We are spending a few days in Bern then moving on to Alsace Lorraine. This will be at the end of April. We have Eurail Flexipasses. One day I'd like to spend traveling on a scenic rail journey around the area. Rick Steves details the Golden Pass between Montreux and Luzern. I could rail to Montreux and get on the train heading to Luzern. Two additional train changes are needed, I believe. We could end the day at Luzern, tour that city for a half day or so and take a later train back to Bern. My only question is does anyone have any better alternatives with more interesting views of the Alps and possible pit-stops along the way? Also, Rick says you don't really need reservation except to sit up in the VIP seats, but I wondered if that is true. Also, where would I get a schedule of these special tourist trains with the skyview wagons?
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
Rick says you don't really need reservation except to sit up in the VIP seats, but I wondered if that is true. Also, where would I get a schedule of these special tourist trains with the skyview wagons?
Reservations are optional on the Golden Pass. Rick is of course correct that they're only needed for VIP seats. Also, the VIP seats are only useful when you riding the Golden Pass in the opposite direction towards Montreaux. You'll understand why after you have ridden it;) You can view the complete Golden Pass schedule at the Swiss Rail site:
Input Montreaux as your origin, and Luzern as your destination.
In the "footnotes" for each train it will indicate which ones are the tourist trains. Look for the words "golden pass", and "panorama coach".
Posted by
OP
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
50 posts
Thanks for the input. That brings up another question. Which is the best direction to travel--or doesn't it matter. From Luzern to Montreux or the other way?