Itinerary suggestions - Aug 19-28

Posted by byowell01 on 04/04/26 01:18 PM

Planning family trip with 3 kids in 20’s. We fly into Geneva and out of Zurich. Their preference is to limit the hopping from place to place. of the trip and an interest in seeing some of Geneva and Zurich as well. Current thought is:
Geneva (8/20)
Bern/Murren area (8/21)
Berner Oberland area (8/22-8/26)
Zürich (8/27)

Questions:
1. Are we spending too much time in Berner Oberland area? Should we consider moving within the area mid stay?
2. we were not planning to rent a car so will be limited to trains and boats. Any concerns especially in Berner Oberland area?
3. Is there value in adding an additional night in Geneva to see some of the lake? Or is there a must see on the way to Zurich?

Appreciate any feedback.

Posted by Michael

Schaumburg, IL

04/04/26 01:49 PM

320 posts

I would skip Bern and add to BO…get the half fare card and BO card (at discount)…plenty to do in Lauterbrunnen area-stay in Wengen… trains, buses, cable cars and boats are plentiful and easy to navigate…we luv that area and will be back there Aug 19-22 ourselves at the Hotel Bernerhof in Wengen.

Posted by Pat

San Diego, California

04/04/26 03:03 PM

6983 posts

No one is ever ready to leave the BO, so spend as much time there as possible. The Swiss Alps are a world-class experience, the cities not so much. However, I enjoy Lucerne. Perhaps at least two nights in Lucerne, as it's as easy commute to the airport. The train goes directly into the airport. IMHO, Zurich and Bern are not as charming.
Have a great trip!

Posted by wanderweg

Nashville, TN

04/04/26 04:06 PM

1355 posts

Zurich & Geneva really aren’t highlights of Switzerland. There are way better ways to spend your time unless your group just loves cities. Zurich is an international banking city & Geneva is an international diplomatic city. Of course they have nice things, but they aren’t the way I’d spend a week in Switzerland. Bern can be an optional day trip from Luzern or Wengen on a rainy day.

I’d suggest Montreux 2 nights > Wengen 5 nights > Luzern 2 nights

August 19 - Geneva Airport > Montreux
August 20 - Montreux (Château de Chillon + boat ride to Vevey & Cully)
August 21 - Golden Pass Express scenic train to Interlaken + train up to Wengen
August 22 - Jungfrau Region (Mannlichen/Kleine Scheidegg)
August 23 - Jungfrau Region (Murren/Schilthorn)
August 24 - Jungfrau Region (Schynige Platte or Lake Brienz/Brienzer Rothorn)
August 25 - Jungfrau Region (Grindelwald area)
August 26 - Wengen > Luzern, afternoon exploring historic Old Town
August 27 - Luzern, optional day trip to Bern, Lugano, Zurich or boat to Vitznau + cog train to Rigi
August 28 - Luzern > Zurich airport (1 hr direct train)

Posted by byowell01 OP

04/04/26 07:59 PM

13 posts

Thanks for all the great recommendations. This is what I love about Rick Steves fans.

Posted by Dave A

Minneapolis

04/06/26 01:00 PM

156 posts

Some random input to add to the advice from the forum members.

It was hard for us to pull away from the mountains to visit the bigger cities. That is still true as I plan our 4th trip (rookie status for this forum)
The benefits of early starts will become evident before lunch as you see the crowds grow.

Make sure to get a boat ride sometime during your trip.

Catch some sunsets on the mountains
Eating on the mountain tops helps slow the pace so you can take in the views properly. Most have cafeterias or you can pack something from the grocery store.