Trip plan for 17 nights in Switzerland June 2008
 

Calling all experts!
My husband and I (Seniors) will be doing a 17 night tour of Switz. via train in June 2008. I have utilized a lot of info from this site so far. This is what I have come up with.
NIGHTS
1 & 2 Zurich (Hotel St. Josef)
3-4-5 Lucerne area - Rigi - Need opinions here!!! We have been to Lucerne twice. What else should we do in this area for the 3 nights time? I do want to see the Benedictine Monastery at Einsiedeln. Should this be our first stop leaving Zurich? It doesn't have to be an overnight. Would like to do Mt Rigi. Also have read posts on Stein Am Rhine and Appenzell. Should we do these places and skip Lucerne and Rigi? Are 3 nights enough before we head to the BO? Stay in Weggis? If so - hotel suggestions? In short, suggest a plan for these 3 or 4 days for us.
Days 6-7-8-9- Lauterbrunnen doing the Wengen and the Murren sides of the valley. (I have a pretty good handle on this section of the trip
Days 10 - 11 Interlaken (should we just stay in Lauterbrunnen for all the BO days) Want to do Brienz Lake towns and also Lake Thun towns. Possibly do a day trip to Bern one of these days
Days 12 - 13 - Zermatt Should I book a hotel here or do as Rick Steves suggests. ie. Wait and see how the weather is in Zermatt and SKIP it if it is raining or too cloudy since seeing the Matterhorn is the main reason for going. I was in Zermatt in 1989 with our daughter, but my husband has not been here. I LOVED it and want him to see it.
Days 14-15-16 French side of Switzerland - Montreux,Vevey, Lausanne?? Chillon chateau etc. Hotel suggestions for this area?? 3 star hotel is max - We stick to a budget.
Night 17 Zurich Airport area. Booked the Marriott Courtyards here with award points.
Am mainly staying in Zurich the first 2 nights because our rail pass will only be good for 15 days.
Thanks to all you travellers! You have helped me very much when I read other threads. You are wonderful!
Nannibray

Looks like a great plan---very similar to the path we have followed several times now. Here are my thoughts:

Rigi---we stayed up there our first night on this year's trip, and loved it. I chose Rigi Kaltbad rather than the very top (Rigi Kulm) as I liked the hotels better---more "Swiss chalet" style. We stayed at the Alpina:

http://www.alpina-rigi.ch/html/hotel.html

and liked it, especially "living room" (in the photo) and the delightful and very funny Herr Caminzind. Some might find the rooms too small and the dinner rather plain. I would also consider the lovely Bergsonne:

http://www.bergsonne.ch/

Unless you are really avid hikers, you will probably find 2 nights at Rigi Kaltbad enough. It's an easy ride down to Weggis on the cablecar if you want to go elsewhere, though, so you could make it a base for 3 or 4 days if you like. The flowers were lovely there in late June; the weather a bit of everything, from heavy fog to glorious sunshine.

Two nights at Interlaken? I would just stay on in Lauterbrunnen instead of mooving. They are only 20 minutes apart by train. I found the hotels in Interlaken more expensive, and the views in Lauterbrunnen much nicer.

Zermatt: there are no guarantees of seeing the Matterhorn on any given day, but with a 3-night stay we had multiple opportunities to see it in various states, from partially obscured (but still lovely) to dazzling. With a one-night stay there, you might be disappointed and not see it at all. So you could either (a) from a reasonably nearby base, like Vevey, wait for a good weather report and jump on the train, or (b) go and stay at least 2 nights. The problem with(a) is that conditions change very quickly----it might be clear when you check, but fully obscured by the time you get there.

So I would strongly urge you to spend at least 2 nights there if you want to see the Matterhorn. Even if it is cloudy, the ride up the Gornergrat is well worth it---one of my favorite viewpoints in Switzerland.

