December trip to Germany & Switzerland - Ingo are you out there?
Sep 26th, 2014, 02:22 PM
#21
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While I love Locarno/Ascona in warmer weather, it does nothing for me in winter. Don't know why.
I found Lugano itself to be very busy and noisy, quite typical for "Italianita". The villages in the outskirts are lovely, though. Think Gandria, even Castagnola and higher up in Paradiso, not to mention places like Morcote, Carona e.g.
I found Lugano itself to be very busy and noisy, quite typical for "Italianita". The villages in the outskirts are lovely, though. Think Gandria, even Castagnola and higher up in Paradiso, not to mention places like Morcote, Carona e.g.
Sep 26th, 2014, 09:56 PM
#22
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"I don't want to go to a destination and have to hide out during the day and only enjoy the place in the mornings & evenings!"
Well, that's a radical interpretation of what I posted. We never felt like we had to "hide"-- not for one minute. You know, there is more to Lugano than the busy lakefront. There are plenty of quiet, charming neighborhoods to explore in the city -- Castagnola is a very easy walk from the heart of Lugano. And yes, you can actually do that in the middle of the day.
Well, that's a radical interpretation of what I posted. We never felt like we had to "hide"-- not for one minute. You know, there is more to Lugano than the busy lakefront. There are plenty of quiet, charming neighborhoods to explore in the city -- Castagnola is a very easy walk from the heart of Lugano. And yes, you can actually do that in the middle of the day.
Sep 26th, 2014, 10:46 PM
#23
Researching your suggestions near Gstaad - I'm finding some available apartments, so perhaps all is not lost.
I'm having trouble with the locations though - is Blankenburg a reasonable distance from Gstaad via train? Is Gruyeres a viable option for exploring the area w/o too much travel time?
How about Moleson or Saanenmoser?
I'm beginning to go cross-eyed, I've been looking for apartments all day.
I'm having trouble with the locations though - is Blankenburg a reasonable distance from Gstaad via train? Is Gruyeres a viable option for exploring the area w/o too much travel time?
How about Moleson or Saanenmoser?
I'm beginning to go cross-eyed, I've been looking for apartments all day.
Sep 26th, 2014, 11:20 PM
#24
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WeisserTee, you posted that the lakefront in the evenings and the morning has been fine. However, I tend to spend all my days at the lake, so being fine in the mornings & evenings only won't do it for me.
I also don't go to a lakeside destination to go . . . inland. I mean, I do sometimes. When I'm in Montreux, I visit the vineyards and a few placed inland. But most of the days and for most of the length of the day, I am on the lakeside promenade . . . walking or sitting on a bench. That's why I'm there. To soak up those lake views.
It seems my opinions have offended you -- I do regret that. But my opinons are certainly valid and based on actual experiences.
Melnq8,
Blankenburg is a small village just outside of Zweisimmen, and Zweisimmen is a large transport hub for the region (and there are nice walks on the Rinderberg from Zweisimmen). Blankenburg sits along the path/road to St. Stephen and Lenk, and it's on the Obersimmentaler Hausweg (a path that links interesting historical homes). It is about 30 or 40 minutes from Gstaad with a change in Zweisimmen.
http://www.lenk-simmental.ch/de/Akti...Kultur/Hausweg
Gruyere would be a very nice center -- you can reach Montreux or Gstaad easily, spend the day in Bulle, and do lots of nice walking. You need to change in Montbovon to get on the Golden Pass line that links Montreux and Zweisimmen.
I wouldn't stay in Moleson -- there's not much there (some vacation apartment buildings and an amusement center). The transport is not great in/out of the complex. I remember once being stranded for two hours at lunchtime when the busses took a break. I just checked the SBB schedule, and they don't seem to have that problem any more; however, transport only runs once an hour, and it takes 1h30 and 2 changes to reach Gstaad.
Saanenmoser is a good option. It's just outside of Gstaad on the Golden Pass route line, with frequent trains going both directions. It's one of the nearby communities for Gstaad and shares the tourism site with Gstaad. It may be quite full of skiers.
Hope you find something that fits!
s
I also don't go to a lakeside destination to go . . . inland. I mean, I do sometimes. When I'm in Montreux, I visit the vineyards and a few placed inland. But most of the days and for most of the length of the day, I am on the lakeside promenade . . . walking or sitting on a bench. That's why I'm there. To soak up those lake views.
