Hi Fodor's crew, I am planning to be in Switzerland in early July. We will probably spend 5-7 days in Switzerland before flying home. I have no real desire to see the bigger cities, although I realize I will be flying into either Geneva or Zurich. We just want a relaxing vacation this time.

we like: fresh food, nature, short hikes, scenery. Any suggestions on what areas I can look into?

Thanks.

I should add that we don't want to be secluded - so proximity to other areas is important.

Hi ebuni,

You have a wealth of choices:

Jungfrau region -- many short or long walks, nice cable car rides to mountain-peak-restaurants, excursions on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, visits to other villages & towns for strolling.

Gstaad area -- short or long walks, cable car rides to mountain-peak-restaurants, excursions to other towns & villages for strolling or sight-seeing (Gruyeres, Bulle, Chateau d'Oex, Rougemont), ride on the Golden Pass scenic train.

Engadin Valley -- short or long walks, cable car rides to mountain-peak-restaurants, excursions to nearby towns & villages for strolling (Scuol, Chur, Zuoz, Pontresina, Sils), ride on the Bernina Express scenic train.

You could do a google search on these areas and see if one or the other grabs you.

Have fun as you plan!

s

ps,

If you are a fan of jazz, you could visit the internationally famous Montreux Jazz Fest, which runs for about 3 weeks in July. But it will be VERY crowded, so if you are not a jazz fan, avoid it.

s

Thanks swandav2000, I will look into your suggestions.

Which one of the places you listed would offer the best food. I love fresh food!

Hi again,

I think either Gstaad or the Engadin Valley would.

Because Gstaad has been the home of the rich 'n famous since the 1960s (David Niven, E. Taylor sort), they have a disproportionate number of highly-rated Gault-Milau restaurants for a town its size.

The Engadin Valley is known (I've heard from some Swiss) to have the best traditional cuisine in Switzerland.

If you like fresh fish, though, you'd have to head to a lake --

Havefun!

s

Fly into Geneva... take the train and stay in Lausanne, Vevey, or Montreux.

But valid point about the Jazz Festival in July!

@suze.. .Why did you mention Lausanne as one of your picks? It is written it is the second largest city in Geneva region and seems the opposite of relaxing to me. Am I missing something?

What about Southern Switzerland? I want to relax and get some sunshine

Hi again,

Now you're talking about the Ticino -- the major resorts there are Lugano, Locarno, & Ascona. I spent several days in Lugano and didn't care for it a whole lot -- it felt, looked, smelled, & sounded like a big city. I spent a day in Locarno, and felt it was much nicer; the town seemed to operate at a slower pace, and it was quieter.

I had an elderly Swiss lady friend (she has died. .. ) who loved Ascona. It doesn't have a train station, so you need to catch a boat or bus to get there. I haven't been there yet, but she said it was relaxing and wonderful. I don't know about the food, though!

Have fun!

s