Travel

Switzerland has a reputation for being very expensive. There are no dedicated package tours to this event from the UK so these web pages will give information on making the travel arrangements and booking accommodation. I have included some personal tips on how this visit can be made economically, based on my own visit to balloon week in 2001, and subsequent summer & winter visits to Chateau d'Oex. To explore and find out more, and what to expect if you visit the next balloon week in January click any of the links on the left.


UK to Switzerland by air

 

If you are travelling from the UK, you can fly with low cost airlines such as Easyjet, Swiss, bmibaby , Jet2

  • Cost: The normal price is about £35 each way but by hunting for special offers on Easy Jet's site the flights can be got for as little £10 to £15.
  • Tip: Budget airline prices vary greatly depending on your departure date and time. Book early to get the cheapest flights, Midweek flights are generally cheaper.

Geneva to Chateau d'Oex by Rail

Switzerland has an integrated public transport system we can only dream about. Geneva Cointran Airport has its own railway station. Trains run hourly, or more frequently, and are always on time.
So let the train take the strain. Take any train to Montreux and change at Montreux for the historic Montreux-Oberland-Bernoise (MOB) mountain railway to Chateau D'Oex. You can take the Golden Pass Panoramic Train for this leg of the journey

  • Tip: The train journey along the edge of Lake Geneva is very pleasant but the climb out of Montreux into the mountains provides some truly spectacular views and photo opportunties over Lake Geneva and the Alps.
  • Tip: If you want to break your journey to do some sightseeing in Montreux, leave your luggage in a locker at the station (1 SFr) and visit the Chateau De Chillon, about 3 miles from Montreux. It can best be reached by lake steamer, trolley bus, or on foot.

  • Cost: Budget about £35 for the return rail ticket(2nd Class).

 

For more details of Swiss Rail fares, advance booking and train timetables online goto