Hello
At the end of May we are travelling from Holland (family visit); then to Paris for 3 days then to Switzerland before finishing in Austria.
We would love suggestions on which city or town in Switzerland would be best to stay, we would like to do day trips from one location. We are keen to experience the Alps and explore some beautiful villages. All suggestions are welcomed.
Posted by
West Sacramento, California, USA
281 posts
2 days is not much time, so where you stay depends greatly on what you would like to see. Also, I assume that you mean you have 2 nights, and a full day inbetween two partial days, as in the day you arrive and the day you leave. The late spring is beautiful in the region around Bern, which is centrally located to many sites. So I would recommend staying there. On the day you arrive, spend the partial day you have going to Murten and Avenches. This will give you a medieval walled town, and ancient Roman ruins within a short distance of Bern, and it can all be seen in a half day and evening. The next day you can head to the Berner Oberland early, spend the day hiking, or taking the train or gondola up to the peaks. Return in the evening to Bern. The morning of the third day, you can spend your time exploring the old section of Bern, clock towers, arcaded sidewalks, etc. Then catch an afternoon train, or if driving, get on the road to Austria.
But, if you can, add some days.
Posted by
OP
Orillia, Ontario, canada
29 posts
Wow thank you so much for the advise.
We arrive late afternoon, then have 3 full days before heading to Austria.
We had thought about staying in Interlaken but think that Bern maybe a better options.
Based on your input, I think we will stay in Bern.
Can you suggest any hotels or a certain area of the city?
Posted by
West Sacramento, California, USA
281 posts
The fact that you arrive late in the afternoon and then have three full days, puts a slightly differenct perspective on things. You could stay in Interlaken or Thun and still easily get to Murten and Avenches by train or car, and see Bern on your way back in the afternoon. From either of these towns you would be able to go up into the mountains, i.e. Murren, Kleinescheidegg, Wengen, etc, or if the weather in the Berner Oberland is not good, it may be better in Zermatt, and it is now a quick train trip through a new tunnel to go from Thun to Visp and on to Zermatt for the day. The third day you could go to the Open Air Museum, Ballenberg, near Brienz at the opposite end of the lakes from Thun, Intelaken lies between them.
As for hotels, I don't really have any to recommend as my sister lives in a small village between Bern and Thun, and I stay with her when visiting.
Let me know if you have any further questions for which I can help.
Kevin
Posted by
OP
Orillia, Ontario, canada
29 posts
thanks again for taking the time to share your tips and suggestions. we really appreciate it!
we can not wait to get to switzerland
jeanette