I am planning a 7 day trip to Switzerland and Bavaria, flying into and out of Zurich. I have been to Switzerland several times, but not in the area north & east of Zurich. What are the "must sees" in that area? Where do you recommend I stay? I will be driving.

Lindau is the gem of this area.

Drove in late June from Prien/ Chiemsee in Germany (between Munich and Salzburg) to Zuerich, via Garmisch (you can take either the German route through Bad Toelz , or via Innsbruck - Mittenwald), Reutte, Hindelang, Immenstadt, Oberstaufen, Lindau, Meersburg, Ferry to Konstanz side of Lake Constance (Bodensee), Insel Mainau- Zuerich. You can stay overnight in Lindau on the Island (Hotel Reuteman- Seegarten is my favorite, right at the harbor), or stay in the Montfort Schloessle on the main land. (Look up the web site of BavariaBen, he lists it). Another nice place to stay is the Hotel Waldsee in Lindenberg/ Allgaeu, between Oberstaufen and Lindau. Again Check BavariaBen

Lindau as said, Meersburg is lovely. Fredrickshafen for the Zeppellin museum. Stein am Rhein is a gorgeous small painted town. Shaffhausen has a fort/castle with a great view. The Rheinfalls are a spectacular sight.

If you like gardens, don't miss the beautiful flower island of Mainau. Allow plenty of time to wander round, here's a virtual tour to whet your appetite:

http://www.mainau.de/htdocs/en/0101.htm

Hi. We've stayed in Uberlingen (a bit north of Meersburg) and in Stein am Rhein. You could spend three weeks venturing into Switzerland and Germany from Bodensee. You've already received more excellent suggestions than you can possibly cover in one week. If, for example, you visit Lindau, Stein am Rhein, Appenzell, and one of BavariaBen's villages, you've got wonderful contrasts and marvelous scenery. It sounds like a wonderful trip! (p.s. Meersburg has a great castle.) J.

topping - just so I have this in my Screen Name File for future reference. Peace.

Robyn >-

Northwest of Zurich is the lovely town of Baden, very picturesque on the side of a hill with buildings spilling down to an old bridge over the river. Near Schaffhausen is Neuhausen, where the Rheinfall is most visible. The Hotel Bellevue in Neuhausen has rooms overlooking the falls. Also northwest of Zurich is Lenzburg, another nice village with a hilltop castle.

Thanks so much for all the helpful suggestions. You have saved me LOTS of planning time. I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my query.