Hi

I’m just looking at the possiblilty of a holiday to Switzerland summer 2008. From reading reports on Fodors I think I’d be interested in the Berner Oberland area, maybe adding on a stay around Montreux aswell. I would be looking at around 8-10 days. Would it be better keeping the trip to just around BO, and do Montreux area another time, or are they close enough that we should try and do both areas maybe with 4-5 days in each area (or would you have longer in one place than the other)?

I’m wondering whether to fly into Basel, train to BO, train onto Montreux then fly out of Geneva, does that sound reasonable? Or if we were just keeping it to the BO region, would we just fly in and out of Basel (travelilng with Easyjet from UK)

I know it’s a bit vague but I’m just starting to think about possibilities really. Also, when would be a nice time to visit, to get warmth, sunshine, and the least chance of rain?!

Thanks

jazzy, Thaat is a good plan, and enough time to see both areas (Montreux and the Berner Oberland). What are your interests? Mainly hiking and alpine scenery, or daytrips to lakes, castles, and more cultural sights? That would determine how to divide your time. We normally spend all our time in the mountains, but there are other people hee who can help you with Montreux.

As for time to visit---there are no guarantees on the weather, whenever you go. We've had 3 two-week trips to the BO and Valais regions in August; the first was 95% sunny days,; the other two were half rain, half sun. Our most recent trip was late June-early July, and again it was half rain, half gorgeous days. It is always nice to have the warmth and sunshine, but best prepare for a bit of cool and rain whenever you go.

Next June there is a major soccer tournament in Switzerland, up to the 28th I believe, so you may want to avoid that time. In July, the Montreux Jazz Festival takes place from July 4 to 19; you could choose to include it if interested, or schedule your trip later and give it a miss. August is "high season", both in terms of lodging prices and number of visitors, but we have never found it "crowded", apart from the Jungfraujoch trip.

Hi jazzy_22,

Yes, your plan is a great one: a few days in a mountain village of the Berner Oberland, then a few days by the lake in Montreux. A delightful first trip, I think!

The best train trip from the BO to Montreux is via Zweisimmen and Gstaad, so try to do it that way. It will be about an hour longer than the fast way (via Bern & Lausanne), but a lot more scenic. You could also stop off in Gstaad and stroll around, have lunch. Or make a brief detour to Gruyeres for lunch.

I would strongly recommend you avoid July-August unless you simply love crowds. I've been in Montreux in August two times and really wasn't wild about the herds of folks on the promenade! Also, avoid Grindelwald in the BO in August. I was there one August and suffered from the many tour busses unloading their loads on the streets (as Wengen and Mürren are car-free, they are largely removed from this).

I guess I would advise September; it's still very warm with lots of flowers. If not for the soccer I would advise late June.

Good luck!

s

Thanks to both of you. Taking into account what you both say, it seems like maybe the end of July after the Jazz Festival, or the start of September will be best. Sounds like it could be more expensive during the football, jazz festival and August!

Yes I'd definitely like to see some alpine mountain scenery, visit some places lie eWengen etc, do a few short hikes
(any recommendations for fairly gentle walks with great views?!), but I also enjoy boat trips on lakes, walking round old towns, castles etc.

I'd appreciate a few must-do's for both areas just as a starter, and I will probably ask more when I have sorted my dates out etc!

thanks again.

Hi again,

I usually ski when in the BO, so I'll leave it to the hikers & walkers to give you their best suggestions.

Here are mine for Montreux and the area (pictures also at each link):

Montreux old town
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Lavaux
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Promenade Fleuri
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Morges
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...rges_Vaud.html

Gruyeres
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Fribourg.html

Saanen
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Gstaad
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

I haven't included the castle of Chillon because it's sort of obvious -- but do also think about it.

Have fun!

s