It seems my opinions have offended you -- I do regret that. But my opinons are certainly valid and based on actual experiences.
Melnq8,
Blankenburg is a small village just outside of Zweisimmen, and Zweisimmen is a large transport hub for the region (and there are nice walks on the Rinderberg from Zweisimmen). Blankenburg sits along the path/road to St. Stephen and Lenk, and it's on the Obersimmentaler Hausweg (a path that links interesting historical homes). It is about 30 or 40 minutes from Gstaad with a change in Zweisimmen.
http://www.lenk-simmental.ch/de/Akti...Kultur/Hausweg
Gruyere would be a very nice center -- you can reach Montreux or Gstaad easily, spend the day in Bulle, and do lots of nice walking. You need to change in Montbovon to get on the Golden Pass line that links Montreux and Zweisimmen.
I wouldn't stay in Moleson -- there's not much there (some vacation apartment buildings and an amusement center). The transport is not great in/out of the complex. I remember once being stranded for two hours at lunchtime when the busses took a break. I just checked the SBB schedule, and they don't seem to have that problem any more; however, transport only runs once an hour, and it takes 1h30 and 2 changes to reach Gstaad.
Saanenmoser is a good option. It's just outside of Gstaad on the Golden Pass route line, with frequent trains going both directions. It's one of the nearby communities for Gstaad and shares the tourism site with Gstaad. It may be quite full of skiers.
Hope you find something that fits!
s
Sep 27th, 2014, 12:54 AM
#25
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Of those you mentioned I'd go for Saanenmöser. It's rather small, even if it's full of skiers it won't feel crowded. Conveniently located for excursions.
Definitely not Moleson. Gruyeres is good for excursions to towns and places that s mentioned, but not really for the mountains around Gstaad and Simmental/Lenk.
I.
Definitely not Moleson. Gruyeres is good for excursions to towns and places that s mentioned, but not really for the mountains around Gstaad and Simmental/Lenk.
I.
Sep 27th, 2014, 12:58 AM
#26
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Sep 27th, 2014, 02:06 AM
#28
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I'm so jealous of you! Whatever you decide, I know it will be wonderful. 
OK, I know I really shouldn't comment because the REAL experts are offering advice. But in the spirit "pay back & give forward", I thought I'd share my impressions:
I didn't particularly like Gstaad. For one thing, it was WAY too upscale for me. It was pretty and I'm glad I saw it, but I thought it a bit too much like LA's Rodeo Drive -- shop, shop, shop... And while the chalet were wonderful to see, the area didn't have the "oomph" factor that I experienced in so many other parts of Switzerland. JMO, YMMV. (And maybe my opinion will change if I'm fortunate enough to visit again!)
I enjoyed both Ascona and Lugano very much. I was there in June, though, so I don't know what parts would be accessible for hiking or other activities when you would be there. If one of these two is better for hiking in the winter than the other, I can imagine a great trip to that region, and it would offer you a glimpse of a part of Switzerland that is quite different from other parts of Switzerland.
Just my take.
(Since it hasn't been mentioned in this thread, I'm guessing that Bellinzona is not a very good option -- but it might be worth a day trip if you go to the Ticino)
Enjoy!
OK, I know I really shouldn't comment because the REAL experts are offering advice. But in the spirit "pay back & give forward", I thought I'd share my impressions:
I didn't particularly like Gstaad. For one thing, it was WAY too upscale for me. It was pretty and I'm glad I saw it, but I thought it a bit too much like LA's Rodeo Drive -- shop, shop, shop... And while the chalet were wonderful to see, the area didn't have the "oomph" factor that I experienced in so many other parts of Switzerland. JMO, YMMV. (And maybe my opinion will change if I'm fortunate enough to visit again!)
I enjoyed both Ascona and Lugano very much. I was there in June, though, so I don't know what parts would be accessible for hiking or other activities when you would be there. If one of these two is better for hiking in the winter than the other, I can imagine a great trip to that region, and it would offer you a glimpse of a part of Switzerland that is quite different from other parts of Switzerland.
Just my take.
(Since it hasn't been mentioned in this thread, I'm guessing that Bellinzona is not a very good option -- but it might be worth a day trip if you go to the Ticino)
Enjoy!
Sep 27th, 2014, 02:28 AM
#29
Ah, well, I booked before Ingo and kja posted. FYI, that was one apt we considered Ingo.
