I will be traveling from Basel to Interlaken and want to take the most scenic route. I read somewhere that is by way of the Brunig Pass. I will then go from there to Venice. any suggestion as to the best way to travel would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Ginger
Posted by
OP
Olympia, WA
2 posts
Thank you Larry. I am sure that is what I was looking for. You are right they did try to sen d me through Berne and I knew that wasn't Right.
Ginger
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Ginger, the most scenic route from Basel to Interlaken would be the Golden Pass scenic train from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost. It does route via the Brunning Pass. A couple of notes. 1) you can buy tickets from the Swiss. Fare is about 58CHF one-way per person. If you are riding on the scenic train, there most likely be an extra reservation fee. 2) You can ride the regular IR trains (InterRegio) for the 58CHF fares. Same tracks and the scenic train. 3) One-way journey takes 3hrs38min. 3) You will have one train change in Lucern. 4) Most important. You want routing from Basel to Interlaken-Ost via BRÜNIG-HASLIBERG. The Swiss usually assume that you want the fastest routing and they will attempt to route you via Bern and Spiez.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32824 posts
Ginger, Can I throw in 2 cents? I understand wanting to go via the scenic route. I've been in that area many times and I love the Brunig Pass on the Zentralbahn, and its run through Meiringen of Sherlock Holmes infamy, and along the Brienzer See. BUT - if you goal in going to Interlaken is to interact with the Alps then why waste so much time getting there? You will add several hours to your journey, scenic as it is. But if you go direct then shortly after arriving at Interlaken Ost, 20 minutes, you can be up in the Mountains touching the alps. Having done all those routes around by both car and train, I'd be up the hill as quickly as my little feet (and cable cars and trains) would get me there. Also, consider that often the weather in the mountains is better in the morning than afternoon in the summer. When the air gets hot the moisture in the air turns to clouds.