Finally. . . I wouldn't spend an extra night in Zürich (the second of your firs two) just because of your 15-day railpass. The trip to Luzern is quite inexpensive, so you could by point-to-point tickets for that (and on to Weggis or wherever). This will give you an extra day to use elsewhere (like Zermatt).

days 14/15/16. I'm no expert but love the Vevey/Montreux area! Lausanne is pretty too but significantly bigger, so while OK to visit I'd stay elsewhere. Hotel(s) Negotiants or Geneve in Vevey are both modest rooms-over-a-restaurant hotels. Hotel Helvetie on the main street is nice enough and somewhat of a budget alternative for Montreux.

I usually agree with Rick Steves. But, I always include at least 2 nights in Zermatt. I have been in June, twice in Oct. All three times I have seen the Matterhorn. I have booked us again for October next year. We have always stayed at hotels owned by the Julen family. We love the Daniela. Have booked the same room as we had last time...a beautiful view of the matterhorn from the balcony.

The trip up to Klein Matterhorn is fabulous. From the viewing platform you can see villages in Italy. There is even ice caves. We have done it twice. This time we will take the train to Gornegrat.

I have stayed twice in Montreaux and once in Vevey. Stay in Montreaux. Your Swiss Rail pass is good on their city buses. It is a beautiful town. From Montreaux you can do day trips to Gruyere, Lausanne or even Geneva. I love the area. Swiss Pass is even good on the boats that connect the small towns on Lac Leman.

Stein am Rhein is truly magnificent. I would try to see it if there is anyway possible. I also agree that it is not worth moving to Interlaken; I'd spend the entire time in Lauterbrunnen. We really enjoyed Thun and Spiez but did not have time to do Brienz.

Go with Suze suggestion of Hotel Negociants in Vevey, we stayed there in June. It was a tad noisy at night being over a Brassiere but in a great position and easily walkable with luggage to the train station. Breakfast was juice, coffee and rolls, our room was quite large with a nice bathroom. Hope you are there for the markets on a Saturday morning.

We walked towards Chillon from Vevey along the lake as far as we could then caught a bus the rest of the way to the Castle. Another day we caught a bus up into the hills for a walk and some lunch then a train down to Lausanne and the ferry trip back to Vevey which was just lovely - all on our rail pass.

www.hotelnegociants.ch

Hi nannibray,
I've got to agree with not spending 2 nights in Zurich just because of the 15 day pass. My opinion on Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken... stay in Lauterbrunnen. We spent 4 nights in Wengen and just didn't want to leave. Absolutely stunning area! I would also take the night from Zurich (or somewhere else) and add it to Zermatt for 3 nights and 2 full days. We did the Gornergrat and loved it. We walked from the Gornergrat station down to the next stop for the return to Zermatt (I forget the name). Very easy walk... gorgeous scenery including glaciers and the Matterhorn!
Just some suggestions.

Have a Happy New Year!

Paul

Hi nannibray,

Here are some ideas for activities and excursions from Montreux:

Montreux old town
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Lavaux
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Promenade Fleuri
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Morges
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...rges_Vaud.html

Gruyeres
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Fribourg.html

Saanen
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

I would suggest that you go from the BO to Montreux and then on to Zermatt and Zürich; that way you can use the Golden Pass route into Montreux, which is lovely (my second favorite train ride in Switzerland).

Montreux and Vevey have very different characters, as suze can also attest to. Montreux is almost purely a resort; it's full of hotels and the people who fill them who are on vacation. You'll mostly see these lounging and relaxing vacationers as you stroll along the lakeside promenade. The shops are mostly boutiques, jewelry, and souvenir.

In contrast, Vevey is mostly a regular residential town. The old town is next to the lake, and you'll mostly see local folks bustling around doing their workaday chores and shopping. The shops are mostly grocery and antiques with a few small boutiques.

So, that might help you decide which town to stay in along Lake Geneva.