Bellinzona was on our must do list as a day trip kja, but then we changed direction altogether as you can tell.
Apartments were going so fast, we just had to jump or lose out. I guess we'll decide about Gstaad for ourselves. Regardless, it will be a new experience for us and there appears to be no shortage of winter hiking trails etc.
Locarno will live to see another day.
Thanks all for your contributions!
Bellinzona was on our must do list as a day trip kja, but then we changed direction altogether as you can tell.
Apartments were going so fast, we just had to jump or lose out. I guess we'll decide about Gstaad for ourselves. Regardless, it will be a new experience for us and there appears to be no shortage of winter hiking trails etc.
Locarno will live to see another day.
Thanks all for your contributions!
Sep 29th, 2014, 01:20 AM
#33
kja
I don't know what Blankenburg 'means', but yes, it's a three minute train ride or 21 minute walk from Zweisimmen. I think it'll be a good base, as we can get to/from Zweisimmen easily enough for dinner and groceries.
I don't know what Blankenburg 'means', but yes, it's a three minute train ride or 21 minute walk from Zweisimmen. I think it'll be a good base, as we can get to/from Zweisimmen easily enough for dinner and groceries.
Oct 2nd, 2014, 02:41 AM
#35
All booked.
I could use some suggestions on specifically what to see/do in each area (have a good idea about Scuol, not so much the others though).
Freiburg-Breisgau, Germany - five nights
Scuol, Switzerland - seven nights
Blankenburg(Zweisimmen, Gstaad, Switzerland) - seven nights
Zurich - one night
We'll probably go with the Swiss Pass again, although it didn't do us much good in Scuol last year as far as mountain excursions go. It appears it'll be more useful in the Gstaad area. By that I mean, that we can get discounts on gondolas, cable cars, etc.
I could use some suggestions on specifically what to see/do in each area (have a good idea about Scuol, not so much the others though).
Freiburg-Breisgau, Germany - five nights
Scuol, Switzerland - seven nights
Blankenburg(Zweisimmen, Gstaad, Switzerland) - seven nights
Zurich - one night
We'll probably go with the Swiss Pass again, although it didn't do us much good in Scuol last year as far as mountain excursions go. It appears it'll be more useful in the Gstaad area. By that I mean, that we can get discounts on gondolas, cable cars, etc.
Oct 2nd, 2014, 03:00 AM
#36
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Hi again!
I'm loving this thread -- get to do lots of armchair voayaging . . .
Here are some places to start for the Blankenburg area:
Chocolate & Cheese trail 3h (I'm planning to do this for the first time myself in Nov):
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/chem...ese-trail.html
From Bulle to Gruyeres 2h40 (another one planned for the first time for me in Nov):
http://www.la-gruyere.ch/en/activiti...-the-next.html
Rinderberg to Horneggli, 2h30, did it on my last trip --great (suitable for families & kids):
http://www.gstaad.ch/en/active/summe...ain-hikes.html
Wispile to Lauenensee, 3h, my favorite walk in the area (information in the same website as above). Photos from this walk in the summer:
http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/v...#1412247370750
Valley walks I've liked are from Gstaad to Saanen (about 40 minutes), Schönried to Gstaad (about 60 minutes), Gstaad to Lauenen, and anything in/around Rougemont.
Stop by the tourist information office in Zweisimmen and Gstaad and ask for the free hiking brochure.
s
I'm loving this thread -- get to do lots of armchair voayaging . . .
Here are some places to start for the Blankenburg area:
Chocolate & Cheese trail 3h (I'm planning to do this for the first time myself in Nov):
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/chem...ese-trail.html
From Bulle to Gruyeres 2h40 (another one planned for the first time for me in Nov):
http://www.la-gruyere.ch/en/activiti...-the-next.html
Rinderberg to Horneggli, 2h30, did it on my last trip --great (suitable for families & kids):
http://www.gstaad.ch/en/active/summe...ain-hikes.html
Wispile to Lauenensee, 3h, my favorite walk in the area (information in the same website as above). Photos from this walk in the summer:
http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/v...#1412247370750
Valley walks I've liked are from Gstaad to Saanen (about 40 minutes), Schönried to Gstaad (about 60 minutes), Gstaad to Lauenen, and anything in/around Rougemont.
