8 nights Geneva to Zurich itinerary ideas
Jun 28th, 2015, 08:43 AM
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8 nights Geneva to Zurich itinerary ideas
Hi everyone. My wife and I are heading to Switzerland in October for 8 nights. We fly into Geneva and out of Zurich and want to see plenty in between. We want to do some of the amazing train trips to take in the scenery. We enjoy walking and so will do some easy hikes but nothing too strenuous. I am currently trying to work out where to stay each night and I am thinking something along the lines of:
1 night Geneva
1 night Montreux
1 night Zermatt
2 nights Lauterbrunnen or Wengen
2 nights Lucerne
1 night Zurich
If you have any thoughts on the itinerary, or can provide any help with the following, it would be very much appreciated:
Is it worth spending the first night in Geneva, or would two nights in Montreux be better?
Is Zermatt worthwhile for 1 night, or should we skip it and spend an extra night in the Jungfrau region?
I have looked at other forum posts for specific information about what to do in each place, but if you have any absolutely must-do day trips or train rides worth, please let me know.
1 night Geneva
1 night Montreux
1 night Zermatt
2 nights Lauterbrunnen or Wengen
2 nights Lucerne
1 night Zurich
If you have any thoughts on the itinerary, or can provide any help with the following, it would be very much appreciated:
Is it worth spending the first night in Geneva, or would two nights in Montreux be better?
Is Zermatt worthwhile for 1 night, or should we skip it and spend an extra night in the Jungfrau region?
I have looked at other forum posts for specific information about what to do in each place, but if you have any absolutely must-do day trips or train rides worth, please let me know.
Jun 28th, 2015, 08:59 AM
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Yes I would skip Zermatt and add a day to the Jungfrau Region where there are so so many varied things to see and do - Zermatt is neat but if going for the Matterhorn it always make be shrouded in fog or clouds - less is more IMO - it takes over an hour each way to get to Zermatt from the main rail line so coming from Montreux it would be about three hours - leaving you little time really to do much.
I'd also head straight away to Montreux or Vevey which many think is even more romantic than Montreux - less relocating saves a lot of time packing up unpacking, etc.
From Montreux take one of Switzerland's iconic scenic trains the Golden Pass to Interlaken.
and as you are traveling about every day even from bases the 8-consecutive-day Swiss Pass would be a great fit for you - covers trains, boats, city transit and free entry to 470+ Swiss museums - for lots of great info on Swiss trains and passes check www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
You can also easily go to Zurich Airport from Lucerne and save another day of relocating - take a boat ride on lovely Lake Lucerne one day - like to Mt Rigi, one of Switzerland's most famous outlook vistas - take boat to Vitznau and mountain train to Mt Rigi's summit (Swiss Passes 100% valid).
I'd also head straight away to Montreux or Vevey which many think is even more romantic than Montreux - less relocating saves a lot of time packing up unpacking, etc.
From Montreux take one of Switzerland's iconic scenic trains the Golden Pass to Interlaken.
and as you are traveling about every day even from bases the 8-consecutive-day Swiss Pass would be a great fit for you - covers trains, boats, city transit and free entry to 470+ Swiss museums - for lots of great info on Swiss trains and passes check www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
You can also easily go to Zurich Airport from Lucerne and save another day of relocating - take a boat ride on lovely Lake Lucerne one day - like to Mt Rigi, one of Switzerland's most famous outlook vistas - take boat to Vitznau and mountain train to Mt Rigi's summit (Swiss Passes 100% valid).
Jun 28th, 2015, 10:26 AM
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"Is Zermatt worthwhile for 1 night, or should we skip it and spend an extra night in the Jungfrau region?"
I can't comment on Zermatt -- I didn't make it there -- but I can say that I think you would be wise to add at least one night, if not two, to Lauterbrunnen or Wengen. To ensure that you see the Bernese Oberland, you need to plan for the possibility of bad weather -- and that means giving yourself extra time in the area. If you have extra time there (and that's hard for me to imagine!) or if the weather is bad, you can go to Bern or Thun or Brienz or....
"I have looked at other forum posts for specific information about what to do in each place"
A good guidebook would give you even better coverage of your options and is always, IME, a good investment.
Enjoy!
