Historic Swiss Tour

Day by day itinerary | Inclusions | Routing

Visit the major Swiss cities Lucerne, Interlaken and the village of Kandersteg on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch

This historic Swiss tour on the tracks of Thomas Cook leads you along the most beautiful areas of central Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland. Partly on the GoldenPass Line route and along several lakes the tour leads to Kandersteg, home of the famous Lake Oeschinen.

The highlight of historic Swiss tour is Kandersteg on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch. This authentic Swiss alpine village is a true hikers paradise! The included excursion to Lake Oeschinen offers you views of one of the most impressive alpine lakes.

Day 1 – Arrival in Switzerland

Whether from any of the 3 Swiss international airports (Zurich/Zürich, Basle/Basel or Geneva/Geneve) or by train from Germany, France, Austria or Italy, the package includes the train trip from Swiss international airports or the border station to Lucerne/Luzern and at the end back to the airport or border station, so no need to buy any additional train ticket. All travel within Switzerland is included! And as an extra benefit, with this package tour all further excursions by train, mountain train, cable car, boat or bus can be obtained for half the price.

Upon arrival at Lucerne you can explore the beautiful city. Of course you can visit the historic district with the famous Chapel Bridge. Also you can stroll through the narrow streets. If you want to visit the famous Lion Monument, just continue your walk, because the city is relatively small. Next to the Lion Monument, you can visit the Glacier Garden and the huge Bourbaki panorama. Lucerne was covered by a glacier 10,000 years ago and the traces are still visible. The city is beautifully located on the Lake Lucerne and therefore a stroll over the boulevard is recommended. In summer you can enjoy an evening cruise and indulge the sunset.

Overnight in Lucerne

Day 2 – Lucerne-Interlaken

After the Swiss breakfast buffet (included with all overnight) a short walk or taxi ride will bring you to the station. There, the Luzern Interlaken Express, the red train which is part of the GoldenPass Line, will be waiting for you, but don’t be late as the Swiss are famous for their punctuality. The train will leave on time!

Enjoy the first part of the GoldenPass Line in the fully air conditioned panoramic train. A restaurant car is located in the middle of the train for hot and cold meals, beverages and snacks. 5 lakes „pass by“ on your train trip to Interlaken. Especially the last one, Lake Brienz, is extremely beautiful.

After the 2 hours ride, the train arrives at its final destination, Interlaken Ost (Ost means east in english, Interlaken has 2 stations, East and West). After check-in at your hotel you can explore Interlaken with its famous “Hoeheweg” (promenade) facing the Jungfrau mountain. Another possibility is a ride with the Harder funicular to the viewpoint above Interlaken. You get a good overview of Interlaken and see why it is called this way, Interlaken is Latin for „between the lakes“.

Overnight in Interlaken

Day 3 – Interlaken-Kandersteg and excursion to Schynige Platte

Before continuing to Kandersteg, an excursion to the Schynige Platte by the more than a century old cog railway will offer you a fantastic panoramic view of the famous Eiger, Moench and Jungfrau. Near the summit station a botanic garden with alpine flowers is a true gem. Learn about the biodiversity and get to see the famous Edelweiss, but also many other stunning gifts of mother nature!

Then, in the afternoon, continue on Thomas Cook’s tracks to Kandersteg. First along Lake Thun, then through the Kander Valley on the Loetschberg mountain railway. As you approach Kandersteg, the train switches back and forth the valley to gain elevation before finally reaching the station. This railway, opened in 1912, is, after the Gotthard railway, the second most important trans alpine railway in Switzerland. Kandersteg profited from this railway because of its easy accessibility. Kandersteg is a true hikers paradise because of the large hiking path network leading into several valleys.

Overnight in Kandersteg

Day 4 – Excursion Lake Oeschinen

This often photographed lake at an altitude of nearly 1,600 m is well known as the perfect alpine setting. Lake Oeschinen is surrounded by the well over 3,000 m peaks of the Bluemlisalp, Fruendenhorn and Doldenhorn. Their impressive rock walls rise almost vertically from the lake. One reaches the lake after a short ride with a gondola followed by a 25 minutes walk leading to the shore.

A naturally created dam
Ancient landslides from the slopes of the Doldenhorn caused the creation of the lake. Recently smaller landslides have lead to a partial closure of the southern shore, but the remainder is accessible and safe to visit. Several hikes are possible. A loop up to the Heuberg and on to the Alp Oberbaergli offers spectacular views of the lake, however one needs to be free of vertigo. Alternatively, one can hike down to Kandersteg.

Since 2007 the lake is part of the Jungfrau Aletsch Bietschhorn UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon return, you may want to do one of the other excursions or just relax and have an afternoon tea, just as the British tourists did in the 19th century. Or, for example, when the weather shows his “colder side”, visit the newly opened museum of cable cars. A excellent way to finish your historic Swiss tour.

Overnight in Kandersteg

Day 5 – Individual Departure

It is time to say goodbye. However, even the journey back to the airport or border station follows through the beautiful Swiss landscapes. Depending your destination, a stopover in the city of Geneva, Bern or Zurich is a good choice. Because all train stations in Switzerland are conveniently located in the centre of each Swiss city, a quick tour of the city can be done easily. At every station luggage lockers are available so your luggage can safely stay at the station.

Alternatively, another tour can be added or you may want to stay a few extra days in Switzerland.

Routing

You can start or end the tour at any Swiss airport or border station.