Hi,
This is our first trip to Switzerland and only have a long weekend i.e. Sat through part of Monday. We will be flying in and out of Zurich and were wondering if we should spend the 2.5 days in Zurich or a day in Zurich and go to Lucerne on Sunday, returning on Monday?
I have been reading other posts and seems to me a I need to plan a much longer trip in the future! But it's a start and would appreciate some advice.
Thanks.

If you're a city person, then you might want to stay one day in Zürich and 1.5 days in Lucerne.

If you're a town/mountain person, then Lucerne is the way to go.

If you really want to be in the mountains, you might want to consider Engelberg.

a

Tanks schuler. Pardon my ignorance but is engelberg an area or town? I did read some posts about mt. titlis and engelberg and lucerne all in one trip. I don't want to hit too many places. The idea is too see in a day what Zurich is like and then head to the mountains to a get taste of the beauty swizterland is famous for. Suggestions on how to structure Sunday/part Monday?

Hello mvs1,

&quot;<i>...head to the mountains to a get taste of the beauty swizterland is famous for.&quot;</i>&quot;

When I think of the beauty of Switzerland, I think of the Alps and their massive glaciers. You will find this in Engelberg at Titlis.
Engelberg is exactly a one-hour train ride from Lucerne, which is two-hours from Zurich.

www.engelberg.ch - just look at the picture on their homepage. Is this what you are looking for?

Happy travels!

Thanks Kopp. My husband just threw a curve ball and so am now considering Geneva. I assume most things are closed on Sundays in both Zurich and Geneva? The basis for Geneva is that we have a friend there who we could spend Sunday with when most things are closed.... That would mean mountains would be pushed to the next trip...any thoughts on if should stick with Zurich/ Lucerne/Engelberg or do Geneva?
Thanks.

We spent a Sunday in Zurich and it was great. The whole town was out strolling the lakefront promenade. We also did a half-day sightseeing tour that day. Zurich hotels are cheaper on the weekend; no business travelers.

That said, I think Lucerne is a better introduction to Switzerland. You can take a boat on the lake, a cog railway up Mt. Pilatus, and a gondola/ski lift back into Lucerne, all in one round trip.

There is easy train access to Zurich airport. You could even take the train there from Lucerne if your flight's not too early.

How would you be getting to Geneva? The train's about 3 hours one way.

Luckily have not booked tickets yet so would fly directly to Geneva.
Mimar - I am inclined to go with Zurich and your description below is definitely pushing me in that direction. If we take the train to Lucerne on Sunday morning, I assume we can still do everything you said without rushing it and lingering around Lucerne? How would I arrange it all and any recommendations on where to stay in Lucerne or should we plan to come back to Zurich the same night?
Thanks so much!!!

I did not care for Geneva. We were happiest when we took day trips form there to the wine trail from Montreux to Vevay and took a train trip to Gruyeres. I agree, if you like cities, go to Zurich, etc...but for me, the villages in the mountains are the beauty of the country. Very easy to travel by traimn and bus, too.

Thank you all. Zurich it is.

Self-walking tour of Zurich:
http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/t...069020034.html

Thansk Travelnut and everyone on this forum.

If you want to splurge on a hotel in Lucerne, take a look at the Grand National. It is right on the lake. Get a room overlooking the lake, and if possible, a small balcony!