I am planning a trip in August, beginning in Venice for a few days, then with 3 or 4 nights unplanned to travel up to Zurich, where we will also spend a few nights with friends. I have Venice & Zurich figured out, but am looking for recommendations on a route between the two. I read on another post that we should look at stopping at Brescia on our way to Switzerland. Any other recommendations for those few days between Venice & Zurich? We will be travelling by train and are open to staying in more rural areas and like the idea of hiking one day.
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Seattle, WA
17442 posts
If you stop overnight in Brescia, you could head from there to Tirano (via Bergamo and Lecco on local trains) and pick up the scenic Bernina Express into the Engadine area for your hiking. Spend two nights at Pontresina or Samedan, or one of the smaller villages along the route. Or, for a real rural experience, stay at the mountain inn Gasthaus Spinas at Alp Spinas in Val Bever:
http://www.spinasbever.ch/index.htm
This is only a few minutes by train (20 or so) from Samedan. (You push a button to make the train stop for you). Here is what the "My Switzerland" website says:
"The 'Spinas Gasthaus' has its very own railway station!
Spinas can be reached from Bever by train, by carriage, by foot in 55 minutes, or by bicycle in around 30 minutes. In winter, accessible also via the winter hiking trail and the cross-country ski trail."
It is re-opening this summer (18 June) after being closed for renovations.
I've been wanting to get to this place for years, but it's always too far off our path. It's right along yours if you take the Bernina Express route.
From this area you continue to Zurich via Chur.