We will be in Paris but departing from the Zurich airport three days later. We would like to see the Matterhorn. Does anyone have any reccomendations to see Swiss area in only a couple of days? Cost is not a factor.
Thanks

Go to the Berner Oberland instead. Much closer and more spectacular.

I think bobthenavigator makes an excellent suggestion (as usual). We've skied in both Zermatt and the Berner Oberland, and the latter is far more spectacular overall. It doesn't have the Matterhorn, of course, but the V-shaped sweep of mountains from the Schreckhorn to the Jungfrau, with the Eiger in the middle, is fantastic. You also have the option of taking the tram up the Schilthorn or the train up inside the Eiger (expensive, but worth it if cost is not at issue). And, as bob said, it's only three hours away instead of over four-and-a half.

Would you take a train from Paris? I have read briefly about scenic trains would this be an option for this route.

Hi Smokyboy,

Yes, take the TGV from Paris, connecting either in Berne, Geneva, or Lausanne, I believe. I'd suggest you go via Lausanne-Montreux-Zweisimmin-Interlaken for a very scenic trip. The part from Geneva to Lausanne will have views of gorgeous rolling hills, vineyards, the lake, and distant mountains: the part from Montreux to Zweisimmin and Interlaken will take you from rolling hills to mountain peaks. Great ride. Check out www.mob.ch and go to the "Crystan Panorama" pages.

Have a great trip.

s

sorry -- meant the part from Geneva to Montreux, not just "Geneva to Lausanne."

s

Well, I'm very very sorry but if you want to see THE Matterhorn then the LOWER peaks in the BO just aren't quite the same now, are they.
I agree with the TGV to Lausanne or Geneva idea with a change to a regular train or a cisalpino to Brig and changing there for the 1 hr 20 min spectacular ride to Zermatt; then the Gornergratt railway up to the "base" of the Matterhorn. From there you'll also be able to view the Dufourspitz..the highest point in Switzerland, Monte Rosa..one of the two highest peaks in Italy, etc.
The BO is great and there are many, many spectacular sights but as I said, if you want to see THE biggie then go to Zermatt.

Time of year makes a difference here, too. And in either case, pray for a clear day or else you get a nice view of thick clouds.

The Berner Oberland might be a better first alternative because it is easier to bail out there and go to Luzern or a similar destination in case the mountains are shrouded in the clouds.

I hate to sound a pessimistic note, but having spent days in that region without being able to see much, I think it is a risk that needs to be considered.

Thank you so much for all of the information. Do I purchase tickets in the U.S. for these trains or wait until I get there; we are going at the beginning of June? As you have probably assumed I am a first time European traveler.

I don't know about the run from Paris, but the several times I've flown into Zurich and departed the airport via train I've always just purchased my tickets from the ticket office at the airport.

Good afternoon, Smokeboy
Have to agree that the BO might be a better choice over Zermatt, but reasly think you can do the BOjustace in less than 3 days. Therefore with your time
limitations Zermatt would just about be right and save the BO for a longer
stay in the future.. go into www.zermatt.ch/ you will find out
most all the information you will need on Zermatt. Your rail from Paris to Zerematt will take most of the day and also from ?Zermatt to Zurich most of
your last, would suggest spending ou last nmight inZurich...Richard of LaGrange Park, Ill.

I'm doing a similar jaunt from Paris to Zurich and did some preliminary price checking. The train is about 6 hours and the cost for 1st class was about $120 (I don't remember exactly). A flight on Swissair was $130 and it takes 1 1/2 hours. That was buying the cheapest roundtrip ticket, not a one-way. If I recall from a previous trip, the train ride for Paris/Zurich is not one that is considered one of the scenic routes. I think the trains from Zurich to the south would be what you are talking about. I'm sure someone will know this for sure, I'm going from memory of several years ago.

Thanks, late, to all who helped. We took train to Bern to Interlaken to Murren to Schilthorn. Wow. It was the highlight of our European vacation. My son, every day talks about this area. The view from the restaurant at Schilthorn is breathtaking. Thankfully it was a clear, blue day. Lots of snow too for June.

Glad to hear you had a good time. Now you need to rent the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." It was shot on location in and around Murren and Lauterbrunnen. The revolving restaurant on the Schilthorn was used as the bad guy's (Telly Savalas) hideout and there are lots of scenes of the tram from Birg, etc.