Very early planning stage for trip to Switzerland - help please
Aug 30th, 2007, 08:46 AM
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Very early planning stage for trip to Switzerland - help please
We are thinking of a two-week trip to Switzerland, mid May/early June next year, flying into Zürich and out of Geneva. We will be traveling by train.
The time and length of travel is very flexible as we are both retired.
We have lots of Marriott points, so we want to take advantage and stay in Zürich a few days to see the area and to get over the jet lag. Zürich is the only city that has Marriott hotels in Switzerland. There are lots of information on the board of the other regions but hardly anything about Zürich, is it worth it even with the free hotel? Should we move onto Luzern instead?
This is what I have in mind:
Zürich - 3 to 4 nights
Lauterbrunnen – 3 to 4 nights
Zermatt – 3 to 4 nights
Lausanne – 3 to 4 nights
Fly out of Geneva – maybe one night in Geneva, the Continental flight we want to take leaves Geneva at 9:15am.
I am trying to use OnePass points for the trip, but no seats available for 50,000 points. They said check later...
Rick and I are in our late 50's, in fairly good shape but not avid hikers. We like a mixture of things, but basically city folks.
Rick went to high school in Geneva but has not been back since. I am assuming that he wants to go back to see the old school and the surrounding area. So Geneva is a must.
Please comment on the places that we've selected to use as bases. Since this is such an early stage of our planning, any suggestions are welcome.
As for lodging, we like good, clean, with character, and inexpensive places (<$150 if possible).
One question on the train: Is there enough luggage rack space in 2nd class? We just got back from a trip to Amsterdam, Brugge, and Paris by train, we had trouble to fit our wheeled duffels on the racks. We used BETS for our tickets in Europe and was very happy with their services and will use them again for this trip.
Thanks.
Pat
The time and length of travel is very flexible as we are both retired.
We have lots of Marriott points, so we want to take advantage and stay in Zürich a few days to see the area and to get over the jet lag. Zürich is the only city that has Marriott hotels in Switzerland. There are lots of information on the board of the other regions but hardly anything about Zürich, is it worth it even with the free hotel? Should we move onto Luzern instead?
This is what I have in mind:
Zürich - 3 to 4 nights
Lauterbrunnen – 3 to 4 nights
Zermatt – 3 to 4 nights
Lausanne – 3 to 4 nights
Fly out of Geneva – maybe one night in Geneva, the Continental flight we want to take leaves Geneva at 9:15am.
I am trying to use OnePass points for the trip, but no seats available for 50,000 points. They said check later...
Rick and I are in our late 50's, in fairly good shape but not avid hikers. We like a mixture of things, but basically city folks.
Rick went to high school in Geneva but has not been back since. I am assuming that he wants to go back to see the old school and the surrounding area. So Geneva is a must.
Please comment on the places that we've selected to use as bases. Since this is such an early stage of our planning, any suggestions are welcome.
As for lodging, we like good, clean, with character, and inexpensive places (<$150 if possible).
One question on the train: Is there enough luggage rack space in 2nd class? We just got back from a trip to Amsterdam, Brugge, and Paris by train, we had trouble to fit our wheeled duffels on the racks. We used BETS for our tickets in Europe and was very happy with their services and will use them again for this trip.
Thanks.
Pat
Aug 30th, 2007, 09:52 AM
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>One question on the train: Is there enough luggage rack space in 2nd class? We just got back from a trip to Amsterdam, Brugge, and Paris by train, we had trouble to fit our wheeled duffels on the racks.
It depends very much on the individual train. There is usually quite a lot of space between the backs of the seats.
>We used BETS for our tickets in Europe and was very happy with their services and will use them again for this trip.
I would recommend to use the SBB (Swiss railways) directly if you want to get individual tickets. Contrary to some trains in France and Belgium there is no advantage and no need to buy the tickets in advance in Switzerland. If you wat to get a Swiss Pass or similar, BETS will be better though.
