Side trips from Zurich.
 

Hello Everyone, <BR>This is the first time we are visiting Switzerland and we are planning to spend about 5 days in Zurich. From the travel books and internet sites I gathered a day or two would be sufficient in Zurich. What would be good side trips. We will be taking a Swiss Pass and going to Geneva for a day. What are the other good place to visit (for non-skiers). <BR> <BR>any kind of input would be helpful. <BR>thanx <BR>Jaya

When are you going? Depends on weather. We loved our day trip to Schaffhausen, walking along the Rhine, visiting the falls, etc. Basel is a pretty quick train ride away, we loved its modern Jean Tinguely museum. Lucern is great, as well as any of the mountain trips -- Rigi, Titlis, or Pilatus. Bern is also not a distant trip. If the weather is good, don't forget that your Swiss pass includes trips on the lake boats, which are really great.

When are you going? Timing is quite important. <BR> <BR>Zuerich is a favorite city and we enjoy it. You'll find some things to do there and nearby at www.twenj.com/swisszrhoneday.htm <BR> <BR>But if you'll be visiting Switzerland in warmer months, why stay at all in Zuerich. The mountains are the finest in Europe and of much greater interest than Switzerland's cities. Of its cities, most find Luzern the ideal combination of sophistication and 'character' ... Luzern looks like many would expect a Swiss city to look. And there's plenty to do there and in the area as well. <BR> <BR>For a short visit to Switzerland for most of the year, at least when the weather is good, we'd select a night a two in Luzern and 3-4 nights at one of the mountain villages south of Interlaken in the Jungfrau region. Our favorite is Muerren. Our extende thoughts on a short visit at www.twenj.com/swissshort.htm <BR> <BR>Ed

Jaya,you haven't mentioned when you are going.I had been in Switzerland in Apr.99.I had planned my trip based on'Eurail Guide'.If U R ready to do a lot of train travel,I'll suggest U a few of the most rewarding & scenic journeys in the world. <BR>1)Zurich-Bellinzona x Bellinzona-Locarno(Thro' Gothard Pass)Take an hour's break at lake Locarno xLocarno-Domodosola x Domo.-Brig(Thro'Simplon Pass) xBrig-Spiez-Bern x Bern-Zurich <BR>This trip combines 3 to 4 scenic journeys.Brig-Spiez is the best part. <BR>Start early around 7-8.You can also do this in anti-clockwise directon as there wil be a lot of sunshine in the Domo-Locarno-Belli.(Southern Switz.)which U will cover in the later part of the day.(It's bright till 8.00pm. in 1st week of April) <BR>2)Zurich-Sargans x Sargans-vaduz(Liechtenstein) by bus-Spend an hour there.Vaduz-Buchs by bus.Buchs-St.Gallen x St.Gallen-Appenzell(scenic narrow guage rail trip winding up.)Appenzell is a small 400 years old Swiss town with painted buildings. <BR>Appen.-St. Gall x St.Gall-Romanshorn xRoman.-Schaffhausen.[Take a bus 10min.to Rhinefalls OR 30 min. walk along Rhine OR train Schaff.to Schloss-Em-Rhinefall & back (5 min. one way)for more rewarding & closer view from within the Rhinefall.(This is the best option which very few Eurail travellers know &is certainly one of the highlights of Europe trip.] <BR>Schaff.-Zurich. U can start at 7.00a.m.& finish by 8.30-9.00p.m.Alternatively U can wind up the journey from ST.Gall-Winterthur-Zurich.If at all U want to skip something,it's Vaduz. <BR>3)Zurich-Luzern-Interlaken x Interlaken-Spiez(cruise)Relax at Spiez on the lakeshore 'cause this is the best place on PLANET EARTH as described in Eurail Guide;which is an understatement.(cruise is free on the rail-pass.)Spiez-Bern x Bern-Zurich OR Bern-Geneva. <BR>OPT.II---- <BR>Zurich-Bern x Bern-Spiez(Walk down to the Lakeshore for the jetty,which is easier than walking uphill 20 min. in OPT.I) xSpiez-Interlaken cruise xInterlaken(station is just across the jetty) to Geneva by Zweiswamen(check the spelling)Express(scenic RailJourney) <BR>All these journeys are not as hectic as they appear;as U R sitting comfy in the posh,well connected &' on schedule to the last second'trains.I am an average 34 yrs.enthu.human being &Ihave done this with my wife.Details can be found out @raileurope.com & swissbackpackers.com.OR contact ME.All the best.

Good afternoon, Jaya <BR>To add to the wonderful ideas above would suggest the Benedictine Abbey <BR>at Einsiedeln, this is just over one <BR>hour out of Zurich and a great day trip. <BR>Richard of La Grange Parkm, Il <BR> <BR>www.einsiedeln.ch/ <BR>

Jaya, <BR>Don,t forget to have Roasti @Roasti Bar at Zurich Rly Station & Pizza @Buchs Station .U can see Mt. Pilatus(Go up by cable trolley & come down from other side by steep cog-wheel train)in the mornning(depending on the wether,be flexible)& see Luzern in the 2nd half of the day on the way back.Allow min. 4-5 hrs.(without Transport Mueseum)Luzern is the most beautiful city(town) in Europe.

Thanx for all your suggestions. We are going in 3rd week of October.Is this a good time to catch Fall colors. <BR> <BR>Jaya <BR>