We are going on a 15 day self-drive visit to
Germany/Austria/Switzerland in September. Flying into Frankfurt and spending 4 nights in Creglingen, Bavaria w/ visits to Bamberg, Wuzburg and Rothenburg. Then plan to stay 4 nights south of Salisburg with day trips to Salisburg, Hallstatt and general sightseeing. From here, we are in quandary! Want to "see" Matterhorn but don't care to spend a lot of time in Zermott area-too touristy for us. We have five nights left to spend in Western Switzerland before flying out of Zurich.... so much to see. Any suggestions for a "home base" that would get us to Matterhorn for day trip and other good sightseeing spots?
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3287 posts
On a daytripnto Zermatt you may or may not "see" the Matterhorn. Even if the sky is clear when you depart your base to drive/train there, the Matterhorn could be shrouded in clouds when you get there. Just so you know. What kind of place are you looking for as a base for Western Switzerland, if Zermatt is too touristy? A lakeside town, a commercial hub, an old medieval town off the tourist path, a remote mountain village? Based on you interest, I would suggest Vevey, Martigny, Sion, and Crans Montana whichnare in the same order ( lake, hub, medieval, mountain village). Martigny, Sion and Vevey are all in or near the wine-growing region and there are lots of vineyards. You should check driving directions to Zurich from wherever you choose, as some of them may involve the tunnels that cut through the mountains. Or you could go via Lac Leman and Bern to avoid that.
Posted by
OP
Avon Park, FL, United States
33 posts
Thanks for your reply, Sasha. We like being somewhat off the heavily traveled paths. We will check these locations out. Thanks for the tip on drive back to Zurich. We have location to stay about one hour from airport that we have stayed before so it is a concern that don't get too far away.
Thanks!
Posted by
Oakville, Ontario
41 posts
Hi Gary We are doing a similar trip and have added three nights in Murren with planned to trip to go up the Jungfrau. Have never been before but all accounts...it sounds like it is worth the time.
Cathy
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3287 posts
Mürren is beautiful but they specifically said Western Switzerland, and Mürren is not there. Besides, it is pretty touristy, in the sense that the village consists pretty much of hotels and tourist accommodations.
Posted by
OP
Avon Park, FL, United States
33 posts
Thanks Sasha,
The tip about travel to Zurich Airport has been very helpful. Also finding Western Switzerland to be much more expensive than other parts and particularly Austria!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
But you'll find the tiny hamlet of Mürren will have some places to stay that are very reasonable in price...like the Chalet Fontana. Hope you don't have a car in Switzerland because you don't need it as the Swiss Transport System is wonderful. Mürren is car-free which is one reason that it's so wonderful.