I have one more city to add to my itenerary for a trip this September. My husband and I are debating between Bern and Lucerne before ending our trip in Munich for Octoberfest. We're looking for hiking and/or any other type of access to a mountain w/a view. Also, any suggestions on hotels would be much appreciated, although I've read most of the previous posts on hotels in both these cities. Thanks!

Lucerne provides nearby Mt. Pilatus which I hiked for 3-4 hours* from ground elevation to a gondola stopping point (which was roughly 1/3 of the total elevation I believe). There were no trails where I was, but it was an impromptu hike and didn't know what to expect. I ended up taking the gondola back down due to inappropriate (not warm enough) gear. I'm sure there are trails somewhere on that mountain. Lucerne itself is a quaint, relaxing city with plenty of out of the way places to stay. <BR> <BR>*I did this some time ago... times are recalled as best to my memory, but I'll never forget the view! Not too familiar with Bern, so I can't compare. Good luck!

If you are interested in a city near the mountains, then Luzern wins easily over Bern. Bern is very beautiful, but I think Luzern will provide more of a contrast with Munich and give you more of a Swiss feeling. Make sure to take a boat ride on the lake. It is quite stunning, especially the far end of the lake. Of course, I am saying this without knowing the rest of your schedule. If you will have already spent much time in Switzerland, I would still choose Luzern but by a closer margin.

Good morning, Amiee <BR>Would take Luzern, it has much to offer <BR>over Ber;n, which can be a day trip out <BR>of Luzern.. Luzern has much to offer, <BR>the Swiss Trsnport Museum, the city <BR>and old city itself, Lake Lucerne and <BR>the boats which ply it. Short trips <BR>to the tops of Rigi, Pilatus and Titlis <BR>really top off the possibilities. From <BR>Luzern you are about an hour to Einsiedeln, two to Interlaken, one to Zurich...We have used the HOTEL WILDEN <BR>MANN in Luzern a number of times in <BR>past years and have been very satisified with it. <BR>Richard of LaGrange Park, Il..

I have been to both cities, and my choice is Luzern by a close margin. Luzern has the lake, which is gorgeous, several interesting museums as already described; and it close to some of the "short" mountains of Switzerland like Pilatus. <BR> <BR>If it is the big boys of the Swiss Alps that you are looking for, you need to go farther south to the villages and towns south of Interlaken, or go to Zermatt and/or Saas Fee for the highest peaks of them all in Switzerland. <BR> <BR>The Dom, at nearly 15,000 feet, dominates the village of Saas Fee. <BR>It towers nearly 9,000 feet seemingly straight up very close to the central part of the village. South of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, the main ridge of the Berner Oberland rises as an almost impassable wall of white, featuring such peaks as the Fensteraarhorn, the Jungfrau, and the Eiger with its awesome north face. <BR>

aimee hi! <BR>If I were a tourist which I am not really here in Switzerland, I would choose Lucerne as a base. There are direct train to Berne (1h20min.). You can still go for a day. <BR>Personally, I do prefer Berne. Better museums, better shops for *my* personal taste. And after all, it's our capital. LOL <BR>If you want to check out about Lucerne, go to www.luzern.org <BR>Please do a search here, there are some posts about nice hotels in Lucerne. <BR>Enjoy and come back, if you need further info about places to stay. September is likely to be crowded. Don't wait too long for hotel reservation. <BR> <BR>Oh, before I forget: Until September 15, the yearly world-famous Lucerne Festival is on. You will find it extremely difficult to find rooms at that moment. <BR>www.lucernefestival.ch <BR> <BR>Good luck!