Simplon Tunnel

derekhandforth
derekhandforth Forum Participant Posts: 17
edited October 2016 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

Planing to go to Lake Maggiore via Switzerland next spring and I am looking for advice on taking a caravan on the train through the Simplon Tunnel from Brig.

Is this worth it or is the drive with its scenery better?

I belive there is no booking just turn up and go.  What is the best time and is there generally a long queue?

I' going mid June.

Comments

  • Dave Nicholson
    Dave Nicholson Forum Participant Posts: 408
    edited October 2016 #2

    The Simplon road pass is easy for a car and caravan,unless you a particular reason for using the train tunnel? However, the route to Brig is not particularly picturesque. Have you considered using the St Gottard road tunnel? The route is more picturesque
    and brings you to the north end of Lake Maggiore.

  • derekhandforth
    derekhandforth Forum Participant Posts: 17
    edited October 2016 #3

    Thanks very much, very useful info, I'll get the map out.  I prefer scenery to tunnels!

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
    1000 Comments
    edited October 2016 #4

    We always use the pass and have done it many times from Maggiore including last month. We stay at Cannobio although this year we also spent a few days near Verbania. The Simplon is an easy drive and very scenic and although we have thought about the tunnel
    to Brig there doesn't seem much point. The Italian side of the Simplon is much improved and now very good. 

    Do consider staying near Zermatt (comfortably one day from Maggiore). We went on the Gornergrat railway trip; absulutely stunning. You can see how the weather is because you need a fine day. If bad weather then just continue on around Geneva and into France.
    See my post two or three weeks ago in this section on Zermatt and the Matterhorn.

Categories