It depends very much on the individual train. There is usually quite a lot of space between the backs of the seats.
>We used BETS for our tickets in Europe and was very happy with their services and will use them again for this trip.
I would recommend to use the SBB (Swiss railways) directly if you want to get individual tickets. Contrary to some trains in France and Belgium there is no advantage and no need to buy the tickets in advance in Switzerland. If you wat to get a Swiss Pass or similar, BETS will be better though.
Aug 30th, 2007, 10:44 AM
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I was thinking of getting the 15-day consecutive train pass, this way I can just hop on and off any time I want. Might be less stressful on planning.
The wheeled luggage we have are 26", they will not fit under the seat. If 1st class has more luggage space, I might spend the extra $.
Pat
The wheeled luggage we have are 26", they will not fit under the seat. If 1st class has more luggage space, I might spend the extra $.
Pat
Aug 30th, 2007, 10:55 AM
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>The wheeled luggage we have are 26", they will not fit under the seat
Not under the seat, between the backs of the seats.
I am not sure about what 26´´ means, but a large(ish) rolling suitcase usually fits in.
No, there is no more luggage space in the 1st, just less people.
Not under the seat, between the backs of the seats.
I am not sure about what 26´´ means, but a large(ish) rolling suitcase usually fits in.
No, there is no more luggage space in the 1st, just less people.
Aug 30th, 2007, 11:08 AM
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I can only comment on Zurich & Lauterbrunnen. We stayed 5 nights in Lauterbrunnen & 1 night in Zurich:
http://www.staubbach.com/index2.htm
http://www.st-josef.ch/
In my opinion I would stay just 2 nights in Zurich to overcome jetlag and see the city and add days on to Lauterbrunnen and some place else. From Lauterbrunnen you can easily visit the Jungfrau, Schilthorn, Interlaken, ride a gondola, and so much more. We really enjoyed Trummelbach Falls too, although it is a little tough on the legs (we are not hikers either).
We were able to day-trip to Montreaux on the Golden Pass Railroad (that was the day we were getting over our jetlag).
May is a great time to visit because there aren't too many crowds and the weather is pleasant.
http://www.staubbach.com/index2.htm
http://www.st-josef.ch/
In my opinion I would stay just 2 nights in Zurich to overcome jetlag and see the city and add days on to Lauterbrunnen and some place else. From Lauterbrunnen you can easily visit the Jungfrau, Schilthorn, Interlaken, ride a gondola, and so much more. We really enjoyed Trummelbach Falls too, although it is a little tough on the legs (we are not hikers either).
We were able to day-trip to Montreaux on the Golden Pass Railroad (that was the day we were getting over our jetlag).
May is a great time to visit because there aren't too many crowds and the weather is pleasant.
Aug 30th, 2007, 11:21 AM
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Even if you are not hikers, it is still a good idea while planning a trip to spend a little time working on your fitness. Take some walks, get on a treadmill for an hour a day. The best things in Europe are experienced on foot and the fitter you are , the more you can do and see. We love traveling by train....but you still have to walk to the platforms, walk to the bus stations, etc. Many places don't have elevators or lifts. Many places are accessible only by stairs (churches, castles, etc)
Wow...the train service is great to Geneva airport, but you'll need to be there at least by 7. I'd stay as close as possible that night!
Wow...the train service is great to Geneva airport, but you'll need to be there at least by 7. I'd stay as close as possible that night!
Aug 30th, 2007, 11:22 AM
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26" inch is too big imo for using getting around by train. Can you take a smaller bag, it will be much easier.
I can help with the Vevey/Montreux area outside Geneva once you get down to planning activities. Hotel Negotiants and Hotel Geneve are in that price range (they are rooms over a restaurant type of hotel, excellent central location in Vevey).
I can help with the Vevey/Montreux area outside Geneva once you get down to planning activities. Hotel Negotiants and Hotel Geneve are in that price range (they are rooms over a restaurant type of hotel, excellent central location in Vevey).
