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-   -   good time to visit switzerland (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/good-time-to-visit-switzerland-821795/)

ih Jan 14th, 2010 11:30 PM

good time to visit switzerland
 
please let me know when is a better time to visit switzerland- july or december

quokka Jan 15th, 2010 01:56 AM

What are you planning to do in Switzerland, and where are you planning to go? For example, if the trip is about mountain hiking the recommendation will differ from the one for a skiing trip.

Cholmondley_Warner Jan 15th, 2010 02:46 AM

please let me know when is a better time to visit switzerland->>>>

When they've stopped being Nazis.

Melnq8 Jan 15th, 2010 09:46 PM

If you want to ski - December

If you want to hike - July

flylow Jan 16th, 2010 04:38 AM

ih,

December. I find travel to Europe more enjoyable "off-season" as it's less crowded, even in a country that counts on winter tourism.

Enjoy your trip!
--

Melnq8 Jan 16th, 2010 02:02 PM

Just keep in mind that mid-December onwards is very much high season in the alpine areas (skiing) and quite expensive. Many hotels in resort areas, such as Zermatt, require you to book for a full 1-2 weeks over the holidays and the cancellation policies are fierce, so you'd do well to avoid the Christmas-New Year time frame at the ski resorts if budget is an issue.

Having said that, I LOVE to visit Zermatt and other Swiss villages in early December, pre-ski season. It's quiet and less expensive, yet you might run into the odd closure (hotels, restaurants, moutnain transportation).

Despite what I posted above, it is possible to hike in Switzerland in December - there are loads of groomed winter hiking trails. In fact, I'm with flylow, I'd much rather visit in December than in July and I don't ski.

altamiro Jan 17th, 2010 05:45 AM

">Cholmondley_Warner on Jan 15, 10 at 06:46 AM
please let me know when is a better time to visit switzerland->>>>

When they've stopped being Nazis."

OCD?

nancykb Jan 18th, 2010 05:00 AM

We are planning to visit Switzerland from April 2- 10 flying into Zurich and out of Geneva. Our plan is to take trains. We are thinking of going to Appenzell, Lucerne, Bern, Montreaux, and end in Geneva, stopping in small places along the way.
I also would like to do side trips to Chillon Castle, Gruyere, Bielle and Steffisburg along the way. We are not sure of the weather or if we can do it all by train or bus. We are also not sure of places to stay. We want it to be fun and are going to try to eat and stay at local places so we can get a flavor of the people. If we were to brush up on our languages, which would be the best ones- there are two of us. Any info will be helpful.Thanks, NAncy

kleeblatt Jan 18th, 2010 05:31 AM

Use sbb.ch

Get an itinerary together along with train times.

Why go to Steffisburg? Why go to Biel? They are out of the way and not that interesting.

2 nights Lucerne (day trip to Zürich, Appenzell)
3 night Interlaken (day trip to Bern, Jungfraujoch)
2 nights Montreux (Vevey or Lausanne)

ih Jan 18th, 2010 08:45 PM

my plan is as follows for travel in july.Arrive in zurich and head for zermatt-
2 nights in zermatt-visit matterhorn and gornergrat
2 nights in interlaken-visit jungfraujoch and schillthorn
2 nights in luzern-visit pilatus and titlis
1 night in zurich-local

any suggestions? is it too tight. I can factor in one more night.any suggestions on hotels within CHF 150/NIGHT for 2 adults and 1 child.

glaciermeadows Jan 25th, 2010 04:13 PM

July is crowded, but the hiking is endless and any level you want. I like September. If snow is what you want of course choose December.

ih Jan 25th, 2010 08:56 PM

been told that the trip by glacier express is generally preferred in winter. Is is worth doing it in summer?

glaciermeadows Jan 26th, 2010 08:22 AM

The Glacier express is beautiful anytime. I have not done it in winter, but with the snow I am sure it is a winter wonderland. You will still see waterfalls, quaint villages, dozens of Mt. tunnels and high rail bridges and lots of mountain scenery. July is a great time, much less crowded then August.

ih Jan 26th, 2010 06:41 PM

thanks.please let me know if u have any preferred places to stay in murren

glaciermeadows Jan 27th, 2010 02:27 PM

I have stayed a couple of times at Alpina Hotel. Small but nice rooms with incredible views from your little balcony if you ask for one. They have a website.

ih Jan 27th, 2010 05:36 PM

i have options in interlaken,lauterbrunneb,wengen also over 4 days to see this area.Wwould definitely want to see the Jungfrauch,Schillthorn and lake thun if possible. Please advise which location would be the best in terms of experience and and connectivity


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