We are spending the night in Basel and will have one day to explore the Alps/do some hiking. Any suggestions or preferences? We would like to take a ride up the mountain/meander through a quaint town/hike a little/do some shopping.....
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
As a day trip from Basel, Luzern, with an excursion up nearby Mount Pilatus on a rack railway, would make more sense. But day trips to the Alps in general can be fraught with problems, unless you're staying in a valley immediately below. Alpine weather is very finicky. That one day you reserved for the Alps might fall during a period of low cloud cover or heavy rain. If possible, I would recommend budgeting more time so you have some flexibility to adjust to bad weather.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
However; if you get tough weather; then there are vthings to see in Lucerne itself that dont ned good weather- including the covered bridge; lion monument; interesting town streets and squares. So lucerne would give you the options- good or bad weather
Posted by
Orlando
166 posts
Only one day! Using the train for your day trip? If so, attempting the Lauterbrunnen valley for a day trip is ambitious. It is absolutely breath taking, especially Wengen. However, you will spend most of your time traveling and not have a chance to hike much. You may want to add in more time. If that is not an option, then I would probably try Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus.