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LYC Dec 18th, 2020 04:35 AM

Itinerary Help - 14 days in Switzerland
 
I wish to bring my parents (above 60) and children (5-10 yo) to this beautiful country in Dec (definitely not this year, unfortunately). I am not planning to include much adventurous activities - hiking/skiing, but mostly enjoying scenic attractions as this trip could be the last for my parents, so I hope to have a lasting and worthwhile trip for them, mostly.

I only have 14 days, and I really need your thoughts on my draft below - which to remove, and to add for a vacation to remember. Thank you very much in advance!

Day 1 - Arrival at Zurich. Explore Old Town and spend the evening at Zurich river. Can I do Rhine Falls on the same day, if I arrive Zurich in the morning?
Day 2 - Go to Lucern, and explore Old Town, church, lion monument, Glacier Garden and Bourbaki Panaroma.
Day 3 - Lauterbrunnen. Just walk around the village, before heading to Stechelberg Gondola Station which is located at the base of Mount Schilthorn, to go to Piz Gloria revolving restaurant.
Day 4 - What else in Lauterbrunner?/ Mount Pilatus? Titlis? Or head to Bern? If yes, head to Bern after lunch?
Day 5 - What else in Bern?
Day 6 - Thun. Visit Oberhofen castle, Aare of Aar, Swiss Gastronomy Museum and Mühleplatz state park.
Day 7 - Start the day at St Beatus Cave, then Lake Thun, before sleeping at Kandersteg.
Day 8 - Blausee. Always wanted to go there. After that, to Lake Oeschinen. Sleep at Interlaken?
Day 9 - Lake Brienz, then go for a mountain excursion at Brienzer Rothorn.
Day 10 - Travel to Zermatt - free and easy.
Day 11 - Zermatt.
Day 12 - Travel to Montreux to see Chillon Castle. Possible to include Lausanne Cathedral; Palais de Rumine; The Olympic Museum;Place de Palud; Chateau Saint-Maire; Sauvabelim Tower?
Day 13 - Geneva
Day 14 - Geneva

I read previously that we cannot drive to Zermatt, so is there any other areas that do not allow cars? Is it feasible to only rely on trains since there will be luggage and children to care for as well?

Melnq8 Dec 18th, 2020 06:12 AM

I certainly hope its not the last trip for your parents (who are my age!)

We visit Switzerland often and for me, your itinerary is entirely too busy and frankly, it's all over the place. While I understand that it's difficult to pare down the many options, that's what you need to do.

First off, how many nights do you have - not days, but nights?

Secondly, what do you most want to see? You just don't have time for everything on your list. While paring down, take a good look at the costs involved - Switzerland is not cheap.

Do I understand correctly that you plan to drive? If so, please know that Switzerland is public transport heaven, you really don't need a car, and you may not want one once you take a look at rental costs, vignettes, parking issues, etc. Yes, it is completely feasible to rely strictly on public transport, even when traveling with kids....and IMO it takes a lot of stress out of the trip. You just need to pack lightly, don't weigh yourself down with unnecessary luggage, or look into the luggage transport options offered by SBB.

https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html

Yes, Zermatt is car free (cars can be parked in Tasch - https://www.zermatt.ch/en/arrival/Arrival-by-car).

Many of the prettiest alpine villages in Switzerland are only accessible by train/funicular/cable car/gondola (Wengen and Murren are car free, Lauterbrunnen is not). Trust me, you want to take full advantage of these forms of transport.

You'll want to look into travel passes too, which can make a person crazy, but you need to do the research to see what best works for you.

With so little time, I'd suggest you choose one or two mountain excursions and slow your pace. For example, most first time visitors want to see the Berner Oberland. I suggest you plan to spend three nights in the Berner Oberland, choosing either Lauterbrunnen, Wengen or Murren as your base. Many people also like Grindelwald, but its a bit too busy for my tastes, as is Interlaken, but you'll get many opinions on which is 'better' here.

Jean Dec 18th, 2020 08:03 AM

I agree with Melnq8. Too much moving around and too many one-nighters for my tastes, esp. for a group of 6 people with a range of energy levels and interests. Unless your travel to Switzerland is straight-forward and fairly short, your Day 1 doesn't allow for jet lag or just plain fatigue.

