hello, I will be going to Switzerland for a very short stay (1-2 days) and was wondering where would be the best place for August. I am not very interested in hiking, but a small town with a great view. Also, I prefer fields with grass compared to high peaks with snow. If there is a place with both, that's great too. It would be great if there is a place for a cheese/chocolate tour as well. I was considering Engelberg. Is this a good place for what I am looking for?
Posted by
Green Bay
20070 posts
Engelberg strikes me as a fairly busy resort town. In fact, it's website brags it as being the "fastest expanding resort in the Swiss Alps". That is not to say there aren't more idyllic spots up in the surrounding mountains. Just trying to scope out what you have in mind. There is the RS favorite of Gimmelwald, and neighboring Muerren. Plenty of grass, cows, and cheese there. There are lots of other less traveled spots, just none I've had first hand experience in.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
The first place that comes to mind for cheese and chocolate is Gruyeres but it's really not in the mountains, where it sounds like you want to be. The Berner Oberland is where you want to be. RS has his favorites but I would add Kandersteg to that list. You are surrounded by mountains and can easily get to amazing views in 15 minutes up the gondola.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
In the Berner Oberland, you can get close to snowy peaks by taking a lift to the top of Mt. Schilthorn or a train to the glacier at Jungfraujoch, but the lower elevations of the same mountains feature plenty of grass, cows, and pretty easy, level, strolling. The same is true around the very pretty town of Appenzell - there are regular hotels in town, versus the rustic lodge at the top of the mountain lift, and it is the home of my favorite cheese.
Posted by
Lincoln City, OR
90 posts
Highly recommend both Gimmelwald and Muerren - but really best when sunny.