Taking a river cruise September 2025 that ends in Basel. We had considered a night in Basel, 2 nights in Lucerne, and 2 nights in Zurich. Is there a town we could consider “home base” and do day trips? Should we alternatively consider Bern, Bernier Oberland and then Lucerne? I appreciate any tips!
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
Any interest in art museums? After our 5 weeks in France/Germany two months ago (land, not cruise), we finished up in Basel for two nights, one of which happened to be the Swiss national holiday. We saw a bit of what the city had to offer, and could’ve easily stayed a third or fourth night, if we weren’t already scheduled on our way home.
Hotels provide guests a card for free transportation around Basel, including getting from/to the airport in France, several miles away.
There’s a tram literally about every 20 seconds in Basel - they’re seemingly on every street, one right after another.
Posted by
Arlington Texas
33 posts
Cyn, what hotel do you recommend in Basel? Thanks for your advice
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
We stayed at the Steinenschanze Stadthotel in Basel, and I’d stay there again. Website is www.steinenschanze.ch
Posted by
Green Bay
21142 posts
I can't help but think you are better off with 3 nights in Interlaken, or even better Wengen or Muerren, to see the Berner Oberland region and its spectacular scenery. Then 2 nights in Luzern and then to the airport from Luzern for your flight home. You could still get the better of a full day in Basel before heading to the Berner Oberland.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all so much! I’m so thankful to have this group for my millions of questions….I have no doubt you’ll hear from me again.
Posted by
Franklin, TN, USA
920 posts
I agree with Sam. We just got back from there a week ago and the Berner Oberland area never disappoints. I would get a room at Hotel Silberhorn in Lauterbrunnen, train in and out of there to the mountain car-less villages to see that beautiful area. Lucerne is delightful so give it at least a night before heading to Zurich to catch your plane and home. Stay at Hotel Balances or Hotel Des Alpes in Lucerne for a wonderful one night stay. The train depot in Lucerne is a short walk across the bridge from your hotel.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8965 posts
I'd suggest skipping Zurich (maybe Basel too), as you can stay in Luzern and take a train from there to the Zurich airport in about 1.25 hours. The thing i always say is that one goes to Switzerland for the mountains not the cities, and you might as well stay in the mountains (Berner Oberland & Luzern) than in the cities. Unless it is art architecture and museums you want to see.