Aug 30th, 2007, 11:46 AM
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Agree that you don't need but a couple of days in Zurich. You could use the additional days in Lucerne before going to Lauterbrunnen. I would opt for the full 4 days in Lauterbrunnen as there is a lot to do as previously mentioned. The rest of your trip looks fine.
In Lauterbrunnen, we stayed at the Hotel Oberland which we liked very much. But there are several nice hotels that are reasonably priced.
In Lauterbrunnen, we stayed at the Hotel Oberland which we liked very much. But there are several nice hotels that are reasonably priced.
Aug 30th, 2007, 12:03 PM
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But if you would like to keep hotel cost down by using their Marriot points, then 3 nights in Zürich would be fine. You can visit Luzern from there---it's a short trip by train, and you would have a full day to take a boat ride and even ride up the cablecar from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad for a walk there if it is a nice day.
I think your itinerary sounds very nice--a good mix of cities, mountains, lakes, and different regions.
As for luggage on the trains---many 2d class cars have luggage space at the end of the car, just as you board. Much easier than trying to take the bags down the aisle to your seats. But if you do that, as altamiro said there is space between the seat backs---they form a sort of "A-frame" and I've always been able to fit my bag (22" roller) there.
IN Zermatt, if you would like to keep costs down, rent an apartment---some will be available for 3- or 4-night stays early in the season when you are there (later many require a full week). We found a luxury 2-bdr, 2-bath apartment that slept 6 of us for 2/3 the cost of one double hotel room (240 CHF instead of 360).
I think your itinerary sounds very nice--a good mix of cities, mountains, lakes, and different regions.
As for luggage on the trains---many 2d class cars have luggage space at the end of the car, just as you board. Much easier than trying to take the bags down the aisle to your seats. But if you do that, as altamiro said there is space between the seat backs---they form a sort of "A-frame" and I've always been able to fit my bag (22" roller) there.
IN Zermatt, if you would like to keep costs down, rent an apartment---some will be available for 3- or 4-night stays early in the season when you are there (later many require a full week). We found a luxury 2-bdr, 2-bath apartment that slept 6 of us for 2/3 the cost of one double hotel room (240 CHF instead of 360).
Aug 30th, 2007, 12:10 PM
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Linda, I am sure we will hike, maybe hike every 3rd day? We can walk 10 miles a day, that's what we did in Paris and Amsterdam last month. Rick wore a pedometer so we can measure the distance. But 10 miles on flat paved road is quite different than hiking at high altitude. I will drag Rick for hikes in the local area, we live in Tustin, about 50 miles south of Los Angeles, there are many places for hiking (so I heard). Yah, I will find a airport hotel for the last night in Geneva.
HalfAPair and Betty, what about 2 nights in Zürich, 3 nights in Luzern, and 4 nights in Lauterbrunnen?
Suze, you are so right, dragging the 26" duffel was no fun on the train. They are even too wide to put between the seat (when the seats are back to back). I will keep my eyes open for another option.
Pat
HalfAPair and Betty, what about 2 nights in Zürich, 3 nights in Luzern, and 4 nights in Lauterbrunnen?
Suze, you are so right, dragging the 26" duffel was no fun on the train. They are even too wide to put between the seat (when the seats are back to back). I will keep my eyes open for another option.
Pat
Aug 30th, 2007, 12:15 PM
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Hi Pat
We were in Switzerland in May this year and had a wonderful time.
I have to agree that Lauterbrunnen was the hightlight and we had 3 nights there and wish we had 5!
The Jungfrau and Schilthorn are just amazing and one of our highlights was an easy walk between villages ...we just left the train and walked "strolled" and had a picnic with the snowy Alps around us, daisy covered fields, waterfalls and cows with bells..it was superb. The Schilthorn cable car rides are also breathtaking.We stayed at the Staubach (spelling may be out!) Hotel and paid the extra for a room with a view of the falls and mountains and it was wonderful and the service great. it was not expensive.