I can't comment on Zermatt -- I didn't make it there -- but I can say that I think you would be wise to add at least one night, if not two, to Lauterbrunnen or Wengen. To ensure that you see the Bernese Oberland, you need to plan for the possibility of bad weather -- and that means giving yourself extra time in the area. If you have extra time there (and that's hard for me to imagine!) or if the weather is bad, you can go to Bern or Thun or Brienz or....
"I have looked at other forum posts for specific information about what to do in each place"
A good guidebook would give you even better coverage of your options and is always, IME, a good investment.
Enjoy!
Jun 29th, 2015, 11:11 AM
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I agree with kja - the Jungfrau Region has easy day trips out of it to places like Bern if rain sets in - Zermatt there are few easy day trips - plus if you want to see the Matterhorn as your primary goal it may be hidden for days at times.
Jun 29th, 2015, 11:16 AM
#5
I'd add a day to Vevey/Montreux area because I love it there...
Rochers-de-Naye is a tram up the mountainside that is incredibly scenic if the weather is clear.
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/r...-montreux.html
Chateuu de Chillon is definitely worth touring.
http://www.chillon.ch/en/index.cfm
If you happen to be in Vevey on Tues or Sat morning, go to their open air street market (Fri on Montreux).
Rochers-de-Naye is a tram up the mountainside that is incredibly scenic if the weather is clear.
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/r...-montreux.html
Chateuu de Chillon is definitely worth touring.
http://www.chillon.ch/en/index.cfm
If you happen to be in Vevey on Tues or Sat morning, go to their open air street market (Fri on Montreux).
Jun 29th, 2015, 12:38 PM
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Thank all for your responses, they are very helpful! I am now thinking:
2 nights Montreux (or Vevey)
3 nights Lauterbrunnen (or Wengen - any preferences? Which one is easier to get to other places from if the weather is bad?)
3 nights Lucerne
My wife is concerned we may have trouble filling in 3 nights at the latter two places, but I'm assuming this won't be an issue if we are happy to jump on trains?
Many thanks again for your help!
2 nights Montreux (or Vevey)
3 nights Lauterbrunnen (or Wengen - any preferences? Which one is easier to get to other places from if the weather is bad?)
3 nights Lucerne
My wife is concerned we may have trouble filling in 3 nights at the latter two places, but I'm assuming this won't be an issue if we are happy to jump on trains?
Many thanks again for your help!
Jun 29th, 2015, 04:04 PM
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"Lauterbrunnen (or Wengen - any preferences? Which one is easier to get to other places from if the weather is bad?"
Lauterbrunnen would be easier, as you must go THROUGH Lauterbrunnen to get to or from Wengen.
"My wife is concerned we may have trouble filling in 3 nights at the latter two places [Lauterbrunnen / Wengen and Lucern}"
I can not imagine running out of things to do in these places, but then, it's YOUR trip, not mine. I think you need to consult a good guidebook or two.
Lauterbrunnen would be easier, as you must go THROUGH Lauterbrunnen to get to or from Wengen.
"My wife is concerned we may have trouble filling in 3 nights at the latter two places [Lauterbrunnen / Wengen and Lucern}"
I can not imagine running out of things to do in these places, but then, it's YOUR trip, not mine. I think you need to consult a good guidebook or two.
Jun 29th, 2015, 04:42 PM
#8
Let's go back to the Vevey idea, OK? Unlike Suze, I am not nearly as thrilled by it as she is. I think it is OK for a day and would even go for two BUT those "two" would totally depend on exactly WHAT you plan to do.
For example, Vevey and Montreux are very very different places although the lake is the same one. Are you planning to visit Chillon "castle" while in Montreux? Going up to Rochers de Naye? What are you going to do in or near Vevey?
The reason I am stressing all this (and, BTW, I have been to Zermatt several times and hoping the Matterhorn peak is not cloud-shrouded is just that: a hope so I would agree with the others, skip that.
You are going to have absolutely spectacular vistas up in the Berner Oberland; the time along the lake (Vevey and Montreux or one and not the other) might be a very good contrast for you. I would not go to the BO just to make daytrips OUT of it, either. Depending on your interests there may be plenty to keep you occupied for several days and nights.
For example, Vevey and Montreux are very very different places although the lake is the same one. Are you planning to visit Chillon "castle" while in Montreux? Going up to Rochers de Naye? What are you going to do in or near Vevey?
The reason I am stressing all this (and, BTW, I have been to Zermatt several times and hoping the Matterhorn peak is not cloud-shrouded is just that: a hope so I would agree with the others, skip that.
