I was thinking of the Interlaken-Jungfrau route but would appreciate any suggestions - including type of train to choose, and whether first class offers any particular advantage on certain routes.
Thanks!
I'm celebrating a milestone birthday this weekend. My SO and I are wondering about train travel through the Alps, to take advantage of the winter scenery before spring kicks in. We live in Neuchâtel and would travel Sat and Sun (possibly part of Fri as well). We are not big spenders and would be fine with basic hotel accommodations.
My all-time favourite is the Bernina Express. Other favourites are the Glacier Express from Visp to Zermatt and the Arosa line from Chur.
We enjoyed Jungfrau on a beautiful day last week. But be forewarned, a big chunk of the last leg up to the Jungfraujoch is underground inside the mountain, with two 5-min stops on the way up, for people to look out from holes carved out of the side of the mountain. Yes, spectacular, but not necessarily what one would imagine, thinking of an hour long ride in the high Alps.
What about as far as Luzern and then a trip on the lake perhaps as far as Vitznau and then onto the mountain railway at Vitznau up the Rigi?
A couple of friends have stayed in the Hotel Alpina up the Rigi and reported that whilst it was modest, it was good value. The views are priceless.
An excellent suggestion! Another version might include a complete circuit of the lake, a relaxed day with wonderful views.
Good suggestion unless it is foggy
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone, much appreciated. I stopped by SBB and got some good information from the agent there. She suggested either going up to Jungfrau (for a very long day-trip), or overnighting along the Zermatt-Choire/Chur line. However, she advised that it's very difficult to book a hotel room for a single night as we're in ski season.
I'm about to search online for accommodations, but if anyone has suggestions on that front, particularly between Zermatt and Choire, that would be great.
Thx again.
Be sure to check out the other thread in this forum about the 2 for 1 train pass available now through Coop. That may be a cheaper option on the train tickets and it would also cover the boat cost.
+1
cheers
SC
Nothing more romantic, than a belly full of chocolate, topped off with hot melted cheese, bouncing about in a railway carriage.
The quickest way to learn how to yodel.
A quick followup: is there any difference in the "wow factor" between summer and winter on this mountain rail trips? I had assumed the sceneary would be best during the winter because of the abundance of snow, but now I'm wondering if summer would have more sun and clearer views (weather seems pretty socked in right now).
Thanks again.
I would go for a summer trip if I could only do one. There is more to see if everything isn't covered in snow, such as the colours of the trees and flowers plus wildlife. The ideal time is late spring/early summer when there is still plenty of snow on the mountains to compliment the spring colours
There is less likelihood of fog near the lakes in summer as well
Good to know, thanks.
Another +1 for Chur-Arosa.
The Jungfraujoch trip is even more amazing in the summer - stunning Lauterbrunnen basking in its green and summery valley, and snow and glacier right at the top. Slightly more predictable weather, as well. However, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and Wengen then become busy with people there for hiking, base jumping, paragliding, and the like.
Have a great time discovering this beautiful land.
Hobs