We’re taking a 12 day tour of Switzerland (June 2020) starting in Lausanne. We would like to arrive a few days early to explore on our own. Any thoughts on must see places within a train ride away (no car)? We love nature, small towns, easy hikes, gardens, animals, art, music and architecture.
Our tour already includes Zermatt, Lugano, St Moritz, Wengen, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Interlaken, Brienz and Lucerne. Also, would it be best to fly in to Geneva? Thank you!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11776 posts
Geneva is the perfect arrival airport! Only an hour by train from Lausanne. A couple of expeditions we enjoyed in the area last fall were Rochers de Naye and Les Pleiades. Both are cogwheel train rides to high places with light hiking possible at the top. Beautiful trips high above the lake. One train leaves out of Vevey and the other out of Montreux, both of which are a short train ride from Lausanne.
Chateau Chillon at Montreux is also worth a visit as is the town of Vevey itself, which has a lovely lakefront promenade.
Rick Steves covers Lausanne very well in his guide book, although the two mountain train rides I mentioned are not in the book.
Posted by
TX
5 posts
Just back from Switzerland - we based in Bern & used trains (and a couple boats) everywhere. The Swiss railway system is easy to navigate, punctual, and clean.
Our favorites were: Walking along the lakefront quay from Montreux to, and then touring Chillon Castle; paragliding in Interlaken; the Golden Round Trip to Mt. Pilatus; hiking thru Aareschlucht gorge. We also attended the Fête des Vignerons (wine festival) in Vevey, but you'll have to wait 20 years before it comes back :(
Posted by
64 posts
I would recommend Gruyeres and Broc. We enjoyed staying in the small town of Gruyeres and went to the chocolate factory, Maison Callier, in Broc. Also took the gondola up Moleson and visited a couple of cheese makers.