I am helping my son plan his honeymoon in early June to Switzerland. They plan to fly into Geneva on 6/2/14 and out of Basil on 6/14/14. My husband and I have only been to Switzerland once so I don't know that much. If you have traveled to Switzerland would you please share information, favorite sites, tips etc. that you think would be helpful? We do have an old Rick Steves book from 2006 for guidance but would like to hear from some experience travelers. Thank you!
Posted by
Federal Way, WA, United States
1 posts
Since they are landing in Geneva. Geneva old town. Don't miss Chamonix since they are so close. Aguille du Midi tram for sure.
Then on to Wengen Murren for all that the Bernese Oberland has to offer. Touring hikes etc. Snow levels will still be low in June.
I've been twice.
Posted by
OP
Birmingham, USA
41 posts
Robert, I appreciate the information!
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
The Bernese Oberland area (Interlaken/Wengen/Murren)and the cities of Lucerne and Bern are some favorites. The easiest way to get around is by train, so take a look at the different rail passes offered.
You might want to splurge and buy an up-to-date Rick Steves book(lol). I like the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide for Switzerland.
It might be better to return from Zurich than Basel (only an hour apart) in order to get a non-stop flight if their departure/return city is Atlanta.
Posted by
Columbus, USA
332 posts
Hi Kimberlee,
I have been doing research for Switzerland, (I have only been to the Rhein Falls) and some of the sites that I have found useful have been Pinterest (for Pictures) YouTube (Videos) and Virtual Tourist (More pictures and reviews). Can you tell I am a very visual person? If you get the Create Channel (it is a PBS type station) or PBS there have been some some great shows on Switzerland lately. I second the DK travel guide. I just ordered it and there are some great tips in there. Places I am eager to see are:
Interlachen
Lucern
Zurich
Bern
I am only in the beginning stages, so I am sure that list will grow. I hope they have a great Honeymoon!!
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
If they're landing in Geneva I echo the previous poster about the Geneva old town...beautiful! Then drive or take the train around the north end of the lake to see the gorgeous vineyards and the towns of Lausanne, Vevey, and Montreux...stop here to see Chateau Chillon built on the edge of the lake. Take a walk on the path that leads along the edge of the lake with the view of the French alps on the far side and the old steamer boats going by. Really nice!
Move on through Valais to the 5 valleys area for some late season skiing - spectacular views from the slopes! There are 5 ski areas all linked by cable cars; Verbier (stay here! pricey but amazing), Haute Nendaz, La Tzoumaz, Mont Fort, are some of them...hundreds of kilometers of skiing! Then northeast through Valais, stopping in Sion; gorgeous medieval old town with a very picturesque castle and old church on two hills in the middle of town; whole place is surrounded by vineyards - stunning!
From there head further on to Zermatt for obvious reasons.
After Zermatt, take the train through the tunnel from Leukerbad (you can put the rental car onto the car train; fun!) and head up into Kandersteg and the rest of the spectacular Berner Oberland. After that, it's an easy drive to Bern and the flight home.
This itinerary would take 12 days or so at a leisurely pace, depending on how much time they want to spend in each place and it would give them a variety of places to see and activities to take part in!
Posted by
OP
Birmingham, USA
41 posts
Thanks everyone for your contributions. I can't wait for this weekend so I can research all the information you shared.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Kimberlee, we have been to Muerren and Wengen in very early June, and each time, the snow had already retreated to higher levels. The cities were clear and open. No guarantees on weather, however. For arrival in Geneva, I would suggest making their way to Montreux and then taking the Golden Pass scenic train to Interlaken Ost. One train change at Zweisimmen. From Interlaken Ost, you take the local Jungfraubahn train into Lauterbrunnen where they will change trains for Wengen. On the reverse, they can come back out to Interlaken Ost and then take the same Golden Pass train via the Brunig pass up to Lucerne. Lots of great scenery.
Posted by
4 posts
Basel has a number of quirky and interesting museums, if that is your son and his wife-to-be's thing. We loved it. Outstanding art museum (Kunsthalle). Hotel may come with a museum pass, too. Swiss Rail Pass, if appropriate, doubles as a national museum pass for days of validity. Interesting note: in Geneva, Basel, Rhine Falls, it may be cost-effective to stay or dine or both on the French or German side of the border. Much less expensive. We did that routinely.