We will be travelling from Cinque Terre to Switzerland Aug 30th for 3 or 4 nights before going to Amsterdam. Trying to decided an itinerary...either train to Interlaken and stay in one of the upper towns as a base for day hikes. Looking for hotel recommendations on the more affordable end. What temperatures are typical this time of year? Can we get away with just a fleece sweatshirt? Do we need long pants? We will have small packs and have spent the previous week in Italy (Venice and CT) so warm weather clothes is what I was planning to pack. Or another idea is to go to Lucarno or Lugano and do day hikes from there. What is the hiking like from these areas? Other highlights for points of interest? In either case what is best city to fly out of to get back to Amsterdam? Thanks
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Michelle, To begin with, it may be "challenging" to get Hotel bookings on such short notice in ANY of the locations you mentioned. You may have to increase your Hotel budget somewhat. It doesn't hurt to give it a try though. For lodgings in the Berner Oberland, you could stay in Lauterbrunnen, Gimmelwald, Mürren, Wengen or Grindelwald. You didn't indicate your price or comfort level criteria, so it's difficult to make suggestions. A few places that come to mind are Pension Gimmelwald, Mountain Hostel, Chalet Fontana or Hotel Oberland. Check the Switzerland Guidebook for other listings. Temperatures should be quite pleasant at this time of year, but I'd suggest packing along enough clothing for "layering". Some rain gear may also be prudent. There's extensive hiking available in the Berner Oberland (details in the Guidebook). In Locarno you could take the Cable Car to Cardada and Cimetta, as there are lots of alpine meadows and an incredible view of Locarno and the lake. There's a nice Restaurant right at the top of the Cable Car with a patio. A wonderful place to have a "cool one" or a hot meal and watch the Paragliders sailing by. On the way to the Cable Car station, I'd suggest taking a few minutes to visit the impressive Sanctuario Madonna dell Sasso Franciscan Monastery. The hiking may be a bit more limited in Lugano. You could take the Funicular to Monte San Salvatore or Monte Bré and perhaps hike down? Both Locarno and Lugano tend to be a bit on the "posh" side, so your expenses may be slightly higher there. There are Casinos in both towns, so that provides an idea. In Lugano you could also consider one of the trips down the lake. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Bend, Oregon, United States
9 posts
Thank you for your thoughts. I booked Hotel Alpenblick Mürren. We will be sure to pack a few layers just in case! Anyone have any thoughts as to the best way to get to Amsterdam from Interlaken area. How long would trains take? Would it just be cheaper and faster to fly? Out of which city? Also anyone have tips or advice on setting up renting Mt. Bikes while in Murren? Thanks, Michelle
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
If you want to fly to Amsterdam, Basel or Zurich will work. There is also a direct City Nightline train to Amsterdam via Basel. I've done it a few times; very comfortable. Splurge for the deluxe private sleeper and you get your own toilet/shower, table/chairs, cabinet to store your gear, and the beds are configured to watch scenery out the windows while horizontal. A daytime train will take about 9 hours. For schedules check-out the Swiss Rail site: http//rail.ch http//rail.de for the German rail site.