Advice on a stopover around Zurich?

Posted by t.thkkr on 06/04/24 05:08 AM

Hi Folks,

Our itinerary is as follows:
Munich (4 nights)
Salzburg (2 nights)
Garmisch Partenkirchen (3 nights)
-- TO BE DECIDED-- (3 nights/4nights)
Zurich - fly home (morning flight)

I have 4 nights before I fly out of Zurich. All other accomodations are booked. We have already done Lucern and Mt Titlis on a previous trip. I know there are much more interesting places to stay rather than Zurich - question is where? We can do a stopover for 3 nights and for the final night stay at a transit hotel in Zurich since we have a morning flight.

We will be using public transport and are a family of 6 adults + 2 young kids. Where can we do a base (somewhere between Garmich and Zurich perhaps?). Not interested in history/ museums or anything too strenuous.

Thank you for your suggestions!

Posted by Barkinpark

Bay Area, California

06/04/24 05:28 AM

1632 posts

It depends on whether you want to travel by bus or train from GP to Zurich.
When are you traveling?

Posted by t.thkkr OP

06/04/24 05:32 AM

30 posts

Train preferred. Bus is ok for an hour or so journey.
We are traveling last week of July. Thanks

Posted by Barkinpark

Bay Area, California

06/04/24 05:46 AM

1632 posts

You can either do some stuff in Innsbruck or Switzerland. I would do Innsbruck for 2-3 nights max and then spend the rest in Switzerland, based in Zurich. From Zurich, you can reach almost everywhere in the country easily. There are interesting points around Innsbruck, but not as many as around Zurich.

Suggestions:
Innsbruck -- can even do a day trip, with your luggage stored at the station
https://www.innsbruck.info/en/sightseeing/innsbruck-card/48-hours-in-innsbruck.html

Zurich
Zurich city -- Lindt chocolate factory tour!!! Boat trip around Zurich lake
Rhine Falls -- spectacular!!!!!
St Gallen
Appenzell -- very Swiss/Alpine
Lake Constance -- boat cruise and traveling to Lindau, Meersburg
Jungfrau region -- lake boat trips in Thun and Brienz. Murren, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald First

Since you have a big group with young kids, don't jam too much. While traveling, less is more. You want to spend more time enjoying, rather than rushing.

Posted by t.thkkr OP

06/04/24 05:51 AM

30 posts

Hi thank you for the suggestions. On a previous trip to Switzerland we had done Wengen. Love love LOVE!

We are already doing Innsbruck as a day trip from Garmisch.

Since Garmisch to Zürich (our ultimate destination) is about 5 hours away, is there a way to break up the journey? Would def prefer staying for three nights somewhere between the route so we are not going out of the way.

Yes if all else fails we will stay out in Zurich and do Lindt and Rhine falls.

Posted by Barkinpark

Bay Area, California

06/04/24 05:56 AM

1632 posts

Save that day trip from GP to elsewhere. Use your stay at Innsbruck to enjoy this city.

Remember that you need some slack in your itinerary, because you will likely not have all sunny days. Mountain weather is fickle and it may shine on one day and rain on the next.

With a big group, reserve your train seats if possible. July/Aug is peak of the peak season in the Alps, and it's hell if your group has to stand or sit in different compartments.

While in Zurich, don't stay at the transit hotel all the way. Stay somewhere in downtown, ideally near the main train station.

Posted by wynoka54

06/04/24 08:13 PM

182 posts

Or consider staying in Rapperswil at the southern tip of Lake Zurich.
Very close to Zurich airport (under an hour?).