Where to go in Switzerland... Lucerne or Zermatt??

Given your choice between Lucerne or Zermatt, then Zermatt! You won't forget the first time you see the Matterhorn!

I wouldn't do either. Instead head to the Berner Oberland: Lautrubrunnen/Wengen/Murren/Gimmelwald. The Zermatt is difficult to reach and hiking opportunities are limited. The OB is better connected by train, has just as stunning mountain tops, and better variety of activities-including hiking. Luzern is nice but it will only hold your interest for a day, and its more of a city experience. Get a copy of Rick's Switzerland guidebook for more complete descriptions.

Hi Liz,

If these are your 2 choices, then another "vote" for Zermatt!! If it's a nice day, take the Gornergrat cog railway. Spectacular scenery and you can leisurely walk part of the way down with great views of the Matterhorn, galciers, etc. to an intermittent station to catch the train back to Zermatt.

Paul

I agree totally with Michael. I've been to all 3 places and if I had to choose just one it would be Muerren perched on the edge of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Is your Eurail pass good for Switzerland or are you just passing through? If it's not valid for Switzerland, you'll pay full fare. Even if it is valid for Switzerland, it will only get your a 25% discount on anything beyond Interlaken into the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Zermatt is wonderful and scenic if you can get there in the morning. The clouds can build up later in the morning. Muerren is one of the most scenic places you'll ever see.

I vote Zermatt, I have been to Lucern, but it is not hiking heaven to me, whereas Zermatt is so darn cute you won't stop pinching yourself, and there are wonderful hikes everywhere, well marked too. Just remember is the sign says it will take 1 1/2 hrs, it will take you 2 hrs.. LOL My dad says they measure those walking times with 70 yr old Swiss mountian grandmas and we are all wimps compared to them.
DO hike to the hut at the base of the Matterhorne, I did and I am still very proud of it. I did it in my mid thirties and found it a steep and tiring but very doable hike,( took me 1 hour and 38 minutes, dad times these sorts of things, LOL ) of course we saw a white haired old lady on her way DOWN as we were still going up, and we had left at crack of dawn. Darn those Swiss mountain grannys,, LOL

I have only been to Lucerne. It was nice and pretty - but not spectacular. We were there on a Sunday and almost every single store was closed.

Hi, most of the people are suggesting Zermatt which I really liked, but if you do go to Luzern I have a suggestion. Go up Mount Pilatus. Ride the boat to Alpnachstad. Ride the cogwheel railroad up to the top. We spent several hours hiking trails along the peak. There is a nearby peak that I have been told is also a very nice hike and other options. There are nice views everywhere. You can even have a nice lunch at one of the resturants. When you are done you can ride the cable car down to Kriens and ride the bus back into town. Make sure to check the time for the last cable car. We had a great time there.

Thank you so much to all who replied!! I really appreciate it. And due to the overwhelming response for Zermatt, and since it is easier to reach on our route than the Gimmewald area as some suggested, we are going with Zermatt! Really excited, and thanks again!

-liz

I agree with the other posters... Lucerne was nice but not enough for me go visit again.