First timers in Switzerland

[Tony]

Ok, just about set with my itinerary for my stay in the wengen and the jungfrau region. I havecto things I would like opinions and/or other options for the last 2 days. I currently have Oeschinensee and Blausee on one of these days but I'm really torn as to the amount of time spent on travel (plus my jungfrau travel pass on covers part of it). So I need opinions on is it worth the app. 4 hrs devoted to travel or not? Also, I really want to do a boat tour and stop at the little towns, but unsure of which lake to do this on. And lastly, is Aare gorge and Reichenbach falls a better option than oeschinensee (sp ?) both in scenery and logistically? I'll be there in a week and I must say, this has been the hardest trip I've had to plan. I'm already scheduled for all of the biggies in the region just trying to fill in the rest of our stay, but even if we just sit outside and look at the beauty I'll leave happy
To y

 

[Pauline]

I would skip the two places near Kandersteg and save them for another trip where you stay in Kandersteg. Wengen and the Jungfrau area are fantastic and you don’t need to go to other areas.

The only lake that I can think of where you can tour by boat is the lake at Interlaken. That is easy to get to. Or Lake Lucerne but that is too far.

I would even skip Reichenbach and Aare and spend all your time in the one area. Wengen, Murren, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Interlaken. Nothing beats them on scenery. All covered by your travel pass. Lots of great mountain rides and mountain buses.

Go to the tourist office when you arrive and they will help you plan.

Have a great trip!

 

[cindyldoe]

This will be our fourth stay in Wengen.(Sept 30-Oct 7th) We have always considered Oeschinensee and Blausee because it looks gorgeous. However, that travel time has always deterred us. It's just too much. There are so many things to see in your immediate area. If you take the boat on Lake Brienz you must stop at Giessbach Falls. Take the small funicular up, visit the spectacular falls, walk behind them, have a drink or snack on The Grandhotel Giessbach terrace and hike back down(easy) to meet the boat. It's breathtaking!

First and Bachalpsee was disappointing for us. It was mid-June of last year, very hot and crowed. Hike and lake were disappointing. Maybe the carts, flyers and are interesting to you. maybe.
But, it's hard to go wrong with Switzerland. You'll have a blast.

 

[Tony]

I would skip the two places near Kandersteg and save them for another trip where you stay in Kandersteg. Wengen and the Jungfrau area are fantastic and you don’t need to go to other areas.

The only lake that I can think of where you can tour by boat is the lake at Interlaken. That is easy to get to. Or Lake Lucerne but that is too far.

I would even skip Reichenbach and Aare and spend all your time in the one area. Wengen, Murren, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Interlaken. Nothing beats them on scenery. All covered by your travel pass. Lots of great mountain rides and mountain buses.

Go to the tourist office when you arrive and they will help you plan.

Have a great trip!

Thank you again Pauline for your much appreciated input. This will definitely help in my decision making!
Tony

 

[Tony]

This will be our fourth stay in Wengen.(Sept 30-Oct 7th) We have always considered Oeschinensee and Blausee because it looks gorgeous. However, that travel time has always deterred us. It's just too much. There are so many things to see in your immediate area. If you take the boat on Lake Brienz you must stop at Giessbach Falls. Take the small funicular up, visit the spectacular falls, walk behind them, have a drink or snack on The Grandhotel Giessbach terrace and hike back down(easy) to meet the boat. It's breathtaking!

First and Bachalpsee was disappointing for us. It was mid-June of last year, very hot and crowed. Hike and lake were disappointing. Maybe the carts, flyers and are interesting to you. maybe.
But, it's hard to go wrong with Switzerland. You'll have a blast.

Thank you for your reply and valued input. I am now more confident with my decisions. Plus, this allows more flexibility in our days. Thanks again and have a great time, I am really excited for our trip!
Tony

 

[cindyldoe]

The Wengen(Gondola) to Mannlichen walk to Kleine Scheidegg is so special, and easy. The views are breathtaking! First time we did it, mid September a few years back, we had light snow up there but it was still open and the walk was safe and doable. I'm hoping for no snow this time. It's an amazing view. Another hike/stroll from Wengen that starts near the Alpenrose hotel is Staubbachbanki, 2.5 mile round trip that ends at a set of benches where you can linger and contemplate the universe. It's special. Our favorite hike and view, however, is Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, the view from the ridge overlooking Lake Thun on one side and Lake Brienz on the other. We did it last June, not sure we will this time, as we are 69 and 72. There is one point in the beginning where the trail to get up to the ridge is a little steep and rocky. But after that, it's easy. Sorry to ramble on, but I'm getting excited about my own return! All of these are covered by the Jungfrau pass.