Have fun!

s

Thanks everyone! I WILL scratch 1 day from Zurich. Done! Also will consider going to Montreaux area after Lauterbrunnen via the GOLDEN PASS. THAT WILL PUT US THERE ON MARKET DAY - SATURDAY. THEN TO ZERMATT. WILL DEFINITELY DO 2 NIGHTS IN ZERMATT AND AM CONSIDERING 3.
THE HOTEL NEGOCIANTS LOOKS GOOD - AND IS REC. IN BOTH FODORS AND FROMMERS. But will check out Montreaux hotels also.
Now back to day 2 when I leave Zurich - should we try to zing to Stein Am Rhein before training to Lucerne area? Is that too much for 1 day? Got no comments on Appenzell so I'll chuck that idea.
Finally, if we do Zermatt last (after Vevey and Montreaux) will that be too long a train ride to Zurich?
Enzian - Like the looks of both hotels in Rigi Kaltbad.
Should I look also into Weggis for 1 night?
Am thinking we will just SKIP Lucerne.
Lastly, Am I alotting my days properly? Is 6 nights a bit too much for BO.
Can we do a day trip to Bern (and is that recommended) from BO?
Am now thinking perhaps 2 nights in Wengen and 4 in Lauterbrunnen. Everyone seems to LOVE Wengen!
Again, Thanks to all of you! The web sites are also VERY helpful! You guys will put Fodors and Frommer out of business! lol.
nannibray

Hi,
"Am now thinking perhaps 2 nights in Wengen and 4 in Lauterbrunnen. Everyone seems to LOVE Wengen!"
" Is 6 nights a bit too much for BO."

I'd pick one place to stay (Wengen) as Wengen and Lauterbrunnen are very close. Difference is Lauterbrunnen sits in the valley and Wengen overlooks it.
On our trip we thought 4 nights in Wengen was too short, so... I'd go with 5 or 6, but that's me.

In Wengen we stayed at and can recommend the Hotel Eiger. Very convenient to the train and absolutely gorgeous views from the room balcony!
www.eiger-wengen.ch

I'd also go with 3 nights Zermatt considing seeing the Matterhorn is the reason for being there. Increases the odds of seeing it, perhaps.
We stayed at the Hotel Butterfly (Best Western) in Zermatt.
www.hotelbutterflyzermatt.com

We also loved the area around Appenzell, yet we didn't stay there (we stayed in Liechtenstein) as we had a car for the first 3 days of our trip.

You could go from Zurich to the B.O. and save Luzern as your last stop before returning to Zurich. Also to consider... We stayed our last night in Luzern and took the train directly to Zurich airport on the morning of our return home.

Hope this helps.

Paul

If you're still considering alternatives, I'd suggest the following itinerary:
--Arrive in Zurich airport and train directly to Stein am Rhein. Stay there the two nights. To many Americans, this area gives a more unique experience than the big city of Zurich, IMO.

--3-4-5 Luzern. Do Rigi or Pilatus one day, do the Transport Museum on a cloudy day--it is fantastic--at LEAST half a day, more if you take in the IMAX--see the film on climbing the Eiger. Einsedeln could also be a side trip or a stop along the way.

--Days 6-11 in the BO. Pick one place and stay there. You lose time moving around and gain little by taking a place in Interlaken

--Days 12-13--Stay in Zermatt area and hope for clear skies at least once

--Days 14, 15, 16--I' probably in the minority here, but I'd take Locarno in the Italian part over Vevey in the French area any day of the week. The friendly, Italian ambiance combined with Swiss efficiency is great to experience. The Italian food influence is wonderful, and the peaceful strolling along the lake, visiting the fishing village of Ascona and the outdoor restaurants along the lake (Try the Al Pozz) make this a relaxing place to finish your stay. I found the Vevey-Montreuex area to be hectic, less than friendly and no more visually beautiful than Ticino.

--Day 17 train to Zurich and stay overnight before leaving for home in the morning.

Enjoy your trip.

nanibray~
Market day is SATurday morning in Vevey. Montreux has a smaller version on Friday morning under the pergola.

nannibray:

Far from wanting to dampen your spirits I wonder if you have taken in account the fact that Switzerland will co-host the European football (soccer) championship from June 7 to 29 2008?

This could mean difficulties in reserving rooms at the better-known places and price hikes.

You may want to reschedule part of your trip or reserve really early.

Enjoy your trip.

