Trip Report: 17 days in Switzerland, Austria & Czech Republic
Oct 25th, 2008, 08:41 PM
#61
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mariebut, glad you found the report useful. The mere talk of Grutschalp, the Murren hike and Kleine Scheidegg is enough to make me nostalgic ! You are lucky indeed to find snow so early.
Peppermintpatti, thanks for your kudos.
Peppermintpatti, thanks for your kudos.
Feb 2nd, 2010, 06:38 PM
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Fantastic report.I plan to use a lot of the info and recommendations.
I used a lot of your info on the NZ report where i visited this Dec/jan. any reason for not visiting zermat and st moritz?
While i do not intend to compare is there similarity between South Island of NZ and Switzerland? any ratings
I used a lot of your info on the NZ report where i visited this Dec/jan. any reason for not visiting zermat and st moritz?
While i do not intend to compare is there similarity between South Island of NZ and Switzerland? any ratings
Feb 2nd, 2010, 06:55 PM
#68
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Thanks ih; glad you found this and the NZ trip report useful. We really wanted to visit Zermatt, but had to leave it out for want of time. Fodorites advised that if one goes to Zermatt, one should budget for atleast 3 days, as the weather can be very unpredictable there.
Yes, there is some similarity between South Island and Switzerland, in the sense that they are both places of pristine natural beauty. However, the vistas are quite different. NZ South Island is more a combination of mountains, lakes and ocean all together, wherein you are usually at sea level while viewing them. Switzerland is more of rugged mountains, where you are viewing things from top. Both are spectacular, and I would not attempt to rate one over the other.
Yes, there is some similarity between South Island and Switzerland, in the sense that they are both places of pristine natural beauty. However, the vistas are quite different. NZ South Island is more a combination of mountains, lakes and ocean all together, wherein you are usually at sea level while viewing them. Switzerland is more of rugged mountains, where you are viewing things from top. Both are spectacular, and I would not attempt to rate one over the other.
Feb 3rd, 2010, 01:31 AM
#69
ih -
As someone who loves both NZ and Switzerland, I find your question interesting. Both are beautiful and very difficult to compare, although indiancouple has made a valiant effort and I agree with his/her assessment. I might add that NZ is much greener and lush (think rainforest).
Interestingly enough, Switzerland and NZ are at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to people and culture - the Swiss tend to be rule bound and uptight, whereas I find the Kiwis to be reserved, yet very friendly and relaxed.
I realize that's a stereotype, but that's been my experience in my many visits to both countries.
If you're looking for some info on Zermatt and are up for more reading, I've got a very detailed trip report posted here under 'April in the Alps' - it covers Zermatt as well as the BO and Kandersteg.
And kudos to indiancouple for an excellent trip report.
As someone who loves both NZ and Switzerland, I find your question interesting. Both are beautiful and very difficult to compare, although indiancouple has made a valiant effort and I agree with his/her assessment. I might add that NZ is much greener and lush (think rainforest).
Interestingly enough, Switzerland and NZ are at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to people and culture - the Swiss tend to be rule bound and uptight, whereas I find the Kiwis to be reserved, yet very friendly and relaxed.
I realize that's a stereotype, but that's been my experience in my many visits to both countries.
If you're looking for some info on Zermatt and are up for more reading, I've got a very detailed trip report posted here under 'April in the Alps' - it covers Zermatt as well as the BO and Kandersteg.
And kudos to indiancouple for an excellent trip report.
Feb 3rd, 2010, 04:50 AM
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thanks Melnq8, i have gone thru your trip report and have reserved room at Hotel antika. How would u rate staying at Klum Hotel Gornergrat? Its already full for July but i CAN STILL TRY IF ITS WORTH IT.
Feb 3rd, 2010, 02:10 PM
#72
Hi ih -
The Kulmhotel Gornergrat would certainly be a unique place to stay (the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps!) I could see myself spending one night there, but it's not a place I'd personally choose for longer stays (we prefer to stay 3-4 nights per destination). I'd feel captive up there for more than a night and getting to and from the hotel is expensive and time consuming.
Are you considering just one night?
The Kulmhotel Gornergrat would certainly be a unique place to stay (the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps!) I could see myself spending one night there, but it's not a place I'd personally choose for longer stays (we prefer to stay 3-4 nights per destination). I'd feel captive up there for more than a night and getting to and from the hotel is expensive and time consuming.
Are you considering just one night?
Jun 3rd, 2013, 10:51 PM
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Hi Indiancouple.
I'm an avid fan of your trip reports and followed the NZ trip itinerary in pretty much the same time you had..and had a fabulous time!
This will be our first trip to europe and have pretty much the same time for a similar trip - 17days
in end July.
IN OB, should we base our selves in Wengen or Lauterbrunnen? (we would love snow scenery..)
thought I will add Montreux to the itinerary.. to see Lake geneva and in order to add a chocolate tour in Broc for the kids. any views on this?
For the city tours in Salzburg,Vienna,Prague - did you use a walking tour recommended on a guide or brochure?
greatly appreciate your advise
I'm an avid fan of your trip reports and followed the NZ trip itinerary in pretty much the same time you had..and had a fabulous time!
This will be our first trip to europe and have pretty much the same time for a similar trip - 17days
in end July.IN OB, should we base our selves in Wengen or Lauterbrunnen? (we would love snow scenery..)
thought I will add Montreux to the itinerary.. to see Lake geneva and in order to add a chocolate tour in Broc for the kids. any views on this?
For the city tours in Salzburg,Vienna,Prague - did you use a walking tour recommended on a guide or brochure?
greatly appreciate your advise
Jun 17th, 2013, 08:48 AM
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Thanks everyone for the good words. Sorry for the delayed response nikidi, as I was not reading this thread for a while.
I think both Lauterbrunnen and Wengen make excellent bases to see the OB area. You cannot go wrong with either. Lauterbrunnen is in a valley with gorgeous views, and Wengen is up on a shelf at some elevation. Both have great places to stay, and both are good for touring the area in terms of accessibility.
For Salzburg, Vienna and Prague, we used the Lonely Planet guidebooks, which we found to be excellent. We followed the recommended areas in the guidebook, supplemented with some internet research.
Cannot comment on Lake Geneva etc, as we did not visit there.
I think both Lauterbrunnen and Wengen make excellent bases to see the OB area. You cannot go wrong with either. Lauterbrunnen is in a valley with gorgeous views, and Wengen is up on a shelf at some elevation. Both have great places to stay, and both are good for touring the area in terms of accessibility.
For Salzburg, Vienna and Prague, we used the Lonely Planet guidebooks, which we found to be excellent. We followed the recommended areas in the guidebook, supplemented with some internet research.
Cannot comment on Lake Geneva etc, as we did not visit there.
