In theory, we have some extra time in Strasbourg and are thinking of getting into Switzerland for a couple of nights. I'd prefer nature over city. We've been to the French Alps and to Geneva, Lausanne, and Montreaux so we've had a bit of a taste of Switzerland. We'd need to use public transport but don't want to spend all day getting there and back although I'm aware that might be necessary. Any suggestions? Time frame is late May. Many thanks!
Take the train down to Basel or go a little further to either Zurich, Luzern or Bern. Base in one of these places for a couple of nights and evaluate a convenient day trip if you need one. You could take the train all the way to the Berner Oberland for great nature; however, you may spend more time on the train than you want for just a night or two.
Strasbourg to Lucerne is 2.75 -3 hours and Strasbourg to Lauterbrunnen just over 4 hours. I’d probably head to Lucerne for a couple of nights. For your nature fix, you can look into one or two of the mountain excursions—Rige, Pilatus, Titlis, Stanserhorn.
For a closer option, minus the mountains, we really, really liked Freiburg, Germany.
I would go to Bern to snoop around for a few hours before connecting up to Murren in the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Keep in mind that a lot of hotels in Wengen and Murren don’t open until June. So, if you decide to go to the Berner Oberland, Lauterbrunnen is probably your best bet.
Thanks for the suggestions; that will help me to better explore our options. Love that Swiss train system too!
We are planning to get to Frieburg as well!
I thought Bern (Berne?) was nice, but for max Switzerland you really need to get into the B.O. or the lakes around Interlaken.