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First trip to Switzerland

Posted by on

Hi Everyone,

This is our first time in this forum. My wife and I are planning our first trip to Switzerland, Austria and adjacent parts of Germany (wife has a cousin in Hamburg). We want to travel mid-December of 2024 for a 3 week stay. We have been to other Eurpopean countries in the past (Italy, France, Netherlands & England) but during summer season. We want to explore Zermatt (Matterhorn), Grindelwald and Salzburg. These are my questions:
1. If we want Switzerland to be our jump off point, which airport do we choose as our jump off coming from Los Angeles?
2. How far ahead should I purchase train tickets? Which train do you recommend?
3. I remember in one of Rick Steves show he recommended to stay in a family owned bed & bath to enjoy the local cuisine. Is there a website you recommend to get reservation.
4. Are concert still open in Salzburg during the holiday season?

As a traveler, we always look for the best bargain and your experience and recommendations will be highly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Justin
Yucaipa, California

Posted by
21142 posts
  1. Fly into Zurich. I believe there are nonstops out of LAX.
  2. For Switzerland no advance purchase of train tickets required.
  3. Zermatt and Grindelwald are resort towns and December is the beginning of ski season. Quaint Rick Steve's type B&B's are in short supply. I'd just look for 2 or 3 star hotels with breakfast.
  4. Should be plenty of music options in Salzburg.

Are you going to try to make it to Hamburg? Otherwise, fly home from Munich. Should be nonstops for that as well.

Posted by
11775 posts

In addition to Sam’s excellent advice, become familiar with https://www.sbb.ch/en the transportation booking site. They have an app as well, which is essential, IMO, for planning and on the spot purchase of tickets.

Rick Steves’ guidebook for Switzerland provides terrific logistical info that is essential to understand and too much to try and convey here on the Forum. Please get a copy and read it. Good coverage on Zermatt and Grindelwald area (Greater Jungfrau Region) as well.

Once you have sketched out an itinerary in terms of number of nights in each place, come back and we can give more detailed guidance and feedback.

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