Great Sledding in Gstaad, Switzerland

 

GSTAAD is a village in the German-speaking section of the Cantone of Berne in southwestern Switzerland located right on the border with the French-speaking part of Switzerland.  Gstaad is known for its luxurious hotels and shopping, nightlife and fine dining.  This car-free resort of Gstaad is a popular destination for international celebrities.  It is the home of the largest ski areas in the Alps (220 km of slopes).

                  

Itinerary: Day trip from Geneva by panoramic train

          You can make an enjoyable day trip to Gstaad from Geneva by land or by

taking the panoramic train from Montreux.  The following itinerary is suggested:

          Onward

                   Geneva to Montreux          7:56am / 9:04 am            1.06 min.

                   Montreux to Gstaad           9:45 am/ 11:03 am          1.18 min.

          Return

                   Gstaad to Montreux           1737H/ 1913H

                   Montreux to Geneva          1919H/ 2024H

Ticketing  and Travel Arrangements

1.     You can travel all the way in this trip using a Day Ticket purchased from your local commune at the price of CHF 40.  Make sure you purchase your Day Ticket in advance as there are limited number of tickets.

2.     Alternatively, if you have a Half Fare card, you can also consider purchasing a Geneva-Gstaad-Geneva ticket at the price of only CHF 47.

3.     It is necessary that you reserve your seat at the panoramic train. You should go to the train station for this and pay CHF 7 for one way seat reservation. Seats for return travel from Gstaad may not be necessary.

4.     You should check on the weather condition in Gstaad to make sure the ski facilities, cable cars, etc are in full operation on the day of your travel. You can make a quick call or access to:

Gstaad Saanonland Tourismu

Haus des Gastes

Promenade 41

3700 Gstaad

Tel. +41 323 748 81 81

http://www.gstaad.ch/

Lunch and Sledding at Eggli

          Eggli is a mountain resort nearest the main town of Gstaad. It is a ski resort which also provides good facilities for a 5 km sledding.

Directions and cable car to  Eggli

1.     You can walk 15 minutes from the train station of the main town of Gstaad to reach Eggli.  Signage will guide you until the Eggli ticketing station or you can ask the local tourism office for direction.

       If you are driving, you can set your GPS to :

                       Eggli (Gstaad) BDGAG-Ige
                       Saanen

                      BDGAG-Ige stands for Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad AG

2.     a 15-minute cable car ride will bring you up to the main resort area of Eggli.  You can purchase your  cable car tickets from the ticketing station at the following prices:

Gstaad – Eggli Cable Car

          One way/return       CHF 18.00/ 26.00 (half fare card holders, pay 50% off)

          For children            CHF 9.00/ 13.00

If you are a group of more than 10, ask for the applicable special rates.

Taking Lunch at Eggli with a beautiful view of the mountains

3.     You might wish consider taking the special MOUNTAIN LUNCH at Bergrestaurant Eggli for the package price of CHF 35/ 24 (for children).  This price is inclusive of a delicious dish of the day (roast beef with sidings of potato and vegetables). It also includes the two-way cable car fee.  Those with Half Fare cards are given the special price of only CHF 24 for the whole package.  Note: lunch does not include cost of drinks and dessert.

It is recommended that you call the restaurant ahead to reserve your lunch seat:

              Bergrestaurant Eggli

              Tel +41 33 748 96 12

This restaurant has terrace with a good view of the mountains. In reserving your lunch you should specify where you want to be seated.

Sledding

4.     The down hill run begins a few yards from the back of the mountain restaurant (Bergrestaurant).  The delightful run takes you through forests and Gstaad’s tranquil mountain scenery before ending in Grund.  From there you can walk back to the Eggli valley station (ticketing station).

5.     This 5 km sledding area is suitable for families and children. You can navigate this distance in  30 minutes of continuous run or about 2 hours of leisurely sledding.  This sledding run is also used as a winter hiking trail. There are no restaurant or toilet facilities in the sledding run.