Hope this helps in your planning.
Rosie
We were in Switzerland in May this year and had a wonderful time.
I have to agree that Lauterbrunnen was the hightlight and we had 3 nights there and wish we had 5!
The Jungfrau and Schilthorn are just amazing and one of our highlights was an easy walk between villages ...we just left the train and walked "strolled" and had a picnic with the snowy Alps around us, daisy covered fields, waterfalls and cows with bells..it was superb. The Schilthorn cable car rides are also breathtaking.We stayed at the Staubach (spelling may be out!) Hotel and paid the extra for a room with a view of the falls and mountains and it was wonderful and the service great. it was not expensive.
Hope this helps in your planning.
Rosie
Aug 30th, 2007, 12:24 PM
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Hmm...Enzian, so stay in Zurich for 3 days and visit Luzern as a day trip? That's not a bad idea, since it is only a 50 minute train ride to Luzern.
Now that I have a size to work on, I will try to look out for a 22" wheeled luggage.
I just googled on Zermatt holiday apartments, the price ranges from 45CHF to 170 CHF per night for a 4 star one room apartment. Hotel Alpenstern and Holiday Flats has a website, it looks very nice. Thanks for the tip.
Pat
Now that I have a size to work on, I will try to look out for a 22" wheeled luggage.
I just googled on Zermatt holiday apartments, the price ranges from 45CHF to 170 CHF per night for a 4 star one room apartment. Hotel Alpenstern and Holiday Flats has a website, it looks very nice. Thanks for the tip.
Pat
Aug 30th, 2007, 01:26 PM
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Pat,
For Zermatt, I suggest you look at ww.zermatt.ch---there is a complete listing of apartments/chalets. I didn't even make it though the "A's" before I found ours. But I also had the brochure from the tourist info office, which they sent me by mail upon request (made on the website, I believe). This has a town map with all the hottel and apartment locations indicated---very useful for planning. Also a photo of each building.
When inquiring about an apartment, make sure that bedding/towels and final cleaning (Endreinigung) are included in the price. Also confirm whether or not the place has a view of the Matterhorn---most people want that.
If you can walk 10 miles, you will be fine on many of the paths in the mountains around Lauterbrunnen. There are 2 in particular---one high up on either side of the Lauterbrunnen valley---that are nearly level but offer terrific views of the mountains (and cows).
For Zermatt, I suggest you look at ww.zermatt.ch---there is a complete listing of apartments/chalets. I didn't even make it though the "A's" before I found ours. But I also had the brochure from the tourist info office, which they sent me by mail upon request (made on the website, I believe). This has a town map with all the hottel and apartment locations indicated---very useful for planning. Also a photo of each building.
When inquiring about an apartment, make sure that bedding/towels and final cleaning (Endreinigung) are included in the price. Also confirm whether or not the place has a view of the Matterhorn---most people want that.
If you can walk 10 miles, you will be fine on many of the paths in the mountains around Lauterbrunnen. There are 2 in particular---one high up on either side of the Lauterbrunnen valley---that are nearly level but offer terrific views of the mountains (and cows).
Aug 30th, 2007, 02:50 PM
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Well, now that we know we're dealing with the female partner....let me give you some packing tips! Hiking weight 9nylon blend) pants and capris are wonderful, as are wrinle free shirts. Nix jeans, they are heavy. You can gert a 'traveler's dress' from mMgellan or Chico's and match it with a jacket and slecks. Two scarfs, you have 4 outfits. No need to lug many shoes or purses. Pack your shampoo and toiletries in tiny containers. Take some detergent and wash things out every couple days (the best idea!) You really can pack ultralight, trust me!!
