Switzerland in July with my 17 year old son

Posted by sarahwrather on 02/16/17 08:18 PM

Hi,

My son is going to England with his high school soccer team in July. I've decided to take him over a week early and just he and I go to Switzerland. I don't have more than 6 days to spend there unfortunately so I'm looking for advice on the best places to go with him to make this a trip to remember. I've been to Lucerne and find it stunning. Did the Mt. Pilatus thing. I know he'd like that, but I'd like to make sure I choose an itinerary that will be fun for him not just places I like so I'm asking here for help. I do have to fly into Zurich based on airfare prices. But I'm flexible as to where I leave from. How do I make the most out of the 6 days we have and make it an amazing trip to remember for him and I?

I'd love any advice anyone has. :)

Thank you,
Sarah

Posted by acraven

Washington DC

02/16/17 08:41 PM

28065 posts

He might enjoy the Swiss Transport Museum, which is right in Lucerne. The Internet claims it is Switzerland's most popular museum. I suspect a train or postbus ride through scary mountain scenery would be a hit, and there's no shortage of such areas in Switzerland. I'd think walking up in the mountains would also be an attractive option.

The usual suggestion for mountain time is to stay in one of the mountain villages about Lauterbrunnen. Mürren is often mentioned.

Posted by Tim

Knoxville, TN, USA

02/16/17 09:29 PM

7209 posts

Yes - as the previous poster said spend 3 or 4 of your days in the Lauterbrunnen Valley area - probably in one of the surrounding alpine car-free villages like Murren or Wengen. You thought Mt Pilatus was special? Just wait until you see the Lauterbrunnen Valley area.

After spending time there you could choose to spend 2 or 3 of your nights in Lucerne or nearby lake villages of Weggis or Vitznau. You can easily reach Pilatus and Lucerne via the boats from those lake side villages.

Posted by cabalist

Alabama, USA

02/17/17 12:14 AM

271 posts

I always love boats. They can be had on many of the lakes. You can spend a day going from town to town on a lake or two.

My favorite, the SAC-CAS huts:

http://www.sac-cas.ch/en/huts/search-a-hut.html

They are in every area that you will want to be in--they will just be in the mountains. You will not forget them if you ever stay in one. Some are small while others are less so (Monte Rosa Huette, I'm talking about you!). They are simple, clean (as always), and have views only to found out of their windows and from their breakfast porches. I tell people that you could sling a dead cat in these places and still get breathtaking photos.

And you said 'July'. Switzerland's national day is at the end of the month as is Blue Balls music festival in Luzern and the alphorn festival in Nendaz.

Posted by Donna 🌎

Ohio

02/17/17 02:11 AM

2161 posts

Hi Sarah, sounds like a fun trip. Agree that Murren is the place to go. Take the cable car up to the Schilthorn to see the views and the James Bond exhibit. On the way down, stop at Birg and do the Thrill Walk. Very cool, lots of fun. Hope you have a great trip!

Posted by Becky

Seattle, WA, USA

02/18/17 05:20 AM

360 posts

I'm with the others to vote on the Berner Oberland. We stayed in Murren and loved it -- up on the mountain, yet there are hotels and restaurants so you don't feel too isolated. We had four nights there and easily filled up our time seeing the high points. We also went to Lucerne, Bern and Lausanne, but the Berner Oberland was our favorite place by far.