My sons flight arrives in Basel this Friday. He has to leave on Sunday. No choice. I am not sure he would want to stay in Basel. He is thinking of either grabbing a train straight to Colmar or go to Bern. He would really like to see the Oberland area but I just don't think there is time unless he had one long day trip. That's actually something he would do. He is well traveled, but has been to none of these places. He cannot change the time he is there. Would you suggest he stay in Basel as a base (he will fly out of Basel on Sunday) and day trip, or train it out to somewhere else to stay? Suggestions? If he were to stay in Basel, hotel suggestions? I am just not sure Basel will give him the experience he is looking for, even with only two and a half days. (maybe a tad more). I have to been to all these places but only been through Basel for train connections. They are all awesome, but thinking Alsace my be his best bet. He will not rent a car.
Posted by
Green Bay
22579 posts
Saturday weather looks favorable to go to the Berner Oberland, and it is easy to do. Colmar, of course, would be the budget option.
I know nothing about your son's age, budget. But if on a budget, here is an option.
https://www.hyve.ch/en/stay/hostel/swiss-capsule
And, yes, I have stayed at one of these (Zurich airport) and it was very pleasant.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35638 posts
how much time on Friday? Sunday? What time arrival? What time check in for departure? You've indicated one full day and parts of the other 2.
How much luggage does he have?
Posted by
OP
Gulf Coast, usa
1234 posts
He is 33 and will arrive noon Friday and leave afternoon on Sunday. It's a whirlwind, but he wanted a break. His budget for hotels is probably $300 (or less) a night. He doesn't mind putting in a grueling long day of sightseeing to get it all in, unlike me! I lean towards the less stressful Colmar, but I know he would also love Lucerne and the beauty of the Oberland. He will drag is office with him (lap top, etc.) So am thinking either it's best to base in Basel two nights and day trip it to either Alsace or the Oberland on Saturday. Or go straight to Colmar on Friday, spend the night, leave luggage at hotel, then day trip Sat. to Equisheim and Strasbourg then grab luggage on way back to Basel Sat. night since train goes to Colmar anyhow. Ug - so many choices! And all great places!
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35638 posts
$300 US is roughly equivalent to local money: 256€ or CHF 240 per night.
Posted by
California
244 posts
I would go directly to Lauterbrunnen, Wengen or Murren (depending on hotel room availability) Friday afternoon, and return to Basel Sunday morning. Of course what he is able to see in the BO depends on the weather.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35638 posts
I personally prefer the Lauterbrunnen and up the hill idea, about 2 and a half hours from Basel SBB.
It all depends on which your son prefers - French wine villages with winding lanes or Swiss mountain vistas and walks via mountain transport.
Posted by
OP
Gulf Coast, usa
1234 posts
Here's a thought - are we selling Basel short? I mean with only two days, and a lot of ground to cover, is Basel worth spending a day at and then only using the second day for a day trip? I was so buys helping him plan how to get out of Basel that I never considered what it may offer itself. Just a thought.
Posted by
Green Bay
22579 posts
Basel is certainly worth a day. As far as lodging, just look at booking.com and stay close to Basel SBB station, as he will arrive there on the bus from the airport and also take the bus from there to the airport. Several options in his budget in the area. He will also receive a guest card as part of his hotel stay that gives free public transport in the city. It would include the bus from the airport. If checked for a ticket, he just shows his hotel confirmation.
Posted by
OP
Gulf Coast, usa
1234 posts
Awesome, thanks for the info. That is very helpful and think he will just stay put day one, and most likely do Colmar/Equisheim and possibly Strasbourg on day 2. The other alternative is Lucerne & Zurich (which he has been to Zurich a long time ago), as an alternate. Spending hours on the train to get to Interlaken/Wengen, etc. for a day just didn't seem to make sense anymore.