Strasbourg or Zurich?
Sep 7th, 2010, 11:32 AM
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Strasbourg or Zurich?
I will be meeting a friend for a weekend in late October. He'll be in Geneva and I will be in the Saarland (small town called Landstuhl) in southwestern Germany. We want to meet somewhere in between.
Looking at a map, it looks like Strasbourg or Zurich might be good places to go. I've never been to Switzerland, although I've never been to eastern France either.
If anyone has any insights on which city is a better place to spend a weekend in October, I would appreciate it. Also, if there are any other cities you would suggest over those two that are reasonably close between the two (no more than a four hour drive), I would appreciate that too.
Looking at a map, it looks like Strasbourg or Zurich might be good places to go. I've never been to Switzerland, although I've never been to eastern France either.
If anyone has any insights on which city is a better place to spend a weekend in October, I would appreciate it. Also, if there are any other cities you would suggest over those two that are reasonably close between the two (no more than a four hour drive), I would appreciate that too.
Sep 7th, 2010, 12:09 PM
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Strasbourg is a bit further for him to drive than Zürich, so if that matters... Both are fine.
But other than those two, there are many other suggestions. Basel is a fine city, as is Bern - if anything Bern has more to offer, a compact old historic center that is very functional in a modern city-center way, with restaurants and shops and what have you.
Strasbourg is a glutton's paradise of course, so if you want to hit the serious dinner tables...
If neither of you has ever been to Lucerne, maybe that might tempt you - even in late October it can be very nice and going up on the Rigi or Pilatus or taking a oatride (not sure if they still run - see www.lakelucerne.ch) could be fun.
But other than those two, there are many other suggestions. Basel is a fine city, as is Bern - if anything Bern has more to offer, a compact old historic center that is very functional in a modern city-center way, with restaurants and shops and what have you.
Strasbourg is a glutton's paradise of course, so if you want to hit the serious dinner tables...
If neither of you has ever been to Lucerne, maybe that might tempt you - even in late October it can be very nice and going up on the Rigi or Pilatus or taking a oatride (not sure if they still run - see www.lakelucerne.ch) could be fun.
Sep 7th, 2010, 12:19 PM
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Basel and Freiburg come to my mind. If budget is an issue then Freiburg would probably be better. Basel has the much more interesting museums/galleries and would probably keep you busy for a whole weekend while Freiburg does not necessarily. But you could do an excursion to the Black Forest or even hop over to Colmar from Freiburg.
Sep 7th, 2010, 12:26 PM
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Note that Ingo refers to the German city of Freiburg im Breisgau, north of Basel.
Coming from Geneva your husband will see signs for a town called Freiburg, in French Fribourg, that is located west of Bern in Switzerland.
Coming from Geneva your husband will see signs for a town called Freiburg, in French Fribourg, that is located west of Bern in Switzerland.
Sep 7th, 2010, 12:44 PM
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I suggest Basel. There is a lot going on in October. An Andy Warhol exhibit is about to open at the Kunst Museum (I would have suggested the wonderful Anker exhibition in Bern, but that will be over by the time you arrive).
For places to stay in Basel, one of the most stunning surprises is the new youth hostel. It's not at all like a typical hostel - a striking modern design set in the wonderful St. Alban historic district. The hostel has many four star hotel features (you can get private rooms with baths). It's getting rave reviews. I stayed there last month (I usually stay in 4 or 5 star hotels) and thought it was terrific. Info and photo gallery here:
http://www.youthhostel.ch/en/hostels/basel-st-alban
There are many new or remodeled cafes. Lots of local vintners will be showcasing their very drinkable wines.
Also this year's Autumn Fair start on October 23.
http://www.basel.com/en.cfm/baselinf...ll-155706.html
For places to stay in Basel, one of the most stunning surprises is the new youth hostel. It's not at all like a typical hostel - a striking modern design set in the wonderful St. Alban historic district. The hostel has many four star hotel features (you can get private rooms with baths). It's getting rave reviews. I stayed there last month (I usually stay in 4 or 5 star hotels) and thought it was terrific. Info and photo gallery here:
http://www.youthhostel.ch/en/hostels/basel-st-alban
There are many new or remodeled cafes. Lots of local vintners will be showcasing their very drinkable wines.
Also this year's Autumn Fair start on October 23.
http://www.basel.com/en.cfm/baselinf...ll-155706.html
Sep 7th, 2010, 05:16 PM
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Zurich is primarily a business city, although it has a small old town and a couple of decent museums. Strasbourg is fascinating and unique - with the mixture of German and French food and culture, has a fantastic cathedral and is the beginning of a wonderful wine road - where you can easily get my favorite - a great gewurztraminer. (I always seem to like best the wines that aren't well-represented in the US -- at least that I can find - Sancerre too.)
Sep 17th, 2010, 10:46 AM
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Been to both. Just got back from another Strasbourg week-end; Strasbourg hands, down for the reasons nytraveler states.
We park at the Aurélie car park, just down from the train station, then walk to the gare and buy a 24 hour "trio" ticket (even though we're only a "duo") for unlimited bus/tram service. There are numerous hotels to choose from on place de la gare, which I find very enchanting day and night.
Others here recommend Hotel Gutenburg which is charming and closer to the Cathedral, but also more expensive than my Ibis!
We park at the Aurélie car park, just down from the train station, then walk to the gare and buy a 24 hour "trio" ticket (even though we're only a "duo") for unlimited bus/tram service. There are numerous hotels to choose from on place de la gare, which I find very enchanting day and night.
Others here recommend Hotel Gutenburg which is charming and closer to the Cathedral, but also more expensive than my Ibis!
