Switzerland 4 Day Pass
Is it possible to see the best of this beautiful country in the heart of Europe in four days? If you are adventurous and have a reasonable level fitness, it can be done. Read on to find out how.
Your time is limited in Europe and there are so many things to see. But to miss this small country is a great pity. The people are courteous and friendly, lakes and breathtaking mountain scenery the most spectacular in Europe.
The reservation clerk at the Zurich Bahnhoff looked at me with surprise when I offer him my 4 day pass and Swiss told him my travel plans.
"I hope that you are fit, "he said. Fortunately Switzerland is compact and its system of travel is smooth, timely and efficient.
Zurich is an ideal starting point because of its access to transportation for the rest of Europe. Most international airlines serve Zurich and London by Eurostar passengers can go in Paris, then by express from Paris to Zurich. Lausanne, just east of the border with France, is a good place to finish with its TGV rail link high speed with Paris. I chose a Swiss Pass (which must be purchased before departure), because it offers cheap unlimited travel on all trains, buses and ferries and discounts on railway best mountain and ski lifts.
DAY ONE. In Zurich Spietz.
An early morning departure (7:30) Bahnhoff from Zurich was followed by a short drive south through the rolling countryside in Lucerne and the first change of trains. Because of the regularity trains, it is useful to take two hours to stop this beautiful little town on Lake Lucerne. If you have time, four optional tours spaced on 2 days worth.
A trip to steam at the eastern end of Lake Lucerne down Flüelen is recommended. The Alpine landscape the south shore of the lake is breathtaking. A quick train trip back to Lucerne complete this tour of a half-day.
Two trips to the mountains are close to Lucerne. The closest is the Mount Pilatus, and my suggestion is to take the cog railway up the south face and the return on the cable as you descend the north face. The views north of Lucerne are some of the most beautiful in Europe. A little farther is the Titlis. This requires a bus trip to Engelburg, then a series of cable car rides to the top with its permanent snow cover. Spectacular views of the main peaks in Switzerland you waiting. The fourth major attraction of Lucerne is the transport museum is reputed to be the most beautiful in Europe.
The next part of the trip is over the Brünig. A cog is necessary because of the steep slopes ascending and descending the mountain passes. It's worth a stop hours at the pretty village of Brienz, on the north shore of Lake Brienz, before continuing on to Interlaken the next change of trains.
Interlaken is an ideal base for explore the beautiful mountain scenery of the Bernese Oberland, including the Jungfrau, one of the highest peaks of Switzerland. A quick train trip to Thun is followed on a ride from the port to join the ferry for a journey of 1 hour Spietz, the stopover for the night. I highly recommend this trip afternoon on a ferry the most beautiful lakes in Europe.
DAY TWO. BRIENZ Locarno.
The trip includes two spectacular large tunnels in Europe: Lötschberg and Simplon and moves south across the mountain landscape in Ticino, the south and warmer canton of Switzerland. The descent to Brig, overlooking the Rhone Valley on the right is particularly spectacular. In Brig, after another change of train, we travel through the Simplon tunnel in Italy.
Departure the train to Domodossola, the journey continues onto a lovely private railway to the overnight stop in Locarno. This trip on the railway Centovalli is strongly recommended because of the dramatic gorges and ravines along the way. Sit on the right side of the train for the best views.
Locarno has a beautiful location at the upper end of Lake Maggiore and a visit to the Church of Madonna del Sasso, a short funicular ride from the heart of town, you will be rewarded a magnificent view over the lake.
THIRD DAY. LOCARNO in St Moritz.
An early morning travel by train to Lugano will need to connect the Palm Express a bus trip over the pass to St. Moritz Majola. The Swiss postal bus negotiate terrain that is too steep for trains and winding journey to the top of the neck is breathtaking. To my surprise, in particular told me that bookings are essential, I was the only passenger. The joys of travel off season led in the driver stop at my whims. He even asked where I wanted to take a coffee!
St Moritz is the starting point of two of the travel being the most remarkable in Europe: the Bernina Express and Glacier Express. Most overseas travelers aboard the Bernina Express and travel to Tirano in Italy, but my Time was short and acting on the advice of the stationmaster of St Moritz, I left the train at Alp Grum (the summit of the Bernina Pass), receive a coffee and spectacular views of the Alps at the top, before boarding another train one hour later for the return trip to St. Moritz.
The Bernina Express Travel is the highest cog railway in Europe and the non-alpine glaciers and snowy peaks consulted on both sides of the train completed a memorable day.
FOURTH DAY. St Moritz Lausanne.
The last day of my Swiss map took me on a journey of seven hours through some of the most landscapes Breathtaking in Europe. The trip Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt is one of the most popular in Europe and is almost always full. For the first time, I have not had to change trains, allowing me to sit and enjoy the scenery of the high Alps of rural Switzerland, with its meadows, small villages, the bells cows, the distant sound of church bells and the bright crisp clean air of the mountains. Each turn and exit the tunnel, presented different views, but perhaps the most spectacular was the descent of Oberalppass in Andermatt. The views were unforgettable. The Glacier Express is reached Zermatt in the afternoon and, unfortunately, the Matterhorn was covered with clouds. I am reluctant to cancel a climbing rack railway Gornergrat, a high plateau just below the summit of this spectacular mountain. This is where I wish I had more time. The hiking around Zermatt are some of the most beautiful in Europe. Another day perhaps!
Thus, it was down the mountain to Visp join a mainline express through the valley of the Rhone for an overnight stop in Lausanne. Unfortunately, most of this trip was the night. However, he give me peace mind that I would not miss the morning my connection TGV from Lausanne to Paris. Maybe next time I will take from 8 days!
A Swiss Pass for 4 consecutive days in first class costs U.S. $ 278. Travel days are longer available. If you want to combine travel to Switzerland with a number other countries, a Eurail Pass gives you a number of flexible options.
About the Author
Graeme Lanham is a travel writer and health/fitness researcher. His new book “Your Life Fitness”, is devoted to the latest advances in health, fitness and antiageing with a special chapter on travel health. Discover more about sickness free travel plus receive a free subscription to his newsletter at:
http://www.yourlifefitness.com
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