Direct trip to Interlaken or stop in Montreux from Florence?

You do have a triangle trip of sorts. Much like the Florence/Venice/CT trip. Question: Is it your intention to visit the nearby Lauterbrunnen Valley from Interlaken or just stay in Interlaken? I would suggest staying in Wengen or Murren which are about 45 minutes away from Interlaken Ost. These two are very scenic alpine villages. Great views. This would be a 6.5hr. trip from Florence with 3 train changes (It's 2 changes just to get to Interlaken).

For Montreux, you can go back out to Interlaken Ost and take the Golden Pass scenic train to Montreux. www.goldenpass.com. Then it's about 3.5hrs back to Milan.

Hi Larry
Thank you for your prompt reply. Yes, it is our intention to visit the Lauterbrunnen Valley and Wengen/Gimmelwald area. The reason I chose to stay in Interlaken was because I understand that the end of May is low season and the upper villages may be "dead" so to speak. I am traveling with grown children (18 and 21) and thought they may appreciate more of the night life of Interlaken. They have not expressed that interest, so if you think that we would truly be better off avoiding Interlaken even during this down time, I will take that under serious consideration.

I thought that Interlaken might also be an easier "hub" to take day trips such as Montreux. But I have yet to figure out if I can get down there and back up to Interlaken in one day.

Corrine

Corrine, you plan is sound. There is more night life in Interlaken as well as the town that adjoins it. We were in Murren on the first of June and it was just coming alive. We stayed in Lauterbrunnen because we were so worried that everything was still snowed in. It wasn't. In fact, it was just beautiful. Great weather and no snow at the Murren level (5,200'). Howver, I understand that this varies from year to year. Get the young adults off of Facebook for awhile and have them visit www.sbb.ch/en/index.htm. This is the Swiss train site. For departure, put in Interlaken Ost. For destination, put in Murren. Select date and time and you'll see the runs and the amount of time that it takes to get there. Same thing for Wengen if you wish. Have them do some travel homework and report back with findings.

For Montreux, I'll do a bit of homework for you. From Interlaken Ost, you can take the Golden Pass scenic train to Montreux. This run departs Interlaken Ost at 7:01am. This is a 3hr.-15min journey with a train change at Spiez and at Zweisimmen where you pick up the Golden Pass panorama train. See www.goldenpass.com for details. For an extra few Swiss Francs, you can even ride in the 8 seats on top of the engine. Returning, you can take runs that are about 45 minutes quicker. These trains go from Montreux to Visp to Spiez to Interlaken Ost. You can leave as late as 4:10pm and be back in Interlaken Ost at 6:28pm.

Wow Larry!!
Your suggestions are SO helpful. You make me laugh out loud regarding getting the young adults off of Facebook for awhile to help plan this trip. Great advice.

Your suggestions for travel to and from Montreux are perfect. Just what I was trying to figure out. I will also go to www.sbb.ch/en/index.htm to see train schedules.

I really appreciate your help.
Corrine

Your 18 and 21 year olds would enjoy staying in Interlaken rather than the other villages.

Enjoy!