We are flying in/out of ZRH in the first part of December for our first visit to Switzerland and I am trying to finalize our itinerary. We will be utilizing trains to get from one destination to the next. I am in the final stages of determining how many days/nights we are going to spend at any given destination. I would like to do a loop of sorts. Thinking about going directly to Lucerne after arriving in Zurich and staying for 1-2 days then taking the Lucerne-Interlaken Express. We are planning to stay in Lauterbrunnen for 3-5 days as our base for exploring the Bernese Oberland. Then possibly take the Golden Pass to Montreux to stay for 1-2 days and then head towards Bern for 1-2 days. I would like to have at least one day to be able to explore Zurich. Since this will be during the Christmas market timeframe, we would be interested in being able to take in this experience as well as when visiting the different regions. Any input provided would certainly be welcomed on the logic and direction of this route, and the amount of time spent at destinations.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
505 posts
For 12 days, try something like this…
Luzern - 4-5 nights
(easy 45 Minute to 1 hour trains for day trips to Bern & Zurich possible)
Berner Oberland - 4-5 Nights
(Recommend staying up in Wengen. A car free village is unique and Lauterbrunnen is very shadowy in the winter with the angle of the sun. Plus it’s just really traffic heavy down there and not quaint.)
Montreux - 3 nights
If at all possible, it would be best to fly into Zurich and out of Geneva to save time training back to Zurich, but if that’s not possible, you can still do it.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5064 posts
Zurich main train station has the largest indoor Xmas market in Europe. You can get your first aroma of gluhwein!
Never know what the weather is like, but we went to the top of Rigi one Dec. , on a cloudy day, and found ourselves in fresh powdery snow against a brilliant blue sky, above the clouds and tree line. This was an incredible experience.
Lucerne Xmas markets are smaller and open later, but you may catch the weekly farmers market, which is charming.
If you're in Basel, the incredible Strasbourg ( and Colmar) markets are SO close, and magical !
Highly recommend securing lodging asap, especially for the weekends.
I'll attach my 2019 Xmas market Trip Report- perhaps you will find it helpful. Have a wonderful trip!