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London to Prague via Interlaken, Switzerland and Munich

Hi Folks,

I've never been to Europe. In late July I would like to travel by train from London to Interlaken, spend a night or two in the Alps in that area, then pass through Munich, and on to Prague. I am confused by the time schedules, variety of trains, and routes. I would like to glimpse a mideivel town or two in Bavaria. I would be fine taking a night train from Munich to Prague, taking a fast train for that leg if one exists. Can anyone recommend any section of train routes along the way? To clarify, a slower ride through the Alps is preferrable, and the rest could be on a fast train. Do you think I can do the whole trip in 4 or 5 days? (Accomodations and food cash is tight, so I'd like to try to spend only three or four nights sleeping in hostels, etc.) Do you think the total train fare would cost under $600? I realize any private legs of the trip and a gondola would cost extra. I appologize for the long list of questions and stipulations.

Thank you so much for any help you can offer!
Sharon

Posted by
73 posts

Sharon...did you already buy your tickets? It sounds to me like an awful lot of ground to cover in 4 or 5 days, My advice would be to focus your trip on one country.

Posted by
10344 posts

Sharon: The exact trip you describe probably can't be done in 4 days but maybe it can in 5 days. Even at 5 days it will be frantically paced. If you could eliminate Prague or add a 6th day, it would be better for you, I think. You can fly or take train from London to Interlaken. It's 9 hrs to Interlaken by train. And it's an additional train ride to get to Lauterbrunnen (not far), and then a bit of additional travel time to get up to one of the Alpine villages. The connections and waiting around take time. So day 1 is spent getting from London to the Alps, either flying or by train. Night 1 in one of the Alpine villages; and day 2 is a full day enjoying the Alps; and night 2 is in the Alps. Then day 3 would be spent getting back to Interlaken and traveling to and "getting a glimpse of a medieval town or 2 in Bavaria". Rothenburg is a good candidate but is 8 hrs & several connections from Interlaken. Night 3 in Rothenburg; and day 4 is getting the glimpse and then a late afternoon train to Munich. night 4 in Munich. Day 5 in Munich. Night 5 on night train to Prague, arriving morning of day 6. This is called a kamikaze blitz and is in the best traditions of Rick Steves, who knows Americans don't have enough vacation time and have to run frantically through the European landscape so they can return home on time to serve their Corporate Masters.