 

[Tony]

Wow! Thank you. Im torn because I want to ride on the top of the Gondola to Männlichen and then do the walk to Kleine Scheidegg on our way to Grindelwald. But not sure if that's too much in one day. Originally I was going to that prior to our Jungfraujoch day but most of what I read has said about doing Jungfraujoch in the morning (9ish) v 11/noon. Either way I'm going to ride on the top of the Gondola to Männlichen, even if it's a there and back. I think I have over planned our days considering the vastness of the area, so we'll see. Thank you again

 

[Pauline]

You can ride the big gondola from Wengen to Mannlichen and walk to Kleine Scheidegg as you planned and easily have time to take the train to Grindelwald. Then to return, take the gondola from the bottom of Grindelwald to Mannlichen, then down to Wengen. BUT check the prices of the rides and what you have to pay with your pass. I remember being shocked at the Mannlichen to Wengen price but we didn’t have a pass for any discount.

There will be so much to do in your area, you will love it.

 

[Pauline]

Our favorite hike and view, however, is Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, the view from the ridge overlooking Lake Thun on one side and Lake Brienz on the other.

I’ve never done that hike! Sounds great but probably too much for me now. I look at all the hikes we used to do and now we spend most of our time doing easier hikes along the river. I still love it!

 

[Tony]

You can ride the big gondola from Wengen to Mannlichen and walk to Kleine Scheidegg as you planned and easily have time to take the train to Grindelwald. Then to return, take the gondola from the bottom of Grindelwald to Mannlichen, then down to Wengen. BUT check the prices of the rides and what you have to pay with your pass. I remember being shocked at the Mannlichen to Wengen price but we didn’t have a pass for any discount.

There will be so much to do in your area, you will love it.

Thank you very much for your valued input, it has been a tremendous benefit having this forum and the nice people in it. We fly out tomorrow so fingers crossed I will touch back after as to how it went for us. Thank you again
Tony

 

[Tony]

Just returned from our trip and Switzerland was everything we'd imagined. It's a living postcard. I loved our base stay in Wengen. I love the rural areas (but it has all the amenities you need) vs. city. There are a couple of things I anticipated but until you're there you don't fully realize it. One is, the altitude and its effect on you. Not horrible but I wondered why I would be out of breath so easily sometimes. Two is, how vast and huge the area is and the time needed to get from point A to B. Sounds silly and I knew it would be big, but again until you are physically there, you can't really imagine it. The trains and cable cars/gondolas easy to use. We bought the Jungfrau travel pass and it was perfect for us, based on where we stayed. We didn't get a chance to do all I planned but just a reason to go back. Took train to Venice (love it) and just a note to anyone who doesn't know this, but in lugano there is a 4 min transfer and its steps down and steps up to get to the next platform (2 to 1). Ok if all you have is a backpack, but 2 pieces of luggage not good. Felt like I was running with the bulls in Pamplona! Mass humanity AND the train to Milan was packed standing room only for 2hr ride. Horrible, but Venice was the payoff so worth it. Finished in Rome and our third time and probably wouldn't go back, crowds are ridiculous. Overall a fantastic trip with Venice and Wengen (Jungfrau region) being the crown jewels. Thanks to all who offered advice and tips.
Tony

 

[Pauline]

Wonderful! I knew you would love. Switzerland is like an adult playground, so much to see and do. We were there the same time as you. Great weather!

I read an article today about golf cart tours in Rome overrunning the place. Sad to find so many favorite places are too crowded. Tourist need to spread out and go to lesser known places too.

 

[BEERMAN]

Just returned from our trip and Switzerland was everything we'd imagined. It's a living postcard. I loved our base stay in Wengen. I love the rural areas (but it has all the amenities you need) vs. city. There are a couple of things I anticipated but until you're there you don't fully realize it. One is, the altitude and its effect on you. Not horrible but I wondered why I would be out of breath so easily sometimes. Two is, how vast and huge the area is and the time needed to get from point A to B. Sounds silly and I knew it would be big, but again until you are physically there, you can't really imagine it. The trains and cable cars/gondolas easy to use. We bought the Jungfrau travel pass and it was perfect for us, based on where we stayed. We didn't get a chance to do all I planned but just a reason to go back. Took train to Venice (love it) and just a note to anyone who doesn't know this, but in lugano there is a 4 min transfer and its steps down and steps up to get to the next platform (2 to 1). Ok if all you have is a backpack, but 2 pieces of luggage not good. Felt like I was running with the bulls in Pamplona! Mass humanity AND the train to Milan was packed standing room only for 2hr ride. Horrible, but Venice was the payoff so worth it. Finished in Rome and our third time and probably wouldn't go back, crowds are ridiculous. Overall a fantastic trip with Venice and Wengen (Jungfrau region) being the crown jewels. Thanks to all who offered advice and tips.
Tony

I really enjoy when I hear how a trip turned out!! Sometimes people just ask questions and don't follow up, I appreciate that you did! I had altitude sickness in the Dolomites, first time ever for this to happen and it was a real pain! We never accomplish everything on our want to do lists, like you say, "reasons to go back!" We leave for Mallorca soon, have a list of "to do's" but it's certainly too long of a list ha!!