If you haven't identified things you want to do/see in Bern, then skip it. I like the town more than most people here, but you shouldn't just go there to check it off a list, esp. when you so obviously have a lot you'd like to see.

I suggest you investigate travel times between points to give you an idea of how much time you actually have after you arrive everywhere. (For example, traveling from Zermatt to Montreux by train takes about 3 hours, which in December (sunset @ 4:30) would probably not leave enough daylight hours to do everything on your list for Day 12.) Whether you drive or use public transport is up to you, but Melnq8 is correct that there's probably no better place to explore without a car.

Melnq8 Dec 18th, 2020 08:46 AM

Another comment regarding winter travel - we often visit Switzerland in winter. Just keep in mind that days are very short, more reason to stay in one place for several days. Also, the mountain tops can often be shrouded in clouds, so it pays to be flexible. And traveling in winter could well present more issues with a car.

You'll also want to check winter operating schedules. For example, the cable car to Oeschinensee doesn't begin operating until around the 19th of December. We went up one year when the cable car was closed, but we had to hike up and then hike back down, so it's doable (weather permitting), but you mentioned you don't plan to hike, so probably not an option for you.

Day 4 - What else in Lauterbrunner?/ Mount Pilatus? Titlis? Or head to Bern? If yes, head to Bern after lunch?

Mount Pilatus is accessed from Lucerne; Titlis is accessed from Engelberg.

ldatt22 Dec 21st, 2020 05:56 AM

Suggestion
 
Just some suggestions. I really loved Lucerne! There's a walkway around a lake (in a circle). Salzberg was really nice, cobblestone streets, the sound of music tour which takes you to all the points from the sound of music. They had a puppet show that I saw that was good. The strudel was so good! Zurich I believe had the train that went to the yungfrauyock (highest mountain).

I thought Lucerne was the nicest! Really liked Salzberg as well.

Enjoy your trip!

Jean Dec 21st, 2020 07:08 AM

I liked Salzberg, too, but it's in Austria... 5.5 hours by train from Zurich.

neckervd Dec 21st, 2020 09:19 AM

Melnq8 is right: a lot of things on your list are closed in December and even if they aren't, it's not a pleasure to visit frozen shadowy places at temperatures well below 0 degrees centigrade (may be 0-30 degrees Fahrenheit).
Schilthorn gondola: closed from November 1st until the beginning of the ski season (usually mid December)
Oberhofen castle: closed
Beatus Cave: clossed
Lake Thun: only 1 daily boat ride (around noon), the boat is heated
Blausee and Oeschinensee: closed; frozen and under a deep snow layer
Brienzer Rothorn railway: closed from mid automn until late spring
Lak Brienz: no boat traffic in December

ldatt22 Dec 21st, 2020 10:00 AM

True
 
Your right, it is in Austri! Went there too. It was a long time ago.I was impressed with Lucerne though! Enjoy your trip!

twk Dec 21st, 2020 12:38 PM

My trip to Switzerland was in June, so a little bit different experience, but, if you are planning to spend some significant time in the Berner Oberland, then, yes, Bern is a good day trip when weather precludes doing things in the mountains. Particularly if you have an unlimited travel pass.

When I did my trip in 2016, I basically planned the trip around using the 15 day Swiss Travel Pass. Trains are not just a means of getting around in Switzerland--they are one of the attractions. I wouldn't say that I would never rent a car in Switzerland, but to go to Switzerland and never ride the trains would be a shame. I can understand that, with kids in tow, a rental car often seems attractive, but there are tons of places in Switzerland where a car is somewhat of a nuisance (and this is coming from someone who lives in the western half of Texas and never uses public transportation at home). You need to spend the time, and do the research, to figure out your ground transportation options and not simply default to a rental car based on experience elsewhere.

Luggage should not be a drawback to using the trains--if it is, then you are probably packing too heavy. For a two week trip, you're probably going to need to count on doing laundry somewhere along the way so that you can pack light enough. If you have hard time schlepping your luggage around on a train, there's a good chance that it would be a very tight fit in most rental cars.

Michael Dec 21st, 2020 11:08 PM

I don't think that the children will enjoy themselves on this trip. I would love to see the travel report written by someone other than the OP.

