We are planning to take the Bernina Express in early October from Tirano to Chur and have read Rick's article about it. But where should we go after Chur? We are flying out of Frankfurt Airport and need to find our way back within a day or two after arriving in Chur. We are somewhat flexible, but this is the last part of journey from the US, most of which will be spent in Lake Como. We would appreciate suggestions on practical and logical but scenic stopover(s) between Chur and Frankfurt. We have never been to either Switzerland or Germany.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
It's about a 6.0hr-6.5hr. train journey from the Chur to Frankfurt Flughafen (airport) according to the Swiss train website. Not bad. Most train runs that I see out of Chur head for Zurich or Basel. 1-2 train changes along the way. I don't see Lucerne on these train runs. Not too many stops on the high-speeds. Beyond, Zurich or Basel, you are on your way to Manheim, Germany.
If you want to see more of Switzerland, you'll need pick the locations and be more specific with your train planning. For example, a train run from Chur to Lucerne, it's about a 3.0hr. journey. You will change trains along the way to Zurich and head in a different direction.
If you have the thought of visiting Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen, it's just over 4hrs from Chur and the runs take you to Zurich first. It's not easy to get there from Chur.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32406 posts
Joe,
To add to Larry's suggestion, spending a day or two in Lucerne would certainly be one option. It's a beautiful city, and I really enjoyed wandering through the Museum of Transport for several hours! The trip from Chur to Lucerne is only about 2 hours, with one change.
The trip from Lucerne to the Frankfurt Airport (Flughafen) is as short as 4H:12M with one or two changes, depending on which train you select. As you'll arrive right at the airport, it's an easy trip (I used a similar route about a month ago, travelling from Bacharach to the airport).
What time is your outgoing flight from Frankfurt?
Cheers!
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, CA, USA
2 posts
Thank you all for the suggestions. To answer the last question, our flight out of Frankfurt is at 5:25PM.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32406 posts
Joe,
Information on the time helps. Barring any unforeseen disruptions on the trains (not too likely in Switzerland and Germany), you shouldn't have any difficulty at all getting to the airport in time.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
I'd visit the Bodensee (Lake of Constance) and base myself at Constance (Konstanz). Do make sure you take the ferry boat over to Meersburg for a half day, then go back to your side of the river and spend the 2nd half day on Mainau island. The next day take the jetfoil to Friedrichshafen and visit the Zeppelin Museum (right by the port), then continue onwards to Lindau and after a stroll thru the old town take a late boat or jetfoil back to Konstanz. Alternatively since the train connections from Friedrichshafen back towards Stuttgart and Frankfurt are pretty good consider continuing your trip onwards towards Frankfurt from there...