Day 15 - Fri 12 Sep 25: Montreux to Interlaken (The Goldenpass Express)

Fri 12 Sep 25: Montreux to Interlaken (The Goldenpass Express)

We woke to light rain, had  breakfast at 0730 and returned to our room to pack and checked out by 0820, leaving our luggage at the hotel reception while we went out to kill some time before we left Montrreax. We met the 2 other (Brisbane) couples at the nearest bus stop, and caught a bus 3 stops to the Territet Station, then the Funicular up the very steep hillside to Glion. Here we stepped out for a wander around an old hotel (Righi) which is currently unused and in a very bad state of disrepair, but providing wonderful views along Lake Geneva and over Montreux. Here we struck up a conversation with a very fit looking mountain of a man walking his dog, who said he was in the French Military based in Canberra for 3 years about 10 years ago. He worked on the French Submarine replacement program before working on the Attack Helicopter acquisition, and now works for the UN in Geneva. He was a very friendly guy and spoke highly of his 3 years posted to Canberra. He also mentioned his close connection with the Canberra Raiders and Laurie Daley while living in Canberra. After our morning adventure, we returned to the hotel and collected our baggage, and caught a bus to the train station for a 2 hour wait to catch our 12:33 Goldenpass Express Train to Interlaken. On the train we found ourselves seated in the prestige lounge in first class, with only 8 seats that were heated leather, reclining and adjustable. Wine service was also on offer, so we felt that we should accept the offer of a glass of white wine for the occasion. Needless to say, we were very comfortable on the Goldenpass Express travelling through the Pays-d'Enhaut valley, the Saane valley, and into the Simmental valley, connecting Montreux on Lake Geneva with the Bernese Alps and Interlaken. It was a little cloudy, but very picturesque, unfortunately, not conducive to taking photos through thick glass with lots of reflection. Views along the Thunasee from Spiez to Interlaken were absolutely stunning. We arrived on time at 1545 at Interlaken West, and had a very short 150m walk across the road from the railway station to our hotel - The Bernerhof Hotel in Interlaken. It's a lovely room, and we have a small balcony facing the Jungfrau should the clouds clear. After checking in, we both set off in different directions to explore Interlaken. With sore feet, Noel stayed close to the hotel in the main street, while I went for about a 6 km loop walk towards Interlaken Ost, over a bridge and back along the river and through the old town. It was quite mild and  a very pleasant walk.  Back at the room, we showered, then went out to meet the others, and had the best Indian meal I have had for a very long time. By far, it was the best meal we have had since we left home. Tomorrow is a big day planned for a trip up to Jungfraujoch, and at 3,456m, we are praying for fine weather (forecast is minus 3 to a top of minus 2 at the highest point we will be visiting). 


Territet to Glion Furnicular



Views over Montreux and Lake Geneva from Glion

Views over Montreux and Lake Geneva from Glion


Views over Montreux from Glion

The Righi Hotel - a far cry from its previous glory

The Righi Hotel


Northern end of Lake Geneva

View of Chillon Castle from Glion

Wandering around ther old Hotel Righi grounds


Territet to Glion Furnicular

Territet to Glion Furnicular


Enjoying the prestige lounge on the Goldenpass Express to Interlaken

The Goldenpass Express to Interlaken scenery

The Goldenpass Express to Interlaken scenery

The Goldenpass Express to Interlaken scenery

The Goldenpass Express to Interlaken scenery

The Goldenpass Express to Interlaken scenery

The Goldenpass Express to Interlaken scenery

The Goldenpass Express to Interlaken scenery

The Prestige Lounge seating on the Goldenpass Express to Interlaken travelling along Thuniseee


Interlaken - View from our balcony

Interlaken

Interlaken

Interlaken

Interlaken

Interlaken

Interlaken

Interlaken

Interlaken

Interlaken

Interlaken

Interlaken

Interlaken Back Streets

Our Hotel







Comments

  1. HippofarmerSeptember 12, 2025 at 9:34 PM

    Nice pics Bob, the colours of Switzerland are so different to Australia, and everything looks clean and crisp

    ReplyDelete

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