trans. Florence to Interlaken

Hi, I've been to the area before and agree that "in" the BO is where to stay. They are going in mid March. They are hoping to ski for a day or 2. Paul

IMO, traveling overnight on this route is impractical. It would require multiple connections throughout the night, at least one lasting several hours. Your nieces could leave Florence as late as 16:55 and arrive at Interlaken Ost at 22:57. The earliest they could leave on Thursday morning is 08:55 and they would arrive at Interlaken Ost at 14:28. On Saturday morning they could leave Interlaken Ost as early as 06:00. Later morning departures include 07:29 and 08:00. I found these timetables on the German Rail site which has detailed timetables for virtually all of Europe. If your nieces book individual legs ASAP, they can get discount fares. For Florence-Milan, book on trenitalia.com to get Mini fares on high-speed EuroStar Italia trains. Depending upon when the leave Milan they will need to either make one connection (Spiez) or two connections (Brig and Spiez) on their way to Interlaken. For Milan to either Brig or Spiez (whichever one is direct), book on trenitalia.com to get Smart fares on EC trains. They can book Brig-Interlaken or Brig-Spiez-Interlaken on the Swiss Rail site, but there are no discount fares. Book the appropriate return legs on trenitalia.com to get the same discount fares.

I completely agree with Tim. But so that you can see just how awful the trip would be for them I will spell it out. If they are able to leave 5 minutes before 10pm they can: Take the 21:55 ES 9560 EuroStar Italia which is subject to compulsory reservation to Milano Centrale, stopping only in Bologna, scheduled to arrive at 23:40. They would have 58 minutes to change trains. They would leave Milano Centrale at 00:38 on a local stopping commuter type train which stops 14 times, second class only, to Chiasso. They would arrive at 01:44 and have 3 hours in that small station. They would catch the 4:44 Intercity train which originates there for Zurich but only go as far as Arth-Goldau 5 stops, arriving at 07:09 on platform 4. They need to be awake and alert because they only have 5 minutes to make the connection. They need to catch the Interregio to Luzern from platform 5 at 07:14. That arrives in one stop in Luzern at 07:41, platform 7. They have 14 minutes to get to the narrow gauge platform number 12. They then need the Zentralbahn train to Interlaken Ost at 07:55. That will arrive at their destination at 9:55. If they are unable to go then, there is a later train at:
22:30, a Regional train to Bologna, 36 minutes there, another Regional to Parma, 3:12 waiting there then catch the InterCityNight at 05:21 to Milan, 30 minutes there before the Eurocity to Spiez (through the basistunnel rather than the scenic route from Luzern) 12 minutes to change trains to the local train to Interlaken arriving 10:28. A total of 34 stops. Is that really what they want to do?

Do be aware that Interlaken is in the flatlands below the Alps, with very little view of the Alps. To get closer they will need to take a further train to Lauterbrunnen, and then either a further train or cable car to Wengen or Muerren, etc. It is the peak of the ski season. Are they going for the snow?

Paul, if they are after the piste and not specifically going for BO scenery, isn't there much closer skiing available to them? I know Wengen and its big drop is a wonderful piste but unless they need that have they looked in the Dolomites or around Torino? With both they would not have to leave Italy and should be able to get some major kicks. Remember Tomba!

Hi, Thanks for all the responses. None of this makes much sense to me either. What they're looking to do is something called "canyoning". I was told it's a combo of canyoning and bungee jumping. My niece did this in the BO last year and now they all want to go from their stay in Florence this year. With their 8 nights total in Florence, I think it's a crazy idea. My one niece is studying for a semester in Florence, the other 2 are visiting for 8 nights.

Paul Now you really have me confused. Canyoning is (pretty dangerous) a summer activity. First equipment requirement is bathing suits. They get really wet. I can't see doing that in March when the snow is still solid.

Hi Nigel, I'm a bit confused also. From the explanation they give it's like base jumping or bungee jumping. Personally, I think the idea they have is crazy, for lack of a better word. Long story short:
I have 3 neices. 1 of the girls went to Interlaken last year to go "canyoning" during her college semester in Florence. Another is in Florence for a semester now. The other 2 are visiting her for 9 nights in March and want to go to Interlaken for 2 days to go "canyoning." My suggestion was find something similar closer to Florence, like in the Dolomites or Innsbruck. Thank for the responses. I think the trip to Interlaken, given how much time they have, is not worth it. Paul