kelsey22

I am planning the next adventure which will be in March. My son will be in Zurich so i thought that I would visit. I havent done much research yet. I would like to spend 2 days with the kids and then venture off solo. I have a friend in Berlin (but I have been there). I would be carless too. I want to focus on architecture and culture so no ski/ hiking in this trip. Any ideas or suggestions? I figure the Zurich days will be the chance for the kids to be tour guides.

mokka4

Landesmuseum
90 minute cruise on Lake Zurich (I'd get off and visit the cute town of Rapperswil and train back).
Of course, both cathedrals.
Cafe Felix for brunch.
Take a short ride up to
"Mount" Uetliberg for gentle walks in nature up above the city.
You can click on my name to read what I did on 2 short visits to Zurich!

kelsey22

Thanks ! That sounds great!

kja

In addition to the sites that mokka4 has already mentioned, Zurich’s Kunsthaus is, IMO, well worth visiting. If you have an interest in art, you might also consider venturing to Winterthur – just a ½ hour or so away – with its 4 or 5 different small art museums, a few of which are quite impressive.

thursdaysd

I also enjoyed visiting the library in St. Gallen.

https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...ecting-zurich/

kelsey22

@Thursdaysd I love visiting libraries. Thanks for that link. I will definitely put that on my list.

kja

In that case, consider visiting the library of the University of Zurich!

PalenQ

Einselden is a famous pilgrimage mecca - historic church and buildings - a sort of great architecture:

https://www.google.com/search?q=eins...w=1920&bih=974

short train ride away

For other places after - Berlin is a longish train ride - maybe fly or break up journey in Munich - Italy is not far by train about 4 hrs to Milan or 6-7 to Venice - for lots of rail info and where to go: www.ricksteves.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.seat61.com.

kja

P.S. It's nothing like the library of St. Gallen (which is part of what justified inclusion of that abbey on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites), but the University of Zurich library is interesting, IMO -- designed to allow lots of open space and light, but to ensure that every desk space is private.

PalenQ

I would like to spend 2 days with the kids and then venture off solo>

kid? You want to do things with him during the day or not - if so I'd let him show you around Zurich - or will you be by yourself those two days in the day?

kelsey22

I am anticipating that they will be working which means I will be a tourist solo.

PalenQ

Lucerne is only a short train trip -some nice Belle Epoque architecture in old hotels along lake front and a very pleasant town on a gorgeous lake.

twk

I'd say that a daytrip to Bern would be in order. The arcaded streets of the old town are interesting. You can see the Einstein House, and the Zytglogge that inspired Einstein's theory of relativity (while riding a bus, facing backwards and looking at the clock, it occured to Einstein--then a clerk at the patent off--that if he were traveling at the speed of light, the clock hands would not appear to move).

twk

Another easy daytrip is Lucerne, which offers a number of sites, including the Transport Museum (Verkehrshaus).

kelsey22

Lucerne sounds nice. Have any of you stayed there?

kja

Yes. Lucerne is gorgeous. It can get very, very crowded during high season.

If I may, I would urge you to get a good guidebook. In comparison to the cost of your trip, the cost of a guidebook will be nugatory, and you will have a wealth of information at your fingertips. For that matter, you can consult one at a local library or book store....

kelsey22

Thanks Kja - of course a guidebook is a must (any traveller knows that). My question was directed to Fodorites who might have had unique experiences . I got some lovely suggestions to work with amd research further. Thanks for your input. I have put Lucerne at the top of my list.

kja

Lucerne is famous for its bridges, swans, churches, Lion's Monument, remaining sections of its city wall, the lake (with options for lovely boat rides), and other things. If you have any interest in Picasso or Klee, the Rosengart Collection is a treasure:
http://www.rosengart.ch/en/welcome

I found the Michelin Green Guide and Rough Guide the most useful of the half-dozen or so that I used when planning my time in Switzerland.

kelsey22

@kja - the Rosengart looks like a real gem. I glanced through their site and I saw that their is a Chagall as well. I was never a huge fan until I went to the Chagall museum in Nice. I appreciate your input. I have not yet been on the present trip and sooo ready for March!

kja

Yes, the Rosengart is NOT just Picasso or Klee, although they each are covered extensively (and IMO, very well) there. There are definitely a few worthy pieces by others!

I take it, then, that you are interested in art? If so, I would again encourage you to consider spending a day in Winterthur while your son+ are busy. You might consider the Sammlung Oskar Reinhart, Villa Flora, Kunstmuseum, and/or Oskar-Reinhart Foundation Museum (which is separate from the Sammlung OR).

And of course, as I mentioned upthread, Zurich itself has a worthy Kunsthaus, and its Landesmuseum includes any number of pieces that are works of art.