My wife and I will be in Switzerland for 5 days during the second week of December this year. Just want to get an idea of the best things to see and do -- and the things to not miss especially that time of year. We'll more than likely be traveling through Switzerland by train. We're also thinking about flying into one city to start our trip (Geneva or Zurich) -- and then flying home from the other. Interested in any thoughts on that idea -- and if one location would be better for us to start our trip. We mostly travel during the summer/fall and love to do city walking tours to check out the sights, architecture, museums, etc. Would also be interested in some skiing suggestions for an intermediate skier at a place with a nice lodge/spa.
Posted by
Maryland
907 posts
Asking Google about "Skiing in the Bernese Oberland" will get you a range of possibilities. The area is an easy trip from Bern or Lucerne and closer to the Geneva to Zurich axis than Zermatt or St. Moritz (for examples). Mid December skiing conditions may be highly variable as is the weather. Z and StM are wonderful but are "destinations" which would use up much of your travel time getting there and back.
Cantons/cities have various calendars available on line like:
https://www.feiertagskalender.ch/index.php?geo=369&jahr=2019&hl=en
https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/experiences/events/lucerne-christmas-market/
Pick your top destinations from guidebooks and local websites and have a great time. The travel using SBB is the easy part..
https://www.sbb.ch/en
Posted by
NM, USA
911 posts
Your question is so wide ranging that my best recommendation is to purchase or go to your local library and borrow some travel guides on Switzerland. My personal favorites are Rick Steves and Eyewitness. Start reading. Look at the maps and train routes to get an idea for a plan. You can also learn a lot right here on the RS website under Explore Europe/Switzerland. Read lots of old posts in the Switzerland category. Then come back and ask more specific questions and you'll get more useful help.
The problem with asking a broad "what should I see " question is your interests might be completely different from the other travelers. Do you want scenery, art galleries, churches, shopping, etc. One person's travel hell is another's heaven.
On Multi city flights, we've done that a couple of times and will again next year flying into Geneva and home from Zurich. Some travel sites will say not to as it might cost more but if it fits your plans better and doesn't cause you the expense and hassle of returning to an airport just to fly back home, then it's probably worth it.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5604 posts
You will be in Switzerland when the Christmas markets are in full swing in many Swiss cities- do these interest you?