I am planning on traveling to Zurich/Lucerne the first week of April. I will be skiing in Davos on the weekend, but during the week will be staying near Zurich, as my husband is there on business. I would really appreciate some suggestions for good day trips within a 3 hour or so radius from the area for myself while my husband is working.

Hi gabrielle4cb,

There's really quite a lot to do there. It would help us if we knew the kinds of things you like doing -- walks, hikes, architecture, shopping, etc.

But anyway, here are my suggestions.

In Luzern, you don't have to go very far -- you can spend several days just exploring around the lake. You can take ferry rides to various villages around the lake, then walk between some of the villages; you can take an excursion up to the peaks of Rigi, Titlis, & Pilatus; you can explore the old town with its fountains, the walls, the old townhall; and of course you can see the Lion Monument.

Once you've explored Zurich, you should consider spending a day in Basel (an hour by train), which is a very charming city with an interesting old town, great shopping, and great chocolates. You should also consider going to Rapperswil on Lake Zurich, a very charming town with an old castle high on a hill and a nice old town.

Have fun!

s

More nearby possibilities:

1. Bern. A nice, quaint little city.
2. Schaffhausen and the nearby Rhein waterfall.
3. St. Gallen--the cathedral, textile museum and the abbey library.

Les

Are you staying in Zurich itself or nearby, or sompeplace close to Lucerne? Have you been to the eastern Switzerland area before? Do you prefer outdoor activities or things like museums or shopping? Will you have a car or will you be using a train?

These suggestions are great. Thanks so much! Sorry I didn't help you out with more info on my preferences. I love walks, small towns with lots of charm. I take lots of photographs: natural scenic beauty, architecture and local everyday-type scenes. I prefer outdoor activities, with an occasional museum thrown in (I was looking forward to the Kunsthaus in Zurich, but I understand most of it is closed).I always hope to find an outdoor farmers' market. I love to sit in a cafe and people-watch; and getting away from the tourist areas to mingle with locals and gain perspective on what their lives are like. Cicerone, I will be staying in Zug, in between Zurich and Luzern; taking the trains everywhere. The only location I've visited so far in Switzerland is Lugano. I've considered Eastern Switzerland, maybe Appenzell or Stein-am-Rhein. Any thoughts? Also, coffee-houses with atmosphere and good coffee? Thanks again!

Hi gabrielle4cb,

I know you haven't decided to go to Basel, but just in case you do --

Try the cafe at Schiesser in the old town -- very crowded with locals and hard to find a seat. It's a chocolate shop, so you HAVE to try a chocolate with your coffee. It's right on the Marktplatz in the old town.

I walked by an unusual coffeeshop in Basel, but I don't recall the name of it. It has huge floor-ceiling glass walls, and it's divided into smoking/non-smoking sections. I think the name is simple, like "coffee" or something like that. You might enjoy it.

s

I'd enjoy being in Zurich again just to visit the Sprungli/Lindt konditorei. But after days in smaller towns and villages and in those magnificient mountains, returning to Zurich seemed like a return to reality after being in fairy tale land for a couple of weeks. It's a nice city, but a CITY nonetheless. And for us the most special part of Switzerland consisted of the beautiful countryside and hiking the trails, taking the trams, funiculars, lifts, etc to see it. Have a wonderful trip!