Considering all things equal.....If you had to pick one, which would you pick? Why?

Thx

The mountains are different. The Berner Oberland mountains are higher, steeper and more covered with snow - thus making excellent scenery. Berner Oberland is excellent for a scenic trip with the railroad up to several vista points.

The Dolomites are quite different in character - more rugged, more rocky. Also very scenic, but in a different way. IMO, the Dolomites are better for extended hiking.

If you have just a few days time and you want to catch a spectacular impression of Alpine Scenery, fly into Zürich, ride to the Berner Oberland, spend two or three days there and ride up into the mountains.

If you want to spend a week or longer in the mountains, either hiking in summer or skiing in winter, and if you want mild climate, a lot of sunshine and a bit of south European feeling, the Dolomites would be the choice.

I have been to both and I would probably pick the Berner Oberland because I think peak to peak the scenery is a bit more spectacular.

I don't necessarily think it is "better" but rather somewhat more dramatic. I could easily spend a long time in the Dolomites...tough choice IMO and a lot, obviously, depends on your sensibilities.

I suppose it won't be ;long before the usual suspects who aren't real big on 'rationale" will show up with their "hands down" comments...

I'm not an expert on either but have visited both several times. I'm a very big fan of hiking in these areas as well as touring and sight seeing. I've very much enjoyed my time in the BO--wonderful lifts and hikes and grand panoramas. That being said, I'm not likely to return--its very expensive and I feel as if "I've been there, done that"
The Dolomites however have a feeling of never seeing it all--more to see and places to explore. I know that is likely true with the BO, but I really enjoy the fusion of the Tyrol-italian and austrian cuisine. And the scenery is every bit as spectacular as the BO--even more so in my opinion. I always look forward to a return and new hiking challenges. My vote is with the Dolomites. Mind you, hiking takes time and cannot be done easily in a quick visit.

Let me answer a bit differently!
I would pick the one that fits in my overall itinerary. I also would skip any CH destination if budget is a factor--just more expensive.

HaHa...

Bob, the premise was all things equal!

I do appreciate your budget concerns.

When it comes to travel, I don't worry about money! (believe me..not because we have alot!) My wife and I are married with no kids! When it comes to travel, that's where my wife and I like to "blow" the little money we have! We usually travel for 3 weeks a year and incorporate a couple of splurge hotels along with many inexpensive hotels. The splurge hotels are usually positioned to handle a break in the hiking, driving, new day/new city kind of activity.

Based on the above answers, I believe I can be comfortable going to the Dolomites.

I've been to BO (Hotel Belvedere..kind of a splurge) and absolutely love it. Last year went to Zermatt (Riffelalp Resort..another kind of splurge) and "liked" it.

This year I want to see something different but feared the "I should've gone back to BO!" thing.

Some of the comments above about the wonderful hiking in the Dolomites, the scenery every bit as spectacular as BO, the milder climate, scenery somewhat more dramatic than BO has eased my always processing mind. So I will definitely be heading to the Dolomites, not going to BO!! I'm sure based on your comments I will love it!

My trip so far: Prague 3 nts; Vienna 2 pick up car; Cesky Krumlov 1 nt; Hallstatt 1 maybe 2; something between Hallstatt and Dolomites 2-3 nts; Dolomites 3 nts; drive to Zurich for flight home (might change flight out of Munich as per bobthenavigator's wonderful suggestion)

Thanks for playing along!!


I appreciate the input so far.

Phil - I'm sure you won't be disappointed with the Dolomites

3 nights isn't enough, though ...

Steve

P.S. Hey Dukey - I hope I'm not one of the usual suspects

Steve

Wow!! That's great to hear!

Right now I have 1 night planned in Hallstatt. I was thinking of 1 night in Berchtesgaden, before heading to the Dolomites. Wondering if I should skip Berch and head directly for the Dolomites.

Maybe I will just go without reservations and be able to hop around based on local recommendations and weather.

Of course, I always stand the chance of getting shut out from the nicer hotels.

Decisions....Decisions haha

we spent three nights in cortina in september - hotel europa- and loved it. lots to see/do/hike, there is a gorgeous lake not too far away that is as blue as anything I've ever seen with a lovely walking trail around it as well; if you have an evening for dinner in cortina, i highly recommend De Beppe Sello. You'll find that the cuisine in the dolomites is far more german than what often think of as 'italian'. We also drove the great dolomite road from cortina to bolzano. bolzano is a bit of a sleeper but Utzi is worth a stop and the town of Merano a few KM up the road is excellent - again, hiking among their gardens and flower paths, gorgeous casino and opera house and plenty of little brauhaus type eating places with communal tables and german food to die for!

Thank you cmeyer!!! Definitely wetting my apetite!!!

I am now sold on the Dolomites!

Hotel Adler Spa has only two short term stay options. Check in Sunday for 3 nights or check in Thursday for 4 nights??!!

Is it me, or is this kind of weird?

"I also would skip any CH destination if budget is a factor--just more expensive." as per Bob

... and it is getting more expensive by the minute! I go to Switzerland twice a year (business/pleasure) and I watch the dollar to franc exchange. I've seen it go from 1.82 to 1.077 in a matter of about 24 hours!! UGH

Is it just me or does 1.82 to 1.07 seem a bit steep?