Switzerland by Car
 

My wife and I plan to travel to Switzerland next summer for 15 days. We enjoy getting around by car rather than primarily by train. We would appreciate ideas for itineraries beginning and ending in Zurich. We would of course be amenable to take cable cars, public transportation, and specific train rides also. We also like to go off the beaten path. <BR>Thanks!<BR>Fred

A great book with suggested car itineraries is the Karen Brown book. She's got a dozen or more routes and reading them helps give you an idea of what you want to see.

I think it depends on what you want to see and do.<BR>A car for some of the area is essential in my opinion. <BR>In the Berner Oberland area, using Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, M&uuml;rren, or Wengen as a base, you don't need a car at all. I had one there two years ago and it sat deadhead for 2 of the 6 days I had it, and I only took short trips on 2 of the other days.<BR><BR>I do have one drive that I endorse.<BR>From Interlaken head east to Innertkirchen. From there, drive over the Susten, Furka, and Grimsel Passes, returning to Innertkirchen and Interlaken. This so named "Three Pass Drive" will take you over three of the most scenic passes in Switzerland.<BR>Also I think you would enjoy the area between Bern and Geneva along the lake, and between Geneva and Lausanne/Montreux. Great country.<BR><BR>Also, if you visit Zermatt, you will park your car and not use it while you are there. The same is true of Wengen and M&uuml;rren. You don't drive to any of those 3 places. <BR><BR>So figure where you want to drive, and where you will be much better served using local mountain transportation.<BR>

Trips from Zurich could be:<BR><BR>Mountains:<BR><BR>- to the Engadin area via Chur (don't stay in St.Moritz, rather in Pontresina or Sils Maria). Best to use 4-5 days if you can, since the drive is about 4+ hours;<BR><BR>- alternatively to Flims, Arosa or Lenzerheide, shorter drive but still stay a couple of days;<BR><BR>- to the Appenzell area<BR><BR>- to Brienz, on to Luzern, but also make this a few days<BR><BR>Day trips can be done to: <BR><BR>- Basel<BR>- Luzern<BR>- Baden (also for the spa)<BR>- Zug<BR>- Schinznach (for the springs/spa)<BR> <BR>

Hi, we were in CH for 3 weeks in Oct, 97 & had a car, also had a month 1/2 fare card for 50% discounts on public transportation including cable cars & such..great combo.<BR>As for off the beaten path...we stayed in Davos (Hubli Landhaus, incredible) & drove every road we could find...it was fabulous, we had a wonderful stay, lots of places to explore, as well as mts to top & such. We drove to Juf (off San Bernadino Pass), which is the highest village that is inhabited year round. It is also an incredible drive.<BR>Another fabulous drive is the one Bob mentioned, the 3 passes...and do the Maloja Pass from St. Moritz to Italy, stopping at Soglio...it is wonderful. Then spend a few days in the Bernese Oberland to top off your trip. You cannot see & do everything in 2 weeks, but you can get a really good start.<BR>Another wonderful drive is thru the Inn Valley from Austria to St. Moritz. Get a Michelin Green Guide & choose your place...make a rez for first night at least. Hopefully you will be able to travel w/o rez and stop where you want. If you don't want to do that, plan your itinerary carefully so you don't spend all your time in the car or on the train.<BR>Have a wonderful trip. Aloha, Linda

But I just have to ask, Fred, are you an experienced mountain driver with a calm demeanor on narrrrrow twisty roads? And even if you stick to the highways, do you really think the driver is able to enjoy the scenery? Just my two cents. signed, J the whimp.