We are doing our first trip to Europe in the Middle of May. We are doing a River Cruise with Viking Amsterdam to Basel and then want to spend time exploring in Switzerland for a for a week or so. I could truly use reccomendations on places and train travel. We have decided to TRY to keep driving to a minimum if at all this trip.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
6079 posts
In May of last year, we hopped off the boat and headed to Colmar for the weekend. Then we took the train to Lucerne for a few days and ended in Zurich for two nights before our flight home. A car is not needed for any of it.
The Alsace region around Colmar is must-see in my opinion. We had so much to do in Lucerne we didn't have time to leave the city, and Zurich was a lot more interesting than some people on this Forum give it credit for.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
2000 posts
Alsace is a very good choice, as is Lucerne. I didn't get a chance to spend much time in Zurich but I also think it's a bit unfairly maligned.
As a youth I spent a week based in Bern and loved it.
Posted by
South Carolina
22 posts
With the outstanding Swiss transport system, I don't see much need for a car unless you truly need full control at all times of where you're going :) There are tiny mountain villages that are easily and quickly serviced by a combination of transport modes, and you can focus on seeing the incredible countryside rather than obeying the strictly enforced Swiss driving laws.
Investigate the SBB app (Swiss transport system for buying tickets) and peruse this forum for suggestions. From Basel, it's a beautiful train ride into the Berner Oberland, including Bern, Lucerne, Interlaken, and the Jungfrau region. Choose a home base and do day trips from there to give you greater flexibility, taking advantage of a regional pass or just the half fare card.
Above all, enjoy this amazing country!