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Basel to Milan

We will be traveling from Basel (after visiting our son), to Milan (where we will start 2 weeks in Italy). We’d like to spend a few days in Switzerland as we pass through (trip in late April/early May). I know most mountain resort areas will be closed. Any suggested stops, cities, towns. We love the outdoors, but are open to all options. We’ll be traveling by train.

Posted by
5581 posts

Luzern is a charming city close to Basel. It is set on a river with lovely bridges and old town. It is surrounded by a large lake and mountains. From there you could take a day excursion to a mountain top--Rigi, Pilatus or Rigi

Posted by
20087 posts

Mountain resorts may not be closed, but it will be shoulder (mud) season. Zermatt has skiing year round, and due to altitutude, may still have some non-glacier slopes still open. Even for non skiers there should be plenty to do. Weather will be the biggest factor of whether or not it would be worth a stop. It is on the way to Milan, with a detour from Visp.

Posted by
2669 posts

Lauterbrunnen might be a good option. I have reservations at the Hotel Oberland for the end of April so I know they are open at that time. They start accepting reservations April 18th.

Posted by
362 posts

Thank you! I will look into some of these. Lauterbrunnen and Mürren are the only two places in Switzerland that I have been

Posted by
11294 posts

If you're looking for a city, look at Bern as well as Luzern. The things to do in both cities are less weather dependent than in many other parts of Switzerland.