I hate coming home from a trip and realizing I passed by a "must see" and didn't know about it. I have the framework of a trip planned, and the route is pretty set (meaning I plan to go to the places mentioned, but am willing to add on other sites along that route). I'd appreciate any suggestions for "must sees" (also "must eats&quot, either in the cities I mention or within a reasonable detour along the whole route. We have a few weeks to spend in the area, and would like to spend a few nights in home base cities/towns, do day trips out, then move on to the next town.
So the basic route: Krakow (salt mine, Kazimierz), Auschwitz-Birkenau, Vienna, Salzburg, Dachau, Munich (don't necessarily have to stay in Munich itself, but want to visit), Lucerne, Bern, chocolate/cheese train (Gruyere & Nestle), Hospice of St. Bernard. I know there are many things to do in Switzerland, but seriously, this trip it's all about cheese, chocolate and dogs (Bernese Mt. Dogs, and St. Bernards).
Thanks for any suggestions!

Anyone?? thanks!

Polymer,

Well, your request is very BROAD, and it is a day before Christmas when Fodorite's are traveling or entertaining.

Perhaps search here under destinations for each of your cities and put together at least a start of some things you'd like to do.

I know almost all of your spots but would have to write a short novel to list all the "must sees."

I will say, Munich is lovely and you should spend a day or two there. Perhaps add Neuschwanstein to your itinerary for Bavaria/Dachau/Munich area. Vienna is a huge city with so many possibilities. Salzburg can keep you busy a few days as well. I love Luzern but wouldn't know where to point you - excursions, museums, tons of choices.

Can't help with the dog thing at all...

I think if you do some research first, and narrow down some ideas, you'll get tons of responses next week when Fodorite's are back at their keyboards.

gruezi

Are you going by train or car?

If by train i'll give you some great resources and comment.

I'm not a big St. Bernard's fan, but I love Bernese Mountain Dogs (Berner sennenhund). This is their web site:
http://www.bshkbs.ch/phpnuke/modules.php?name=Web_Links

You could try contacting them for special suggestions. The club celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2007.

I think there's also a short haired version of the breed known as Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.

When is your trip? Basel has some wonderful exhibits on now (we're going to see "The Magic of Things" at the art museum, a special exhibition of three centuries of still life paintings and an extended exhibition on Venice at the Beyeler. The Roman ruins outside the city are interesting.

Hi-

PalenQ - We have not decided for sure if we will be going by car or train - probably both (depends if our friend who is a tour guide is coming with us). I'd love to hear your suggestions about the trains - it may sway the decision.

Passerine - We have a Bernese...of that whole giant family (Bernese, Swiss Mt and St. Bernard, and others) they are our favorite. Thanks for the link. We will be going mid-July...not sure if we will be able to get to Basel.

gruezi - Actually, I've done a tremendous amount of research and know many places already I want to visit. My request wasn't actually meant to be broad at all, but quite specific. (I guess I didn't phrase it correctly - sorry). I'm interested in what people's favorite things are that aren't the broad touristy things, but instead the things which make each region special to them - the "gems" off the beaten track that I might not find in a guidebook. I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Try and fit a visit in to Ballenberg, it's definitely worth the trip--and if your trip takes place in the fall, mark your calendar for October 29--it's Bernese Mountain Dog Day at Ballenberg!
http://ballenberg.ch/en/Events

Sorry, I meant if you could re-schedule your trip for the fall.

Awww...I'd love to go for Berner Day! But unfortunately we still have to travel with the school vacation schedule in mind. I'll keep it in mind for the future though. Maybe we can at least go to Ballenburg, even without the Berners. It looks interesting. Thanks

You might find my trip report of some interest:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34517351

Photos of Vienna might also give you some ideas:

http://tinyurl.com/692pvq

As might those of Munich (no trip report available):

http://tinyurl.com/2lcbxh