Phil.

Good point, Phil. Of the places they plan to stay, is it only Zürich that is an actual game venue?

Thanks again everyone. Lots of good info. pjal Will stay 6 nights in BO in 1 place. lauterbrunnen seems best as will be quicker connections to the area.
jn Going directly to Stein am Rhein is VERY APPEALING! But do we need 2 nights there? (not that I want to be moving around but perhaps the day could be put to better use elsewhere.
Glad someone mentioned Locarno - was really thinking of that area. Have been to Berllagio on Lake Como and 1 day ion Lugano, but never to Lake Maggiori (Locarno and Ascona)

Wow! Lots to think about.
pja1 Will stay in Lauterbrunnen the entire time. Is easier to get to Lake Thun and Lakr Brienz and Murren and Wengen from there, rather than staying in Wengen.

jn Going directly to Stein am Rhein is very appealing. If we do, do we need 2 nights there?
Locarno and Ascona - Great idea! can we get good train connections from Zermatt to the Lake? How long a trip would it be? Would that be a pretty part of the Glacier Express? Am seriously thinking about only 2 nights in Zermatt. That would give 1 FULL day and part of the day we arrive and part of the day we depart if the weather is cloudy on our full day there. (and I have already been there and seen the Matterhorn is full sun) (want to take hubby tho)
What is the minimum number of days to add Locarno? Is 2 days rediculous? By going there we would be riding the Glacier Express? Which I want to do.
Last Request I have seen many posts on trip advisor for the Pension Villa Maria in Lucerne about 1.2 mile from center of Lucerne BUT Frommer 2005 edition does not give an e-mail address or a web site. only a FAX. and I can't FAX internationally. I REALLY want to contact Maria and stay there . Does anyone know the contact information?? Many thanks agin!
Nannibray

In summary. The only parts of the trip that are SET IN STONE are the days in the BO. Have been to Lucerne twice but have not done RIGI. Should we skip Lucerne area to do Italian Lake area and Montreux and Zermatt

Also - What is dif between 1st and 2nd class Swiss Saverl pass? Is the money well spent on 1st class?
As far as the soccer tournament - Our dates are firm - Airline award tickets and you know how hard they are to get!

nannibray, enzian:

Yes, Zurich is the only venue nannibray is planning to stay at, but Stein am Rhein is likely to be heavily booked as well (rather close to Zurich).

The German team will stay in Ascona, just beside Locarno, and will need lots of additional hotel rooms for its staff and for the media. Ticino also hosts the Swedish team (in Lugano).

Three teams will stay on Lake Geneva (Turkey in Geneva, France in Mont-Pélerin, and the Netherlands in Lausanne). They also will need lots of space and hotel rooms.

And the Bernese Oberland is just 30 minutes' drive from Bern, another of the venues.

So you better book really early, if you want to get reasonable prices.

Enjoy your trip

Philippe.

IMHO - no 2nd class is just fine and you can use the money saved towards food or some special outings.

If you do go to Locarno, do yourself a favour and do the Olive walk from Lugano to Gandria and catch a ferry back. Here is the link.
http://tinyurl.com/yrrh5m

Hi,
We travelled 2nd class on the trains. Very good experience on all of them. Can't see spending the extra for 1st class.
We did the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt in one day. Personally, I woudn't do it again. It took about 9 hours. Some really beautiful scenery for sure, but the scenery was great on most of our other train travels in Switzerland as well.

Paul

Ascona: The German team is in one of the loveliest hotels in Tessin because they got a great offer from the canton of Tessin. Tessin wanted to be part of the EM championships so they made the German team a deal they couldn't resist. They will be practicing in Tenero but I don't think the hotels will be much fuller in Tessin than usual.

Rigi Kaltbad vs. Weggis:
Hard to say. If you've never stayed on a mountain and would like to hike two days, I'd say go for it. The views are phenonomal and you'll hear cows bells. They've got lots of activities going on the Rigi (especially Staffel and Kulm) so it might be a great experience.

Appenzell: Well, I just adore that area. It is truly quaint. Definitely deserves a visit.

