Best of the Swiss Alps

Two more favorites are Schilthorn and Rigi.

The James Bond Her Majesty's Secret Service Schilthorn of course

What would be the top 3 in IYHO?
Planning to be in Lucerne, Interlaken area, Montreaux, Zermatt, Lugano, St Moritz areas.

Do you want to go hiking, or take lifts up and enjoy the view and amenities? Are you a skier?

Which ever is clear. I have done them all except Jungfrau becuz weather came in.
That said realize the cost is also diff from one to the other , Jungfrau the most costly by far so ck that out, in case that rules u out. My first choice would be Schilthorn.

Going in October. Not planning to ski. Going for views and amenities.

tarae,

Are you staying in the "Interlaken area" or actually in the Lauterbrunnen Valley?

A few thoughts on the mountains....

• Lucerne - I'd recommend Mt. Pilatus - take the boat to Alphnachstad and then the very steep Funicular to the top - on the return trip, take the Cable Car down to Kriens and then the Bus back to Lucerne (the bus ride is only about 15 minutes).
• "Interlaken area" - both the Schilthorn and the Jungfraujoch are spectacular, but of the two the Schilthorn (IMO) offers more "bang for the buck" - the Junfraujoch is very expensive and more dependent on weather - the Schilthorn offers a revolving restaurant where you can have a fine hot meal while watching the Eiger, Monch & Jungfrau glide by the window, and also enjoy the "James Bond experience" as one of the movies was partially filmed there many years ago - the cable car trip to the top is fantastic, and you can even stop at Birg and do the Skyline Walk.
• Montreux - I don't know of any mountain top excursions in that area, but you could visit Chateau de Chillon.
• Zermatt - I'll leave that question to the others.
• Lugano - you have two choices for excursions there, Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore. They provide great views of Lugano but not as spectacular as the mountain tops in the Berner Oberland. As I recall, the Funiculars are in Paradiso, which is easy walking distance from Lugano.
• St. Moritz - This website might give you some ideas - http://www.swissvacations.com/pages/en/st._moritz_attractions.html .

Be sure to budget accordingly for Switzerland, as it's expensive!

Still not sure on Interlaken area. So many places mentioned and still researching where to stay between Lucerne and Montreaux. Thun, Brienz, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen. Sorry if I am butchering the spelling. Recommendations?

If you do go through Interlaken, you might consider taking the funicular up to Harder Kulm. It's quick, and you get great views of both the Brienzersee and Thunersee and the higher peaks beyond.

tarae,

In the Berner Oberland, I'd recommend staying in either Lauterbrunnen or Mürren as that will put you right into the best part of the incredible scenery in that area. Lauterbrunnen is the transportation hub for that area, so that makes it very convenient to get to both sides of the valley. If you plan on visiting the Schilthorn, staying in Mürren will put you a bit closer (ie: cable car will be slightly cheaper).

Are you using the RS Switzerland guidebook to research places to stay?

I think I would decide when I got there.