Bern, Luzern, or both? One night en route to Alps.

Posted by HLS412 on 08/17/21 12:41 PM

Hello!

I am headed to Switzerland at the end of this month - 4 days for pleasure, then 4 days for business.

I am arriving to Zurich early in the morning and plan to head straight to Luzern and stay the night. The next morning I will head out early for a 2 night stay in Murren for hiking in the Bernese Oberland.

Is it worth it to split up the first day - half in Luzern and half in Bern? Then, stay in Bern before heading to the Alps? I travel with a backpack and no other luggage, so using train lockers during the day and moving around is never a problem for me.

Thoughts?

Posted by Threadwear

Fort Myers, FL

08/17/21 01:06 PM

1668 posts

You didn't really emphasize your need to actually explore Luzern or Bern. If you are just looking for a place to sleep the night before heading to the Bernese Oberland, I would suggest just heading to Interlaken. It will save you some time traveling the next day and you will be in the Alps/Murren quicker.

Posted by The Happy Traveler 😎

Noblesville, Indiana, USA

08/17/21 01:15 PM

1370 posts

Maybe get to Luzern and then see how you feel after you've wandered around a bit. Plan your logistics for both options in advance so you're prepared either way. FYI - I've done enjoyable day trips to both but preferred Luzern. Another option would be to head straight to Murren after landing to enjoy 2 full days up in the mountains.

Posted by HLS412 OP

08/17/21 01:17 PM

8 posts

Hi - I definitely would like to do some city walls and exploring. When in Europe, I am an urban city traveler but I am excited to explore the Alps.

My original intention for the first day (Luzern overnight) was:
- RS walk of Zurich on the way out, as time allows (but arriving 8 AM Sunday, churches not open until afternoon, making walk less desirable)
- RS walk of Luzern
- Boat ride on lake (have Swiss Travel Pass)
- City wall walk for view
- Just taking it easy before 3 days of hiking!
- Hotel booked on Reuss in old town

I am not planning on Rigi or Pilatus since I will be doing many cable cars/railways in the Bernese Oberland.

I typically visit a museum or two if time allows (not obligatory on such a short trip) but very much enjoy the city walks, churches, picnics, and cafe stops!

Posted by HLS412 OP

08/17/21 01:19 PM

8 posts

Hi KBK - As the trip gets closer and I plan more stuff, I realize I will just have to return to Switzerland. :)

Hoping that by arriving in Bernese Oberland by 9 AM on Monday and leaving at 2 PM on Wednesday will at least give me a good taste for the region.

Posted by stan

The Heartland USA

08/17/21 05:35 PM

8439 posts

With only 4 days, I'd go directly from airport to the BO and stay all four there. Even though those trips look short, you'll waste a lot of prime time, in transit. A half day is easily eaten up each time you relocate, I for sure wouldn't waste time in Bern if you want to see mountains. IMO.

Posted by samc

Valencia Spain

08/21/21 04:45 PM

37 posts

If you like European urban environments Bern is a good place to visit. We actually used Bern as a base for several nights a couple of weeks ago because we had hotel points to use and we enjoyed our stay. Bern to Interlaken Ost is an easy 45 min train ride with frequent services. Bern city center is nice and walkable. Great bus, tram, and S-bahn services (of course). Hotels hand out free local transport cards for the length of your stay. Feels local rather than touristy. All the restaurant outdoor terraces were packed. On one of the bridges all summer long there is a beer garden type scene with food trucks and bars. Just show your vaccination proof to get in, no cover charge. We trotted around Luzern one afternoon. Nice place to take some photos, but we didn't feel like we wanted to hang out there.