nmchile

We will be traveling by train from Leipzig Germany to Lugano (first time to area) the last week of August and want to make one 2 day stop to experience the Swiss Alps--cowbells and all (We will need to be in Lugano the remainder of the trip). Can anyone recommend a route for us? What are the "cannot miss" places that will wow us and is accessible via train? This is a very last minute trip I am able to take with my husband (without our little kiddos) and am scrambling to learn about Switzerland and the vast destinations. We like exploring little towns, not so much big cities/museums. Cable car rides sound fun as well as lite hikes/walks. From what I've started reading, the area around Lucerne might make sense. We can rent a car if needed, but thought the train would be a great way to travel to Lugano.
Thanks so much for your help!

ira

Hi N,

Have you checked the train schedules at www.bahn.de?

I would drive the route recommended by www.viamichelin.com and spend 2 days in Lindau on the Bodensee.

2nd choice would be Rothenburg ob der tauber.

However, if you want to visit the Swiss Alps, there is an overnight train to Basel, from which you can go to Interlaken or Luzern.

Enjopy your visit.

swandav2000

Hi nmchile,

Just chiming in to re-post the suggestions from your Tripadvisor question -- overnight train to Basel, then a few days in the Engadin Valley, then over the Bernina Pass to Tirano and on to Lugano. It'll give you lots to swoon about!

First, the overnight train is a real adventure, and a romantic one, in itself. Getting a private compartment is expensive, but then you can play 1940s movie-star! Bring along some champagne and pate, then sit back and relax, and enjoy the romance as the train pulls out of the station. The private compartments have a toilet and shower, and they also come with breakfast. So you can hit the ground and be ready to roll!

Then, take another train down to the Engadin Valley in the far eastern corner of the country. Settle in at Pontresina, Sils, Celerina, or Samedan. You can spend a few days enjoying the massive mountains and glaciers by cable car and hiking and mountaintop restaurants.

And then take the Bernina Express route (don't have to take the specially-marketed train) to Tirano. I've heard a lot of people say this is the most dramatic scenic train in Switzerland! I know it really wow'd me, passing glaciers and the water table for that part of the country.

And then go on to Lugano by bus.


s

gruezi

mmchile,

I love the Engadin and second that idea - Sils Maria perhaps? - there are some lovely 3 star inns in town and wonderful hikes and such into the hills beyond - romantic, beautiful and good food.

We just returned from a wonderful weekend in Lugano. Do take the walk to Gandria... charming.

We have a car here in Switzerland but I much, much prefer the train for travel here. It's so civilized. We pack a picnic (you can drink wine on the trains here) and if someone is tired they take a nap. If scenery isn't your thing, you can read or knit. You can anywhere from anywhere... by train or bus in Switzerland.

My husband is a train convert...

Have a wonderful trip!

gruezi

nmchile

The suggestions are extremely helpful.
I keep seeing the areas near Interlaken (the Jungfrau) mentioned over and over as an "it" stop in Switzerland (for first time visitors), and it keeps drawing me back as an option, for some reason. Can anyone tell me why they prefer the Engadin Valley (swandav200)? I'm sure either spot will be lovely--it's mostly a matter of convenience via train and finding 1 spot we can spend 2 days exploring without a car--taking cable cars, exploring small villages, access to restaurants, etc. and then head on our way south to Lugano for 5 days. I feel our time is so limited, I want to be able to get there easily and savor the beauty of the area. Since we will be in the lake area of Lugano, a mountain valley is most appealing. Gruezi--we,too, find the train appealing, and like the idea of relaxing a bit without the worries of a car (and entertaining our 2 little ones who not be with us on this trip)! Thanks so much everyone! The next step for me is researching trains......

swandav2000

Hi again,

Yes, lots of first-time visitors enjoy the Berner Oberland. But I've heard it said (and rightly!) that the BO doesn't have the best mountains, just the best PR. So, do take that into consideration. And -- get some photos of both places so you can see for yourself!

If, as you say, convenience is a priority, then the BO would be some ways out of your way.

I know someone gave you the site for the German rail system above, but I prefer the Swiss rail site. Give it a try,

www.rail.ch

Anyway, have fun!

s

swandav2000

Hi again --

Also, in August, the BO is going to be mobbed. There will be many tour busses in/around Interlaken and Grindelwald, and swarms of people vying for every last inch of the train up to the peaks.

In contrast, the Engadin Valley will have mostly serious hikers rather than sight-seers. I think my party and I were the only English-speaking tourists; everyone else was from Germany, Austria, or elsewhere in Switzerland. Yes, this is where many Swiss choose to vacation . . . !!

Have fun!

s

ira

Hi nm,

Here is a trip report from someone who stayed just outside Interlaken.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35145465

swandav2000

Hi again (and again and again . . . sorry!),

Quite a good idea from ira to help you visualize an area. If this isn't overload for you, here are some links for the Engadin:

Ingo's two weeks in the Engadin, July 2008

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35144578

Conde Nast magazine article on Engadin:

http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/...rticleId=10670

Good luck!

s