We are a family of 4 with two girls ages 9 and 10, and we are traveling to Switzerland by rental car after we leave Paris later this month. We will be staying in Lauterbrunnen for 4 nights, and then heading to Italy. I am working on our itinerary of our time in Switzerland, and wondering if we need to consider a Swiss pass. We will have a vehicle, so I'm thinking the only time we would need it would be for shorter trips to Gimmewald, Murren, the Schilthorn, etc. where a car can't go. The pass is expensive, and I'm just not sure with shorter trips hiking and seeing local towns, etc. that it would be worth it? Does the 50% discount to the Schilthorn make it worth it? Looking at the Schilthorn website and trying to factor in pricing is even a bit confusing... do we pay for each leg up there, or do you pay from the starting point and happen to stop in various towns on the way? (am i making any sense?) if we DONT get the pass, what will the kids tickets cost us? cant tell if they are free or only with the junior card, etc.
my brain is mush, and would just love some guidance here. THANK YOU!!!!!!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Randel, with a family card, children under 16 ride free everywhere including to the tops of the Jungfrau and Schilthorn. All you need to do is accompany them and have a valid ticket. You ask for the family card when you buy your tickets. Hopefully, Lola will come along and explain how they work. I haven't traveled with young children for many years. For the two adults, you really don't need a Swiss pass or card if you are arriving and departing by rental car and your travel is limited to gondolas and transportation in the Berner Oberland. Round trip fare up to the Schilthorn is about $90.
Posted by
OP
dallas, ga, usa
26 posts
Thanks Larry!!! Just what I needed! By chance have you done any boat rides on lake Thun?
Posted by
BROADSTAIRS, Kent, United Kingdom
120 posts
randel if you post your question about boat trips on lake Thun others can possibly give you an answer.
Posted by
canada, Canada
33 posts
Randel, Last month, we did the Lake Thun boat ride from Interlaken then took the train back. Watching how the steamer works from the inside is pretty cool and the scenery along the lake is nice, but in my opinion is not worth the long boat ride. There is also not much to see in Thun. St. Beatus-Höhlen Cave is along the lake which I highly recommend for your family, but take the bus not the boat to get there.
Have fun!