My husband and I are planning a trip to Switzerland in September. We have a few questions and would love some feedback.
1. We have a tentative itinerary as follows:
Fly into Zurich --
5 days in Murren --
3 days in Zermatt --
2 days in Pontrasina --
1 day in Lugano --
1 day in Luzern --
3 days in Appenzell --
Back to Zurich to fly home.
It is very similar to Rick Steves suggested itinerary only backwards. Thoughts?
2. We have 5 days planned in Murren but was considering splitting it between Murren and Wengen and even adding another day. I like the thought of not moving but wondering if that is practical.
3. Of course we are getting the Swiss Pass 15 day flex. What are the restrictions on this? Do you have a time limit that you have to use the 15 days? We are adjustable to add another couple of days if that will work with the pass. Thanks for any input!
Posted by
El Dorado Hills, CA
69 posts
First, no need to change hotels in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. I usually stay in Wengen (visited 5 times), as I find it easier to do day trips on the train to numerous places. Whether to stay in Murren or Wengen is a personal preference.
I visited the Appenzell area for the first time last year. Appenzell is very small. I would stay in St. Gallen and visit Appenzell on a day trip. St. Gallen has the UNESCO Monastery.
To be honest, you are missing the French speaking part of Switzerland. Montreux is a delight overlooking Lake Leman. I like the area better than the Appenzell area. The area is known for cheese, chocolates and wine. Small town of Gruyeres is sooo much cuter than Appenzell. Alighting from the train in Broc, the smell of chocolate permeates the air! And walking in the terraced vineyards along Lake Leman in the Lavaux wine area is breathtaking.
I love Zermatt. On our first trip there over 20 years ago we met the family Julen. They own several hotels in Zermatt. We usually stay at one of their hotels. The Stubi in the basement of the Hotel Julen has fantastic Swiss food. Both the trip to Klein Matterhorn and Gornergrat are worth the money.
It is easier planning a trip by the nights you are in a city/town/resort. Depending on how much you plan to travel on trains, buses, etc. in Switzerland, you may want the 15 day Swiss Train Pass. It is more expensive, but we use it every day for trains, local buses and it includes hundreds of museums in Switzerland. Well worth the cost if you use it everyday. Just something to think about.
Have fun planning. Switzerland is my favorite place.
Posted by
Nederland, CO
1529 posts
Barbara is right. No need to move hotels. We've stayed in Murren, Wengen and Lauterbrunnen. They each have a different feel and you can't go wrong with any of them.
I think Your Itinerary looks aweseome but do agree that 3 days may be a bit much for Appenzell. I'd add a day to either Luzern or Murren.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5602 posts
Lugano didn't speak to me, so I'd suggest skipping it. I just found it so much like Italy, ( graffiti, etc) and when I'm in Switzerland, I want to feel the Swiss cleanliness, order, and charm. Also Lugano was full of high-end designer stores that can be found anywhere.It reminded me of LaJolla here in San Diego. Also, Lugano is far east and south, not close by.
Add more days to Lucerne, and if your departing flight isn't too early, spend your last night in Lucerne. It's just so easy to get to the Zurich airport from Lucerne.
Perhaps map your trip in a circle, and do add Lausanne/Montreux.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17418 posts
It appears Lugano is on the itinerary because they are riding the Bernina Express, and need to return to Luzern.
But I agree about Lugano—-although we have not ever stayed there, there is something about the place that puts me off (hotel prices, for example).
However, they could transfer from Lugano to Locarno, a short distance away, and spend the night there in a lakefront hotel right close to the train station. Then take the scenic Treno Gottardo straight to Luzern the next day.
I will admit that we have not actually stayed in Locarno either. I keep intending to, and have twice made reservations at this lakeside hotel, but in the end we ran out of room in our itinerary. Still, I have a better feeling about Locarno than I do about Lugano. It seems more relaxed, lower key, and less expensive/upscale. And if one can manage 2 nights, there is the nearby Valle Verzasca to explore.