NancySL

My husband and I are going to Switzerland in May. We are renting a car as we will be traveling through Germany and Austria too. Does anyone know the laws and /or requirements inorder to drive in Switzerland? Also, I am a bit befuddled, trying to decide which tour to take in Interlaken or Lucerne. Is it Jungfrau or Rigi or Pilates? Sorry,I didn't check the spelling of these..too befuddled!!

NancySL

bob_brown

My own preference is for the Jungfraujoch trip. It is expensive, however. The views from the top are fantastic, especially if you walk the groomed track out to the hikers'shelter on the flank of the adjoining mountgain known as the Mönch. The shelter itself is known as the Mönchsjochhütte - the shelter in the pass between the Jungfrau and the Mönch. Don't let the similarity of the term Hütte to hut fool you; this is a 3 level building bolted to the rocks that has sleeping space for 125 people plus the staff.

The other two that you name are worth excursions as well and all of them have their boosters.

The only caution is to check the weather because if the day is cloudy, going up is a waste of time because all you can see is fog.

I hope the weather has begun to warm in May for you. Early May can be quite cold at higher elevations.

In fact, the chill of the air might discourage any outside activity at the elevation of the Jungfraujoch.

That said, we were there one sunny day in early September. In the sun we were walking on snow and taking off all jackets and sweaters. There were actually people walking in shorts!!

Then we walked out from behind the ridge into the teeth of the wind. Brr.

adeben

If you drive on the main roads in Switzerland, you will need to have a vignette attached to your windscreen that allows you to do that. It costs about €40 per year, and it is only purchasable on an annual basis. If you are hiring the car in Switzerland, the vignette might come as part of the deal. Autobahns in Germany are free, but those in Austria also require a vignette, which is available there for shorter periods such as 10 days or 2 months.

MECindylou

In Interlaken, another great mountain excursion is the Schilthorn, reached via the gorgeous Lauterbrunnen Valley. The views as you ascend via cable car, stopping along the way in picturesque villages such as Gimmelwald and (car-free) Murren are stunning, and you have the most fabulous views of the Monch, Eiger, and Jungfrau. I can't compare it with the Jungfraujoch since I haven't done it, but some people think you get a more panoramic view from the Schilthorn. Another interesting spot near Interlaken to visit is the Trummelbachfallen (sp?) which is a thundering waterfall that cuts down through the rock of a mountain.

Mt. Pilatus is a nice excursion from Lucerne. The steep cog railway is interesting. The views of the lake are beautiful, but I think Schilthorn was much more spectacular. Rigi is near Lucerne, too, but I didn't visit that one.

ira

Hi N,

Ditto adeben.

You will also need an International Driving Permit for Austria.
www.aaasouth.com/travel_drivers.asp#idp

NancySL

Great suggestions. Got the International driving permit for Austria and will get the vignette on our way into both countries. I think the suggestion of Schilthorn is good, one that I had forgotten but at one time considered. This seems to be one that will give us a view of many of the others.
Thanks
NSL