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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Bernese Oberland

Self-guided 8-day Swiss rail trip from Bern to Lucerne via Wengen

Illustration of Bernese Oberland

Railbookers operates this independent, self-guided rail vacation through Switzerland's Bernese Oberland over 8 days and 7 nights, starting in Bern and ending in Lucerne, with a stay in the alpine village of Wengen along the way. An 8-day Swiss Pass covers rail travel throughout, including the scenic train ride from Bern through Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen to Wengen on day 3. From Wengen, day 4 is a dedicated trip up to the Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 metres, passing glaciers and waterfalls along the way. Bern's stay opens with a guided walking tour of its UNESCO-listed Old Town, encircled by the Aare River, and Lucerne closes the trip with its own Old Town and a day trip via ferry and the world's steepest cog railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus. Hotel choices range across several properties in Bern and Lucerne. This trip suits travelers who want scenic alpine rail journeys and high-altitude excursions built around an otherwise independently paced itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel choices in Bern and Lucerne are each presented as a list of options (for example Bellevue Palace, Hôtel Savoy Berne, and Best Western Plus in Bern; Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann, Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern, and Ibis Styles in Lucerne), so the exact hotel depends on which one you select.
  • The highlights list marks the Mount Pilatus cog railway excursion as seasonal, so it may not run on every departure.
  • The evidence for this trip does not list current departure dates; confirm availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Bern

    Your Journey Begins in Bern

    Arrive in Bern via Zurich, and on arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. (Overnight in Bern)

  2. Day 2overnight: Bern

    Bern

    After breakfast at your hotel this morning, enjoy an informative walking tour with a local guide, then continue to explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its well-preserved arched arcades, beautiful fountains, distinctive shopping, and excellent cafes and bars. The entirety of the Old Town is encircled by the Aare River, which makes for some delightful walks, and offers a range of fun recreational activities, like swimming and boating, in the summertime. As the sun sets, take in the Bern Minster, Switzerland’s highest church tower, offering magnificent views of the city. (Overnight in Bern) B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Wengen

    Bern to Wengen

    You’re in for a scenic treat today as you journey south on the train from Bern to Wengen using your Swiss Pass. Enjoy gorgeous alpine views the entire way – from Bern to Interlaken, and then on through Lauterbrunnen to Wengen. On arrival in Wengen, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and begin to explore the city. The picture-perfect resort town lies at the foot of the Jungfrau and boasts stunning mountain views, ample recreational activities year-round, and a family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere. (Overnight in Wengen) B

  4. Day 4railovernight: Wengen

    Wengen to Jungfrau Day Trip

    A highlight of any trip to Switzerland is a visit to world-famous Jungfraujoch, appropriately named the 'Top of Europe'. Today you will ascend snowy Jungfrau via Lauterbrunnen to Europe's highest railway station, at 3,454 metres (11,332 ft). Witness glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife on the route, which traverses the Eiger and Monch mountains. At the top, enjoy the incredible views, and a number of fun attractions, as well as a choice of restaurants and bars. (Overnight in Wengen) B

  5. Day 5overnight: Wengen

    Wengen

    Enjoy Wengen at your leisure today, after breakfast at your hotel. Use your Swiss Pass to discover the many attractions of the alpine village, including scenic hikes, skiing, cable car rides and other excursions. Also enjoy shopping and a range of dining options in the sunny town. (Overnight in Wengen) B

  6. Day 6railovernight: Lucerne

    Wengen to Lucerne

    Continue to use your Swiss pass today for your train journey from Wengen to Lucerne. On arrival in Lucerne, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and begin to enjoy the city at your leisure. Explore the Old Town's classical Swiss architecture, including the stunning Baroque Jesuit church and the medieval Chapel Bridge. Or just enjoy the waterfront by hiring a bike or wandering along the elegant promenade. (Overnight in Lucerne) B

  7. Day 7railovernight: Lucerne

    Mount Pilatus Day Trip from Lucerne

    Today, take an unforgettable journey to the top of Mount Pilatus starting with a ferry boat ride from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then an exciting journey up to the top of Mount Pilatus on the world's steepest cog railway, passing lush forests, pristine meadows and dramatic rock faces along the way. Enjoy spectacular views from the top and a range of activities for all ages and fitness levels. Return to Lucerne via gondola and cable car for even more incredible mountain and valley vistas. (Overnight in Lucerne) B

  8. Day 8rail

    Depart Lucerne

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Specialists would be happy to help you with all the details. B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided walking tour explores Bern's UNESCO-listed Old Town, encircled by the Aare River.
  • Day 3The train from Bern to Wengen passes through Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen with alpine views the whole way.
  • Day 4A day trip ascends to the Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 metres, passing glaciers and waterfalls on the way up.
  • Day 6Explore Lucerne's Old Town, including the Baroque Jesuit church and the medieval Chapel Bridge.
  • Day 7A ferry to Alpnachstad connects to the world's steepest cog railway for a day trip to the top of Mount Pilatus.

Included

  • 8-day Swiss Pass 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Bern 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Wengen 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Lucerne 1hr walking tour in Bern All necessary supplements for the mountain excursions

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. An 8-day Swiss Pass covers rail travel throughout, including the scenic ride to Wengen and the Jungfraujoch and Mount Pilatus day trips.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is independent and self-guided, though a 1-hour guided walking tour of Bern is included.
What else is included?
Breakfast throughout, hotel stays (2 nights in Bern, 3 in Wengen, 2 in Lucerne), and all necessary supplements for the mountain excursions.
Is the Mount Pilatus cog railway available year round?
The evidence marks this excursion as seasonal.
How much walking or altitude is involved?
The trip includes a day trip to 3,454 metres at the Jungfraujoch and lists scenic hikes among Wengen's activities.
What is the starting price?
From $1,099 per person, in USD, with Railbookers.

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