Although we have been in Switzerland a couple times we have never traveled in the central and western areas. We are thinking of renting an apartment for two weeks in one place and enjoying that town plus several day trips and are considering Luzern. If anyone has stayed there for more than a day or so we would appreciate your opinion on spending an extended time there. We plan on doing our daytrips (or overnights) via Swiss trains, buses and boats. Any other suggestions for a base that might be better?

Hi auleen,

Hmmm. What have you already seen in Switzerland, and what kind of things were you intending to see on this trip?

If you haven't ever been to the Engadin Valley, I would recommend that as a big difference from central Switzerland (yet still with majestic peaks and Alpine lakes). Information at

www.engadin.stmoritz.ch
www.scuol.ch

As for what to see from Luzern, these would be at the top of my list:

Lakeside towns like Weggis & Vitznau, hiking/biking the paths around the lakes, visiting the Rütli meadow.

Zug and Lake Zug

Unterägeri, Oberägeri, & the Ägerisee

Haven't done it, but maybe Solothurn.

Andermatt is about 1h45 from Luzern, so that's also a possibility.

Have fun as you plan!

s

There is enough to do and see around Luzern to fill two weeks.

In addition to swandav's recommendations:
- Engelberg (abbey, Mt. Titlis)
- Stans with Mt. Stanserhorn
- Hike Niederrickenbach - Klewenalp
- boat trips on the lake
- Benedictine Abbey Einsiedeln
- Mt. Rigi - cog-train from Vitznau, a bit hiking on top, back via Arth-Goldau
- Mt. Pilatus round trip (via Alpnachstad - Pilatus - Kriens)
- Hike Melchsee-Frutt - Engstlensee - Jochpass - Engelberg
- Schwyz (old town, museums)
- Bürgenstock ridge above the lake with Hammetschwand escalator
- Luzern itself!!
- possible day trips to Bern, Zürich, Solothurn (yes!), Basel, Jungfrau region, even Ticino.

I love the Engadin! It is far though and should be a multiple night trip (or relocate for 1 week).
Other ideas from Luzern are Mt. Pilatus, Rigi, and Bern.

A special HI to Swandav!

Great replies! If anyone has taken trains/ferry to these villages from Luzern and would have the time to tell me how long they take it would be appreciated.
We have been to Lake Geneva, Montreux, across the Simmenthal to Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen and the villages above it. Also spent a week in Locarno then took the Bernina Express. Thinking we might fly into Zurich and spend 3 days before settling in Luzern.
After I have this trip generally under my belt I have to start researching our visit to The Netherlands for when we leave Switzerland--but that's another post! Off to the library to get a guidebook to augment my Switzerland online research! Many thanks for all the input.

bookmarking

Nice place---good location---take money!

Hi again,

I spent four nights in the village of Weggis, though I can't remember how long the ferry ride was from Luzern. However, here's a link to the timetables so you can research:

http://www.lakelucerne.ch/en/timetab...imetables.html

Have fun!

s

I love Luzern but I would not do 2 weeks there since it takes too long to get into the hinterlands for day trips.

I would do one week in Luzern - seeing the city and the lakes, mountains and towns yuo can see from there. I would do another week actually in one of the mountain towns in the BO - which will give a totally differnt perspective - and you can do hikes, cable car rides and even visit other towns from there.