We (2 of us) are going to spend up to ten days in Switzerland next June. We will fly into Zurich. When we are done we will be traveling by train to Munich to rent bikes and cycle along the Danube. About us: have traveled in Germany, France and Austria, along with South America. One of our best experiences was a concert listening to Orchestra 1756 in a church in Vienna with seating limited to 300 people. All 12 members of the orchestra played instruments from the 1700's. It was magical. So what is/are your magical moments we should have in Switzerland? What hidden / must do gems can you share with us? We love sightseeing, hiking, eating, architecture, art, photography, history, culture, really great commercial tours or self-guided tours. Travel will be done by train or car...whatever is needed to make a great trip. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11289 posts
We have been to Switzerland several times and will be there again in a couple of weeks. Ditching the car and immersing yourselves in the marvelous Swiss transportation system is in itself noteworthy. Take one of the scenic train rides, like the Bernina or Glacier Express. Spend half of your time the Jungfrau Region/Lauterbrunnen Valley taking several scenic hikes. Try to put your cameras down. 😉
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7321 posts
It was years ago, but we did some of that in reverse. Biked up the Danube from Vienna. Learned about radler - half beer, half limonade - refreshing and not as heavy when you still have some pedaling to do, as quaffing straight beer. Also headed to Switzerland that trip, primarily visiting Glarus. Sadly, in early June, ski season was over, but it was spargel (white asparagus) season, which doesn't last long, and was clearly a big deal. The restaurants all featured limited-time spargel on their menus.
On a more recent trip, skiing in Zermatt then in France, we were in Geneva for a couple of days before heading home to the USA. It took a couple of train transfers, but I made a pilgrimage by train to Gruyeres, home of the wonderful gruyere cheese. Rick Steves gives details in his guidebook. Visiting the cheese making facility below the cute town was the main focus, but the town itself was also worthwhile. Got to eat some great cheese, of course. I didn't have time to visit higher up, in the more rustic cheese producing village of Moleson, but that's another option if it fits your schedule. For me, it's one of the top 5 things to fon-due in Switzerland!
Posted by
Florida
1443 posts
Top thing is doing nothing. Find a high alpine apartment for a week and settle in. Set aside one day to sit on the deck all day overlooking some ridiculous vista and read a book. It will be the best day of the trip.
Posted by
San Francisco area
1802 posts
My top thing is to spend time in the Berger Oberland. Hike some of the trails up on the Murren side of the valley. The spectacular views never get old. I prefer staying higher up and have only stayed in Murren. Next trip I’ll probably stay and explore on the other side of the valley.