Hi Planning for next June (later part) for trip with 82 yr old Dad ( who is very energetic) and who would like to see Italy and the Swiss Alps. Thinking most time would be in in Italy (Rome, Venice) so maybe 5 days in Switzerland. He would like to do a train trip - I would like a small town with some walking and outdoor activities. Dad is in good health so easy walks will work for him as well. I have been to Wengen and Jungfrau , Lucerne areas before. Thinking the Bernina Express ( excuse the spelling)would be a good option . Where would people suggest as places to stay either along that route or in the area? What about the Glacier express? how do they compare? Thanks much
Diane
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32206 posts
Diane, The first thing that comes to mind would be to explore the other side of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, staying in either Lauterbrunnen or Mürren. There are some easy walks in that area, along with incredible scenery. One hike that may be easy enough for him would be to take the Allmend-Hubel Funicular up the hill from Mürren and then walk down through the alpine meadows (cows grazing with bells on their necks, and that sort of thing). You could also take the Cable Car to the famous Schilthorn for a fine hot meal in a revolving restaurant, and enjoy the vista of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau gliding past the window as you enjoy lunch. One route to consider would be along these lines..... > Fly inbound Rome, tour for several days > Train to Venice, tour for several days > Train to Varenna, spend one or two nights (train time from Venice ~4.5 hours with one change) > Train to Tirano (train time as short as 1H:26M - board the Bernina Express, disembark in Chur) > Stay one night in Chur (If you use the 14:04 departure, the train doesn't get to Chur until 18:27, so staying one night would be prudent) > Train to Lauterbrunnen and the Berner Oberland. > Flight home from Zürich There are lots of possibilities, and this is only one suggestion. Good luck with your planning!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
We have done northern Italy and then we took the train to Lauterbrunnen via Milan and Spiez. However, you have the opportunity to take the Bernina Express. It takes awhile to get to Tirano but this can be done. I would suggest looking into staying in Pontresino which is about 3 stops before St. Moritz. If the Glacier Express intereste you, you can catch it at St. Moritz. Takes about 6.5 hours for the ride to Brig. Once in Brig, you are about 90 minutes away from Lauterbrunnen and 2.0hrs away from Muerren. Once choice you may have to consider is the Bernina Express vs Lauterbrunnen/Muerren as they are really some distance apart by train. If you like the Lauterbrunnen/Muerren area, you might consider heading there from Italy. One place we like in Lauterbrunnen is the Hotel Silberhorn. Very nice restaurant and when we've stayed there, you can see several seniors having breakfast. Many are returning visitors. You have great access to either side of the valley and the mountain tops from Lauterbrunnen. The train station is about 500' from the hotel. Or, you can stay in Muerren and have a balcony overlooking the valley below and the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau on the other side of the valley. Very easy train ride to Zurich for a flight home. We've done that also.