We'll be taking a train from Salzburg to Zurich and from there will stay in Lucerne for five nights. I'm having a very difficult time deciding whether to stay in the countryside for a farm experience, which of course means renting a car and driving to excursions or the second option of staying in Lucerne and using public transport for our excursions. This is our first time to Switzerland and I'd like to see Lucerne and do either Mt. Rigi and/or Pilatus. Our kids are 15, 13 and 11. I'm very concerned that driving a car would be extra stress (we're very used to driving mountain roads...just worried about traffic and parking in town), but our kids would love being around animals. TIA!
Posted by
Surrey, UK
855 posts
This is a slightly vague reply as my experience was some years ago and I don't have access to the details.
As part of a singing group (from Spain, as it happens), we stayed in a hostel in the mountains above Lucerne.
Every day, we caught the Postbus for the 20-30 min trip to the centre of town, before departing by coach or boat for the days excursions, rehearsals or performances.
Basing yourself in Lucerne, trips will will very easy, and Lucerne is a lovely town.
The Postbus system is widely ised in Swizerland - https://www.postauto.ch/en.
Perhaps you can find a stay on a postbus route not too far from Lucerne.
Posted by
Connecticut
804 posts
I loved Lucerne and have visited four times. During my visit last year I was shocked at how expensive it has become for dining. Although I did not drive I found that there wasn’t a traffic issue during any of my stays. I used the bus often. I recommend choosing what your children would enjoy. Getting around should not be an issue.
Posted by
Minneapolis
147 posts
Coming from Salzburg, Lucerne would be similar. There are many small towns in the area with good public transportation options. Stansstad is an example that is on the lake and has a public swimming pool. I used it for a home base for a few days. It is small a seemed safe to let your children explore. Pilatus has trails with tunnels that they may enjoy. Also, most mountain hikes will have cows grazing along the way.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
1278 posts
What about a 3rd option - stay on the lake in a quieter village but one that is connected by train and boat to Luzern so that you don’t need a car but are also out of the tourist hustle and bustle.
We’ve rented lake houses in Fluelen & Sisikon, which both have train, boat and bus connection to the larger region. We could swim, relax by the water as well as do easy day trips into the “city”, did an easy day trip to Lugano/Morcote to see the sunny Italian side, as well as surrounding nature sites - Stoos, Rigi, etc. Personally I’d choose this option over staying IN Luzern or having to get a car - double no thanks on that option!