Hi everyone,

You might start picking up a guide book or checking one out at the library. In general, mid May is still a bit early for the high mountains, but you can check conditions with locals when you arrive. Luzern is popular, Geneva less so, but Montreux to Lausanne might be worth a stop. It is very easy to get around on the train in Switzerland, but they are somewhat pricey. If you are going to do a lot of trips, a 1-month half fare card for 120 chf will probably pay off.

Hi Sam, thank you for the info...I appreciate the info you have given me and I will check it those places..

Lisa

Hi Sam, how do I go about getting the 1 month card for $120?

Lisa
Thanks

Here: This is from the Swiss rail website.
http://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/holidays--short-breaks-in-switzerland/swisstravelsystem/swiss-halffare-card.html

lisa,

I'd also recommend picking up a copy of the Switzerland guidebook (or check your local Library), as there's a lot of good information on the various parts of the country.

The trains are fast, efficient and punctual, so that's absolutely the easiest way to get around. Regarding Swiss Passes, you may find it helpful to have a look at THIS website. There are also regional passes, such as the Berner Oberland or Jungfrau versions, which you can purchase online. You'll need to do some number crunching to determine which Pass (if any) will work best for the places you plan to visit.

I'd suggest not trying to visit too many places in a short two week time frame. A few thoughts.....

• Berner Oberland: this is by far one of the most popular places to visit, especially with many of the group here. Mid-May could be a bit early but if the weather is good I'd still recommend a visit. If you want to stay in the area for a few days, Lauterbrunnen provides a good central "home base" for seeing both sides of the valley. You may find it interesting to take the Cable Cars to the famous Schilthorn and Piz Gloria, where the James Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service was filmed. The trip is spectacular, so be sure to have your camera ready! While there you could stop for a fine hot meal in the revolving restaurant, or perhaps a "Martini shaken not stirred" in the James Bond bar. It's a bit of a pricey trip, but having one of the Swiss passes will moderate the cost to some extent. You could also explore the scenic towns of Mürren or Gimmelwald (the latter is one of Rick's favourites). You could also take cruises on the lakes from Interlaken (which you'll have to go through to get to the Berner Oberland). One final comment on that area - you could also visit the Jungfraujoch (highest railway station in Europe), however it's expensive and best only if the weather is good.
• Lucerne: One of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland (IMO). The Museum of Transport is excellent and you could also take day trips to Mt. Pilatus or cruises on the lake. Be sure to visit the famous Lion of Lucerne, which Mark Twain wrote about.
• Bern: The capital city is worth a day or two (IMO). Be sure to visit the famous Bear park. The bears now have a beautiful and large enclosure, complete with a "swimming pool" as I recall.

I'm a bit "lukewarm" on Zermatt and Geneva, so I'll leave those for the others. Be sure to budget appropriately for Switzerland as it's expensive!

Happy travels!

I loved seeing the Matterhorn......the trip up from Zermatt is pretty neat. I think that would be an option. Also, the Mt. Pilatus trip in Zurich. I also love just getting on a lake boat and riding. The half fare cards can be bought at train stations. Have a great trip.