Family of three adults traveling to Switzerland/Germany for the first time. Can we explore the Black Forest area of Germany and the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland. Flying from the Midwest (U.S.) to Iceland and Zurich, can we do this trip in 10 days, or do we need a full two weeks. Is it reasonable driving in Germany and taking trains in Switzerland? Thoughts? As this is the only trip we'll take to these two countries, are we flying into the best airport and have we picked to good locations? Things not to be missed? All tips, tricks, thoughts area very much appreciated.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
You've got 10 days for the entire trip? Does that include 1 day lost for flying TO Zurich and 1 day for flying home FROM Zurich? How many nights of hotel/B&Bs do you have during your trip?
You do realize Black Forest area is North of Zurich and Jungfrau is South of Zurich?
Posted by
OP
U.S.
33 posts
We can travel for either 10 days or two weeks. Wanting to get a an experience for both Germany and Switzerland, we though of Zurich as a central airport, fanning out to the Black Forest area and Jungfrau area. A friend thought we should visit Munich and Salzburg instead. We are unsure of which direction we should go, or if our original plan was a good one. We are reaching out for the thoughts of others as we plan this trip, .
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Definitely take the 2 weeks. Black Forest area is rather ho-hum. Yes, I would vote for to fly INTO Munich and spend a few days seeing the city/daytrip to Salzburg (via train). From there train to Neuschwanstein and spend 2 or 3 nights seeing the castles and the beautiful Bavarian landscape with mountains and rolling pastures. Continue training south to the Interlaken "region" where you can see the Jungfrau, the Latuerbrunnen Valley and the surrounding alpine villages of Murren, Gimmelwald, Wengen. Spend several days in this region preferably high up in one of the car-less alpine villages. Train from there south to Lucerne for a few days to see the medieval city center and beautiful surrounding lakes. Train to Zurich from there for 1 night and then fly home from Zurich.
Posted by
OP
U.S.
33 posts
Do you have a recommendation for the car-less alpine villages? Any additional tips or sights to share? Thanks so much - very, very helpful.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Recommendations for the car-less villages? Like what? We always stay in Murren accessible by gondola and train from the valley floor in Lauterbrunnen. There are several hotels/chalets to choose from in Murren as well as restaurants and a bit of shopping. The Murren side of the valley is enormously beautiful. Gimmelwald and the Schilthorn are on the same gondola line running from the valley floor through Murren to the top (Schilthorn).
The other side of the valley is a train leading to Wengen (another car-less village). It's a bit larger than Murren with more hotels/chalets/restaurants and shopping. From Wengen the train takes you up up up to the Top of Europe at the Jungfraujoch. The Lauterbrunnen Valley Floor is also stunning as it's enveloped on both side with dramatic alps and waterfalls waterfalls waterfalls all around. Again there are hotels, restaurants and shopping. The beauty of this place is unparalleled.
Posted by
Bern, Switzerland
987 posts
The local public transport system in the Black Forest area is very good and the day tickets are very reasonable. In addition to which if you stay in certain hotels you get a card that allows you to travel free!