Hi - I've been working in Zurich since June and have enjoyed travelling around Switzerland at the weekends.<BR><BR>So far I've visited Bern, Berner Oberland (Murren / Grindelwald), Luzern, Schaffhausen, Lausanne & Vevey/Montreux, Lower Engadine, Ticino (Lugano area).<BR><BR>The weather forecast is quite good for the weekend. I can't decide whether to take it easy around Zurich or make one further trip elsewhere before the summer is out.<BR><BR>Where must I go that I have not seen? Is Sion & Zermatt worth the 4-5 hour train ride? Or somewhere else?<BR><BR>Thanks

I am jealous. I am very, very jealous.

I think the area around Lake Constance is really nice. We stayed in Lindau on the German side, but there are many other cities to choose from.<BR><BR>http://www.lake-constance.com/<BR><BR>

There's a Jazz festival in Wallisieu (Berner Oberland).<BR><BR>I agree with Lake Konstanz. Zermatt for the weekend is great though I would almost say not long enough though. It depends on what you want to do. There are plenty of places in the Berner Oberland for hikes and Kandersteg comes to mind right now. <BR><BR>There's also stuff across the border - Strassbourg, Black Forest, Alsace, Rhone Valley etc.. We were in Tallisieu (just out of geneva) last weekend and it was really good. Stayed in the Chateau called Chateau Froid and had a fab. time.<BR><BR>You could also go to the Expo if you haven't been. Neuchatel is also really nice .. though I wouldn't mind heading down to Yverdon after the Expo.<BR><BR>Could even pop down to Schwangau to check our Ludwig's castles <BR>

Yeah, the Jazz Festival in Willisau is a good idea, if you like jazz. It's not exactly in the Bernese Oberland though, but between Lucerne and Olten.<BR><BR>http://www.jazzwillisau.ch/<BR><BR>Why not head for Basel? Great museums and nice old town.<BR><BR>Any place near a lake would be great as well. <BR><BR>Oh, since you're in Zurich, why not head for the Theater Spektakel on the Landwiese in Zurich. Great performances, great food, great place. A bit crowded on nice evenings, but still, fun!

Try Brienz or Zug. Don't quite know what Lower Engadin all includes, but Chur, Films/Laax, and Lenzerheide aren't that far from ZH - maybe 2 to 2 1/2 hrs. or so. <BR><BR>Anyway, I'm of the camp that believes - when the sun is shining here, stay outdoors, because we get enough rain to spend the rest of the time in the cities...

A second vote for Basel. It really does have some excellent museums, some nice restaurants, and a couple of good jazz bars. I didn't like the job I had in Basel earlier this year, but I did like the city.<BR>Or Appenzell...for something more rural.<BR>BTilke (Brussels)<BR>

I don't see Interlaken on your been there/done that list. It's an easy trip from Zurich, and an interesting town. The lakes are nice. But I have to say my personal choice would be Zermatt, despite the long ride. Charming city, and the mystical Matterhorn is wonderful to see.

Wow - I'm new to Fodors - what an amazingly fast and wide response.<BR><BR>I think I will have a read about Basel, Neuchatel and Lake Constance tonight and then make up my mind. I'm sure Zermatt is amazing but 4.5 hours each way does eat into one's weekend.<BR><BR>Thanks again.<BR>Andrew

Andrew, if you decide to spend the weekend in Zurich, you can still go the Langstrassenfest. By tram, bus or on foot...<BR>The real melting pot place in town.<BR>www.langstrassenfest.ch<BR><BR>Hey, it doesn't look that great weatherwise right now.... rain??<BR>Forget about Zermatt, if this should continue! ((<BR><BR>Have fun!

I want to be the first to ask "So where did you decide to go, Andrew?"<BR>