I will be staying in Murren, Switzerland for 5 days in July. Two of those days will be travel days: the first, from Chamonix, France to Murren; the second, from Murren to Baden-Baden in Germany. The rest of the time will be hiking in the various places around Murren. Does anyone have an idea of how many days I should get the pass for? Do you need to make reservations on any of the trains? (I think there are 6 train changes between Chamonix and Murren - would be hard to coordinate times). Do you need to reserve trains in France? In Germany at the height of tourist season? Thanks a lot!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Once you get your ticket from Chamonix to Murren, you'll be fine. You'll be booked through to Murren. But, watch out for the fast train transfer times. I've looked up this run and your train change time at Visp is five minutes. Plus, you have to change platforms. The Swiss are masters at this. You will be quick-stepping.
When you get to Interlaken, its a great adventure from there into Murren. You'll be on a train, gondola and cog train. You'll really like it. Very scenic all the way.
As for a pass of some type, probably not for the two trips you mention. You probably won't exceed 150CHF for your train runs within Switzerland. However, while in Murren, you might be intrigued to jump onto the gondola up to the Schilthorn. That round trip is 71.40CHF. The Jungfrau, if you really get curious, is 180CHF. If you don't go to the mountain tops, you will be fine.
Posted by
OP
New York City
37 posts
Thanks so much for your help, Larry. Figuring out trains is my weakest travel skill.
When you talk about getting the ticket from Chamonix to Murren, should I buy that ahead of time? If I had a Swiss Pass, how would that work in making that purchase?
As for the Pass, do you think it would be good to get it just for the convenience of not having to wait in lines (this will be the height of tourist season, July)? (seems like it's about $100 more than P2P, which would almost be made up if we go up to the Schilthorn).
Yes, I'm looking forward to the adventure of getting into Murren. We were actually there about 20 years ago and that vista looking across the valley to those mountains has stayed in my memory as the most beautiful, peaceful place I've ever been. About time I went back!!