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Using the Regional Travel Pass
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The Bernese Oberland has some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of Switzerland and is an absolute must for anyone planning a trip to the country. The best time to visit is in June before it gets too crowded or too hot. Both May and September are excellent, although a few mountain railways may not be fully open. July and August can get quite busy, but would be the best time to learn Japanese!
Visitors to the region should base themselves in or around the town of Interlaken, which is ideally situated at the junction of the lakes Thun and Brienz. Whether you have arrived by car or by train, the best option by far is to explore the region via the extensive public transport network. If you are planning to stay for more than three days or so, it is strongly recommended to purchase a Regional Travel Pass, which will enable you to travel three or more days free of charge on almost all of the local buses, trains, boats, mountain railways, and cable cars. You also receive a 50% discount on the remaining days.
This site provides suggestions for excursions which can be made with a regional pass, so that you can make the most of your stay in the area. Please always check the times of your connections before setting out, and carry a copy of the latest timetable with you. The Swiss transport system is probably the best in europe, and is renowned for its accurate timing, as with its watches. The times of buses, trains and boats are usually interlinked so that prompt connections are almost guaranteed. If you have a car, then use it for the first part of your journey and park for the day giving you more time for walking or sightseeing.
There are plenty of parking spaces opposite the railway station at Interlaken east, also a small meter charge at Wilderswill, and free parking (in 2003) at Zweilutschinnen. Spiez has a large multi-story car park at the railway station. To travel between Interlaken west and east stations it is sometimes possible to stay on your bus or train without changing. On outward journeys via Wilderswill it is important to choose the correct section of the train. (i.e. for Grindlewald or for Lauterbrunnen) to avoid changing carriages at Zweilutschinnen. This doesn't apply on your return to Interlaken.
The information in this site is based on personal experience during our visits to the Bernese Oberland. We have made a few suggestions which we hope you will find helpful to make the most of your Regional Pass. There are very many other possibilities which are just as exciting and worth saving for next time.
Your comments and suggestions about this site would be most welcome, please feel free to contact us .
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7 day pass: |
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If you are staying for only 3 or 4 days then we suggest the 7 day regional pass which costs 230chf *, only a little more than the normal return fare to the top of the Jungfraujoch.
This pass provides 3 days unlimited free travel on most routes, and 50% discount on the remaining 4 days. There is also a 50% discount on the last sections to the Jungfrau and the Schilthorn, which are privately owned. You can to choose any 3 of the 7 days to travel free of charge |
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15 day pass: |
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If you intend staying for more than 5 days, then we suggest the 15 day regional pass costing 277chf *, only 47 francs more but allowing
5 days unlimited free travel instead of 3.
There is also a 50% discount on the remaining 10 days. You can choose any 5 of the 15 days to travel free of charge. |
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junior pass: |
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For accompanied children up to their 16th birthday, (i.e. still 15) there is a junior regional pass costing 115chf * for 7 days, or 222chf * for 15 days.
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| * These prices are published for May to October 2010 but please check the links below before travelling, for up to date information | |||