6.     Sleds are available for rent from the Eggli Valley Station  (behind Bergrestaurant) for CHF 10 who the whole day.  You can request for either small or long sled which can ride two persons.  You can return the sleds at the ticking station below as you finish your sledding.

7.     Tip for those with small children:  the end of the sledding area is a long walk to the ticketing station of Eggli.  Therefore, it is recommended that those sledding with children consider having them picked up by car at the end of the sledding area to avoid the long after a tiring day.

8.     Adults and children must always be mindful of the sledding safety tips including the use of sledding helmet and warm outfit.

             

Other activities to consider

          While sledding at Eggli may already take your whole day, the following other activities are recommended for those who do not go sledding:

1.     Visit to the Gstaad Main Town  --- main town is small compared to the towns found in Chamonix or Zermatt.  It is lined up with lots of shops and restaurants.  The restaurant just in front of the Train station serves good cheese fondue (CHF 23 per person) and other local dishes.

2.     Visit to Glacier 3000  -  You need to take a 30-minute bus from Gstaad to reach Glacier 3000. Glacier 3000 is a world-renown resort where you can enjoy a cable car ride to see the scenic mountains (Alps), experience riding a ski-lift, walk through the snow, try the dog sled rides (huskies),  drive the snow bus  and experience the Alpine coaster (roller coaster in snow).  Cable car fee is CHF 61 per person. 

January 2012

                  

Travel to Labyrinthe Adventure

 

Labyrinthe Adventure in Geneva, Switzerland (A day thrill for children)

                   (April 2011)

Itinerary: Day trip from Geneva by land (128 km/ 1.24 minutes each way)

Labyrinthe Adventure

1. Labyrinthe Adventure is a privately-owned leisure park for children of all ages.  It has a leisure area of about 25,000 square meters of open space. It offers 50 indoor games, tower of 50 meters high slides, a mini golf, bicycle rides, climbing wall and trampolines.  It’s attraction for adults is its labyrinth gardens.

2. Labyrinthe Adventure has ample free parking facilities and has restaurant (it serves pizza, sandwiches and drinks only) and picnic area with tables. You can bring in food and drinks except alcohol.

3. From Geneva to Labyrinthe is about 128 kilometers with  a driving time of approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes.  Travel passes through Montreux.  You can also reach Labyrinthe by train and walk 5 minutes from Evionnaz Station.

4. Highly recommended for children.

Gate Fees (whole day)

              Adults                             CHF 18

              Children (5-16 yrs old)      CHF 16

              Students (with ID)            CHF 16

              Group of 10                     Discount of CHF 2 per person

Hours of Operation

                   10 am to 6 pm        May to November 2011

Contact Information

                  

                   Labyrinthe Adventure

                   Route des Ilec Vielles 30

                   1903 Evionnaz

\                  Tel. No. +4127 767 30 90

                   http://www.labyrinthes.ch/

Please Note

          Labyrinthe Adventure is approximately 11 km or 15 minutes away from  Musee et Chiens du Saint Bernard (see Travel Tip # 1)  also an attraction to children.  You might wish to add this up to your itinerary before or after Labyrinthe.

                  

Mount Saleve, France (at the border of Geneva, Switzerland)

Mount Saleve, France (for a good panoramic view of Geneva)

      (as of July 2011)

Panoramic View of  Lake Geneva from Mt. Saleve

Just Five Minutes Cable Ride to Mt. Saleve

L'Observatoire at Le Croisette

Mount Saleve

1. Saleve the “mountain of Geneva”, rises to 1380 meters and is located in France, just 20 kilometers from Geneva.

2. The mountain Salever dominates Geneva and offers a magnificent panorama of the City of Geneva, Lake Geneva, southern Jura Mountains , the Alps and Mont Blanc.

3. Mt. Saleve is a few steps from the border of Veyrier. You can take the cable car that takes you to the top in less than five minutes.

4. Mt. Saleve is a kingdom for lovers of nature, clean air, wildlife and flora. Mt. Saleve is also a place for athletes, hikers, climbers, bikers, Para gliders, hang gliders, and in winter skiers.

