@ swandav: As always, you are the one being too kind -- my remark was impulsive and ill considered (if honest, but based on limited exposure). I must admit that I am passionate about travel, and sometimes think it not unreasonable to be non-objective in conveying preferences -- just one of my quirks.

I would like to think that this discussion will prove useful to others, as it helps clarify the different experiences that led us to such different -- and obviously strongly felt -- opinions. As always, JMO. And as always, kudos for serving so faithfully as a source of incredibly valuable information on Switzerland.

Geneva also has its pluses - an old town area and sightseeing boats along the shores to spot villas of rich and famous now and departed. Also Peace Fountain and U.N./Red Cross installations.

kja and swandav are both great IME - we have disagreements yes on subjective things of course but both are so knowledgeable about Switzerland.

I propose that Pal is the most picked on poster to this forum but god love him, he keeps coming back and takes his lumps in stride.

Therefore in honor of him, may I suggest another thought? Pal did an excellent writeup of the Swiss Postal Bus system a few years ago. I had spent a day previously riding through the 3 pass route and plan to do another "day on the bus" during an upcoming trip in September starting in Andermatt. Very easy way to see beautiful Switzerland and the bus hooks up nicely with the train system. Probably not for everyone, but I enjoyed it very much. Don't forget to make a reservation.

thanks huggy - in the Lausanne area you can take some postal buses too to mountainous areas but not as awesome as in the Jungfrau-Andermatt area and its rugged three passes.

In Lausanne itself don't miss the Olympics Museum if into that- home of the IOC I believe.

@ PalenQ: Thank you! ... but I don't have the knowledge that swandav or others have about Switzerland. And I'm sure that countless people have benefitted from your many posts and your willingness to so generously share your knowledge and expertise.

There are of course Post buses in Western Switzerland too.
The lines from Sion to Evolene - Arolla and from Sierre to Grimentz, St-Luc or Zinal are particularly scenic.
Sion - Crans s/Sierre - Sierre - Varen - Leuk - Leukerbad - Albinen - Leuk railway station - train - Gampel-Steg - Post bus Loetschental - Fafleralp (a full day)is nice too.
For longer routes, you may check Saas Fee - Visp - Brig - Simplon Pass - Domodossola - scenic Centovalli railway - Locarno - Lake Maggiore boat - Luino - Post bus - Ponte Tresa - Malcantone - Cademario - Lugano - Menaggio - Chiavenna - Maloja Pass - Silvaplana - Julier Pass - Tiefencastel - Lenzerheide - Davos - Fuela Pass - Susch - Zernez - Ofen Pass - Sta Maria - Stelvio Pass - Tirano - Menaggio - Lugano (4-5 days).

OP can also go via Geneva to Chamonix and see the awesome high Alps from that sweet place.

Yes, it's possible, although the itinerary via Martigny is much more scenic.

Yes the Martigny - Chamonix mountain railway is one of the most scenic in Europe but a long day trip I guess but awesome baby!

Lausanne - Martigny - Chamonix: 2 hrs 20 min journey, trains every hr
Lausanne - Geneva - bus Chamonix: about 2 1/4 hrs journey, irregular departure times

Well that would be a heck of a sweet day trip - seeing the awesome Alps at Chamonix where glaciers tumble down nearly to the train line - awesomely scenic train Martigny to Chamonix -maybe return via Geneva for variety.