Charts A Course

During the summer heat, we sure are missing the beautiful Swiss Alps!

One cannot describe the size and beauty of the mountains. It is awe inspiring and a little hard to comprehend.

On our way from France to Italy, we decided to ‘cut through’ Switzerland and make our way to Zermat passing by the beautiful Alps.

The area is known for breathtaking views, adventure sports, and hiking during summer months.

IMPORTANT: Some experiences are off limits to toddlers and infants with high altitudes due to risk of potential sickness. We were unable to go to top of Jungfrau – but that was okay because it was costly.

Our experience focused on 3 factors:

• Cost
• Weather
• Adaptability

We decided to stay near the Lauterbrunnen valley. There are a few cities to choose from, famously Grindelwald. We chose to stay at Wengen due to its smaller size and no vehicles.

Our activities were somewhat limited due to a 2 year old and focused on easier trails with stroller access and to find playgrounds.

Expensive

There are quite a few YouTube videos and blogs that provide itineraries and show what it looks like, but, none really explained the cost of all the activities.

Total spent for 2 nights: 750 Swiss franks. We didn’t use a Swiss pass due to short time.

• Swiss Pass – up front fee of 500 per person results in free trains but 50% discounts to Jungfrau or gondolas.
• Euro rail – online stated no discount but information guides at train stations said it did provide free tickets if used that day
• *Hotels may provide discount for ticket prices
• Hotel Wengen: 200 per night with breakfast included – this was one of the most affordable options during a slow season
• Train from Basel to Interlachen
• Train to Lauternrannen and Wengen
• Gondola to Mannlichen 80 per person for round trip
• Gondola to Grindelwald 80 per person round trip
• Gondola from Lauterbrennen to Murren 20 per person round trip
• Entrees avg cost is 30 per person. Fondue and raclette are 30 per person with 2 required.
• Prices and discounts subject to change

We spent 2 days each in, first, Wengen and then Zermat.

2024 winter season was longer than usual delaying normal summer openings, that includes higher elevation trails and sheep or cows traveling up/down.

Why Wengen:

There are a few cities to choose from when visiting the Jungraye area. We chose Wengen because of no cars and smaller size. Grindelwald is relatively close, but is larger. Similar to Wengen, is the town of Murren, but this had more transport time.

Wengen itself is a wonderful ‘little’ town famous for the annual international skiing tournament. It is a 10 minute train ride from Lauterbrunnen with beautiful valley and Mountain views. Another 30 minutes on that route gets you closer to Jungffrau peak.

There are 5-10 restaurants with many hotels and holiday chalets. We had Fondue at Beeneoff Hotel. Many buildings were under construction or refurbishment for the winter season.

Fun Fact: Wengen is the epicenter for FIS Alpine Ski World Cup and world famous for the annual Lauberhorn races as the longest downhill course at 4km. It ends right in the center of town!

Activities:

Took the gondola to Mannlichen 80 per person for round trip. This area is very high with many trails to various villages including Grindelwald and a panoramic view of Jungfrau on the way to Kleinnw Schendig. Due to the bad weather weeks prior, the panoramic trail was closed due to avalanche. This messed up our plans so we went to Grindelwald instead. We had lots of fun on the Cow-Playgroud.

Took the gondola to Grindelwald 80 per person for round trip. We were planning on going to Jungfrau but it costs over 200 per person. Instead, we decided to see the town. We took a bus from the gondola terminal to mid town. It has pretty views but a lot busier and more touristy. We found a fun playground at the center of town. Had a slide, swings, and climbing area.

The gondola rides are expensive but provide beautiful scenery. You can see the cows (and hear the bells). We saw a fox!.

Once back at Wengen, we had a fondue dinner in the center of town. It was very expensive over 100. The next day we headed to the train to Lauterbrunnen to then take the gondola up to the Murren route. It was a fun experience and round trip to Murren is 30 per person. Once up you can ride a venicular or hike. We rode the venicular out and then hiked back.

Trains go to Interlachen. There is one train route that goes to Grindelwald and another to Lauterbrunnen. This is located in a valley. Due to rainy weather over past few weeks, there are many rainfalls off the cliffs. Jungfrau peak is visible if no cloud cover.

Kids under 3 cannot go to glacier due to risk of altitude sickness.

Way to Zermat

From Wengen you take the train for 3 hours with stops at Interlaken, Ost, Spiez, and Visp. We used the Euro rail for discount on tickets. The Zermat station is large. When we first arrived I was not impressed. It wasn’t until we started walking away from the station and left the coverage of some higher rise hotels on high street did the large, pure white, Matterhorn come into view. Quite breathtaking!

Activities:

There are many retail shops and dining options but everything was expensive. In the center of town is a newly redone and large playground with a covered inn selling food and drinks. We bought groceries and made our own raclette with equipment in the AirBNB kitchen. We found another playground in a residential section south of town at the base of one of the hiking trails.

There are a few hiking trails right out of town in different directions. We opted to take a gondola up to one of the stations and walk down. It was about 1 hour down with limited road or foot traffic. We did not, but would have liked to, ride the various trains up to the Matterhorn and viewing sites. There are a few YouTube videos showing those train rides.

IMPORTANT: Check where your hotel is and get ready to walk up hills. During summer some of the gondola stations were closed.

Next we are riding the famous Glacier Express onward to Italy! Stay tuned.

Where is your dream place to visit in Switzerland?

Best,

Nathan & Shawn