LYC Dec 24th, 2020 02:33 AM


Originally Posted by twk (Post 17193593)
My trip to Switzerland was in June, so a little bit different experience, but, if you are planning to spend some significant time in the Berner Oberland, then, yes, Bern is a good day trip when weather precludes doing things in the mountains. Particularly if you have an unlimited travel pass.

When I did my trip in 2016, I basically planned the trip around using the 15 day Swiss Travel Pass. Trains are not just a means of getting around in Switzerland--they are one of the attractions. I wouldn't say that I would never rent a car in Switzerland, but to go to Switzerland and never ride the trains would be a shame. I can understand that, with kids in tow, a rental car often seems attractive, but there are tons of places in Switzerland where a car is somewhat of a nuisance (and this is coming from someone who lives in the western half of Texas and never uses public transportation at home). You need to spend the time, and do the research, to figure out your ground transportation options and not simply default to a rental car based on experience elsewhere.

Luggage should not be a drawback to using the trains--if it is, then you are probably packing too heavy. For a two week trip, you're probably going to need to count on doing laundry somewhere along the way so that you can pack light enough. If you have hard time schlepping your luggage around on a train, there's a good chance that it would be a very tight fit in most rental cars.

Thank goodness you reminded me about the luggage in the rental car! I guess we will have to rely on the trains to go around.
You are such a kind soul from the way you wrote! Bless you for the reminder, really!
I will have to re-look at the transport for a new itinerary.

LYC Dec 24th, 2020 02:48 AM

[QUOTE=Melnq8;17192371]I certainly hope its not the last trip for your parents (who are my age!)

We visit Switzerland often and for me, your itinerary is entirely too busy and frankly, it's all over the place. While I understand that it's difficult to pare down the many options, that's what you need to do.

First off, how many nights do you have - not days, but nights?

Secondly, what do you most want to see? You just don't have time for everything on your list. While paring down, take a good look at the costs involved - Switzerland is not cheap.

Do I understand correctly that you plan to drive? If so, please know that Switzerland is public transport heaven, you really don't need a car, and you may not want one once you take a look at rental costs, vignettes, parking issues, etc. Yes, it is completely feasible to rely strictly on public transport, even when traveling with kids....and IMO it takes a lot of stress out of the trip. You just need to pack lightly, don't weigh yourself down with unnecessary luggage, or look into the luggage transport options offered by SBB.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you so much for your insights, and confirming my worries that it is indeed a busy itinerary.
I could stretch the trip to 15 nights, but I will have to re-work on the new itinerary for expert feedback here.
I am also worried if my kids might find Wengen or Murren too quiet for them, that was why I wanted to go to Lauterbrunnen.



LYC Dec 24th, 2020 02:50 AM


Originally Posted by neckervd (Post 17193539)
Melnq8 is right: a lot of things on your list are closed in December and even if they aren't, it's not a pleasure to visit frozen shadowy places at temperatures well below 0 degrees centigrade (may be 0-30 degrees Fahrenheit).
Schilthorn gondola: closed from November 1st until the beginning of the ski season (usually mid December)
Oberhofen castle: closed
Beatus Cave: clossed
Lake Thun: only 1 daily boat ride (around noon), the boat is heated
Blausee and Oeschinensee: closed; frozen and under a deep snow layer
Brienzer Rothorn railway: closed from mid automn until late spring
Lak Brienz: no boat traffic in December

Oh noooo...... Most of what I wanted to see are closed.
Looks like no lakes at all even though first week of Dec?

LYC Dec 24th, 2020 02:52 AM


Originally Posted by Melnq8 (Post 17192427)
Another comment regarding winter travel - we often visit Switzerland in winter. Just keep in mind that days are very short, more reason to stay in one place for several days. Also, the mountain tops can often be shrouded in clouds, so it pays to be flexible. And traveling in winter could well present more issues with a car.

You'll also want to check winter operating schedules. For example, the cable car to Oeschinensee doesn't begin operating until around the 19th of December. We went up one year when the cable car was closed, but we had to hike up and then hike back down, so it's doable (weather permitting), but you mentioned you don't plan to hike, so probably not an option for you.