Stein am Rhein: Yup, small but picturesque.

Einsiedeln: Easy to do from Zürich. I live 15 min. from there and find the church huge and something to see. I would plan two hours there and then go on.

I wouldn't do Tessin because you are going to Lac Laman. Both are similar. I enjoy the food and atmosphere more so in Tessin but Montreux and Vevey are also very beautiful and those vinyards are spectacular to see.

You will not see all of Switzerland in 17 days. I've lived here 20+ years and have barely scratched the surface. So much beauty everywhere!

ttt

I agree with Paul. I have done the Glacier Express (Zermatt to Chur) and I will not do it again. Although the scenery was beautiful, other train rides were equally beautiful. DH and I will travel from Zermatt to Locarno this fall (first time in Locarno for us). It takes about 4.30 hours. Train goes via Domodossola. Schedules can be found online at www.sbb.ch/en/

Hi again everyone,
I have booked several locations. B.O., Zurich (can be cancelled), Vevey, (can be cancelled), and Zermatt (can be cancelled).
So I still can make changes.
Between Montreux area and Locarno---I have been to Bellagio on Lake Como foe 3 days and also to Lugano for 1 day. In light of this info, should I choose the Swiss - French area of Montreux?
Lucern Ares ---Where to stay?
In Lucerne I can stay at Villa Maria - 1/2 mile from Lucerne center for 160 CHF. (excellent reviews of trip advisor). Or, the hotel rec earlier in this post in Rigi Kaltbab. Which location would be better? Do want to go up to Rigi Kulm and see Vitsnau and Weggis . Could all this be done in 1 day as a day trip from Lucerne? or should we STAY closer to Rigi?
Appenzell --
This has me very curious. My daughter and SIL stayed 1 night in Appenzell enroute to BO
2 years ago and were not impressed. Did they "miss" something? Does Appenzell refer to a "region" or to the town?
How easily can Appenzell be done by train? Is Appenzell "Heidi land"? Are Stein and st. Gallen considered Appenzell?
Thanks to all you pros!
Nannibray

Nannibray,

Do you want to stay on a mountain?(willing to take the risk if you have a two days of bad weather?) If not, stay outside of Lucerne.

Seeing Vitznau, Weggis and the Rigi can easily be done in one day. Take the ferry to Vitznau. Take the funicular from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm and then walk down to Rigi Kaltbad. From there, take the cable car back down to Weggis and the ferry back to Lucerne.

Go to Vevey since you've never been there before.

Skip Appenzell since you probably won't have time for it. Some people like it and others find it underwhelming. I think it depends on the type of person you are.

Stein am Rhein is not considered Appenzell. Neither is St. Gallen. St. Gallen is closer to Appenzell. You might want to consider visiting Schaffhausen and Stein am Rhein together.

Heidiland is being advertised as the area before Chur. To me, there are so many places that could be Heidiland that I really look at the Heidiland as more of a marketing gag.

Thanks Schuler! You told me what I wanted to hear.
Never considered "bad weather" on the mountain - a very good point. Lucerne is lovely and from there we can do the cruise to Rigi with our rail passes.
Next Question---Is it better to do the Benediction Abby at EINSIEDELN As a day trip from Zurich? or Lucern? or enroute from Zurich to Lucerne? If we do it enroute from Zurich to Lucerne, can we store our luggage at the train station in Einsiedeln??
Stein Am Rhine looks north and "out of the way". Have been to Oberramagau, Germany twice. Are the painted houses in Stein similar? Have also been to Rothenburg, Germany.
Thanks to everyone. You have been a terrific help!!
Nannibray

Can I store my luggage in Einsiedeln?

Yes. If you arrive during opening hours, the staff will help you store your luggage at the train station. You need to walk through the village to get to the church. It's about a ten minute walk.

If you're into walking around, there's a nice path (the Kreuzweg / the way of the cross) that takes you into the woods and on top of a hill. There are religious statues and markers along the way and it's quite pretty and serene. There's a playground (on the right) next to the abbey. Walk past the playground and head up towards the wooded hill.

