We are going in mid June (2 adults 2 kids 12yo) and trying to decide to base us in Wengen all 6 nights or to spend a couple nights in Lucerne on the front or back end (or other region)? We will fly into ZUR early morning and train directly to our first destination. Will most businesses and hikes be open this time of year in BO? We will make our way from Switzerland to Montceau-les-Mines train stop when we depart France, so we could also plan a stop for a day or 2 along the route that way also.
Posted by
18 posts
When we went a few years ago (my son was 12) and we did 2 nights starting in Lucerne and then 6 nights in Wengen. Not sure I would have enjoyed less time in Wengen just to add on Lucerne. Lucerne was great, and we did Mt. Pilatus but nothing compared to Wengen and the sounding BO area. It was beyond magical and one of our favorite places we’ve ever been.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Awesome! That is in line with some other feedback I've gotten also. Do you recall some of your favorite activities, restaurants, etc? Did you do Jungfrau summit?
Posted by
Orlando, FL, USA
38 posts
I second the 6 nights in Wengen. I have been to at least 20 cities/towns in Switzerland over several multi-week and month visits and LOVE all of them (including Lucerne). But it is Wengen and Murren who completely stole my heart and offered the most unique and memorable experience.
FOOD: Please check google but depending on your family tastes I like the trifecta of the Golden India (awesome), Lecker Asia (way above average), Da Sina Italian (just a nudge above average). They are all right next to each other not far from the base of the Gondola.
THINGS TO DO (I could give you 60 days of things to do, but here are some top picks that mix it up for your family)
BO Pass for 6 days, so life is easy getting on/off all the fun trains and gondolas, and the sixth day can be used to either come or go from the BO region to the next stop in France (pays your train to Bern, then you would need to pay to France).
1) Gondola up to Mannlichen and hike to Kleine Schedigg and outdoor lunch there. Then train down to Grindelwald and bus or walk to Gondola back to Mannlichen and back to Wengen. An alternative at Kleine Schedigg is to continue hiking all the way back down to Wengen.
2) Train back down to Lauterbrunnen and Gondola up to Grutschalp/Murren. Make sure you get seats on the left side of the train for the view of a lifetime on the train from Grutschalp to Murren. Walk Murren down to Gimmelwald (not Grindelwald but Gimmelwald). Gondola down to Valley/Stechelberg. Walk valley to Trummelbach Falls and go see that with the kids. Then finish walking in Valley back to Lauterbrunnen and train back to Wengen.
3) Train to Kleine Schedigg and hop on the other train down to Grindelwald. Gondola up to First, and please research things to do up at the First station because there are 3 days worth of stuff to see and do there, from a Lake Hike to more extensive hikes, to Trotti bikes to zip lines, etc. Then, the Gondola back down, and you can go back the same way or walk down to the Gondola platform and take the Gondola back to Mannlichen and the other gondola back to Wengen.
4) If you do not do Jungfrauch, it is 100% worth using the BO Pass from Grindelwald to get on the Eiger Express Gondola (awesome and double awesome Gondola ride). From there, you can hike down to Kleine Schedigg. If you do Jungfrau, you have the option of taking a train to Kleine Schedigg and another train to Eiger/Jungfrau, and then on the way down, you can hop on that Eiger Express Gondola to Grindelwald so that you can experience that ride.
5) Schynige Platte. Get to Wilderswil as early as you can and take this train up to Schnige Platte. Then, walk straight up for the most breathtaking views over both lakes and follow that up with the ridge. Walk to Loucherhorn and summon your knees/legs to get you up that quick ascent for the most breathtaking of views. Then take the verticle meadow path back to the train and back down to Wilderswil.
Hope this helps.
Posted by
326 posts
I agree with most of what Eddie said.
On our first Swiss trip we spent four nights in Lucerne and really enjoyed it. Last year though, we returned and spent a week in Wengen, before time in Zermatt and Montreux, and personally it left Lucerne for dead. I'd spend as much time in Wengen as you can manage.
We also loved da Sina restaurant, in fact we went there twice, but we didn't enjoy Golden India. It had zero atmosphere and the food had no taste whatsoever, certainly none from the Indian content. We do like excellent spice Indian food though, which is everywhere in Australia, but it is patently not in Wengen. Sadly Lecker Asia was closed.
I would also agree with all of the outings Eddie suggested. We didn't do Jungfraujoch, as we'd been to Titlis on a previous trip and did Schilthorn on this one.
You could also consider a cruise, we loved lunch at Giessbach Hotel after a cruise on Lake Brienz.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for the suggestions!!