edstokes

I will be flying into Zurich on June 22 and out of Geneva on June 29th. We want to see mountains, countryside, lakes, castles, etc. Possibly a mountain hike for part of day. We will be renting a car so that we will be in control of when we stop. Definitely want to do Mt. Pilatus, and possibly Jungfrau and maybe Zermatt for the Matterhorn. Need advice on time to travel...where to base out of....how long it will take to do the Mt. Pilatus trip up and back, how long to drive between destinations, etc. I was thinking of staying the night in Zurich on the first night, and Geneva on the last night. Other than that.. 2 nights to base in Lucerne? 2 nights in Interlaken? Please, please, please....anybody that has been or is familiar, can you advise? AND, if you have any other suggestions on what to see and where to go?
Again, would like to:
1) Do Mt. Pilatus round trip
2) hike an Alpine Meadow (2-4 hours?)
3) see the Matterhorn
4) Jungfrau?

Thanks to any and all that respond!!!

nytraveler

I would not stay in either Zurich (you can get to Lucerne in only an hour vis train from the station under the airport) or Geneva unless you want to sight see there. Also - you are spreading yourself quite thin.

These mountains are so high that the tops are often in the clouds and you simply can;t ascent any day you want - it may take 2 or 3 days before the top is clear - no matter how sunny in the valleys. I would focus on 2 mountains at most - Pilatus and Jungfrau - since they are closest to Lucern and Interlaken. Matterhorn is an outlier and getting to all 3 will be difficult and likely not possible due to weather conditions.

I think you need to focus more and think about how you will see the other things you want - given the length of time it takes to get up and down a mountain as well as see the sights on top and on the way up. (You need to allow at least 5 hours to see either one of them - so most of a day.)

Dukey1

Zermatt? And if you get all the way up there and that peak is shrouded in clouds?

Forget that; with the time you have available I'd spend at least part of it in the Berner Oberland since the stunning views there are more numerous than the ones above Zermatt and less affected by shrouding clouds.

And that automobile idea of yours? Sorry, but if you plan it right you can have just as much control over when you stop as you will on a train and you won't get above Grindelwald with a car, either. But whatever.

PalenQ

If going to those Alpine places yes ditch the car as they, cars, cnnot penetrate Alpine resorts - only say drive to Tasch and pay a lot to park and then have to take the shuttle train or walk into Zermatt - no cars allowed in it or above it.

Ditto for of course Mt Pilatus - nice trip by boat to Alpnachstand then a thrilling train to the summit

Ditto for the Jungfrau Region.

For lots on Swiss trains and Swiss Passes which if moving around everyday could be a boon - check www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Other parts of Switzerland cars are great but in Alpine area coast a lot to park them once you get there.

Pretty ambitious plan but hey go for it - you'll be riding lots of trains that go faster than cars too.

PalenQ

Really for all that travel trains are the best - especially once you get there - an 8-consecutive-day Swiss Pass may be the ticket to ride!

bilboburgler

As others say, ditch the car, and ditch Zurich.

When you say "do" what does that mean to you. Are you climbing it, taking the train up it, looking at it, what?

PalenQ

2) hike an Alpine Meadow (2-4 hours?)>

The Grindelwald area is fabulous for this which many choices.

Pepper_von_snoot

My favourite hotel in Zürich is the Baur au Lac.

If on a budget: Pension St. Josef.

Luzern: Hotel Montana above the lake. There is a funicular so you don't have to walk up.

If money were no object: The Palace.

For Interlaken: Hotel Victoria.

For Wengen: Hotel Schonegg.

If you want to see meadows in the BO, walk from Mannlichen to Wengen via Kleine Scheidegg and Wengernalp.

You can also walk through the flower garden at the Schynige Platte. Take the choo-choo train up from Wilderswil.


Thin

PalenQ

You can also walk through the flower garden at the Schynige Platte. Take the choo-choo train up from Wilderswil.>

And also see Teddy Bears on your walk thru the Alpine Garden!

PalenQ

Alpine Gardens at Schynie Platte - outstanding!

https://www.google.com/search?q=Alpi...=1600&bih=1075