Zurich as a base
 

Hi All

So it seems people really don't recommend staying in Zurich as a base or for more than a night. However hubby and I are considering using it as a base for 5 nights for our next Europe trip. We fly in from Perth, Aust and are mindful of not moving every 2-3 days. I also don't picture Zurich as being an overwhelming city (like I think of London or Paris) so the long haul flight might be easier to recover from - but I could be way off mark here.

So my plan for our 5 nights is (not necessarily in this order):
- Day 1 (arrival around 7am) - explore the city, perhaps do a bike tour
- Day 2 Day trip up to My Rigi for the classic round trip (and some time at the thermal baths)
- Day 3 Day trip to the Black Forest area
- Day 4 Day trip to Colmar & Basel
- Day 5 Explore Zurich more, perhaps a boat ride to Rapperswil or the The Rhine Falls

Some things to note:
- We were in Switzerland last year for 5 nights and based ourselves in Lausanne (visited Geneva, Montreaux, Gruyere, Zermatt and Lucerne) and loved it.
- We're not going to have time to stay in the Black Forest on this trip hence one reason I thought Zurich may be a good base as we can do a day trip.
- Longer day trips don't faze us.
- It seems a shame to not see Zurich given we are flying into this city and have never been.
- Our next destination is the Mosel (flying Zurich to Cologne) region to give us a mix of city/countryside during out 5 week trip.
- We're not necessarily driven by the cost as we understand Zurich is expensive, but if it is the best base we'll work that into our budget.

So really I'm looking for some feedback on the above. Is Zurich really that bad? Or given the itinerary I'm thinking of above do you think Zurich will suit our purposes.

Happy to hear thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks.

Hi rellie2,

I think many folks don't recommend Zürich as a base because most travellers want to spend time in or see the Jungfrau area. However, since you are doing the smart thing -- organizing your trip to experience the local sights -- you should be fine.

I personally just don't like cities, so that's why I haven't spent a lot of time in Zürich. But you don't have that same issue, so I think you'll find Zürich to be great. As cities go, it's very pretty and well-functioning. Lots to do and see!

Have fun as you plan!

s

I find Zürich a charming city. It has a beautiful Old Town and a vibrant restaurant scene. I also love the "Kastenbäder" - the cage-like swimming pools in the river Limmat and in the lake. In the evening the Frauenbad turns into a bar - it is very atmospheric there.

From Zürich into the Black Forest: Drive to Waldshut but do not take the B500. Instead drive a little westwards to Albbruck, northwards through the scenic Alb Valley, then via Görwihl to Todtmoos an further to Todtnau. Enjoy the scenic drive.

In Todtnau, visit the waterfall. Then continue to Feldberg and drive up the highest mountain of the Black Forest. Take the cable tramway up to the summit and walk around a bit.

Then drive to Bärental and from there into the direction of Schluchsee. At the northern tip of the lake, in Aha, you make take the boat for a round trip on the lake (one hour). Then do the scenic drive up to Äule and down to Menzenschwand, one of the most authentic and picturesque Black Forest villages. If you like, soak in the thermal swimming-pool Radon Vital Bad. (indoor/outdoor pool).

On the way back, visit the monastery in Sankt Blasien with its impressive dome.

Drive back to Zürich.

This would be a "best of Black Forest" daytrip with many scenic drives. Look on the www.viamichelin.com map to find the route.

Well we much prefer Lucerne to Zurich - and might work just as well depending on exactly where you go. IMHO closer to mountains and more of a holiday town versus a business city.

You can get there in an hour from the train station under the Zurich airport.

I agree---Luzern is a delight !

Hi rellie,
I like Zurich very much!
You can get a 24 or 72 hour Zurichcard which covers a reduced-rate walking tour, public transportation (including a boat trip on Lake Zuerich), reduced or free museum entrances and an occasional free drink at certain restaurants.
From Zurich, Rapperswil makes a lovely daytrip (take the boat one way and train back). I spent a week using Rapperswil as my base. Einsiedeln is quite nice as well.
Click on my name to read my past trip reports for impressions of Zurich...i found its back alleys and passages lovely for exploring!

I like Zürich a lot, very good decision, I'd say!

The only change that I suggest is Day 4: A day trip to Basel AND Colmar does not make sense. One of them has more than enough to keep you occupied for a day (Basel even a couple of days). My choice would be Basel.

I'm another fan of Zurich -- it has some great museums, lovely squares, and of course, some stunning stained glass.

And I agree with Ingo (of course!) -- Basel also has a lot to offer, and so would not likely be easily combined with another location for a day trip.

Zurich is under-rated, IMO. It has a lot more going for it than most people seem willing to give it credit for.

I also thought Basel and Colmar were too much for one day. And like Ingo and kja, I'd choose Basel over Colmar. But then, I'm biased towards Basel -- I live there :-)

Thanks everyone for your replies, it is appreciated. It looks like we'll stick with Zurich.

Traveller1959 - thanks for the Black Forest info I'll research that route.

And also thanks for your feedback on Colmar/Basel. It sounds like we should just do Basel as the day trip.

You've all made me feel better about my planning :)