Aug 30th, 2007, 03:21 PM
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Linda, so cool, I can use all my Africa stuff for this trip (we went to Kenya after Paris for a two week safari). I have a couple pairs of zip-off pants, very light weight shirts, fleece jacket, and even quick dry socks. I should be all set. I have 8 months to come up with suitable luggage. Oh, I always travel with a small bottle of Woolite and portable clothe line, some hotels charge $8 to wash a pair of underwear.
Enzian, found a 5-star apartment on zematt.ch, it faces the Matterhorn, including linen and final cleaning for 115CHF per night. Great deal. I've also submitted a request for brochures. Thanks.
Pat
Enzian, found a 5-star apartment on zematt.ch, it faces the Matterhorn, including linen and final cleaning for 115CHF per night. Great deal. I've also submitted a request for brochures. Thanks.
Pat
Aug 30th, 2007, 04:01 PM
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Excellent find on the apartment--- Just be sure to check the location. Ours was in Winkelmatten, a 25-minute walk from the main station. Great in-your-face views of the Matterhorn, but some would think it too far from the main part of Zermatt (we did not, but we were there to walk/hike anyway).
Switzerland is pretty casual, clothes-wise, expecially outside the cities, so your Africa naylon pants/fleece things will be perfect. On our last trip, I fit all I needed in a 22-inch bag, and still had clothes I never wore.
If you are buying train passes---you can get them from Rick Steves (for the same price as BETS, RailEurope, etc.) and they include 20 % anything you buy at their travel store---including luggage. I bought their 22" roller bag even tho' we have several other bags (Eagle Creek and Victorinox). I used it for the last trip and liked it, although I packed it too full so that it was quite heavy.
Switzerland is pretty casual, clothes-wise, expecially outside the cities, so your Africa naylon pants/fleece things will be perfect. On our last trip, I fit all I needed in a 22-inch bag, and still had clothes I never wore.
If you are buying train passes---you can get them from Rick Steves (for the same price as BETS, RailEurope, etc.) and they include 20 % anything you buy at their travel store---including luggage. I bought their 22" roller bag even tho' we have several other bags (Eagle Creek and Victorinox). I used it for the last trip and liked it, although I packed it too full so that it was quite heavy.
Aug 31st, 2007, 05:36 AM
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Enzian,
We might be talking about the same apartment. The one I found is
HAUS LA VALLÉE
A New luxurious Chalet with 7 units. Great Matterhorn view. Located in the quiet and popular subdivision "Winkelmatten".
Not sure about the 25 minute walk into town though, have to think about that one.
Pat
We might be talking about the same apartment. The one I found is
HAUS LA VALLÉE
A New luxurious Chalet with 7 units. Great Matterhorn view. Located in the quiet and popular subdivision "Winkelmatten".
Not sure about the 25 minute walk into town though, have to think about that one.
Pat
Aug 31st, 2007, 06:43 AM
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Your train pass will be good for Swiss buses and boats also. You will probably want to ride a boat on Lac Leman and at least one of Lake Thun and Brienz. (These are the two lakes Interlaken is between.) The boat for Lake Brienz leaves from Interlaken Ost, the station for Lauterbrunnen. You can get off in the town of Brienz and take a connecting bus to the Ballenberg Open Air Museum.
Taking the train in Switzerland is very much the way to go. But are you able to lift those 26" suitcases overhead? Actually they'll probably not fit in the overhead racks. Plus you'll be carrying them up and down stairs when you change trains. Look for smaller lightweight luggage.
We were in Switzerland over this time period and some things were closed in May. It's between seasons and they do maintenance on the funiculars, etc. Plus some of the summer tourist attractions were not yet open. It's still a good time to go.
Taking the train in Switzerland is very much the way to go. But are you able to lift those 26" suitcases overhead? Actually they'll probably not fit in the overhead racks. Plus you'll be carrying them up and down stairs when you change trains. Look for smaller lightweight luggage.
We were in Switzerland over this time period and some things were closed in May. It's between seasons and they do maintenance on the funiculars, etc. Plus some of the summer tourist attractions were not yet open. It's still a good time to go.