How to go to Mt. Saleve

1. By car, it only takes 20 minutes from Geneva.
2. By bus from Geneva, take Bus 8 to Veyrier.  For schedules and stopping points, see the TPG Website.

Note: As Mount Saleve is in France, you will pass the border from Geneva and clear with immigration. Travelers are therefore advised to have their travel documents (passport or carte) and appropriate French visa. And, of course, don’t forget to bring your Euros.

The Cable Car (Telepherique du Saleve)

1.     The cable car ride to Mount Saleve, which is 1097 meter in height,  takes you to the top in less than five minutes.  Approximately 50 people can fit in the cable car.

2.     Cable car leaves in between stations  every thirty minutes with the following schedule (June 18 to September 4, 2011):

a.      Sunday to Wednesday: 9:30 am to 7 pm

b.     Thursday to Saturday : 9:30 am to 11pm

Cable car operates only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during winter months (December to February). 

3.     Cable car station is located at:

Society of Cable Operations Saleve

Pas de I’Echelle

74100 Etrembieres

4.  You can call the station at Tel 04.50.39.86.86 for opening hours and schedule of the cable car as weather conditions can change the regular operating hours.

5.  Ample free parking available with clean toilets 

Cable Car Tickets

          Adults                    Euro 10.80 Roundtrip        Euro 6.50 one-way

                                      CHF 13.60                       CHF 8.20

          Children                 Euro 6.00 Roundtrip                   Euro 3.60 one-way

                                      CHF 7.50                         CHF 4.50

          Family                    Euro 6.00 Roundtrip                   Euro 3.60 one-way

                                      CHF 7.50                         CHF 4.50

          Note: 

                   Half-fare card holders are entitled to 50% off.

Restaurants and Picnic Tables

There are plenty of restaurants and bars at Mount Saleve, right outside the telepherique station.  For reservations at the restaurant, call Tel. 04.50.39.09.09

There is also a candy bar which sells snacks, ice cream etc.  There are also lots of picnic tables in the area which you can use. Feel free to bring your own food and drink.

Or, you may wish to consider taking some good lunch or dinner just before taking the telepherique  up to Saleve. Just a few kilometers from the telepherique station is WOWO Restaurant Chinois, an asian restaurant that offers lunch and dinner buffet consisting of good selection of chinese, thai, vietnamese and japanese entrees, plats and desserts for Euro 12.80 for adults and Euro 10.00 for children below 12 years old (4 years and below eat free):  Dinner and Sunday buffet are slightly higher in price --- Euro 18 and 20, respectively.

                                WoWo Restaurant Chinois
                                 366 Rue du 18 Aout 1944
                                 74100 Etrembieres
                                 Tel. 04 50 31 20 20

The restaurant also offers an asian supermarket/grocery store just beside it.

Free Shuttle to Le Croisette

There is regular free shuttle every thirty minutes from Telepherique to Le Croisette where you find the L’Observatories (or Tower).  The 7 kilometer ride is very scenic. 

There is a restaurant at Le Croisette itself (Restaurant Bar de L’Observatorie)  in addition to other restaurants on the way.  You can call for reservation at Tel. 04.50.39.60.57.

  

For More Information visit the following websites:

                   www.telepheriquedusaleve.com

         

                   www.saleveautrement.ch

Sledging at Moleson, Switzerland

Sledging at Moleson in Switzerland

      (as of January 2010)

Itinerary:

Suggested itinerary

10:00 am     -        Leave Geneva for Moleson

11:30           -        Arrive in Moleson

12:00           -        Take Fernicular; start sledging

4:00             -        End of sledging

4:30             -        Depart for Geneva

6:00             -        Arrive in Geneva

           

Travel Arrangements

1.     Moleson is  1.5 hrs away by land from Geneva passing through Gruyere. It is 15 minutes drive from Gruyere Chateau.  Make sure you  check on the weather and road condition before leaving Geneva.  Since Moleson is up the mountain, icy road conditions must be avoided.

