We are planning a family vacation with our two sons, (22 and 18) at the beginning of June. We are all very active and enjoy biking, hiking and exploring. Everyone is choosing a location to travel to and we only have two weeks to do this. So far, we have three choices. (Amsterdam, Alsace Region of France and Lauterbrunnen) Please provide suggestions for a fourth stop along the way to the Alsace Region via train. Also, I need suggestions as the best route and trains to go on throughout this journey. My husband and I have traveled to Lauterbrunnen before so we know how to go there through Zurich I believe. Please do tell if there is a quicker way to get there from the Alsace Region of France. We are not sure about renting a car but can do so if needed but prefer train transportation. Any suggestions of tours etc. would be great also. My main concern is the transportation and another town along the way, perhaps Cologne but not sure. We like World War II sites, museums, small towns, etc.
Can't wait to hear the forum's suggestions.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1261 posts
Direct train from Amsterdam across German border (e.g. Dussledorf); rent a car there; spend time in Rhine Valley, drive to Alsace, spend time there, drive southeast into Germany to drop car (Basel area), then train from there to Lauterbrunnen. For Rhine valley area and Alsace, a car would be fun and efficient vs. train, especially for 4 people. Also, when in Amsterdam, rent bikes from MacBike, take free ferry across to dike area and bike along the dikes / small towns. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
A schedule search will prioritize the fastest connection options between any two points. Looking Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the Deutsche Bahn train schedule link and tips for using it. In this case, you have options with similar timing via Belgium and Paris or via Cologne and Germany to reach Colmar, for instance. From Alsace to Lauterbrunnen is not normally via Zurich; there are direct trains from Basel to Interlaken.
Posted by
Green Bay
21140 posts
For biking, you can't beat the Mosel Valley. Bike trails along the river in old railroad beds. It is about 5 hours from Amsterdam via Cologne and Koblenz. Cochem is the largest town in the area, but many small towns along the river. You can take bikes on the local trains, and, with a reservation, the Regio Radler buses that have bike trailers.
There is a morning single connection route to Colmar in Alsace with a change of trains in Luxembourg to a TGV taking less than 5 hours.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1677 posts
As Sam suggests, the Mosel Valley is pretty and offers easy cycling. Another option, the wine villages around Beaune in Burgundy, and the Burgundy Canal. With your limited time I'd be tempted to skip a fourth location, so much to see and do in the other three areas.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2405 posts
hey melatnip
where are you traveling from? is amsterdam your first stop? do you have a place to stay there and are you renting apartment or hotel rooms?
aloha