Beaktweets

Thanks to my husbands' job, we have the chance to spend a week in Zurich and a week in London next month. We are hoping to take a couple nights at the end of our week in Zurich to see a little (tiny!) bit more of Switzerland before we fly to London. We have received a variety of ideas but are having trouble deciding on what would be best. We mostly would like to experience the mountains and nature, more than another city. We've talked about Lucerne, but mostly are leaning towards a place more like Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, etc. I would love to know what you all would recommend for a quick two-night, one full day (and two partial days) trip with our two little ones. Thank you!

neckervd

All depends on your interests and on the season.
You may have a look at
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/home.html
http://www.swisstravelsystem.ch/en/
http://fahrplan.sbb.ch/bin/query.exe/en

simpsonc510

When I started to read your post I was going to immediately suggest Lucerne! But I see that you would like to go further from Zurich. You can probably take an evening trip to Lucerne, anyway, since it is only one hour from Zurich. Stroll the lakeside, have a meal, walk the old town area, etc.

You cannot go wrong with Lauterbrunnen or Wengen. I have no experience staying at either, but have spent time in that area. This is the ideal Swiss mountain postcard picture you are seeking. It takes more time to get there than, say, Interlaken. Do you have your transportation onward to London figured out? Don't forget to allow yourself time to get back to Zurich, if that is where you start the London trek.

Enjoy! Lucky you!

Beaktweets

Thank you! Reassuring to hear that. And yes, I've wondered about taking a day trip to Lucerne since we have ample time in Zurich.

And yes, we do feel lucky!!

Pepper_von_snoot

WWW.SBB.CH

It takes us about 3 hrs.to get from ZÜRICH HBH to Wengen.

I don't know if I would want to drag two kids to Lauterbrunnen (which is a tiny town) on such a long journey for only two night.

The big draw to this area is the Jungfrau.

If weather is bad, no use going up and very $$$$.

What do you want to visit this area for?

It is very beautiful in the summer for hiking.

Great for skiing in winter.

Luzern is a cute little city. You can visit Mt. Pilatus, take a cruise on Lake Luzern, visit Titlus.

Less than an hour from ZÜRICH by train.

I am no Zürich fan. It is a pleasant city, but boring.

It isn't exciting like London, Paris, Venice.

If your name is Kardashian and you love to shop at Prada, Gucci, Cartier you will LOVE very $$$$$$$$$$ Zürich.

Thin

nytraveler

How old are your little ones? Is hiking an option? Or would they be more likely to enjoy lake steamers, cable cars, mountain trams and Lucern's lion monument?

Beaktweets

nytraveler, my little ones are 4 & 2 so nothing too rigorous. trail walking is more realistic. But you are right that they might like all those other things more!

pepper_von_snoot, you make very good points. this is exactly why i have not been able to make a decision. the reason i was thinking about visiting this area is because i'd like that quintessential Swiss mountain experience. Would Mt. Pilatus in Lucerne accomplish this, you think? We were wondering too if it would feel too similar to Zurich after a week there. And yes, Zurich wouldn't be my first choice, but when work is paying, you just go

nytraveler

Zurich is a business city. Lucerne is a tourist mecca and Mt Pilatus and Rigi are nothing like Zurich.

You might prefer to head for the BO and the Jungfrau - but it's not something I would do with 2 such little kids - who might be uncomftable at the very high altitude.

Pepper_von_snoot

Luzern isn't like Zürich, really.

It is more relaxed, more touristy.

It has a Niagara Falls feel about it-- the kind of place honeymooners would visit.

Zürich is all about money and what you are wearing whilst eating chocolate torte at Sprungli or cocktails at Baur au Lac.

Zürichers open their coats in middle of January whilst walking down the famed Bahnhofstraß so everyone can see the Hermes or Gucci belt they are wearing.

I was once in Luzern with my parents back in 1986. I was 17. I can remember it being blazing hot at the end of September.

It could snow at Kleine Scheidegg in October.

There is guarantee that the weather will cooperate in October in the BO.

Good luck.

See you at Hiltl.

Thin

Pepper_von_snoot

NO guarantee.


This

simpsonc510

Hiltl. Yes. Great suggestion, Thin. Even if one doesn't adhere to a vegetarian lifestyle, Hiltl's menu will have many options. Everything sounds delicious. I've never had a bad meal there. To the OP, it's a favorite Zurich restaurant. Zurich also has good pizza. Santa Lucia in the old town is always good. The place gets very busy! If it's chilly outside, it's usually toasty warm inside the restaurant, what with their big pizza oven.

Beaktweets

Thank you all! I really, really appreciate your help. I think you might've convinced us that Luzern is the way to go, especially with your kids. Thanks again!