I've just booked a flight to Zurich,because it had the best rate, but I know little about Zurich! We plan to travel to Austria(Rindbach) to see friends and will also go to France, Strasbourg or perhaps Paris. I don't know which direction to go first or if we should get a car or do it by train. Is it worth it to get a Eurail pass? Does it cut back on flexibility? We have 20 days, 1 adult 1 senior and one kid. Any suggestions of places to go on route ?
Posted by
Auburn, Washington, USA
515 posts
My parents and I spent the night in Zurich last March, and we came from Salzburg. Salzburg is a beautiful city and the geitreisgasse is amazing. You see Mozart's home and birthplace and see Mirabella park. Zurich is a huge city.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1219 posts
Hi lisa. Zurich is a good place to start; pleasant, user friendly, and centrally located. I would suggest you go to library or bookstore and get a Rick Steves book - perhaps 'Rick Steves best of europe' or individual country books. You will find a wealth of great info and will find that planning is half the fun and will build your confidence in travelling in Europe.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries I've ever seen. It's clean, has eye-popping scenery and perhaps one of the best public transportation systems in the world. Kids <16 years old travel free with a parent EVERYWHERE in Switzerland on trains, buses, boats, gondolas, cogwheels, etc with a free Swiss Family Card. There is more to Switzerland than Zurich. Less than an hour away is Lucerne with it's beautiful medieval town center on the River Reuss. From there it's easy transport on the beautiful lake steamers (Swiss Public Transport) to Mt Rigi or Mt Pilatus. Just a little farther is the amazing Lauterbrunnen Valley and surrounding Alpine car free villages of Mürren, Gimmelwald and Wengen - the Alpine peaks are indescribably just in-your-face beautiful from that vantage point. Unbelieveable. Switzerland deserves more than just a quick overnight in Zurich. Have fun.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
Zurich is a business city. Although the old buildings are interesting to look at (and posibly shop) - no more than 1 day. Much more to see outside Zurich. Lucerne is much more scenic for a visitor, and of course you must get into the Alps. You wont lose anything if you dont stay in Zurich but go directly from Zurich airport to Lucerne (by train).