I'm spending three days in August in Switzerland, coming from France, en route to Italy. So many things to do - how would you best split up those days? I'm thinking one day in Luzern and some time in the Berner Oberland, but don't know where exactly to start. Any detailed tips from seasoned travelers would be helpful!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
I would spend that entire three days in the Berner Oberland. Stay at one of the mountain villages above Interlaken described in Rick's guidebook. If you get a rainy day to can visit Luzern as a day trip. Otherwise, there is more then enough to keep you occupied in the BO.
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
I always recommend Lauterbrunnen. We spent 6 days there and loved the area. Wengen, Murren and Gimmelwald are minutes away. We stayed at the Valley Hostel (immaculate & with a full kitchen) and had a few of the Eiger, Monch and the Jung Frau from our 2nd story balcony.
http://www.valleyhostel.ch/index.php?lan=e&pag=0
Posted by
Nederland, CO
1435 posts
I agree with spending the entire time in the Berner Oberland area. I recommend making Lauterbrunnen your homebase as it gives you easy access to both sides of the valley.
We spent 4 nights there during our trip last year, and it was the only destination we felt we could have easily spent more time. We're planning on spending 6 of our 21 nights there on our next trip.
Posted by
Katy, TX, US
1 posts
If you go to Lucerne, be sure and see the Lion of Lucerne. It's a large monument....and just beautiful. You can find more information on Google.
Posted by
Fort Pain, Alabama, USA
41 posts
All these comment are very valid. This reminds me of my first trip to Switz in 1985. 3 days is just NOT enough time. Found myself clinging to the realization, which i hope you do: i can always Come Back.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
I'm with most above. We just spent three days in Lauterbrunnen. It was great. So central to everything in the Berner Oberland. Interestingly, you don't do much in Lauterbrunnen - you go everywhere around it. We stayed at the Hotel Silberhorn which is about 600 feet from the train station. Ask for their new annex. It was about $135/night but being seniors, we really liked it. Breakfast is included. They also have a great dining room. The 14,000' Jungfrau is right out your window. On one side of the valley, you have Wengen and access up to the Jungfrau (by train). On the opposite side of the valley, you have Murren and Gimmelwald. Murren is just beautiful. From there, you can gondola or walk down to Gimmelwald (45 minutes to an hour). From France, you'll somehow need to transit to Bern and from there - Spiez, Interlaken Ost and ultimately Lauterbrunnen.