How should you I go to Einsiedeln?

Personally, I would do it enroute to Lucerne. It's very scenic and takes you a bit into Switzerland's countryside.

I've never been to Oberramagau so I can't answer your question about Stein am Rhein.

Appenzell the village...you can see the whole thing in a small amount of time and by rail can get there from St. Gallen...

if you are interested in churches then you might want to consider a stop at the abbey church IN St. Gallen, the interior of which has been called the most beautiful in the entire country. The famous library next door is worth a visit for the interior but it has limited hours and days.

Are you planning to take the rack railway trip from Montreux up to Rochers de Naye?

Just in case you're still considering going directly to Stein am Rhine from the airport, I'd say yes and for nights 1 and 2. The painted facades are different from the Bavarian ones IMO, more complex, though it's been many years since I was there. Secondly, as schuler suggested, your day two could include a visit to Schaffhausen by rail or by boat. Together, these two towns could be a very interesting and pleasant beginning. You can, perhaps, plan to return to Zurich your last day with time enough to walk its lovely old streets then. Have fun planning. (hello, schuler; S, are you around?) J.

Thanks SCHULER for the info on the Kreuzweg at Einsiedeln. That is obviously the Catholic "Stations of the Cross" which we will enjoy doing. Will do the trip enroute to Lucerne.
DUKEY We will do the rack rail trip up Rocher de Naye .Thanks for the tip It looks like a "must do".
Still am unsure about Appenzell and Stein. If we do either, we will have to take 2 days from the B.O. and Im not sure I want to do that. Want to do Bern and both Lake's towns from the B.O so that will probably take 3 days as well as the Jungfrajock , Murren, Gimmiwald , Grindlewald, Wengen etc...VERY BUSY AREA. Called American Airlines - no seats available to make the trip longer.
Thanks again everyone.
Nannibray

You might check the weather before going up Rochers de Naye. It can be completely clouded in at the top sometimes. It's still fun to do, but when we were sitting in the cafe having wine looking out the huge windows, it was like being in the middle of a cloud! Completely sacked in! We were laughing...

THanks Suze, Didn't think of the weather. We will have 3 days so will catch the first clear day to do Rochers de Nay. Has anyone taken the trip across Lake Geneva to the French town of Evian-les- Baians? Is this worthwhile while in the area? Any other cruise destinations recommended from Lausanne or Montreux, or Vevey?
We are wanting to go to Gruyeres. and should we stop for an hour or two in Staad coming by train on the Golden Pass from Interlaken to Vevey/Mountreux area?
If we stop in Staad, can we "check our bags"?
Thanks again. Nannibray

Hi nannibray,

Yes, it's a great idea to stop in Gstaad (note spelling); it's a lovely place for lunch. Yes, you can store your luggage in lockers at the train station.

Another nice cruise might be from Chillon to Vevey (are you still staying there?), or from Chillon to Rivaz, where you can explore the Lavaux. Ferry schedules are at www.cgn.ch.

Good luck!

s

Thanks for the rec to have lunch in Gstaad. Will do, and possibly a tiny hike before heading to
o
ur Accommodations in Vevey. The web site for the ferry schedule is helpful. Thanks for that also. Will check into Lavaux also.
Am so excited -- Rick Steves suggests The Glacier Express route (change at Andermatt) on return from Zermatt to Zurich on the last day. also will encompass part of the Wm Tell. So we should have a lovely train trip on our final day in Switz.
Am booked into hotel Negocients in Vevey but would still like to find a place in Montreux. Hotel SPLENDID was fully booked! Any other suggestions for Montreux under US $200?
Thanks again. The trip is looking good!
Nannibray
If not, we'll stay at the Negocients.

Hi nannibray,

I haven't stayed at the Hotel Masson (www.hotelmasson.ch), but a lot of Fodorites have. It gets good reviews. The basic rates for a double are 160-240 chf, well within your budget.

