Lake Lucerne AND Lake Leman or only one?
 

I'm just starting to plan a 22 day Switzerland itinerary July/August 2020. I'm a 66 year old slower traveler and prefer to stay at least 5 nights in a location using it as a base for local exploration and day trips. I'd like to combine Alpine and lake bases. I'm considering 5 nights in Montreux (or Vevey) AND 5 nights in Lucerne (or nearby) with a week in Wengen in between. I'm currently considering the Appenzell region after Lucerne. I enjoy exploring pretty towns, taking long walks, castles, boat trips, lovely vistas and just being outdoors. This trip will be light on museums and travel will be via train and bus. With this information in mind, should I visit both lakes or would they be too redundant. If you recommend just one, which would you choose and why? Thanking you all in advance!

Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) and Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstaettersee) are completely different. Only the more than 100 years old paddle steamboats running on both lakes are somewhat similar.
Lake Geneva is a 45 miles long and up to 9 miles large water expanse between vineyards and castles, with views to up to 15000 ft high snowcapped mountains whereas Lake Lucerne is a 25 miles long and not more than 2 miles large kind of fjord between steep 6000-7000 ft high hills raising immediately from both shores.

Both, Montreux and Lucerne are good bases for tons of day trips in the whole Lake Geneva/Fribourg/Valais resp Central Switzerland area..

Appnezell is not really a alpine area: no glaciers, but a lot of very green (because it rains a lot in this area) grassland and rocky hills not exceeding the altitude of 8000 ft.

I'd say stick with your original plan. Like neckervd said, the two lakes are completely different. Wide open the Lac Leman area, with vineyards and high Alps in the distance, French culture and language. Rather fjord-like Lake Lucerne with more in-the-Alps-feeling (especially the eastern end, Urner See) and with Swiss-German culture and language. Appenzell is a nice change, very different from the other regions you picked.

I have visited each if these 3 areas, and found them very different, very worthwhile to visit with 22 days that you have!

You've now heard from some true experts, so I'll chime in only as someone is is not an expert in any possible sense of the term: These really and truly are different areas, and the differences were obvious, even to someone with minimal advance exposure to Switzerland or the Alps!

If you haven't already seen it, you might find some useful information in my old trip report:
https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...thanks-983126/
You'll see that I moved around a LOT, but you could visit many of the places I visited using the bases you mention.

IMO any trip to Appenzell should probably include St. Gallen and despite your decision to be "light on museums" I think a visit to the Abbey church in St. Gallen and, if you can do so, the famous library, would be memorable. And if you are going to be in that area there's yet a third lake to consider: Constance.

The lakes are quite different, as are the surroundings. No reason to think that doing both would be duplicative. Sounds like a good plan to me.

As far as Appenzel, goes, we made a daytrip from St. Gallen (abbey library is stunnig). It's a lovely little town, in a nice setting, but after spending several weeks in the Alps, you might find it underwhelming, or something of the sort. It might be better as an appetizer than as a dessert. However, we didn't do any hiking in the region, and if that is your thing, you might find some trails there that give you a totally different perspective than mine. You can see more my thoughts on these regions on my trip report from 2016, which you will find if you click on my name.

neckervd, Ingo, mokka4, kja, Dukey1, twk, I thank you all for your unanimous responses. Both lakes it is!

twk, I just read your GREAT trip report. Lots of wonderful information. I will go back and make notes. Hmmm..... Appenzell region "better as an appetizer than as a dessert". When I was in Basel this summer I stopped at a Swiss information office to get a good map and ask a few questions, one of which was what regions to visit. The nice lady suggested the Appenzell region. I need to do research and might have to reconsider.

Dukey1, yes, I will definitely visit the Abbey Church and that gorgeous library. I've seen pictures. Wow!

kja, I remember reading your trip report. I was exhausted just reading it. LOL. I will go back and read it again. While too aggressive for my age and knees, I will glean it for pointers.

Ingo, you liked the Appenzell region? Would you recommend it over a second base in the Bernese Oberland?

neckervd, I'm glad to know I won't go wanting for lots of things to do. The challenge will be narrowing down the choices!

I don't think they are the same at all. So no not redundant... or at least not because they are both lakes!

Although I only know Lac Leman from (5) trips to Montreux and Vevey. I looked it up to make sure my impression was correct but Lac Leman is 224 sq mi and Lucerne only 43 sq mi. As far as places to base I prefer Vevey to Montreux.

Yes, I liked the Appenzell region very much. It is true that the mountains are not as high and dramatic as in the Bernese Oberland, but they are beautiful in a different way. More rolling hills with the rugged mountains in the background. And of course there are lots of cable cars and gondolas to get up and enjoy the views here, too. The architecture of the houses is very different (and more attractive IMO). And yes, visit St. Gallen, Lake Constance and possibly a castle (Sargans, Werdenfels e.g.) or the spa town Bad Ragaz with the historic Tamina gorge/spa. Definitely give the Appenzell region a try and do not pick a second base in the Bernese Oberland.

You make it sound very enticing, Ingo! Perhaps part of my next visit to the area. :)

suze, wow, 5 trips to Montreux/Vevey! You must really love the area! Would you mind telling me why you prefer Vevey? Thank you.

Ingo, thank you for the Appenzell encouragement. I spent time online last night researching the region and I like what I found. Thank you for your additional suggestions. And, based upon your appetizer vs dessert comment, I think I will make St Gallen my first stop rather than last.

Adelaidean, I LOVE the way you travel! I followed you through Germany last summer and this summer in Switzerland. And, I read your 2016 Switzerland trip report recently. Your photography just takes my breath away and the photos you posted of desserts seriously whet my appetite! I also marvel at how well you research your trips prior to departure to maximize your experiences. I aspire to your standard!