How about Lake Geneva and say dreamy smaller towns than Geneva like Montreux or Vevey - lots to see and do on short day trips from those bases - again lake boats - can easily scoot over to France at Evian-les-Bains - Chateau Chillon of Lord Byron fame - or Gruyeres- a fine fine walled town.

Then take the Golden Pass official scenic train to Interlaken_ost for trains from there to Wengen or wherever.

Agree with the comments about Zermatt being overcrowded.

We visited once in September and just couldn't deal with the crowds.

Since then we've gone back a few times pre-ski season when it's actually quite empty, but IMO there are so many better options in Switzerland.

We like the ***Hotel Bellevue in Wengen. Have stayed there a few times over the years.

You could always leave your large suitcases in the Zurich Airport - we've done that. Not cheap, but an option.

With a week or so in Switzerland, it seems to me that you don't have much time left: As I understand your itinerary, you are planning 3 nights in Zurich (1 at the start and 2 at the end), at least 2 nights in Basel (it easily warrants that much IMO), and at least 2 nights in Wengen or Grindelwald (of those two, I'd go for Wengen in a heartbeat), and IMO, you might consider adding a night in Wengen (really, two nights does not give you much time!) -- that's a week by my count.

If you have a few extra days, you could add in any of a variety of places -- I encourage you to consult the <i>Michelin Green Guide</i>, which proved invaluable to me when I planned my time in Switzerland, or perhaps even my trip report -- just click on my screen name to find it.

Good luck!

kja....I am not going to stop in Basel. might leave big suitcases in Zurich airport, do you think it is real safe to do that? Also am wondering if we spent two nights in Wengen, and took the "cable"ds over to Grindelwald, maybe that would be a nicer alternative to Zurich. I did get a new Frommers/Switzerland today, as mine was 15 yrs old. We are definitely doing Wengen. Sue thanks again.

Leaving luggage in a Swiss train station or airport, whether in a locker or at a locker desk, is about as safe as it gets! I, personally, wouldn't think twice about it. JMO.

Hi again,

Each of us has different ideas about where we might spend an extra night in Switzerland. I'm with kja on this one -- I would add those nights to one of your present destinations, either Basel (I know it's not one of your present destinations, but you will be going through it . . .) or Wengen. But then again I'm a slow traveller and hate to move bases; I far prefer finding fun and interesting things to do where I am. I find walks and hikes and bike rides or corners or cafes to sit and watch folks stroll by.

But.

If you really want to see someplace else, I agree with Pal that Lake Geneva would be a good alternative. Since it sits in the French speaking part of the country, it will give you the most contrast with what you've already seen. It's not a mountain destination, and in architecture and some cultural aspects, it more resembles the French Riviera than a stereotypical Swiss destination (but it IS thoroughly Swiss -- it's a country of great variety). I've actually spent more time in Montreux than in any other Swiss destination; I get there every year or every other year, and I stay for 2 weeks.

However, there is a HUGE Jazz Festival in Montreux held for 3 weeks every July. If you or your son like jazz, that could be a great draw for you. But if you're not a fan, it could make it a totally miserable choice. The lakeside promenade (one of the best features of Montreux) is always packed in summertime, but during the jazz festival, it is elbow-to-elbow. You could escape the madness and stay in nearby Vevey, and then just come to Montreux to visit the promenade, the old town, and Chillon castle.

While Montreux is very resort-y, Vevey is very residential. Vevey has fewer hotels, and the English-speakers you'll meet there are more likely to be long-term visitors (3 to 6 months) or expats than tourists. Vevey has a nice lakeside promenade, but it's neither as long nor as pretty as Montreux's. Vevey's old town is right next to the lake, and you can spend an interesting few hours there exploring the winding streets and popping into shops and cafes. Montreux's old town is up on a hill above the town, and it has great views over the town and the lake.

www.montreux-vevey.com

Ok, and another alternative would be the town of Gstaad. It will also be very popular and crowded in summertime, but I've never seen tour busses there. They hold a classical music festival, but I think it's usually toward the end of July and into August. Gstaad is characterized by lower rolling hills than high peaks, but I find that just beautiful (more beautiful, in fact, than the Jungfrau area). Gstaad sits at the border between the French and German speaking parts of the country, so it's an interesting place to see. There are gorgeous walks from Gstaad to nearby towns (about 1h or 1h30) or wonderful hikes in the mountains above Gstaad.

www.gstaad.ch

Whew. Ok. Those are my suggestions. Have fun with your research!

s

Paying more attention to your last post, in which you wrote “am wondering if we spent two nights in Wengen, and took the "cable"ds over to Grindelwald, maybe that would be a nicer alternative to Zurich,” I would encourage you to think a bit about whether what you want is to enjoy Switzerland’s cities – such as Zurich (which often hold museums or churches with notable works of art and interesting markets and public squares and streets) or time to enjoy the Swiss Alps and outdoors (as you would in Wengen). That’s a BIG difference! And of course, there are cities that give more or less opportunity to see and enjoy the Alps….

If you are leaning toward the cities, consider Zurich and Bern, among other options. If you are leaning to country, consider more time in Wengen or Gruyeres or a place like Wengis, outside of Lucerne. And if you want a bit of each, Montreux or Vevey might be a good choice (but note swandav’s warning about the Jazz Festival).

I think making a choice about WHAT you want to experience will help you narrow your options quite a lot.

Good luck!

kja -- Weggis is the town outside of Luzern :">

This could be important as the op researches online & in the guidebook she's purchased.

s

@ swandav -- yes, I know! But if the OP is leaning against cities, getting a bit outside one, even one already visited, might be worth considering. And maybe that's why you wanted to make that clear...?

