My wife and I are in the very early planning stages for October. We were thinking of visiting Switzerland and spending possibly a week in Colmar and Strasbourg. A couple of questions: is a week too long, too little or just right for that area? My thoughts are to fly in and our of Zurich (direct from Boston). It looks like it's not that long to get to Colmar from Zurich, just thinking of the best way to get there. Is it useful to have a car for the area? Any issues crossing from Switzerland to France and back again? And finally, any must see tours or activities? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Paris
7303 posts
How long is your trip, overall? There is plenty to do in Alsace for a week, but most people would find 5 nights to be enough, especially if you are willing to rent a car for at least part of the time - helpful to visit the smaller villages.
But take the train to Colmar from Zürich first, and rent the car there - no need to drive from Switzerland.
Also, Colmar and Strasbourg are relatively close to each other; you can visit one from the other - Colmar being the most convenient base with a car.
Posted by
Noblesville, Indiana, USA
1406 posts
Two years ago we drove from Paris to Colmar for 5 nights and then back to Paris for a night before flying home. We were originally going to take the train from CDG and then rent a car but a transportation strike changed our plans - and caused us to miss Strasbourg. With our 4 full days in Colmar we did 3 day trips: one to Equisheim and Kaysersberg, one to Staufen, Freiburg and through the Black Forest, and one to Basel. We were a group of 5 visiting Christmas markets and I'm the only one who had previously been to Germany and Switzerland. We had no problems crossing any of the international borders. Nothing against Basel but a second day trip to a couple of the other Route du Vin towns in Alsace would have been better. Also, the drive through the Black Forest was underwhelming. If your flight lands in Zurich in the morning you could rent a car and be in Basel in time for brunch. Then wander around the old town area before heading up to Colmar in time for a mid-afternoon hotel check-in. You could even add stops in Staufen and Freiburg if you're energetic travelers. You'll experience a few different places and then have plenty of time to settle in and enjoy Colmar, Strasbourg and the wonderful Route du Vin towns of the Alsace.
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Thanks for the info! We are looking at probably a 2 week trip. Since I would use a car anyway I would probably rent the car in Zurich and drive. After an overnight flight I would prefer to get the car and get going. I like having the options of visiting other places along the way. When we return to Switzerland we will be visiting different areas so makes sense to have the car.
Posted by
Paris
7303 posts
A car doesn't always make sense in Switzerland, and driving for more than 1-2 hours after an overnight flight can be dangerous. I would take the train from Zürich, personally, and only rent a car for a few days in France - car rentals are super expensive in Europe this year.