Day 1 - Wilderswil
You take your flight today to Zurich. You continue by rail to charming Wilderswil. On arrival, check in for a six night stay at the 3* Hotel Alpenblick.
Includes
- Dinner
Sorry, this tour is no longer available.
2019 Tour code: 19SIF
Itinerary
You take your flight today to Zurich. You continue by rail to charming Wilderswil. On arrival, check in for a six night stay at the 3* Hotel Alpenblick.
Today's excursion is to nearby Interlaken, an attractive town and arguably the hub of the region. Set between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, and surrounded by the crisp peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, this scenic town is one of the highlights of your tour. Here you are free to explore. Perhaps take a cruise across scenic Lake Brienz, marvelling at the spectacular glacial waters of this breathtaking lake, and take in the delightful scenery surrounding the town.
Today you take the Schynige Platte Railway to the summit of Schynige Platte. You travel in restored 19th century carriages, hauled by a vintage electric locomotive, to the peak at 6,463 feet (1,970m). The railway is noted for using many of its original electric locomotives and restored period carriages, creating a nostalgic 'Belle Epoque' feel for the experience. Enjoy an amazing panorama from the train; along this stretch of the line there is a clear view of Lake Thun and the towns and villages clustered around it, as well as the other mountains rising away from the waters. Eventually, the train reaches the peak of the Schynige Platte, which is characterised by its superb vistas.
During your free time here you may wish to explore the Botanical Alpine Garden, where brightly coloured plants fill the air with their sweet scents. Otherwise, you may prefer to simply relax on the panoramic terrace and drink in the view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau Mountains.
Please note: the Schynige Platte Railway does not start operating until late May. Customers booked on departures before this date will instead travel over the magnificent Brünig mountain pass to Lucerne. Set on the lake of the same name, Lucerne ranks amongst the world's prettiest cities, and on arrival you are free to explore.
Spend a leisurely day relaxing in Wilderswil, where you have free time to explore this pretty Alpine village, whose traditional half-timbered buildings are unmistakably Swiss. Enjoy the surrounding verdant scenery and snow dusted mountains, perhaps have a drink in a local café while watching the locals busy themselves with their daily lives.
You can also use your Swiss Card for 50% fares to explore the surrounding towns and villages and for easier access to the stunning scenery that is on offer. Perhaps make the journey to the traffic free town of Mürren, where there are a number of signposted walks to suit different abilities. Or make the scenic journey over the Brünig Pass to Lucerne whose 13th Century Chapel Bridge and fresco-adorned Old Town are a pleasure to explore.
You embark on the Bernese Oberland Railway via Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg today. Here you join the Jungfrau Railway for the sensational journey to Europe's highest railway station. Tunnelling through the North Face of the Eiger, the tracks emerge on the slopes of the Mönch, below dramatic glaciers, before climbing to just below the summit of the Jungfrau mountain at 11,333 feet (3,454 metres). Whilst here you can admire the dramatic sight of the surrounding snow-covered mountain peaks, and take in the superb carvings and ice sculptures inside the glacier. There are several fascinating attractions to explore at the summit before making the descent.
On today's excursion you travel to Interlaken, where you join the Harder funicular railway for the journey to the top of Harder Kulm, 4,337 feet (1,322m) above sea level. Crowned by its restaurant - an impressive building which resembles a castle - here you enjoy free time to admire the magnificent landscape of the beautiful Bernese Oberland. The views from here are tremendous. There is even a glazed bridge to maximise the view of the lakes below for those that dare.
Today begin your journey home, travelling by train using your Swiss Tailormade card from Wilderswil to Zurich airport, back to the UK.
