We are an Australian couple in our sixties planning to visit Switzerland (as part of a European trip) in April/May next year. We previously had a wonderful 5-day stay in Lauterbrunnen and would like to repeat such an experience in a similar place. We are interested in scenic day trips from a base for 5 or 6 days.

Can anyone please make suggestions re locations and possible accommodation.

I think April is early for the Alps. Often hotels are shut and many of the cable lifts are not operating until later.

I think a visit to Zinal and Grimentz on the south side of the Rhone Vally would be good, but not for 5 days. If you had a car, you could go to Zinal first and then visit Kandersteg on the other side of the mountains. You can get there by taking the tunnel and the train ferry.

The other alternative would be to look for a suitable accommodation around St. Moritz and the Engadine. That would give you a different perspective totally.

Hi novir,

I have two suggestions to add to the one above --

The Lake Geneva area is spectacular in April and May. This is a warmer area of the country, and the lakeside promenade is fairly bursting with flowers. You should have plenty of good weather for walks along the lake and some bike trips. Of course, this is not an Alpine area, and it feels and looks more like the French Riviera than it does an Alpine village.

The Gstaad area between Montreux and Interlaken will also be great at this time. Gstaad is a real Alpine area though it lies at a lower altitude; in fact, the fields are usually blanketed with wildflowers at that time. You can ascend some mountains nearby, too, as well as the Glacier 3000.

Here are links to my "reviews" (w/photos) of these areas:

Montreux old town
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Lavaux
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Promenade Fleuri
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Morges
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...rges_Vaud.html

Gruyeres
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Fribourg.html

Saanen
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Gstaad
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Good luck with your planning!

s

Thanks for the photos and comments, will book mark for another time.
Schnauzer

Many thanks for all your comments. We appreciate your input and it has given us lots of avenues to explore enabling us to better plan our trip.
novir