Hi, We are planning to visit my daughter in Strasbourg at the end of July (she is in law school there). We can use our Northwest miles and fly into Switzerland. We were thinking of flying into Zurich and then going to Strasbourg. From there we were considering spending time in Alsace and the Black Forest. We have the option of flying in or out of Geneva as well. We are planning to spend about two weeks there. Any suggestions on how to set up an itinerary? We are wondering if we should just stick with flying in and out of Zurich but going to Geneva sounded appealing. Any must see spots and fabulous hotels, castles, etc that are recommended?

If going to Zurich you might want to stop by Basel and visit its several interesting museums. I would do this by train. For driving around, pick up a car in France and return it in France to avoid cross-border fees, or pick it up in Germany and return it in Germany for the same reason. Freiburg, at the edge of the Black Forest, might be a pick up location and it has easy connections via Basel to Zurich for the return flight.

If picking up a car in Geneva, pick it up on the French side of the border and return it there, or elsewhere in France, for the same reasons as stated above. I am not familiar with Swiss car rental rates to recommend a car from Zurich and back.

From Geneva, going through the Jura might interest you, although it has few castles. Part of this trip report covers our few days in the Jura:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...elle-paris.cfm

Ronchamp is worth a visit, as is Colmar on the way up to Strasbourg.

Thanks! We will probably rent a car for the Black Forest/Alsace trip. I didn't even realize there were fees involved in border-crossing! I was thinking we would travel by train as well. I will have my 14 year old with me so a few museums will be more than enough. Usually, we do a Backroads trip (biking and hiking) but it is expensive and have chosen to do the trip on our own. Would love suggestions on biking and hiking in and around Switzerland and Strasbourg.

Cronen, I believe the fees come when you drop off in different countries, not crossing the border. There is a fee in Switzerland if you are driving on the main roads. You will need a special "sticker" and it's about 35 euros. If you do a search there is a discussion active now about this.

We will be in Strasbourg in May. My only advice is to check to see when there is any activity in Strasbourg dealing with the EU sessions and avoid if possible Have a great trip. Deborah

Hi Cro,

You could pick up a car in Zurich, drive up through the Black Forest via Freiburg im Bresgau to Strasbourg and then down through Alsace to return your car in Geneva.

See the "sightseeing" route at www.viamichelin.com

Haut Kronenbourg is a major castle in Alsace.