In mid September my wife and I (mid 60's) are staying one night in Murren (to do the Schilthorn) and are considering either Wengren or Kleine Scheidegg for the second night (to facilitate earlier departure to Junfraujoch). Any preferences? We will spend 7-8 days covering the four scenic rail journeys in R.S. Switzerland. My greatest concern is "making the many train connections" that will be required given the short 5-6 minutes between connections and the wait (30-60 min.) before the next train. I have downloaded timetables (with Ar.& Dep. time and Platform inf.). The Ar. & Dep. Platforms generally are adjacent (e.g. Ar. 11; Dep. 10.) Does this mean that they are next to each other, across from each other, on a different set of tracks or "it's anybody's guess?" I know I can ask but my experience has been that you cannot always find someone who can help and still get to your train in 5-6 minutes. Any suggestions?
Thanks, Frank
Posted by
Foley
23 posts
Swiss trains are beautifully coordinated. You should have no trouble making connections. The platforms are generally adjacent, i.e. 1 and 2 are literally on the same "platform", simply walk to the other side. Otherwise, they are not that far apart, although you might need to go with your luggage down to the underground passageway and then up to the appropriate platform. But 5 to 6 minutes is PLENTY of time to do that and everything is well marked. Don't worry -- just go for it. But you do have to be reasonably "active" (i.e., no crutches, wheelchairs etc.). We have been traveling by rail in Europe for the past 10 years and we are in our 70's and 80's. You will do just fine.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
You won't have any difficulty changing trains. The one problem we discovered on our trip up to the Jungfraujoch is that you change trains at Kleine Scheidegg. We walked over to our train and there were signs on it that said "Reserved". It was reserved for a very large Japanese tour group. We did get on but barely.
Posted by
Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia
4 posts
Hi Frank, I'd choose Wengen for your second night. It's a lovely little town with beautiful views and is a great starting point for the Jungfraujoch. As the previous travelers have mentioned, the Swiss trains are co-ordinated to the very second and you should always have enough time to change from one platform to the next. Enjoy your trip - Switzerland is a gorgeous country and the scenic rail journeys very spectacular.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
10 posts
I agree trains in Switzerland are beautifully coordinated! Fear not about connections. Wengen is a very charming town, and if memory serves at the end of a cog-railway line -- which is a fun experience in and of itself. I've stayed at the Barren hotel there and while the rooms were small and plain the breakfast room and food was WONDERFUL.