2.     There are good parking areas (free) in Moleson fronting the Funicular Station.

3.     Proceed to the Cashier at the Funicular Station and purchase your ONE WAY

Ticket and pay for your rental of sledge.  After payment present your receipt to the room adjacent to the Cashier to get your sled.

Funicular Ticket (on way)   -CHF 10.00 per person (half card accepted; children below ten are free)

Sledge rental                    -CHF 5.00 per sled for 3 hours. You need to leave an ID upon rental.

                                      (Each sled is numbered. Take note of the control number for each of the sled that you rent.  In case of loss, you make have to report them)

Credit cards are accepted.

4.     Fernicular ride takes approximately 15 minutes. You ride with your own or rented sled.

5.     Upon disembarking from the Funicular, proceed to the sledging area and start your sledging.

What to wear and bring

1.     Ski suit if none, thick water repellant jacket and pants. Bonnet, winter gloves and socks, muffler/ scarf are needed. Dress comfortably allowing yourself to move easily.

2.     Inside, make sure you wear thermals (up and down) plus a mid-layer fleece. Do not layer yourself too much as it tends to be warm after a long walk or while sledging.  Use polyester thermals if possible as they tend to keep you warm and are breathable (thus keeping you dry all the while).

3.     Good winter shoes or waterproof hiking boots is a must.  Remember that you will use a lot of your feet to manage and control your sled.  In down ward slop, you actually use both your feet to slow or stop your sled.  You cannot go sledging with your usual running sneaker as they are likely to absorb water and won’t protect your ankles.

4.     Ski helmet and googles are highly recommended to protect you from possible bumps or eye injury from twigs while sledging.

5.     Rented sled can ride two persons although it is best that each adult will have his or her own. Children below 5 years old may find the rented sleds too huge to carry so adults should carry or pull the sled for them.

Sledging

1.     Sledging run is approximately 4 km of downhill slops. This will take you at least 3 hours to finish allowing enough time for rest and photos.

2.      There are no rest, snack or drinking areas in the whole sledging run.

3.     No handcarries or handbags please unless you have a small backpack with you.  If you plan bring a camera, make sure it can fit your pocket.  Where possible, your pockets must be buttoned or zipped to prevent things inside it from falling out during the sledging.

4.     While at the sledging area or slops:

a.      Be mindful of other people behind you while sledging.  You don’t want them delayed simply because you are blocking the sledging track.  If

you believe you will stay longer where you are, signal them to move ahead but making sure that you have cleared the tracks for them.

b.     While walking through the tracks, always check for some running sleds behind you.

c.      Slops differ from each other. If you believe the slop is too steep for you, you walk down slowly. If you decide to sled, make sure you have a good sense of your safety and on how you will manage and control your sled.

d.     While sledging, you should alert people in front of you ahead of time for them to clear the way. Make sure you are in full control of your sled so as to avoid running over other people especially small children.

e.      Always follow the sledging directional signs. They are there to guide you where to go. Do not venture going into other unmarked areas for your safety.

Sledging Accidents

1.      Just like any other sport, accidents may happen during sledging. You can help minimize or prevent the occurrence of accidents if you are mindful of the safety measures for sledging or you are not able to control your sled well. Bear in mind that you can either cause harm to other people or you can get harmed by other people who are careless. So, be alert and defensive all the while.

2.     Common accidents while sleding --- head bumps, skin bruises, foot sprain, bone fracture, eye injury.  Knowledge of first aid measures will help.

At the End of Sledging

1.      Return your rented sled and a make sure you get the ID that you deposited with them.

Other things to do at Moleson

• You can actually go to Moleson and just enjoy the scenic view from the mountain.  Just take the funicular (be sure to take a round trip ticket – CHF 20) and go up the mountain until the first mountain. Funicular travel is about  10- 15 minutes.  Proceed to the restaurant and try their cheese fondue and wine.  There is good selection of food to order in the restaurant.
• Go higher.  At the first mountain purchase your cable car ticket and proceed to the second mountain. Cable car ride is 10 minutes.  The restaurant at the top gives you an aerial view of Jura mountains and snow covered mountains.