Day 4 - What else in Lauterbrunner?/ Mount Pilatus? Titlis? Or head to Bern? If yes, head to Bern after lunch?

Mount Pilatus is accessed from Lucerne; Titlis is accessed from Engelberg.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for the reminder about driving in winter.
I will have to scrap that as I do not have much experience driving in winter.

LYC Dec 24th, 2020 03:59 AM


Originally Posted by twk (Post 17193593)
My trip to Switzerland was in June, so a little bit different experience, but, if you are planning to spend some significant time in the Berner Oberland, then, yes, Bern is a good day trip when weather precludes doing things in the mountains. Particularly if you have an unlimited travel pass.

When I did my trip in 2016, I basically planned the trip around using the 15 day Swiss Travel Pass. Trains are not just a means of getting around in Switzerland--they are one of the attractions. I wouldn't say that I would never rent a car in Switzerland, but to go to Switzerland and never ride the trains would be a shame. I can understand that, with kids in tow, a rental car often seems attractive, but there are tons of places in Switzerland where a car is somewhat of a nuisance (and this is coming from someone who lives in the western half of Texas and never uses public transportation at home). You need to spend the time, and do the research, to figure out your ground transportation options and not simply default to a rental car based on experience elsewhere.

Luggage should not be a drawback to using the trains--if it is, then you are probably packing too heavy. For a two week trip, you're probably going to need to count on doing laundry somewhere along the way so that you can pack light enough. If you have hard time schlepping your luggage around on a train, there's a good chance that it would be a very tight fit in most rental cars.

Do you still have the itinerary for your trip in June? Please do share?

LYC Dec 24th, 2020 06:17 AM

Thanks to some of the feedback above, I realised that many of what we wanted to see initially was not feasible in Winter.
Would this new 14-night itinerary work in Spring, June - Aug, and mid-Autumn?

Day 1 - Morning arrival at Zurich. Explore Old Town and spend the evening at Limmat river.
Day 2 - Stein am Rhein (around 45 mins car drive) and then Rhine Falls.
Day 3 - Head to Lucern to be based there for 3 nights. Explore Old Town, church, lion monument, Glacier Garden and Bourbaki Panaroma.
Day 4 - Lauterbrunnen. Just walk around the village, before heading to Stechelberg Gondola Station which is located at the base of Mount Schilthorn, to go to Piz Gloria revolving restaurant.
Day 5 - Mount Titlis.
Day 6 - Travel 3 hours to Wengen by train in the morning. Stay for 3 nights.
Day 7 - Day trip to Lake Brienz and Giessbach Falls
Day 8 - Day trip to Spiez Castle and Lake Thun/Oberhofen Castle.
Day 9 - 3.5 hour train ride to Zermatt the iconic matterhorn view, and stay 1 night.
Day 10 - Stroll along the village at Zermatt.
Day 11 - Get a train ride (Rail Europe?) in the morning to Montreux for 3 nights. Go to Chillon Castle and stroll along the Montreux Lakeside.
Day 12 - The Lavaux Vineyard Terrace and Vevey Promenade.
Day 13 - Lausanne Cathedral; Palais de Rumine; The Olympic Museum; Place de Palud; Chateau Saint-Maire; Sauvabelim Tower.
Day 14 - Move to Geneva for two nights before departure. Free & Easy with some nearby attractions.

Lastly, I am also curious if this itinerary can ever work in December, if I am based at Wengen on Day 6-8, but Day 7 is changed to a day trip to Grinderwald and Day 8 changed to boarding the Aerial cableway Wengen-Mannlichen, or day trip to Kandersteg?

Thank you so much in advance for your time and advice!

Melnq8 Dec 24th, 2020 11:09 AM

I don't understand why you'd make a day trip from Lucerne to visit Lauterbrunnen and the Schilthorn, then return to Lucerne for two nights, just to return the same area (Wengen) for three nights.

This involves too much back and forth - just visit Lauterbrunnen when you're in Wengen or vice versa. Maybe add a night to your Wengen stay if you feel you need extra time to visit the Schilthorn.

I suspect you're not understanding the geography - to reach Wengen, you go right through Lauterbrunnen. Same with Murren.

