.com.
Would you and your parents be ok with a hostel? shared bath?
To get the price you want, a 50-60 minute train ride isn't that bad all things considered.
Please respond to this forum once you've arranged your lodging and indicate the location. Then the other questions you have posed will be able to be answered specifically.

Posted by
21141 posts

I'd look for some place in Interlaken for a reasonably priced airbnb.

One slight problem I see is that there appears to be a replacement bus operating on the railway line between Milan and Domodossola. So a little more travel time and extra changes along the way. Looks like at least 8 hours travel time each direction. That might make it a 4n5d trip.

Posted by
2545 posts

Switzerland is one of the most expensive places in the world. You are going to need to sacrifice something in order to make it work: budget, convenience (location) or time (traveling to get where you want to be during your days). If your budget cannot stretch to what the rates are in the BO area, you will need to look farther away, which will mean the rail passes are going to be more worth it compared to paying more for train tickets. Interlaken is cheaper than the BO, but I would be very surprised to find anything in your budget. You might look at some of the tourism office websites for Lake Brienz. They have lodging options. https://www.brienzersee.ch/en/planning/accommodation/holiday-apartments