We haven't booked our flights yet, but my wife and I plan to return to Northern Italy late November and return home by Christmas. It will be the latest we've travelled seasonally to Europe, fulfill a bucket list to visit some Christmas Markets. We've never been to Venice, can you offer up some pros and cons to convince us to go?

 

[Tony]

Wonderful! I knew you would love. Switzerland is like an adult playground, so much to see and do. We were there the same time as you. Great weather!

I read an article today about golf cart tours in Rome overrunning the place. Sad to find so many favorite places are too crowded. Tourist need to spread out and go to lesser known places too.

Pauline, in all honesty it's this day and age of the social media craze that's the real problem. I know I'm that old guy I own it, but you should visit rome to appreciate the beauty and history, not fill up your social page. Our first time there was in 2013 and we have been 2 other times after. What a difference each time and not for the good. Very sad. You are correct tho, off the beaten path is the way to go.

 

[Tony]

I really enjoy when I hear how a trip turned out!! Sometimes people just ask questions and don't follow up, I appreciate that you did! I had altitude sickness in the Dolomites, first time ever for this to happen and it was a real pain! We never accomplish everything on our want to do lists, like you say, "reasons to go back!" We leave for Mallorca soon, have a list of "to do's" but it's certainly too long of a list ha!!

We haven't booked our flights yet, but my wife and I plan to return to Northern Italy late November and return home by Christmas. It will be the latest we've travelled seasonally to Europe, fulfill a bucket list to visit some Christmas Markets. We've never been to Venice, can you offer up some pros and cons to convince us to go?

Venice is one of my favorite places in italy (love Capri, orvieto etc.). I would definitely get the vaporetto pass for # of days there, it'll pay for itself. Here's my only con, using them with luggage . If you can get a water taxi when coming and leaving. You can hop on it at night and just stay on for a grand canal tour (awesome), visit to burano, murano, torcello islands ( go early). Buy your tickets for St marks Basillica, Doges palace directly from the official sites its cheaper and they have guided, unguided tours but offer a free download (Muve) for self guided. There's the usual sites, Rialto, Academia bridges, Basillica Santa Maria, but I recommend just popping in churches as you walk. So beautiful. San Michele cemetery is also great visit. Jewish Ghetto, Cannaregio are great areas away from the crowds and very good local food. Based on when you are going, the crowds should be minimal, so explore and don't be afraid to get lost. We stayed in an airbnb (beautiful) if you are interested I can share it with you. You'll love Venice and sounds like a great trip. Enjoy

 

[elizbuth]

We had a lovely week this summer, mostly based in Mürren, and the scenery is drop-dead gorgeous! I advise searching for a “Swiss pass calculator” to learn which pass makes the most sense for what you want to do. For us the Berner Oberland was most effective. On the calculators, you list all the rides you will take, remembering all the gondola rides (to get to Mürren, for example), and the calculator shows what the total cost would be using Swiss, Berner-Oberland, Jungfrau, etc. For us the regional passes were better because the Swiss Pass doesn’t cover the gondolas, which we were on frequently.
Don’t skip the cogwheel train to Allmenhubel, which is a beautiful meadow area up from Mürren. You see the mountains across the valley at a different angle, and the salad I had for lunch there was very good.

 

[wco81]

Agree that the passes can be a good value but those pass calculators can't account for weather.

So you can pay for a 4-day pass but you end up using it for only a day or 2.

 

[cindyldoe]

Tony, so glad you enjoyed your trip. We returned from a week in Wengen on Wednesday at midnight. Our weather was perfect, only rained once at night, would have liked it to have been a little cooler, but otherwise perfect.

 

[Tony]

That's awesome. Wengen is/was the perfect base for us (not saying perfect for everyone). It definitely deserves a return visit. We purchased the 8 day Jungfrau travel pass and it worked great for us. The only out of pocket for us was the final leg to Jungfraujoch from Scheidegg (discounted with pass) and a return gondola from Murren to Stechelberg. We unfortunately never made it to Schilthorn, so we would have had to pay part of that as well. But, covered all boats (Brienz and Thune) as well. So for us it was worth it and paid for itself. On our arrival day we bought the saver day pass for one day and that covered all of our trains and even a boat tour in Lucerne since we spent a few hours there on our way to Interlaken. Not sure if theres a better pass if you're stay is just in the jungfrau region.
Tony