Getting into Switzerland from Austria

[spencer1111]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone can help me figure out how exactly to get to Gimmelwald from Salzburg or if you can tell me if it even makes sense what we are trying to accomplish. We will be in Salzburg and were going to take a train to Innsbruck, from there find another train to Gimmelwald, I can't seem to find any appropriate way to get there. We were also going to allow a couple of days in Gimmelwald, Lausanne for 2 days and then Bern for 2 days. Is that too rushed, should we spend more time at one place vs the other. Any help or recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
IS ;D

[madamtrashheap]

Welcome spencer1111/IS!

Salzburg to Gimmelwald can be done in a few different ways, but they will all mean a full day of travel. The way you've looked at is close to what I'd suggest, so you could go through Innsbruck or simply plug in (on the website) trains to Interlaken Ost (best choice to get to Gimmelwald) from Salzburg , either way it will take around 9hr30 and a few changes, just depends on what suits you better. The train Salzburg-Innsbruck takes around 2hrs
Innsbruck-Interlaken Ost takes around 6hrs
Interlaken Ost - Gimmelwald takes about 1hr.

The Austrian Train ( www.oebb.at ) or Swiss Train ( www.sbb.ch ) websites might be of assistance, just click the English conversion once you're on there.

2 days in each place is a little rushed, but can I suggest spending at leaset 3 full days in Gimmelwald (4 even considering the travel you'll be doing to get there) and 2 in the others. I'm partial to Luzern over Lausanne, but it has it's merits and it depends on the direction you're travelling after Switzerland as to whether you should do Bern or Lausanne last.

Happy planning!

[Eagle]

spencer1111, Welcome! MTH provided a good description of the transportation from Salzburg to Interlaken. Regarding the portion from Interlaken Ost to Gimmelwald, a few additional points.

When you arrive at Interlaken Ost, go into the ticket office and buy a one-way ticket for Gimmelwald. Be sure to "take a number" and go to the specified ticket window! You will be boarding the small blue & yellow Berner Oberland train, for the ride to Lauterbrunnen (just a short journey). When you arrive in Lauterbrunnen, walk across the street and board the yellow Post Bus. When the Bus reaches Stechelberg, you'll see the Cable Car station. Walk up the stairs and board the Cable Car for the ride to Gimmelwald (it's the first stop, so you can't miss it!). The ticket purchased at Interlaken covers all modes of transportation. When it's time to return, buy the same sort of ticket at the Cable Car station in Gimmelwald. It's a very easy process! BTW, if your Rail pass includes Switzerland you may be eligible for a discount on the tickets you purchase.

Good luck and happy travels!!!

[madamtrashheap]

So glad you're here Eagle - perfect directions as usual! Was hoping you'd chime in. ;D

[Eagle]

Thanks for the compliment (now it's my turn to blush)!

I just have a few minutes for Posts tonight - have to work in the morning (unfortunately!), so almost time for bed.

Cheers!!!

[europebound]

Rather than start a new thread, I'm just going to borrow this one.

Is it possible/adviseable to just make a day trip to Gimmewald from Interlaken? We were planning a day trip to Grindelwald but now starting to think about gimmewald..

[Eagle]

You could certainly take a day trip to Gimmelwald from Interlaken, as it's not far. You would probably want to include a brief walkabout in Murren, a trip to the Schilthorn and perhaps a short hike from Allmend Hubel (take the Funicular and then walk down). However, Gimmelwald is primarily a small farming community, so there's not much to see from a "touring" perspective. Gimmelwald seems more "charming" when staying there, visiting with the locals or other tourists, having a Beer in the afternoon watching the sun set on the mountains.

Happy travels!!!

[madamtrashheap]

As usual, Eagle hit the nail right on the head - Gimmelwald is great for a stay but you might wonder what the fuss is all about on a short day trip. Grindelwald is set up more for that type of visit, but either way you'll be overwhelmed (in a good way) by the mountains, views and atmosphere of that region wherever you go. You could stay in Lauterbrunnen (the Valley!) and trip around from there to get the best of all worlds too, up to you.

[Eagle]

Depending on what you want to see, another point to consider. Grindelwald is in "the other" valley and is considerably larger and more "touristy". While it might be interesting to visit for shopping or whatever, if you're looking at hiking and "outdoor activities", the Lauterbrunnen Valley will probably be a better spot. Having lunch in the world's first revolving restaurant (Piz Gloria on the Schilthorn) is a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery!

[europebound]

wow, just googled images of Piz Gloria and that looks awesome. Would there be snow there around mid May? My girlfriend's never seen snow before...despite being born in New Zealand..

Also, how far Lauterbrunnen Valley from Interlarken? Still a day trip sort of distance?

Thanks for the advice

[Eagle]

europebound, I'm not sure if there will be significant snow in mid-May, however I'm sure there will be some left. If you want a "real time" view, check the live Webcam from the Schilthorn; it looks like there's still some snow, and May isn't too far in the future.

Yes, the Lauterbrunnen Valley can easily be considered a day trip. The ride in the short Berner Oberland train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen is fairly short from what I recall (perhaps 30 minutes?). The Post Bus to Stechelberg (and the Cable Car station) maybe another 10-15 minutes. Use the travel method listed in my earlier post in this thread.

You should be able to buy return tickets direct to the Schilthorn at the Interlaken Ost train station. Be sure when you get to the ticket window that you take a number and go to the specified window, or the ticket agent will "tear a strip off you" (I've observed that on one occasion). One important caveat though -- the trip to the Schilthorn will probably not be cheap. Hopefully you can afford the "splurge" on that one occasion, as the view is fantastic - I believe you can see the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau from the revolving restaurant.

One other point (I've mentioned this in previous Posts, but not sure if you've seen those?) -- the Cable Car ride to the Schilthorn & Piz Gloria is not a single ride, but rather four different sections. The first leg is from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald, then Gimmelwald to Murren, Murren to Birg and finally Birg to Schilthorn. If you buy a ticket for Schilthorn, it's good for all of the Cable Car rides.

FINALLY, some information on the current status of the Schilthornbahn,etc:

- Revision Schilthorn Cableway!
From 23rd April till 27th April the Schilthorn Cabelway stays closed.
- Revolving Restaurant Piz Gloria closed
The Revolving Restaurant Piz Gloria stays closed during the revision.
- Funicular to Allmendhubel closed
The funicaular Allmendhubel stays closed until 9th june and the restaurant until 23rd june.

Be sure to keep us updated on your trip.

Happy travels!!!

[europebound]

Thanks Eagle, that's aweosme mate!!! I found a pdf file map of the chair lifts so it also helped illustrate what you were saying about the 4 chair lifts. Your info's gold, thanks again.