, but I find that just beautiful (more beautiful, in fact, than the Jungfrau area)>

Not many would share that assessment for the average tourist looking for glacier-girdled Alpine peaks - Gstaad no doubt is pretty but also does not have the panoply of mountain trains, thrilling gondolas to get around - the Jungfrau Region is much more of what the average first-time tourist is looking for IMO.

I've only gone thru Gstaad on the train and got off and walked around the town - to me is pales in comparison with the sheer awesome beauty of the Jungfrau Region - of course it is beautiful too in its own right - but for someone to go there on a first trip to Switzerland rather than Jungfrau or Zermatt I think would be a mistake.

And they're off...

I am definitely not one of those people who swears that "Zurich is only a business city" and I agree with KJA's description that there is plenty to see and do. In fact, I just booked nights in a Zurich hotel for July 2017 as we get ready to go south for the Bernina Express.

That said, the city is just that: a city with lots to offer. The stereotypical alpine views of the Berner Oberland and those are seen from the places you are thinking of going and even in the hated (by some) Grindelwald s as well as Murren, Wengen and the whole lot of them and these latter places are not cities in any way, shape, or form.

And then there's LacLeman which is a whole other world once again which offers a variety of towns as well as cities and the wonderful lake views.

It can be hard to decide in Switzerland; I know because I've been a whole bunch of times and going again next year. Enjoy your trip.

@ swandav -- oh, just noticed the unseen autocorrect! Yes WEGGIS is what I meant, and thank you for clarifying!

Yes, kja, that's what I meant! Ah, the dreaded autocorrect. Yes, I think it'll be easier for the OP to do her research with the correct spelling.

Pal, why do you always have to come in to make negative comments on my posts? Please note that I did not say she should go to Gstaad INSTEAD of going to the Jungfrau area. I said: "I would add those nights to one of your present destinations, either Basel . . . or Wengen."

Then I added that IF she wants to see another, additional area (ADDITIONAL area), then she could consider Gstaad.

And yes, I agree that "Not many would share that assessment for the average tourist looking for glacier-girdled Alpine peaks - ," but my opinion on Gstaad is just MY opinion. I stated very clearly that the Gstaad area does not have the high peaks that the Jungfrau region has, and then I added my personal opinion that I like this area more. What in the world is wrong with that?? Of course people have different opinions. I have mine. I will write mine here, so long as I don't give the wrong impressions.


Really, Pal, I am so tired of always defending my posts to you, especially when your comments seem to come from a mis-reading of what I've written.

s

, but I find that just beautiful (more beautiful, in fact, than the Jungfrau area)>

this is what you said and what I said few other folks would agree with - if that is negative well in your mind maybe - just saying that you are one of the few folks who would say that.

How did I misread that and I respond in case someone puts credence in your comments- as they should because you are a real expert on SwitZerland - to make sure they do not make a mistake of going to Gstaad rather than the Jungfrau Region.

Try not to be so sensitive to perceived criticism which in fact is just disagreeing with you.

Pal,

It is a misreading because we both agree that the OP should spend time, first and foremost, in the Jungfrau region. As I explained above, I said: "I would add those nights to one of your present destinations, either Basel . . . or Wengen."

It is a misreading because you say,

" . . but for someone to go there on a first trip to Switzerland rather than Jungfrau or Zermatt I think would be a mistake . . ."

I never said they should go to Gstaad rather than going to the Jungfrau. As I explained above, I said that IF she wants to see another, additional area (ADDITIONAL area), then she could consider Gstaad.

I will continue to be sensitive when you misread my comments.

No, you are not simply disagreeing with me. If you were simply disagreeing with me, you would let my single opinion about Gstaad stand. Those opposing opinions could stand in one thread, and future readers could judge on their own. But no, you challenge my opinion. It is as if you cannot imagine it or maybe cannot tolerate it when someone likes another mountainous area more than the Jungfrau. Well, some do. Now, that is a simple disagreement.


s

It is as if you cannot imagine it or maybe cannot tolerate it when someone likes another mountainous area more than the Jungfrau.>

I can tolerate it and respect it but really can't imagine it.

Why do you think Gstaad is more beautiful than the Jungfrau Region? I'm curious about why. I could buy as beautiful in its own way but more (and again that is your opinion and of course that cannot be challenged).

Again I reacted only because you are such a Swiss expert and folks take what you think very seriously - but if they then think the Gstaad area is more beautiful than the Jungfrau or Zermatt areas they may go there instead if they only go to one Alpine wonderland, which I think is a mistake - don't you?

Now as another stop - yes - fine or on a future trip.

Let me apologize if I offended you - none was intended and I respect you greatly as a Swiss/Bavarian expert and truly feel bad that your feelings were hurt - I will try to refrain from disagreeing with you in the future.

Nuff said.

OK folks, "play nice". I have this much figured out...I have one week (after a two week cruise). First night in Zurich, leave bags, and I have a very nice hotel nailed down in Zurich already. On to Zermatt for two nights, not sure about hotel yet, two nights Wengen, maybe the Schonegg. back to Zurich for two nights (hotel nailed down). Son is an Art History Prof so I am mixing the city with mountains, and a train ride around Switzerland. the issue now is that an elevator in the hotel would be helpful (knee replacement,not recent, but doing well), and I can research this part. I know that hotels have little electric carts, some of them do for pick up at trains. So thanks for all the suggestions so far. I have until next Summer to finalize this, but is fun to think about. Appreciate the help. Sue will get Swiss rail passes too.

the issue now is that an elevator in the hotel would be helpful (knee replacement,not recent, but doing well), and I can research this part.>

If stairs are an issue in train stations you may well have to go down stairs to get over to the exit or other platforms, like perhaps at Interlaken-Ost but most have lifts or will provide special help if requested in advance.

Wengen hotel experts- are Wengen hotels likely to have lifts? Or try to get a room on the ground floor.