My husband and I will be heading to Germany and Switzerland for the first time this fall. We have a friend in Germany who is going to help us with travel plans...but we're on our own for Switzerland. Specifically, we would like to see all of the beautiful nature sites in Switzerland, but don't have a clue where to start. What is the best area(s) to target? (We'll be there for 1 week). Should we rent a car and drive, or rely on public transportation? Should we just focus on one area or try to go all around? Please help! : )

When? Makes all the difference. <BR>Also, ingess CH where? Egress where?

While Geneva was nice, I prefer the German-speaking areas: Interlaken/Jungfrau, Lucerne, Zermott.

I enjoyed my stay in Bern. Very interesting small town. See the bears while you are there. <BR> <BR>Take a trip up Mount Pilatus. The views are really incredible. <BR> <BR>If going to Zermatt, don't go on the weekend. Practically the whole town closes. Matter of fact, you may want to try and plan to be in one of the bigger cities (maybe Lucerne?) on Sunday. <BR> <BR>I can't help too much more because I was on a tour and they did everything for us.

I've been to Bern, Geneva and past Interlaken on the train. The train ride really made me want to go back but for a first visit, I'd go to Geneva and drive in the environs around the lake. Very beautiful. Bern is small and not much to see, in my opinion.

I could go on all day about Switzerland, but my tastes may not be yours, so I'll stick to a general piece of advice: DON'T try to do it all! If I were you, I'd find two home bases for a one-week period, and do day trips to surrounding countryside. <BR> <BR>You don't want to spend all your time locating hotels, packing and unpacking, with no time to absorb and enjoy. <BR> <BR>The thing about CH, like all of Europe, there's so much to see in every square mile that a first timer can make themselves crazy. (I speak from experience.) <BR> <BR>When you read Fodors and other travel books, it should gradually become clear to you what places appeal to you most. And of course these posts should help. <BR> <BR>Have a wonderful time! (You will!)

Not the original poster but I have to respond. You are not a Native American or even living in the U.S. if you are calling yourself an “ American Indian”. You don't think Native American's want to point out their indigenous roots that is why they choose this term. You are too funny. Do you really think they would call themselves American Indians with South America tribes so close. You learned something today, that is a good thing, now move on, you "American Indian" with A Brit accent.

Sorry don't now how my post landed here.

My husband and I traveled around Switzerland using a Swiss Pass for 2 weeks in 1998. Our favorite place was the Berner Oberland. The mountains and valley there were beautiful. You may also want to visit Lucerne.