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Bern or Luzern for 2 nights?

We're arriving in Zurich on a Sunday in mid-May and want to stay 2 nights in either Bern or Luzern before going to Berner Oberland. It looks like opinion is somewhat evenly divided between the two cities. We'd love to hear pros/cons from folks who have stayed there and if arriving on a Sunday makes a difference in your recommendation. Thank you!

Posted by
21140 posts

I have not stayed in Bern, but I really loved Luzern. Boat rides on the beautiful lake. Mountain peak rail or cable car excursions. Many are included with the Swiss Travel Pass or Saver Day Pass.

Posted by
1060 posts

No contest . . . Lucerne !! Both towns are nice, but Lucerne is just special

Posted by
372 posts

I haven’t been yet- I just think Bern is under rated. It’s high on my list of Switzerland places to visit, and I think we’d enjoy it tremendously. I think if all things equal I’d just pick the one that better appeals to you.

Posted by
21140 posts

One other factor is that the train from Luzern to the Berner Oberland is very scenic. Bern to Berner Oberland is just kinda scenic.

Posted by
8963 posts

I'm a broken record on this. Bern is nice, but it's not in the mountains. Luzern has it all.