My husband and I will be spending a week in Rome, then travelling by train to Venice for two nights. On October 20, we would like to continue by train from Venice through Switzerland spending two nights in Switzerland and then on by train to Paris. What is the best route to take through Switzerland by train given our time frame? Where would you recommend we stop in Switzerland for two nights given the time of year we are going. Thank you.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Most train routes to Switzerland will take you back to Milan and then North into Switzerland. It will take you 5.0hrs just to get across the Swiss border. Where you want to go in Switzerland is an open question. Many, many travelers head for the Berner Oberland. However, you are going to Paris after two days. Bern and Lausanne are great places to stay with shorter trips to Paris. The train journey from the B.O. to Paris takes 6.5-7.5hrs with several train changes. From Bern, it could be 4.5hrs on the French TGV with no train changes. The B.O. is outstandingly beautiful but it's your choice.
Posted by
OP
Wading River, NY, USA
2 posts
Thank you for your reply to my question. I will take your suggestion to stay in Bern for two nights. If would love to spend time in Berner Oberland so perhaps I will take the train - about a 1 hour trip from Bern to Interlaken for the day.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Before you decide to stay in the Berner Oberland, you may want to research what is open at that time of year. Late October may be on the cusp of the shoulder season (I could be wrong about this), at which time the tourist industry virtually shuts down in the mountains. However, Interlaken stays open for business. During the shoulder seasons, destinations like Flims, Davos or St. Moritz are probably better options, as these stay open the entire year.