First trip to Switzerland in addition to some surrounding countries. Will have the option with our group (two 50ish-year-old parents and five early 20’s adult kids) to spend most of a day in either Zermatt OR Gruyère/Bern.
It is the only undecided part of our trip. Would love opinions on:
1: which of those to do
2:what you recommend doing in the time we are there.
Many Thanks!
It would depend on what comes before and after--it's only one day, so I'd want to maximize that time.
Bern to Gruyere requires considerable extra travel, and Zermatt would I assume be to see the Matterhorn, which is very weather dependent.
What is your form of transport?
I just got back from seeing both. Zermatt on a clear day was by far the best experience of the two. Gornergrat and Sunnegga-Rothorn provided different views of the Matterhorn. Gruyères and the castle were seen on a cloudy day and seemed like a long journey for a small attraction. We also went the Maison Cailler chocolate factory nearby.
When is the trip planned for?
If you end up in Gruyeres, visit the chocolate factory in Broc as well. Gruyeres itself, while pretty, is tiny and very touristy; you'll see it fairly quickly.
Where will you be coming from? Which is the longer travel time? It’s always weather dependent for Zermatt but beautiful if the weather cooperates. We will be staying in Evian in a few weeks and our day trips will include Gruyère and Castle Chillon. We’ve seen Bern, nice zoo, large town, church was very austere due to reformation. I prefer the region around Lake Geneva but that’s my preference.
Gruyères is for anyone that is fan of H.R. Giger's work.