Lastly, I am also curious if this itinerary can ever work in December, if I am based at Wengen on Day 6-8, but Day 7 is changed to a day trip to Grinderwald and Day 8 changed to boarding the Aerial cableway Wengen-Mannlichen, or day trip to Kandersteg?

Yes it can work in December. We visit in December all the time. Just take a look at the operating schedules for the Mannlichen and make sure you're there when it's open (December 5 this year). You can also get from Mannlichen to Grindelwald via the gondola, also from December 5 this year.

https://www.maennlichen.ch/en/winter...timetable.html

You're pushing your luck with Kandersteg though, not much to do there in the winter and as mentioned upthread, the cable car to Oeschinensee may not be operating.

https://www.kandersteg.ch/en/s/timetable-oeschinensee

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 01:43 AM

Timetable Maennlichen gondolas:
https://www.maennlichen.ch/en/winter...timetable.html
In 2021, they may try to run all the year round, except the period from Ocrtober 25th until November 26th, The reopening end November may be postponed if there isn't enough snow.
For the actual weather at Maennlichen, have a look at https://www.bergfex.ch/jungfrau-grin.../webcams/c297/

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 02:08 AM

After a overnight flight, I wouldn't drive to Schaffhausen/Rheinfall and Stein am Rhein.
Trains from Zurich airport railway station to these places run at least every 30 minutes (45-60 minutes journey).
Rhine Falls will not have much water in December. The boats don't run in winter and the Schloss Laufen restaurant will be closed.
https://rhyfall-maendli.ch/en/home/
In Spring, however, the Rhine Falls will have a lot of water and the small Rhinefall boats as well as the (bigger) Rhine river boats from Schaffhausen/Rhine Falls to Stein am Rhein will run.
https://www.urh.ch/en/fahrplan-spring-2021

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d51e2b376.jpeg

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 02:16 AM

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...bb9d69ab5.jpeg

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 02:22 AM

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...22d6ccc0f.jpeg

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 02:35 AM

St. Beatus caves, Spiez, Oberhofen castle, Thun castle and Bourbaki panorama can all be done in a daytrip by boat from Interlaken.
The trip to Zermatt is much more scenic via Kandersteg.
The village of Zermatt isn't that interesting for itself, but as a base for railway and cableway trips into the high mountains:
Gornergrat, Oberrothorn, Kleinmatterhorn (Matterhorn Paradise).
5 full days for Lake Geneva area is rather too much compared with the time you allow to the other places

LYC Dec 25th, 2020 04:56 AM


Originally Posted by Melnq8 (Post 17194645)
I don't understand why you'd make a day trip from Lucerne to visit Lauterbrunnen and the Schilthorn, then return to Lucerne for two nights, just to return the same area (Wengen) for three nights.

This involves too much back and forth - just visit Lauterbrunnen when you're in Wengen or vice versa. Maybe add a night to your Wengen stay if you feel you need extra time to visit the Schilthorn.

I suspect you're not understanding the geography - to reach Wengen, you go right through Lauterbrunnen. Same with Murren.

Lastly, I am also curious if this itinerary can ever work in December, if I am based at Wengen on Day 6-8, but Day 7 is changed to a day trip to Grinderwald and Day 8 changed to boarding the Aerial cableway Wengen-Mannlichen, or day trip to Kandersteg?

Yes it can work in December. We visit in December all the time. Just take a look at the operating schedules for the Mannlichen and make sure you're there when it's open (December 5 this year). You can also get from Mannlichen to Grindelwald via the gondola, also from December 5 this year.

https://www.maennlichen.ch/en/winter...timetable.html

You're pushing your luck with Kandersteg though, not much to do there in the winter and as mentioned upthread, the cable car to Oeschinensee may not be operating.

https://www.kandersteg.ch/en/s/timetable-oeschinensee

I got really confused as I was reading through blogs and was recommended to be based at Lucerne to go for day trips. My geography has always been horrendous since young, and I have always had a hard time to understand maps, routes and railway paths; my sincere apologies. Thank you for letting me know that winter is possible, although now I might seriously re-consider changing to April/Summer/mid-Autumn as the day is longer.