Travel to Parc d'Attraction du Chatelard, Switzerland

Parc d’Attraction du Chatelard in Geneva,  Switzerland  

                              (Highly Recommended for Children)

 Itinerary: Day trip from Geneva by land (105 km/ 1.18 minutes each way)

                   Geneva to Chamonix, France       81.9 km       1 hr 04 min.

                   Chamonix to Chatelard                20 km                 23 min.

                   Chatelard to Geneva

                             (via Chamonix)                 105 km        1 hr 30 min.

Parc d’Attraction du Chatelard (highly recommended for children)

          Parc d’Attractions du Chatelard VS

          Gare du Funiculaire

          CH-1925 Le Chatelard VS

          Tel. +4127 769 11 11

          Fax  +4127 769 11 15

          www.chatelard.net

1. Parc d/Attraction du Chatelard is a privately-run facility located at Le Chatelard in Switzerland that is open 7 days a week except during winter season (after October) where the facility is closed.

2. The attraction of this Parc is the huge Dam (Lake of Emosson)  located at the top of the mountain (12,230 meters)  and the three modes of transportation from the ticketing station to the Dam, namely:

1. Steepest Funicular – the two cars of this funicular runs on the steepest slope in the world (of about 87 degrees). This first ride takes approximately 15 minutes.
2. Le Petit Train Panoramique – which you transfer to after disembarking from the funicular.  This mini-train runs on steam engine and follows the hillside. It crosses the forests and rocky cliffs through tunnels.  It offers a marvelous view of the Mont-Blanc range and Gorges du Bourqui.  Train rides is approximately 13 minutes.
3. Le Minifunic – This means of transportation connects the terminal of the Panoramic mini train to the dam. The mountain station is 30 meters above the crown of the dam.  Travel in this mini funicular is about 7 minutes.

2. Regular run of the funicular, the petit train and the minifunic is every 20 minutes.  Last trip down to the station is 4:40 pm.

3. There is a nice restaurant at Lake of Emosson which is located just beside the dam:

Restaurant du Barrage d’Emosson

(Altitude 1970 meters)

1925 Finhaut

Tel. +4127 768 1274

1. Has indoor and outdoor dining facilities with a good view of Mont Blanc. 
2. Serves variety of food to include: cheese fondue (CHF 22), sandwiches (from CHF 7.00) and children’s meal (CHF 10)
3. Reservation is advisable during travel season
4. Credit cards accepted

4. There is also a souvenir shop, information center, picnic area at Lake of Emosson.

5. Activities to consider at the lake area:

1. Visit the chapel on a hill just beside the restaurant
2. Hike around the dam area
3. Visit the archeological artifacts of a dinosaur

Travel and Tips

1. Travel to this Parc is 105 kilometers from Geneva or a land travel of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

2. There may be two routes which you may consider in  going to the Parc from Geneva:

Route 1 :  Geneva  to Le Chatelard via Chamonix, France (105 km,

1.30 min; toll fees of approximately Euro 5.40 - make sure you have French visa and valid passport)

Route 1 : Geneva to Le Chatelard via Martigny (162 km, 1.57 min)

                   (this travel is within Switzerland and will not need

                    visa nor travel documents)

3. You should consider calling the ticketing office of Le Chatelard to check on the weather condition at Lake of Emosson and the travel schedule of the funicular.  The latter varies depending on the season.

Tickets (round trip – entitles you to all three rides)

Adults                    CHF 52

                   Children                 CHF 22

·        No half fare tickets even if you have Day Card

·        Major credit cards accepted

Land Travel to Lake of Emosson

          One can reach the Lake of Emosson by land and without taking the funicular.  Distance from the funicular ticket office is only 12.2 km or approximately 21 minutes travel time.  Roads are winding and very scenic. Free parking is available.

          There is also a regular public bus to Lake of Emosson from Martigny.

