HI all,
Looking for some Switzerland advice. Starting April 2nd in Italy making way north to Tirano around April 14th. Trip is mostly concentrated in Northern Italy but I’ve always wanted to go to Switzerland and do the scenic train. I’m from Texas. We have none of that. We will only have 4 nights in Switzerland so I am looking for advice firstly on whether it is worth the time or just concentrate on Italy. Second, where should we go in Switzerland as home base for those 4 nights? Third, based on that answer, should we do Tirano to St. Moritz or Chur? Flight out is not booked yet so we could leave from Zurich or Geneva. We do not want just some luxury hotel experience. We are more into getting out and walking (no hikes this trip) and generally doing fun stuff. All by train and public transit. Scenery is our biggest “want”. This is our honeymoon but we are 50 and super active (not first rodeo). My fiancé has never been to Europe. I am very open to all advice and appreciate it. Plan my trip :)
Posted by
Green Bay
21137 posts
Pontresina is a good place to stay for a few days with hiking and day trips. Then train to Chur and continue to Zurich for your flight home.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
You are correct. That’s what happens when you use swype vs text.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17417 posts
So you are opting for the Bernina route instead of the Gotthard route?
St. Moritz is a glitzy ski resort with the luxury hotels you want to avoid, so I would not advise staying there (especially for 4 nights). Even in mid-April, they may still be skiing there, if snow conditions permit.
Many people who ride the Bernina Express (or the route on regular trains) opt to stay in Pontresina instead of St. Moritz. It is amore charming mountain village. But at an elevation of 6000 feet it too will have snow in April. You should look into possible winter activities there.
https://www.engadin.ch/en/pontresina/
I know nothing about Chur or Tirano in terms of charm or walking opportunities; I have only passed through them on the train. I do know that Chur is called the “oldest city in Switzerland” and they have recently been working on renovations to make the oldtown area more charming.
https://www.magicswitzerland.com/destinations/chur/
Hopefully someone who has spent time in Chur or nearby will be able to help you more. It appears to be far enough from the Zurich airport that you would likely want an overnight in Zurich, or at the airport, before your flight.
Note that I have edited my last response on your other thread (in the Italy forum) to add what places a Swiss friend suggested for visitors in spring.
Posted by
213 posts
We just did the Bernina Express from Tirano to St. Moritz around a month ago and loved every second.
We did spend one night in Tirano as I was worried about things going wrong and missing the train. There is not much to do there, but we spent a couple of hours wandering around and went to the most sensational restaurant that I read about on line and had a wonderful dinner.
We stayed in St. Moritz for two nights, which in the beginning I didn't want to do. The bonus was though that the hotel gives the free Engadin card to all staying two nights or more. That allowed us to visit a couple of different scenic mountains, we went to Piz Nair, and also up to Diavolezza. We also caught the train to Pontresina for a walk around, a cute town, but I think I actually preferred St. Moritz and its lake.
The scenery was magnificent so if views are what you want, you won't go wrong.
Posted by
Moncton NB
1117 posts
We stayed in Chur and quite enjoyed it. Its a charming little town. But Chur, St Moritz and Pontresina would all be (for us) pretty dull for 4 days. If its me, I would take the Bernina train to Chur, stay one night, and connect onward to Zurich and spend 3 nights there. If you fly out of Geneva you're adding a cross-country trip.