Where would you recommend me to be based at Zurich for 3 days instead since I really want to check out Stein am Rhein & Rhine Falls in Day 2, and then I could do a day trip to Lucerne? Day 4 would be us moving to Brienz area so that we could spend three days to go to Lake Brienz (Day 4), Lauterbrunnen (Day 5), and Day 6 is dedicated to either Mt Pilatus or Mt Titlis. Judging from pics available online, I am very keen with Mt Titlis, but it seems quite far from Brienz, so I am stucked at where to be based at.

Day 7 - Move to Wengen. Free & Easy.
Day 8 - Day trip to Spiez Castle and Lake Thun/Oberhofen Castle.

Day 9 - 3.5 hour train ride to Zermatt the iconic matterhorn view, and stay 1 night.
Day 10 - Stroll along the village at Zermatt.

If we do not go to Zermatt on Day 9 and 10, I could most probably fit in Grindelwald for a day and additional day at Wengen. However, the whole purpose of Zermatt was about the matterhorn view. Do you have any idea where else can we catch a glimpse/pics with the matterhorn?

Day 11 - Get a train ride (Rail Europe?) in the morning to Montreux for 3 nights. Go to Chillon Castle and stroll along the Montreux Lakeside.
Day 12 - The Lavaux Vineyard Terrace and Vevey Promenade.
Day 13 - Lausanne Cathedral; Palais de Rumine; The Olympic Museum; Place de Palud; Chateau Saint-Maire; Sauvabelim Tower.
Day 14 - Move to Geneva for two nights before departure. Free & Easy with some nearby attractions

LYC Dec 25th, 2020 05:07 AM


Originally Posted by neckervd (Post 17194801)
St. Beatus caves, Spiez, Oberhofen castle, Thun castle and Bourbaki panorama can all be done in a daytrip by boat from Interlaken.
The trip to Zermatt is much more scenic via Kandersteg.
The village of Zermatt isn't that interesting for itself, but as a base for railway and cableway trips into the high mountains:
Gornergrat, Oberrothorn, Kleinmatterhorn (Matterhorn Paradise).
5 full days for Lake Geneva area is rather too much compared with the time you allow to the other places

Saw the lovely pics you shared earlier, and I truly appreciate the info about Rhine Falls. Thank you for confirming my suspicion that I had dedicated too long at Geneva. I would shorten it to 4 instead, so that I have more days for others. I am seriously considering moving this trip to April/Summer/mid-Autumn to fully enjoy longer days. My main issue now would be where to be based at in Day 3 - 6 or 7 as I really wish to cover:
Mt Titlis
Lucern
Lauterbrunnen
Brienz and its lake
Spiez & Oberhofen castle

When I was young, having the Toblerone chocolates was a major treat for me and my siblings as it was costly for my parents. So, being able to catch pics or a glimpse of the iconic matterhorn would be an added bonus. Sigh.... I really do not know how to go about this.

ldatt22 Dec 25th, 2020 05:53 AM

Nice video
 
Great video of this boat ride.

ldatt22 Dec 25th, 2020 06:06 AM

Looks like a great trip
 
I've been to lusaunne (right spelling?), Zurich but thought Lucern was the prettiest!

Whatever you decide on looks like a great trip.

Melnq8 Dec 25th, 2020 06:58 AM

neckervd is our resident train specialist and will be of more help than myself on specific train journeys, but Zurich does seem to make sense as a base for seeing Stein am Rhein and Rhine Falls, assuming you still want to visit the falls in the winter (quote from neckervd: Rhine Falls will not have much water in December. The boats don't run in winter and the Schloss Laufen restaurant will be closed.)

Lucerne can be reached from Zurich by train in about 52 minutes. To get to Titlis, you need to get to Engelberg, which is a 43 minute train ride from Lucerne or a 1:50 train ride from Zurich.

Brienz can be reached in 52 minutes by train from Lauterbrunnen, so easily done as a day trip from a Lauterbrunnen base.