You are going to have absolutely spectacular vistas up in the Berner Oberland; the time along the lake (Vevey and Montreux or one and not the other) might be a very good contrast for you. I would not go to the BO just to make daytrips OUT of it, either. Depending on your interests there may be plenty to keep you occupied for several days and nights.
Jun 29th, 2015, 09:31 PM
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Hi CrashMan47,
I like your second itinerary quite a bit more than your first one -- I hate one- and two-night stays and think they're counter-productive.
Your two nights in Montreux/Vevey give you only one full day there. I would suggest that you spend your first half-day exploring Chillon and the lakeside (45 minute walk to Chillon from Montreux) and the second day exploring Vevey and the vineyards of the Lavaux (between Vevey and Lausanne). This area is spectacular in the fall!
For the Jungfrau region, I myself would prefer (and do!) to base in Wengen, which sits up on a ridge on the mountain. Your views are down into the valley and across to the other mountains. Yes, of course there's plenty to do -- walks and gondola rides and rides across the lake or even an excursion to Bern or to Thun if it's raining.
Many people also like Lauterbrunnen, which is a more convenient location (saves maybe 20 or 30 minutes of commuting time if you leave the Jungfrau region). I can't comment on it because I haven't ever strolled its streets. Every time I intend to get off the train and explore it, I am repelled by the high cliffs that overhang the village and the darkness they bring. So please be aware of that (if I had planned a stay in Lauterbrunnen and no one told me about the cliffs, I would have been very dismayed).
Have fun as you plan!
s
I like your second itinerary quite a bit more than your first one -- I hate one- and two-night stays and think they're counter-productive.
Your two nights in Montreux/Vevey give you only one full day there. I would suggest that you spend your first half-day exploring Chillon and the lakeside (45 minute walk to Chillon from Montreux) and the second day exploring Vevey and the vineyards of the Lavaux (between Vevey and Lausanne). This area is spectacular in the fall!
For the Jungfrau region, I myself would prefer (and do!) to base in Wengen, which sits up on a ridge on the mountain. Your views are down into the valley and across to the other mountains. Yes, of course there's plenty to do -- walks and gondola rides and rides across the lake or even an excursion to Bern or to Thun if it's raining.
Many people also like Lauterbrunnen, which is a more convenient location (saves maybe 20 or 30 minutes of commuting time if you leave the Jungfrau region). I can't comment on it because I haven't ever strolled its streets. Every time I intend to get off the train and explore it, I am repelled by the high cliffs that overhang the village and the darkness they bring. So please be aware of that (if I had planned a stay in Lauterbrunnen and no one told me about the cliffs, I would have been very dismayed).
Have fun as you plan!
s
Jun 30th, 2015, 06:45 AM
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3 nights Lauterbrunnen (or Wengen - any preferences? Which one is easier to get to other places from if the weather is bad?)>
wengen is about 20 minutes by train from Lauterbrunnen so they are about the same though Lauterbrunnen is closer to Interlaken. Most folks prefer Wengen and its solitude over a more busy Lauterbrunnen which is also in a deep gorge - Wengen is on top of the gorge and has much more expansive views.
I would suggest 4 days in the Jungfrau Region and two in Lucerne - so so much to do in the Jungfrau Region - Jungfraujoch train - Schilthorn - the famous Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg ridge walk and the Grindelwald amphitheatre and boat rides on Lake Brienz or Lake Thun with several neat stop on either.
wengen is about 20 minutes by train from Lauterbrunnen so they are about the same though Lauterbrunnen is closer to Interlaken. Most folks prefer Wengen and its solitude over a more busy Lauterbrunnen which is also in a deep gorge - Wengen is on top of the gorge and has much more expansive views.
I would suggest 4 days in the Jungfrau Region and two in Lucerne - so so much to do in the Jungfrau Region - Jungfraujoch train - Schilthorn - the famous Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg ridge walk and the Grindelwald amphitheatre and boat rides on Lake Brienz or Lake Thun with several neat stop on either.
Jun 30th, 2015, 10:21 AM
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I like Grindelwald the most but this is all subjective - Wengen is quiet and too quiet for some - younger folk especially will enjoy a more happening at night Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen where many young folk stay - an active nightlife - older people and families may well prefer the quiet of car-free Wengen.
