Let me start by saying I know we are cramming a lot into a short timeframe but we are intentionally doing this to get a little taste of different countries to get a better idea where we might want to go back to for a longer stretch. And thought it would be fun to travel between locations by train for this trip. We (my husband and I - late 40s) will have 13 nights in Europe and the only part of the itinerary that's pretty well set is we will end in Munich to experience Oktoberfest September 25-26. Otherwise, we are currently planning 3-4 nights each in the following places: Lake Como Italy - Interlaken? Switzerland - Innsbruck/Salzburg Austria. What I'm looking for is recommendations of towns in/around Lake Como and thoughts on whether Interlaken is the right place to spend a few nights in Switzerland and also decide between Innsbruck or Salzburg in Austria. We prefer smaller towns/villages that still have a variety of dining options and some charm/history to them. We do plan to do some hiking on the trip so access to that is a plus. We prefer to dine and experience areas the way a local would but also enjoy places with a little energy and personality. We currently do not plan to hire a car but could consider that for at least part of the trip. Other interests include historical buildings and sites, cooking classes, wine tasting/vineyard tours, any other local specific tours (chocolate in switzerland etc). Honestly, would love any input you have! We've been to Europe but none of these countries before. Thank you!
Posted by
4923 posts
Because of travel time, I would consider scaling back a bit. Is anything booked yet? Regardless, work backward and see how your transit from place to place works out before nailing down these places. I was thinking instead of Milan for Lake Como, fly into Geneva or Zurich and get some lake time , as it might consolidate things for you and give you more time to enjoy.
For example, Lucerne is close to Zurich so you get lake scenery and mountains there (charm galore--I loved chocolate shopping there). Similarly, on Lake Geneva the towns are well situated for getting to some nice hikes. In the Interlaken area, the mountain villages are much more of a draw.
Posted by
11566 posts
Interlaken is a transit hub. If you want to stay in the area, stay in charming Pontresina.
Posted by
Irving
3224 posts
Sleep in Varenna on Lake Como that's a 1h 15m direct train ride from Milan's central train station. While in Varenna take a day trip to Bellagio for the day by a direct 15m ferry.
Posted by
Washington DC
27998 posts
I believe Suki has mistyped her suggested Swiss base. Pontresina is nowhere near Interlaken. Mountain villages near Interlaken often suggested on the forum include Wengen and Muerren, or perhaps Lauterbrunnen, but there are other options. Most people prefer to be up in the mountains rather than down in the valley in Interlaken.
Pontresina is by all accounts a good choice if you are in southeastern Switzerland, perhaps for the Bernina Express train trip.
Varenna is very popular on this forum, and it's a convenient place to stay since that (eastern) side of Lake Como has rail service, and Varenna's in the mid-lake area with comparatively frequent ferry departures. Be sure to get lodgings in Varenna nailed down really early. It's a small place, and the hotels are likely to fill up early.
Posted by
Northwest Arkansas
669 posts
Innsbruck/Salzburg Austria
Innsbruck is smaller and more outdoor oriented. It is in SW Austria, so a little less train travel to get there from Switzerland. Salzburg is bigger, more urban and will be more croweded. You can get into the mountains for hiking from there, but most tourists are there for an urban experience.
Additionally, the time of year you are going could be glorious autumn days or dreary, early winter rain, sleet or snow. You may want to make flexible plans as to where to stay if it looks like any planned outdoor activites will be washed out.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20120 posts
You might get more responses if you replace "Central Europe" with country names.
Posted by
Rockville, MD, USA
652 posts
Salzburg is a pretty bustling place - concerts, history, churches, cooking classes. I was there two nights and could have spent 3-4 easy.