<and Day 6 is dedicated to either Mt Pilatus or Mt Titlis>

This should be done from Lucerne, not Lauterbrunnen. This is what I mean by backtracking. Do this earlier in the trip. Lucerne and Lauterbrunnen are almost three hours apart by train.

https://www.myswissalps.com/pilatus

Consider something like this:

Zurich - 2-3 nights - base for Stein am Rhein, Rhine Falls
Lucerne - 3 nights - base for day trips to Mt Pilatus and Titlis
Lauterbrunnen 4-5 nights (base for Wengen, Mannlichen, Brienz- one hour train ride, Schilthorn, Spiez - 58 minute train ride, Thun 1:09 minute train ride). You have a lot on your wish list for this base, so keep that in mind when deciding how many nights to stay)
Zermatt - 2-3 nights

As you can see, you've run out of nights. So, time to pare down what you want to see the most.

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 07:56 AM

Your itinerary is perfectly feasible all the year round
(with wiinter adaptions already mentioned above, as
no Rhine Falls boat
Rigi instead of Pilates
neither Lake Brienz boats nor Brienzer Rothorn
no Lake Thun caves and castles, but day trip to Berne instead
Kleine Scheidegg instead of Schilthorn
neither Blausee nor Oeschinensee)
but for a 3generations group, I would rethink the whoe thing by adding:
fun parks, playgrounds, historic railways which may interst the kids



https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...67d6ffab66.jpg
Swiss Vapeur Park Bouveret, Lake Geneva

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 08:08 AM

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...336d084a87.jpg
Verticalp funicular

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 08:10 AM

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...307ec8354.jpeg
Verticalp railway with Mont Blanc

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 08:37 AM

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...af2773f45c.jpg
Entry to Vertical kids playgournd

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 08:45 AM

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ee40fd7c0.jpeg
Rhine Falls Adventure park

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 08:49 AM

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f38b3e92f.jpeg
Signal de Bougy playground, Lake Geneva

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 08:51 AM

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...81712eea10.jpg
Singnal de Bougy

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 08:54 AM

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1fcbfc5eab.jpg
Signal de Bougy

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 09:02 AM

....cruises on board of some 150 years old paddle steamboats (with baord restaurants) on Lake Geneva or Lake Lucerne

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4b2c48a1a.jpeg
SS La Suisse in front of Lavaux wineyards

neckervd Dec 25th, 2020 09:07 AM

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...34b5c1f186.jpg
Historic Furka Pass train in June

LYC Dec 28th, 2020 08:38 PM


Originally Posted by neckervd (Post 17194845)

Wow, this is nice! I have not heard about the Verticalp before!
How do we even get to go there?

LYC Dec 28th, 2020 10:08 PM


Originally Posted by neckervd (Post 17194843)
Your itinerary is perfectly feasible all the year round
(with wiinter adaptions already mentioned above, as
no Rhine Falls boat
Rigi instead of Pilates
neither Lake Brienz boats nor Brienzer Rothorn
no Lake Thun caves and castles, but day trip to Berne instead
Kleine Scheidegg instead of Schilthorn
neither Blausee nor Oeschinensee)
but for a 3generations group, I would rethink the whoe thing by adding:
fun parks, playgrounds, historic railways which may interst the kids



https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...67d6ffab66.jpg
Swiss Vapeur Park Bouveret, Lake Geneva


Thank you for the lovely photos and recommendation! I have decided to look at Spring, August or mid-Autumn to fully enjoy the country.
Mont blanc seems to require more travelling to do after Geneva, so I don't think there is any energy left after Geneva. :cry:

LYC Dec 28th, 2020 10:10 PM

I had adapted (with some changes) what Melnq8 had advised:

Zurich - 2 nights - base for Stein am Rhein, Rhine Falls.
Lucerne - 3 nights - base for day trip to Mt Pilatus or Titlis (I will choose only 1).

After check out from Lucerne in the morning of Day 6, I will drop by Brienz before sleeping at Lauterbrunnen for the next few days.

Lauterbrunnen - 4 nights (base for Wengen + Mannlichen in 1 day, Spiez in 1 day) What else can I fit in here?
Bern - 2 night (old town/free & easy) Stumbled upon this and saw how pretty it is.
Montreux - 3 nights for Chillon Castle and Montreux Lakeside in 1 day, The Lavaux Vineyard Terrace and Vevey Promenade in 1 day,
and Geneva in 1 day.

Return light departs at Geneva. No Zermatt :(. Please let me know your thoughts.


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