Stop by the tourist information office in Zweisimmen and Gstaad and ask for the free hiking brochure.
s
Oct 2nd, 2014, 09:41 AM
#37
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Unfortunately some of swandav's suggestions are for summer, not for December 
Even the chocolate-and-cheese-trail is not accessible Dec through Feb, not to mention Wispile - Lauenen, which is a snowshoe trail ... but you can do the Wispile - Gsteig walk if conditions are good.
I highly recommend Simmentaler Hausweg - from village to village along the valley, passing most beautiful chalets with interesting woodcarving works and inscriptions on the facades, old churches (Erlenbach with amazing frescoes, Boltigen, Zweisimmen e.g.) There is a version down in the valley and another one slightly higher up called "Terrassenweg" (terrace trail), the latter probably a bit more sunnier in winter. The part Boltigen - Erlenbach should take about 3-4 hours and is most interesting.
Definitely check out Lenk - impressive end of the valley. Several gondolas/cable cars take you up to both sides of the valley from where you can start some hikes. Betelberg/Leiterli on the western side is quieter and has a trail about 6 km long, if I recall correctly - panoramic views included. As far as I know they replaced an old cable car on the eastern side so you can now get up to Hahnenmoos pass and continue to Adelboden (gondola, bus), where you have several options for hikes. I like the trail from the village via restaurant Schermtanne to Aebi and Gilbach very much, continue by bus to gondola station Geils and go back via Hahnenmoos pass to Lenk. Or take the bus to Engstligen, cable car up to Engstligenalp and hike there - flat, sunny, snow reliable, impressive mountain views. If I am wrong on the new cable car, then you could still go to Adelboden via Spiez and Frutigen. Quite a detour, though.
Iffigfall, about 1.45 h from Lenk, is also worth seeing in winter and a nice walk.
There is a loop walking trail on Sparenmoos, acess by bus from Zweisimmen. Takes about 2 h, I'd say, with panoramic views.
Winter hiking aside, I think you should see a castle in the area - have you been to Gruyeres? Thun? Castle Thun is open every day from Christmas to New Year's, then only on Sunday afternoons. Castle Gruyeres is open daily. Lake Thun will be beautiful in winter, too.
Even the chocolate-and-cheese-trail is not accessible Dec through Feb, not to mention Wispile - Lauenen, which is a snowshoe trail ... but you can do the Wispile - Gsteig walk if conditions are good.I highly recommend Simmentaler Hausweg - from village to village along the valley, passing most beautiful chalets with interesting woodcarving works and inscriptions on the facades, old churches (Erlenbach with amazing frescoes, Boltigen, Zweisimmen e.g.) There is a version down in the valley and another one slightly higher up called "Terrassenweg" (terrace trail), the latter probably a bit more sunnier in winter. The part Boltigen - Erlenbach should take about 3-4 hours and is most interesting.
Definitely check out Lenk - impressive end of the valley. Several gondolas/cable cars take you up to both sides of the valley from where you can start some hikes. Betelberg/Leiterli on the western side is quieter and has a trail about 6 km long, if I recall correctly - panoramic views included. As far as I know they replaced an old cable car on the eastern side so you can now get up to Hahnenmoos pass and continue to Adelboden (gondola, bus), where you have several options for hikes. I like the trail from the village via restaurant Schermtanne to Aebi and Gilbach very much, continue by bus to gondola station Geils and go back via Hahnenmoos pass to Lenk. Or take the bus to Engstligen, cable car up to Engstligenalp and hike there - flat, sunny, snow reliable, impressive mountain views. If I am wrong on the new cable car, then you could still go to Adelboden via Spiez and Frutigen. Quite a detour, though.
Iffigfall, about 1.45 h from Lenk, is also worth seeing in winter and a nice walk.
There is a loop walking trail on Sparenmoos, acess by bus from Zweisimmen. Takes about 2 h, I'd say, with panoramic views.
Winter hiking aside, I think you should see a castle in the area - have you been to Gruyeres? Thun? Castle Thun is open every day from Christmas to New Year's, then only on Sunday afternoons. Castle Gruyeres is open daily. Lake Thun will be beautiful in winter, too.
Oct 2nd, 2014, 04:27 PM
#39
neckervd -
A cursory look at the SBB site indicates the fare from Zurich to Freiburg im Breisgau is 37 CHF per person. I'm looking at times after 10 am, if that makes a difference (?).
A cursory look at the SBB site indicates the fare from Zurich to Freiburg im Breisgau is 37 CHF per person. I'm looking at times after 10 am, if that makes a difference (?).
