Hello! I am leaving for Switzerland on the 24th of August, flying into Zurich and plan on making my way to the mountains to hike and stay in hostels/huts. I will be in that area for about a week before moving on to Geneva around September 1st or 2nd. What are some things I must do/see/hike while I am in that region? And good hostel recommendations?? (I am a 22 year old female going on an adventure, to give you some context)! Thank you!
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
501 posts
Spend at least 2 days in Lucerne and 3 in Murren area.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Zürich has one of the most active nightlife scenes if you like the whole electronic music/club scene. And by that I mean an active scene with many up and coming DJs, ventures full of young people and not a typical "fiesta for tourists", since there are not many of them in Zürich. Zürich is anything but boring, as long as you are willing to put up with prices a tad above those of New York for similar venues/activities/concerts and don't have grudges against strict-ish dress codes and bouncers.
Posted by
Atlanta
97 posts
As a 22 year old looking for adventure, you may find Zurich boring. It is a nice city, but don't spend more than one night there, I would even consider skipping it. It you want to see a city, head to Luzern instead, spend one or two nights there. Then go to Berner Oberland area to enjoy the Alps. The Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald is probably exactly what you are looking for. The hiking in that area is outstanding, but beware that the lifts and mountain trains are expensive if you are on a budget. When it is time to go to Geneva, you can catch the train in that direction from Interlaken Ost station. Get a Rick Steves Switzerland book, it has plenty of good advice.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
If you're going to Switzerland to see the snowy mountain peaks and fields of wildflowers then by all means skip Zurich. Jump on the train immediately and head toward Interlaken. Change trains at Interlaken Ost and head for the Lauterbrunnen Valley. You won't believe your eyes. Choose to stay up in the alpine villages on either side of the Lauterbrunnen Valley (Mürren, Gimmelwald, Wengen). This is what you've come to Switzerland to see.
Posted by
New Salem, Massachuse, USA
11 posts
I agree with Tim from Knoxville. Get to the Lauterbrunnen Valley asap. Interlaken has a new Hostel near Int. Ost and a Backpacker Hotel within walking distance. From there you can get the train to Lauter. and then the cable car up to Gimmelwald (at age 73 I hiked from Gimm. to Murren) Spectacular sights. Also train up to Wengen and cable car to the Mannlichen. Took the train to Kleine Scheidegg a few wks ago for amazing photos of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Luzern is ok if you want to take the time to get up to Mt. Pilatus.