A large group of us, 11 adults, will be traveling to Germany and Switzerland in May. We will be staying in Freiburg, Germany, and then will travel to Switzerland for approximately 3 days. We are thinking of staying in the Lausanne/Montreux area. It is very difficult to find a house for all 11 of us. Does anyone have any suggestions on what we should do or where we should stay. I am also looking on Booking.com. We are not skiers, but we do enjoy the outdoors but some of our group also like the city life more than the mountains. We will definitely be using the wonderful train system that Switzerland has to offer. Some of us were also interested in doing the chocolate train. Is it worth it? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as we have never been to Switzerland.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6462 posts
The Lausanne/Montreux area is pretty. However, I feel the real "Swiss" experience is in Berner Oberland. This area has many Airbnb or VRBO properties. The cities right in the Alps that seem to be most popular on the forum are Lauterbrunnen (which I personally loved), Murren and Wengen. If you'd like a little more action/tourist feel, Grindelwald would be a place to look at. I would look at a map and do a search of the different villages and the activities available and then make a selection.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32351 posts
Is there a specific reason that your group chose Lausanne / Montreux over other parts of Switzerland? I'd suggest broadening your search and having a look at other areas.
For example, you might consider staying in Lucerne instead. That will provide the "city life" members of your group a stay in one of the most beautiful cities I've been to in Europe. It will also provide the option for the "mountain life" members of your group to take excursions to Mt. Pilatus or Mt. Rigi, cruises on the lake or day trips to the Berner Oberland which is the overwhelming favourite with most of us here. Lucerne should have a good choice of AirBnB or similar properties (although I'm a solo traveller so have never looked as I prefer hotels).
As you've never been to Switzerland before, one important point to mention..... be sure to budget accordingly as it's an expensive country to travel in.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6462 posts
Luzern would also be a good choice. It really has "everything". Beautiful lake, river with interesting views and bridges and surrounded by mountains. If you look for VRBO or Airbnb, you should also look beyond the city borders a bit. Vitznau is on the lake and rack train that goes up to Rigi. You can take a ferry to Luzern, and I noted some rentals in that area, too.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11776 posts
It would be helpful to know why you selected Lausanne or Montreux. Are you flying out of Geneva?
We spent a week in Lausanne last fall and liked it very much. On return, we would choose Vevey instead, so you might look at options in that very lovely little town. There are a couple of nice mountain excursions, Les Pleiades and Rochers de Naye, for those wanting to get away from the cities. I hope you have at least three nights, so two full days!
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you all for your input. It is very helpful. We have a lot to think about.