We plan on taking the train from Merano (near Bolzano) to Interlaken in September. The train schedule will involve 7 stops mostly in smaller towns. Is this a crazy idea? I am not sure how many we actually have to exit the train. The schedule does indicate different platforms on some of the stops and none on the others. Do I assume that if there is no platform listed, that we stay on the same train? If this the case we would only have 3 transfers. I assumed the trains will run on time outside of any strikes. Thank you for your help.
Posted by
Green Bay
21157 posts
This looks like a really fascinating itinerary. How did you find it? I count 6 trains and 2 buses. Changing trains and buses every hour as you wind your way through the Alps. You manage to catch a corner of Austria going over the Reschen Pass before changing buses at the Swiss border and into the Unterengadine, then take the new Vereina Tunnel on to Landquart and the more beaten path to Zurich, Bern, Spiez, Interlaken.
You will definately see some seldom visited spots in Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. I hope you have nice weather.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17435 posts
What route are you taking? The " all train" route ( no bus ) generally goes Merano - Brennero-Innsbruck-Zurich- Bern- Spiez- Interlaken Ost, but it sounds like you have additional changes. They are all most likely real changes, where you get off one train and change to another. But I wouldn't worry about the number of changes; we often do trips with Switzerland that involve 5 or 6 changes.
Posted by
OP
Omaha, NE, United States
28 posts
I found it using the DB Bahn site. The itinerary is: Merano; Malles; Zernez; Saglianins; Landquart; Zurich; Bern; Interlaken. There is a train leaving at 7:46 and arriving at 15:28. It will take all day, however, I felt that the trip will be an adventure winding through all of the small towns. Another thought will be eating. None of the stops are long enough to go and grab a bite. I guess this will be pack a lunch day. Any ideas on that?
Posted by
Green Bay
21157 posts
Oh, your taking a short cut. You can also skip your 3 minute connection in Sagliains and have some lunch and catch the next train an hour later.
Posted by
Green Bay
21157 posts
Actually Sagliains is probably a lously lunch stop. Nothing there except the car loading ramp for the Veraina Tunnel.
Posted by
OP
Omaha, NE, United States
28 posts
Sounds like some fruit, cheeze and a bottle of wine for the trip. You have obviously been on this route. Scenic?
Posted by
Green Bay
21157 posts
Only the part from the exit of the Vereina Tunnel to Zurich, Bern, and Interlaken. Zurich to Spiez is nothing special, but the rest should be wonderful.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17435 posts
I have always wanted to take that route through the Engadine. Just so you know,,the leg from Malles to Zernez is a bus, not train. Mthat is why there is no platform listed. You walk from the Malles train station to the bus stop (SBB schedule says 2 minutes). Make sure you are taking the bus in the right direction.
Posted by
OP
Omaha, NE, United States
28 posts
Thank you all for your responses.