We will now be spending 8 days in Switzerland in mid-March. We are not a winter sports family. I am having a hard time figuring out where to stay along the way to maximize what we (myself, husband, 13 yo son) can see. I am figuring 3 nights in Lausanne to day trip to Geneva and other towns on the lake. But I can't figure out which other towns/cities to base in. I am thinking 3 nights in 1 stop and 2 nights in another. Is the Ticino worth a stop or is it best to go to Lucerne and day trip from there? Insight appreciated!
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1556 posts
My time in Switzerland. Bern for a week when I was sixteen, fifty years ago (some trips to the lakes and a couple of mountains). Three nights in Kandersteg on my honeymoon, plus a day in Lucern. A few day trips in the Ticino area from the lake district in Italy.
I'd stay the whole time in Lucerne, a fabulous place, and use the train for day trips. Bern, Interlaken (better than some make it out to be, plus the scenic villages above), Basel, Constance, Bellinzona. Boat rides on Lakes Lucerne, Thun and Brienz.
Posted by
Washington DC
27138 posts
You will probably need some form of Swiss rail card or pass--maybe the Half-Fare Card. Otherwise, a slew of out-of-town daytrips will be very pricey. Be sure to check on special pricing for your son. (I'm being vague because I haven't been to Switzerland recently; I just know Swiss rail fares are extremely high.)
Posted by
Nashville, TN
428 posts
I wouldn't recommend Lausanne, as it's a pretty bustling city and we personally felt like it was more of a "people live here" vibe. Look into Montreux, Vevey or one of the other quaint villages on the lake. The train system runs all along the lake between Montreux & Geneva so you have the option of staying all along there. The lake promenade walk from Montreux to Chateau de Chillon with a boat ride return was one of our favorite activities in that area. Also look into a boat ride over to Yvoire.
From Luzern, you can explore Bern, Zurich, etc. so that's a good choice. I can't speak to Ticino, so someone else will chime in about that.
Posted by
769 posts
Ticino is a wonderful region and makes a nice contrast to other parts of Switzerland. Locarno, Bellinzona, and Lugano are all good possibilities.
You might want to start with this map for the Swiss Travel Pass. Even if you don't get the Pass, this map is an excellent resource to visualize where the "hubs" of Switzerland might be for good daytripping, and transfers between bases.
Posted by
25 posts
Hi Alyssa,
Dont let lack of winter sporting interest keep you from the Berner Oberland. You can go up in the gondolas to the Eiger or other areas and get a great outdoor lunch high in the Alps! There are tons of non-participants enjoying the beautiful mountain air.
All the places recommended here apply, although i recommend Grindelwald or Wengen to be closer to the Eiger and Jungfrau. There is sledding too, which seems to take more bravery than skill.
You can get a hiking/sledging pass for a day or two, and ride all the trains and lifts in the BO you want!
Posted by
OP
Tampa, FL, USA
121 posts
We will definitely be getting Swiss Rail Passes in combination with the Family Pass (when I figure out who is covered under what). Other than Lucerne are than any other towns that are best located for day trips?
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17948 posts
Ryan and Wizz both fly to Seitzerland. A ticket will cost the equivalent of a cheap Swiss lunch. Hint
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32793 posts
I would be very careful about the link in lapo's post just above