The catch with this hotel is that it's not centrally located. It's actually in the "suburb" of Territet, about two miles from the Montreux train station. One good thing about the location, though, is that it's a stone's throw from the Chillon castle. You could get to the hotel initially by taxi, and then afterwards either walk (about an hour), take the city bus (about 2.80 chf), or take the ferry into town.

Another option would be the Auberge des Planches, in the old town. Now, this may be waaay more low-budget than you'd like. I stayed there for ten days in September 07 and was very comfortable. It's very clean, and the staff is ultra-accommodating. It's not all that easy to get to, as the walk to the old town is UUUPPPPhill, and you can't see the lake from there. The breakfast was also pretty underwhelming. But singles there go for about 90 chf.

A third option might be the Hotel Victoria, in the town of Glion above Montreux. Again, this hotel is not centrally located -- you get to Glion either by train from Montreux or by funicular from Territet. But -- this is my favorite hotel in the area for its decor, ambiance, views, and service; I've stayed here four times. It's really tops. Sitting above Montreux, the hotel offers panoramic views over the lake all the way to France. The budget may be just beyond your range though -- 270-320 chf for a mountain view and 280-350 chf for a lake view room.

Anyway, best of luck!

s

Hotel Helvetie on the main street in Montreux is a cool hotel mid-priced for the area.

Nannibray - You've already gotten a ton of great advice from the experts here, but since I got so much wonderful advice for my trip to Switzerland, I wanted a chance to give some back!

I was re-reading my e-mails home from Switzerland today (trip last August), and I came across my first report from Wengen, which was: "We are staying in the top floor of the Hotel Eiger, an apartment that can sleep up to 7. I will tell you, in this spectacular place, we have perhaps the most spectacular view in town. From various windows in various rooms, we can see in almost every direction. This is one of the most amazing views I am sure I will ever see." Just thinking about it again makes me sigh with delight! I can't vouch for the non-top-floor rooms, but it was a spectacular place, and Wengen will remain forever in my memory as one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Montreux/Vevey - We stayed in Vevey and I'm very glad. Note that there is indeed a Saturday farmer's market, but there's also a smaller market on Tuesday mornings, starting around 7:30 a.m. Also, from Vevey you can take the wine train up to Chexbres Village, and then walk the vineyard trail down to St. Saphorin, where you can get the train back again. It's a serene, peaceful, beautiful walk - highly recommended. (I believe it was suze who recommended it to me, but if I'm wrong, my apologies!) We too stayed at Negotiants, and like it just fine.

As for your question about the Swiss Pass - note there is a Swiss Pass and a Swiss Saver Pass. Swiss Pass is for people traveling alone. Swiss Saver Pass is for people traveling together. With the Swiss Saver Pass, you only get one pass, so you have to always be together, or one of you can stay "home" while the other goes off, but you can't use the pass in two places at once. That said, we got the 2nd class and never regretted it.

You're going to have such a great time!

SUSPIRE Thanks for all the reinforcement!! We will stick with the Negociants Hotel. Seems it is quite convenient. Yes, we will get the SWISS SAVER PASS. Question...Second class is VERY APPEALING, especially in view of the $ value. But...will we want to have access to TOP DECK on lake steamers? (If it is raining, we wouldn't want top deck anyway). Would that be a big advantage? Also, on the Golden Pass Route, can we have access to the 'PANARAMIC CARS" if we have a 2nd class pass?? If we stay in Wengen, instead of Lauterbrunnen, will it take up considerably longer to take side trips? ie. to Bern, Lake Thurn, Lake Brienz, as well to Murren,Grindewald, and Gimmewald??
When we are in the B.O. we will constantly be "on the move" seeing what's there.
Thanks MUCH!
Nannibray

Hi,
Wengen to Lauterbrunnen is about 20 minutes. We didn't find staying in Wengen to be of any inconvenience. It's also right on the line to Kleine Scheidegg and the start (or final leg) of the Jungfraujoch trip. From Kleine Scheideg you can make a loop travelling over to Grindelwald, down to Lauterbrunnen and back to Wengen. Again, this is just my opinion, Wengen is the best place to stay in the B.O.

Paul