Additional Attractions to Consider

          You may wish to consider traveling from Chatelard to the following places where children will also enjoy on your return travel to Geneva:

          1. Musee et Chiens du Saint-Bernard (Travel Tip #1)        33.2 km       45 minutes

          2. Labyrinth Adventure (Travel Tip #16)                           11.1 km or 15 minutes from

                                                                                                       Musee et Chiens du St.Bernard.

          3. Chateau de Chillon in Montreux                                   Approximately 30 minutes from Labyrinth

June 2011

         

Skiing and Snow Boarding Lessons in Switzerland

A great day with my daughter Gella.

Skiing and Snow Boarding Lessons

                        (as of February 2010)

Itinerary:

Suggested itinerary

10:00 am     -        Leave Geneva for Crozet, France

11:00           -        Arrive in Crozet

11:15           -        Go to ski rental shop

12:00           -        Take the cable car

12:30                    -        Start lesson

2:00             -        Return to clubhouse

·        Return ski equipment

·        Departure

Crozet

          Crozet in France is approximately 22 minutes away from Geneva.  It offers good facilities for skiing and snowboarding lessons.  Resort provides the following facilities:

          At the Village

·        Ample parking space (free)

·        Restaurant

·        Ski Rental shop

·        WC/ Comfort room

·        Ticketing office

·        Boarding station for cable car

·        Crepe station

At the ski area

·        Restaurant

·        ESF school / reception counter

Fess for ski and snowboarding lessons (by Ecole du Ski Francais – tel. 04 50 20 41 01 10; www. Esf-lelex.com)

          Children (1 or 2)     - one hour lesson              Euro   37.00

          3 persons               - one hour                                 47.00

          4 persons               - one hour                                 57.00

          1 or 2 persons        - 1.5 hours                       Euro   55.00

          3 persons               -                                               70.00

          4 persons               -                                               75.00

          1 or 2 persons        - 2 hours                         Euro   70.00

          3 persons                                                               88.00

          4 persons                                                               115.00

Fess for ski lift

          Roundtrip for 4 adults and 2 children               Euro 111.00

                                                                             (or 180 CHF)

Fess for ski/ snowboarding equipment               Euro 98.00

          2 set ski equipment (shoes, ski board and

                   Poles)          

          4 snow boarding shoes and board.

Accident Insurance

          Accident insurance for a day is offered as you rent your ski equipment. Fee is Euro 2.50 to be paid together with the rental fees.

Renting ski and snowboarding equipment

1.                 Equipment are available for rent on site beside the cable car ticket counters.

2.                 Make sure you allot at least one (1) hour to be able to complete your rental formalities

a.      Fitting of shoes (know your shoe size in European standard)

b.     Adjustment of boards ( you will be asked to provide info on your body weight and height. Make sure you know the in European standard --- centimeters for height and kilos for weight)  Boards differ based on your height.

3.                 Payment can be made through cash or credit card.

4.                 ID is required for deposit at the cashier

Cable car – takes about 15 minutes to go up.  Cable car can accommodate 6 persons     

including your ski equipment.

Weather – It is best to call to check on the weather and availability of ski facilities on

the very day of your lessons. Ski lifts may be temporarily no operating due to bad weather or some mechanical problems.

What to Wear and Bring

1.                 Complete ski gear is suggested --- ski jacket and pants, bonnet, ski helmet, goggles, gloves.

2.                 You are required to put on your complete ski gear before moving up through the cable car.

3.                 No lockers are available at the rental shop. However, you can deposit your shoes at the counter. You will be given a card number to be presented for claiming your shoes.  Bags are not allowed to be deposited. It is suggested that you leave your personal belongings in your car.

4.                 Bags and hand carries are discouraged as there are no lockers at the ski area. Small back pack may be used to carry your basic things.

5.                 Small cameras may be used provided they can fit your pocket. Big cameras will be a bother and may be damaged while skiing.

