I will be arriving in Switzerland via either Paris or Basel and will be taking a rail journey mid January on the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express. The trip will take me to Interlaken, Brig, Chur, St Moritz, Tirano and back to Chur. I have a few additional days to explore after that.( Train travel preferred) Any suggestions of where to go? I am interested in great views, good food, shopping and just enjoying the culture....not interested in winter activities such as skiing, sledding, etc. or big crowded places, Thanks!!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
From Chur, you could go north to the very pretty and "cheesy" town of Appenzell - 2 hours, trains departing Chur at :12 after the hour tend to require only one connection at St. Gallen. If you need to fly out from Zurich, train timing is similar.
Posted by
Houston, TX
219 posts
Laura's suggestion of the cute village of Appenzell is a great idea!
Also, right near Appenzell, is Ebenalp, with amazing views! You take a train from Appenzell to Wasserauen station, go across the street to a cable car that you ride up the mountain. Then you walk an easy path down a bit and around a cliff, past a cave and a church, to an outdoor restaurant perched up on the cliff edge with a beautiful pastoral view of the facing mountain.