We will be traveling in Switzerland in mid-March, based out of Zurich for two weeks due to a business trip. (We = my husband, my child, me, and my mother-in-law.) On a long weekend between our two weeks, we would like to meet up with 2 other American friends who live in Geneva. Hopefully in a place that is easy enough to reach for both sides. We've done something like this before -- last year, in May, we took the train and met with these friends to stay a long weekend in Wengen via Lauterbrunnen. It was so beautiful! The year before, in June, we drove down to Lago Maggiore after our work in Zurich, and spent several days there. The traffic around Gotthard Pass was a challenge, but the driving scenery along the lakes and through the mountains was also awe-inspiring. I have been to Basel and Bern on day-trips and enjoyed both, but over 4 years ago, and wonder if it's time to revisit.
I know the weather in March might be less than ideal. My daughter is very young (3), but we've taken her with us every year, so we all have developed some skills keeping her entertained on the road. This will be her third 2-week long trip to Switzerland. Last year, we discovered the playground area on major rail lines, and took train rides every other day to places like St. Gallen (city), Lucerne, Mt. Pilatus and the transportation museum, and Bern. We visited Insel Mainau one day last year, but learned there's lots more in that area to explore. Since her grandmother will be along this year we have more hands on deck, am confident we can keep her entertained 95% of the time, and are hopeful that we won't always have to focus on aiming for routes with the family zone trains. These family zones are so wonderful, though -- and game-changers for travel with young children. I'm open to renting a car, but love the trains.
First, we considered Zermatt although a bit far. But it appears that some of our friends' preferred hotels are already booked out, so we are scouting around for other ideas. We are open to going to France, Germany, and almost anywhere in Switzerland we haven't been. Does Flumserberg have much in the general area for those in our group who might not ski?
Ideally, we'd like to be within a 2-3 hour train ride or drive from Zurich in the mountains or somewhere else scenic for 2 days. Any suggestions for places to meet?