6.                 Cell phones may be brought up the ski area. There is signal.

7.                 You can bring your own food and drinks in the ski area.

Ski Lessons

1.                 Book them ahead of time. You can call  the  ESF school receptionist (Katherine), who speaks English at +33 450 41 0110.

2.                 Make sure you request for a trainer who can speak English.

3.                 Make sure you agree on the time of your lesson.

4.                 There are separate lessons for skiing and snowboarding.

Returning your Ski Equipment

1.                 Make sure you return all your rented ski equipment at the Rental Shop.

2.                 Ski and snow boards are monitored through bar codes. As you surrender your boards, make sure the receptionist is able to scan the bar code to register the return of the equipment.  Poles are dumped into a common receptacle at the entrance of the Rental Shop.  Shoes are surrendered at the shoe counter where you originally got them. No bar codes for poles and shoes.

3.                 Don’t forget to get back your ID which you deposited with the Cashier.

Travel to Jungfrau "Top of Europe," Switzerland

 

Day Trip to Jungfrau “Top of Europe”in Switzerland

                              (as of September 2010)

Program/Itinerary (by train)                                                   

          Geneva Airport       dep    06:36

          Bern                      arr      08:26

Amba Evan & colleagues at PhilMission

          Bern                      dep    08:35

          Interlaken Ost         arr      09:28

          Interlaken Ost         dep   09:35                    

          Lauterbrunnen        arr      09:55

          Lauterbrunnen        dep    10:04

          Kleine Scheidegg     arr      10:49

          Kleine Scheidegg     dep    11:00

          Jungfraujoch          arr      11:52

          (Duration: 5:16; 4 changes)

(Return: from Jungfraujoch, take the opposite route of GRINDELWALD to Interlaken Ost

Travel Arrangements

1.     Take a Day Ticket (from your Municipality)  for CHF 35 or a weekend Day Ticket using your Half Fare card at CHF 64 (weekday Day Ticket is CHF 54).  This will allow you to travel from Geneva to Lauterbrunnen)

2.     In addition, you need to purchase your roundtrip train ticket from Wengen to Jungfraujoch.  Ticket is CHF 74 with half fare card or Day Ticket from the Municipality.  Regular ticket is CHF 149.00

3.     Make sure you check the route of your additional ticket for Jungfraujoch since there are two ways you can get to Kleine Scheidegg--- via Wengen  or via Grindelwald.

Travel Tips

1. Trains to Interlaken are normally always full. It is suggested that you reserve your train seat ahead even if you are taking the second class coach.  If you are traveling in a group of 6, you can reserve for a train cubicle for 6 and have some privacy.

2. Trains to Kleine Scheidegg (cog wheel)  is always full. No reservations are allowed.

3. Kleine Scheidegg is a busy town that has lots of restaurants near the train station.

4. Train travel to Kleine Scheidegg has two or three 5-minute stops to allow passengers to go to the view deck.  These stops have toilets.

Top of Europe

1. There are toilets where you can change into your winter clothes at the arrival area of the train station.
2. There is coffee shop, souvenir shop and Indian restaurant at the arrival terminal.
3. From the arrival terminal, take the elevator to the Sphinx Deck where you can get a good glimpse of Jurngfrau Mountain.
4. You may wish to consider putting your carry-on things and backpacks into the lockers (CHF 5) which are located on your way to the Sphinx.
5. From the Sphinx, proceed down and take the downward elevator to the snow area where you find the snow fun facilities --- outside bar, alpine snow adventure, Tyrolienne (gliding over the glacier --- CHF 25), skiing , snow boarding and sledging.  Note, make sure you are properly clothed for the cold.
6. From the snow area, take the elevator up and proceed to the Ice Palace to view the ice sculptor exhibits.
7. You might wish to check, upon arrival, on the schedule of trains that return to Kleine Scheidden which are posted in the arrival area.

Kleine Scheiddeg

1. Train station is  a very busy area with lots of restaurants and souvenir shops including hotels.
2. Don’t forget to view Eiger Mountain from the view deck behind the restaurant. Follow the signage to find it.
3. Place is very scenic.