Hi all,
I'm still struggling with this and we leave in 6 days. Yikes! After visiting 4 different towns in southern Germany over the course of 10 days, the last of which is Meersburg on the Bodensee for two days, I currently have two nights scheduled in Lugano before we have to be back up to Zurich to leave. It's anywhere between a 3 and 4.5 hour trip (depending on which site you use) and on the way back, it's about a 2.5 hour trip back to our hotel outside of Zurich. We could leave Meersburg early, have some time to explore that evening, then we'd have a full day, then the following day we'd leave Lugano around noon or a bit later. We already have reservations in a lakefront hotel with A/C, and I was looking forward to a little Italian influence since the rest of the trip is Germanic. I just don't know if it's worth it to push ourselves. What are your thoughts? Any and all comments appreciated.
H

One person's opinion: It's worth it to get into a little bit of the Italian influence, even if you really are still geographically in Switzerland. Lugano is a very nice city, and a lakeside location makes a nice relaxing stay. I'd say that if the travel time doesn't bother you, go for it. The area around the lakes is really pretty. Good luck.

I agree with Wayne. On one of those whirlwind bus tours we made a very very brief stop in Lugano. It's been a long time since that tour and I've dreamed of visiting again-maybe someday soon? I hope!

To me, Lugano is simply more appealing/scenic than Meersburg. I love Germany, but Meersburg(Bodensee) doesn't compare to to the italian lakes. I would recommend skipping Bodensee completely,if you're going to Lugano/Lake Como. There are a lot more to see around Lugano(eg. Morcote,Monte Bre). Make time to visit Lake Como or Lake Maggiore.

Lugano is very nice.You won't be disappointed.

Thanks all for your replies. You all made me feel much better about keeping my plans just as they are. I guess it's just pre-trip jitters. This is our first trip to Europe, I'm so excited! Thanks again!
H

Lugano is beautiful, and well worth a couple hours of travel to get there. It looks like the Mediterranean - palm trees, beautiful water, red tile roofs, with Italian food and language, but with Swiss mountains, cleanliness and punctuality.

When you go, make sure you take a lake boat to either Morcote and/or Gandria and explore.

Have a wonderful trip.

Susan

Everything described above is true (especially the recommendations of Gandria and Morcote) except for the part about skipping Meersburg. That's a pretty little town, great castle, and I'm assuming you'll visit Lindau while you're there, yes? And a boatride to Mainau island? The only other thing I can add is that the rail route to Lugano is likely to pass through spectacular scenery. (at least it does from Lucerne to Lugano). Stick with your plans. J.

Having just returned from a week in Lugano, absolutely!! I didn't expect to like Lugano at all, and instead I absolutely loved it! Felt very Italian, but as was mentioned, with the friendliness and punctuality etc of the Swiss.

Definitely worth a visit.