We are looking to go to Switzerland for a day or two (just to say that we have been and to see something else). Any recommendations on where to go and how to go for 1-3 days? Not interested in skiing. Just want to see and walk around. This would be late February. Thanks.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Late February is cold, the middle of the ski season. The tourist industry is geared up for Skiers, but all the mountain walking trails will be closed by snow.
I would recommend Luzern. This is a city on the edge of the Alps, a good base which is easy to get to. This gives you boat trips on the lake (reduced time-table for winter). Take a day trip on the Brünig Pass railway to Interlaken, and back again. This is a mini-Glacier Express, lots of good views over snowy valleys and mountains from the warmth of a railway train.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16899 posts
Luzern is easy to reach, 4 hours with one connection, or a direct afternoon departure, and has mountain, lake, and museum sightseeing available.
With another connection or two, you could get to Rick's favorite mountain area, the Berner Oberland (for instance, see train schedules to/from Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen).
Lausanne on Lake Geneva is further from the mountains, but also has some direct train service from Milan (3.5 hours).
How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
The OP is making a February trip and doesn't want to ski--am I reading this correctly? So mountain areas in February don't sound like a good idea for this person? Just asking?
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Kent, that is how I interpreted it, which Is why I suggested Luzern (a pretty town with day trip possibilities, and easy to reach from Milan), instead of somewhere higher up which would offer ski-ing and nothing else at that time of year.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Chris, what you say makes sense.
Posted by
Los Angeles
5055 posts
Lucerne is a good daytrip, I did it from Bern and it was just long enough to take Rick's suggested loop tour and get back onto a train. And it's purdy.
Posted by
OP
Vignola, MO, IT
739 posts
Thanks! This is something to do after I run a marathon.
Posted by
Rock Hill, SC
57 posts
You could take the Bernina Express to St. Moritz. Great views of the Alps and you can stop along the way and take some cable cars, such as Diavolezza. We are planning to do this in June.
Here's an article discussing how to it from Milan.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g187849-c181034/Milan:Italy:The.Bernina.Railway.Route.html
Thanks,
Kevin