Hi, I am planning a family trip for 5 adults in May to see Venice, Lake Como, and take the Bernina train for the scenic views and a brief visit to Switzerland. I could plan for a longer stop in Switzerland, but I got the impression that the area I really want to see--the Lauterbrunnen valley (places like Murren) is likely to be cold and rainy. It's probably too big of a question, but if anyone has suggestions for where to decamp and get the best village/mountain/Alpine experience of Switzerland in 2-3 days, would greatly appreciate it! We aren't interested in the big cities. Thank you!
Posted by
Green Bay
20090 posts
Pontresina fits the bill.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11322 posts
Sam is right: Pontresina is a nice options convenient to the Bernina Express and Italy. It will still be cool to cold, likely snow at least at some elevations. The town is at just over 5900 feet so possibly even that low. The village is very nice with the option of going to St. Moritz and Samedan as well. I would caution you that the lifts to higher elevations are mostly closed. The earliest summer opening appears to be May 8 for Diavolezza. (Ski season ends in April and summer season really does not kick off until June.)
There are good lower elevation walks if you are interested in that. I like this site https://swissfamilyfun.com/region/engadin-st-moritz/ for ideas in the greater Engadin/St. Moritz region. And we like Pontresina much more than St. Moritz, as it is more charming.
Posted by
San Diego, California
4705 posts
We loved Pontresina. See that section in my attached Trip Report from 2021. I would love to ride the Bernina Express route with snow in the ground.
The Smithsonian " Mighty Trains" series has a show on the Bernina Express in winter. Fascinating what the Swiss do to keep the tracks clear in the winter.
Safe travels!
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you!