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Fly into Zurich out of Munich--love ideas for Switzerland

Will be flying into Zurich and out of Munich mid April (Sunday early arrival, Saturday afternoon departure). Visiting our son who is currently working in Munich. Son and I previously spent a week in Munich/Salzburg, Innsbruck last April. Decided to fly into Zurich and spend a few days in Switzerland then take train to Munich. Considering Sunday-Wednesday in Switzerland then Wed-Sat Munich so hubby gets to experience Munich and surrounding area as well.

While in Switzerland, I would love to take one of the many scenic train rides but would like input on what would make the most sense for our time there. Should we home base in Lucerne and take day trips, or consider a longer scenic train and overnight in a different location? I don't expect we would be able to hike much this time of year but otherwise open to any suggestions this wonderful group would like to offer. Two mid-50s adults and 2 mid-20's kids traveling. Thank you in advance!

Posted by
23118 posts

That really only gives you 3 nights in Luzern, and 3 nights in Munich. I would not spend any other overnights in Switzerland. Rather than take a scenic train ride to somewhere else and turn around and return, take the train to Engelberg to visit the high Alps. Also, a boat ride on the lake to Vitznau and then a train to the top of Mt Rigi. That basically covers Monday and Tuesday, then you have to head to Munich.

Posted by
1936 posts

"Should we home base in Lucerne and take day trips" - Arriving Sunday and leaving Wednesday only gives you two full days. No need to go too far. It's a short trip.

A) You have Lucerne itself, boat cruise, Pilatus, Rigi, Stoos.

https://www.luzern.com/en/highlights/spring-in-lucerne

B) Head to Konstanz: Konstanz has a small, attractive old town and scenic waterfront. Insel Mainau, Insel Reichenau, Meersburg by boat, St Gallen Abbey by quick train.

C) Head straight to Munich. Plenty to do there for a few days or more. Train to Gapa and/or Mittenwald for the alps/ cable cars/gorges. Long, scenic train ride/? - Depending on the weather, 07:32 train to Bolzano for lunch and a walkabout: return 16:30 or 18:30.

Posted by
1260 posts

With such a short time, I would indeed stick to Luzern

Sunday - Zurich Flughafen > Luzern - explore historic old town

Monday - boat ride + Rigi for expansive mountain/lake views

Tuesday - Optional Lugano/Morcote OR Pilatus OR longer scenic boat ride day to Fluelen

*day trip to Lugano & Morcote via the high speed direct train if you'd like to see the Italian part of Switzerland & the sunny side of the alps for likely some warmer weather & palm trees. Take the boat to Morcote to experience a very quaint historic village on the water
*Pilatus for more alpine views
*Boat ride to Fluelen for more "fjord" views

Wednesday - Luzern > Munich