We'll be flying into Basel and will have up to 10 days in Switzerland. Planning on a couple days in both Bern & Lucerne. Would love to go to Zermatt & Lauterbrunnen but I'm concerned the weather/temperatures would be too tough for us (we're not skiers). Appreciate thoughts on places worth visiting the other 6 or more days.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
April will be between seasons in the high Alps. The skiing season will have ended, but the summer season will not have started. The snow will be melting everywhere and many places (hotels, restaurants) will close for a few weeks well earned rest.
This will not be true of the lower locations, especially Luzern. I would say Luzern is a good place for 3-4 days. You will be able to do trips on the lakes, and trips up the local mountains (Pilatus, Rigi and above all Titlis).
In 9-10 days you can do a loop around Switzerland. After Luzern, spend 2-3 nights in Lauterbrunnen - lots of mountains to go up and goggle at. Perhaps your 1 night in Bern
Then do a loop south and east to Chur (route of the Glacier Express). Stay in Chur and do day trips from there.
Finally cut back north and west to Basel for your flight home. Make sure you spend at least 1 day in Basel, it is worth it.
Is that too many nights - sorry - you will have to prune.
See map of Swiss Railways here: https://www.sbb.ch/content/dam/sbb/de/pdf/freizeit-ferien/ferien-kurztrips-schweiz/internationale-gaeste/uebersichtskarte_synoptic_map_2017_low.pdf
Posted by
not here anymore
631 posts
Chris isn't just promoting Basel because he lives there - it has a really nice old town which is often overlooked by people rushing over the border and is well worth a visit.
Just a detail on his itinery. From Bern make sure you take the "Lötschberger" route to Brig and not their multi-billion high speed tunnel which goes under the scenery you've paid so much to see!!! And from Brig to Chur, like he says the route of the Glacier Express, the actual train has a high surcharge and there are regular ordinary trains
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for the recommendations! I was concerned that the weather in Lauterbrunnen might be a little too harsh for us (it's early April) but it looks like a go. Any thoughts on Laussene? We eventually want to get to eastern France (Lyon) so heading west from Lauterbrunnen is our probable approach...unless there is some absolute place you folks highly suggest we not miss.