Where to spend 5 Nights in Switzerland
 

Hi everyone! I am hoping for some help in planning a quick trip to Switzerland this summer in July or beginning of August. My husband and I went on our honeymoon to Switzerland last July. We spent time in Lucerne, ennetburgen (stayed at Villa Honegg), Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, grindelwald, and Lake Brienz. We LOVED our time in these beautiful places. We were very lucky and were able to travel for a little over 2 weeks.

We would like to see if we can get back to Switzerland for 5 nights. (yes it doesnt compare to 2 weeks, but we cant help that) Where would a couple in their 30's who love the lakes, boat trips, mountains, train rides, strolling the quant towns, and eating and drinking explore next?

We would appreciate help with starting an itinerary. One that would make sense for the amount of time we have available. Thanks so much!

Since you've been to the Berner Oberland, why not try the Ticino area?

Or, around Lake Geneva?

Hi Dianedancer....thanks for the input! I dont know much about the Ticino area at all. Are there areas you recommend there? hotels to look into? What is transportation like? What would be the most direct flight from NYC area?

I have wanted to see Vevey, Chardonne, Gruyeres, Lausanne.......would love to hear any info you have on both of these regions and if you prefer one over the other....

Thanks!

For me it's always Murren.

But, I also love the Engadin.

Here's a sweet place I've visited a number of times:

http://www.hotel-meisser.ch/en.html


I know the lakes are popular but I never connected to them quite as much. An exception would be the William Tell journey:

https://www.raileurope.com/european-...w-to-book.html

Hi Love2TravlCC,

I visit Montreux on Lake Geneva frequently, so I hope I can help you as you decide where to visit.

Here are reviews (w/photos) and photos of some of my favorite places in the area. Perhaps they will give you some idea of what you can do/see there.


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

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

Walks through the Lavaux vineyards
http://static.montreuxriviera.com/ra...679.1466572907

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

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

Lutry photos
https://swandav.shutterfly.com/632

I'll also add that, if you are a classical music lover, you may want to spend some time in Gstaad during the Menuhin Festival, which runs from 13 July - 2 Sep.

https://www.gstaadmenuhinfestival.ch/en

Have fun as you plan!

s

Ok, as I re-read your post, I find I have more stuff to add -- !

There aren't really any high mountains around Montreux; there are vine-covered hills above the lake, but the big mountains are across the lake in France. Of course, Lake Geneva is in the French section of Switzerland, so you'll experience Belle Epoque or modern architecture and interiors, French cuisine and language, and more of a cafe society than a place filled with hikers.

If you'd like to see mountains, I'd echo gruezi's recommendation of the Engadin Valley (Scuol, Guarda, Pontresina, Sils, etc).

Have fun!

s

Montreux is on Lake Geneva (Belle Epoque paddle steam boats up to Geneva), but it's not far from the Alps. Journey time by public transport:
Rochers de Naye (2042 metres above sea level): 50 min
Aiguille du Midi (3842 m): 2 1/2 hrs
Mont Fort (3330 m): 1 hr 55 min
Diablerets Glacier/Glacier 3000 (2940 m): 2 1/2 hrs
https://www.region-du-leman.ch/en/Z138/montreux-riviera
airports:
GVA (1 1/4 hrs by train)
ZRH (2 3/4 hrs by train)
BSL (3 hrs by train)

Ticino has beautiful lakes (Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano) and stunning mountain valleys too. Fine views to the Alps from Mont Blanc via Gran Paradiso - Matterhorn - Bernina up to Ortler from many viewpoints. Most glaciers are too far away for daytrips, however.
Boats on all lakes. Post buses to all mountain valleys. 1 cog wheel railway, 5 rope railways, 12 cableways (gondolas).
http://www.ticino.ch/en/
airports:
LUG (at Lugano)
ZRH (2 1/2 hrs by train)
MXP (1 1/4 hrs by bus, has to be booked ahead, NOT every hr)
LIN (2 hrs by bus and train)

Wow...thank you to you all for all your suggestions and info! Its hard to choose where to go this time around as we will only have 6 days compared to our first trip of 2 and a 1/2 weeks. We do not like to feel rushed and want to enjoy as much of the area we decide to visit on our 2nd trip. Any suggestions for a great 6 day trip that doesnt involve too much moving around? Should we base in one or two areas?

Hi again,

Can you tell us where you are coming from & going to on this trip? That will help us to help you.

Basically, though the Engadin will give you that "lakes, boat trips, mountains, train rides, strolling the quant towns, and eating and drinking" experience you want. The Engadin is said to have the best cuisine in Switzerland!

Alternately, I'd suggest the Gstaad area, where you can do all of that except boat trips, and the mountains are not as high as around the Engadin or the Oberland.

s

Hi Swandav......Thats the thing, we literally just decided we wanted to try to go back to Switzerland. So we havent even decided where to go......We will be coming from Newark NJ. Our goal is to see more of Switzerland that we have not seen yet.

My husband and I loved Lucerne for strolling the city, we took advantage of the boat cruises and stopped off at a few of the towns. We loved Wengen and Lauterbrunnen. What amazing views, people, and the feeling of just being so far from home was wonderful. Our experiences were beyond what we expected and are hoping to have these same feelings on a shorter trip....

You did a lot in your first trip but since you like being outdoors, there is nothing wrong going back to Lauterbrunnen Jungfrau area. There is so much there to see and really is the jewel of Switzerland and will save your time on transport.

Have you been to Schynige Platte flower gardens and walked from First tp SP? and seen Schilhorn walks with new Brig and Bond activities, swum in the little lake below it and then walked down to Murren and enjoyed gelato in Murren?

Have you been to nearby:

www.gletscherschlucht.com in Grindlewald

https://www.tropenhaus-frutigen.ch/

http://www.aareschlucht.ch/

What did you see and do exactly last time you were in the region? really it can be more fulfilling to spend more time in one area than see amap in shortest time - just a thought

OP started another thread.
They have settled on Luzern and Weggis,taking daytrips.

OP started another thread.
They have settled on Luzern and Weggis,taking daytrips.