I will have five days in Vitznau on Lake Lucerne next summer. I'd like to take a train somewhere for the day and see another city. Something under 3 hours in each direction. I enjoy shopping, especially antiques and art galleries, traditional art museums, architecture, and churches. Pretty settings are a plus.

I'm considering Locarno, Lausanne, Montreux, Vevey, Bern and Basel. Any insights on these or other destinations would be welcome. Thanks in advance.

Lugano and Bern are much closer than Montreux and Vevey from Vitznau. You'll need to consider you'll be dependent on not only train, but boat or bus as well.

If it's raining in Vitznau, I'd personally go to Lugano and walk around in the sunshine. I think it has more to offer in shopping and art galleries than Locarno. If you take this route, go via Brunnen or Fluelen.

to me Bern is one of Europe's most overlooked cities

Neat old town - and arcades over the shopping area if it's raining, nice roaring river and the Bear Pits. Plus new Paul Klee museum gets rave rave reviews both for the edifice and the art inside.

I love Bern but any other town would be a swell choice on your list as well. Bern is the closest however i believe.

The train ride to Lugano would be must more scenic - the Gotthard line really scenic most of way

You could do the William Tell scenic boat-train combo - may stop in Vitnau anyway this boat/train thing takes you to Lugano - get off boat at Fluelen and on train

But there are hourly train as well from Brunnen (sp?) or Arth-Goldau near Vitzau

The only reason I didn't mention Lugano is that I've already been. Yes, I loved it. I even considered returning as there's stuff I missed. But I suppose I should see someplace new. Thanks for the responses.

Any interest in taking a train to the top of a mountain for a day trip?

I definitely plan on going to the top of Mt. Rigi while I'm in Vitznau. But I'd like to work in one more city since I have quite a bit of time.

Hi Cimbrone,

I think Basel is another of Switzerland's forgotten and overlooked gems. It is a little jewel of a city with a vibrant old town with a warren of tiny streets, 500-year-old buildings, the magnificent and important Muenster (grave of Erasmus is there), and shops and restaurants tucked neatly into corners everywhere. Basel also has a sweet little riverwalk and more museums than you would expect for a small city.

I spent two separate day-trips there and finally decided to spend a few days; I'm glad I did. I can easily see going back for an even longer time.

s

Cimbrone,

Since you have been to Lugano, do you know of a 2 bdrm apartment, condo, flat or house for 4 adults. We are thinking 5 nights, June 8-12 close to the lake in Melide, Paradiso, Castagnola or outskirts of Lugano. How much time did you spend there? We want to go to Bellagio (triangle) Como, Locarno & a couple of Mts in the area. Maybe 5 days are to much...any suggestions? Thank you.

Another vote for Bern.

Hi travelinow,

We only spent two days in Lugano and wished we had more time there. I think that if you are going to use Lugano as a base for all of the places you mention, 5 days is definitely not too much. In fact, a full week might be better. Given that most apartments will be rented for a week at a time, that could work out perfectly.

We stayed at the Hotel Federale--which we LOVED. (Let me know if you want more information about that.) But if you google "Lugano rentals" several sites come up. Please ask if you need other suggestions.

travelinow,

Here's a link...

http://tinyurl.com/332yhj

Thank you Cimbrone and TuckH. I will check these out.

Cimbrone,
Bern is, as said by a previous poster, a much overlooked city. Lots of shopping to do under the arcades in the town center, beautiful churches and museums, nice views between the upper and the lower city, some nice parks,... The train stops in the city center. A very leisurely city to stroll.

I've been doing some research and Bern does look charming. Bern it is! Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

Try the city of St. Gallen. It's about 100 miles from Lucerne. It has an incredible cathedral and abbey library. Both are amazing. Look them up online and you'll see what I mean. The old town is wonderful for walking around and exploring. The buildings are really cool in this town. This was my fav on our trip this past fall.

You could also go on to Appenzell and Lichtensten. They are only about 1/2 an hour from St. Gallen.

I vote taking the train up to Mt. Rigi. The ride across the Lake Lucern was amazing. You're surrounded by little cottages with steam rolling from their chimneys, the sound of swishing water hitting against the side of the steamer, and the backdrop all around you, you see the rolling alpine peaks...

I fell immediately in love with Lucern and I'm sure you will too. Here's a picture I took when we were in Vitznau.

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...akeluzerne.jpg

This picture does the real scenery no justice at all. It's a hundred times better!

Absolutely stunning place, I swore I will visit it again in the near future.