We will arrive in Zurich early morning on Aug 14 for a 3 day stopover on our way to Bucharest for a River Boat Cruise. We plan to use the 14th to explore Zurich and have an early night but will then have two full days for day excursions and would like to know would be best ( Lichtenstein, Germany, Jungfrau, Interlaken, ??) and if we should get train passes. Any suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated as otherwise we might just waste time in deciding!!)
Thanks in advance. Bette
Crossing into Germany or Lichtenstein would not be highest on my priority list. Luzern has a pretty ideal combination of mountain, lake, and museum opportunities, less than one hour by direct train from Zurich, and makes a good home base. Between Zurich and Muerren in the Berner Oberland, trains take 2h 50m one way on the faster route via Bern or 3h 50m on the scenic route via Luzern; returning to Zurich on the same day takes away from your mountain time.
The decision of where to go helps decide whether to get train passes. The Swiss Pass offering maximum coverage costs about $225 per person for 3 consecutive days, but you would have to run around a fair amount to spend that much on regular tickets.
