I am considering a trip to Switzerland- where should I go?

Question

So I am considering taking a vacation to Switzerland next year. I am not sure where I should go. I am not big on racing around and trying to get all of the sightseeing done. I like to stay in one place and enjoy it. I don't like to have a set plan for what I do in the day, rather I just like to go with whatever I feel like. Also, I'd rather get a taste of the real Switzerland than the really Italian south or French west. Any ideas?

Answer 1

The Bernese Oberland! It's great! This is my favorite site:

Answer 2

Well, to begin with, the Italian South or the French west are just as much a part of REAL Switzerland as..."real Switzerland"...What does that mean?

I spent more, and a better time, in the French West (though that may be mostly because I love French and my roommate was from there, and she showed me around).  Castle Gruyère was spectacular, as is Chillón (the one that sits out on a tiny peninsula in a lake...I think Geneva).  

I stayed in Lausanne and I tell you it is the most gorgeous city!  Across the lake is France, and Mont Blanc.  The views from her balcony were amazing!  And Geneva is pretty cool, too.  Lots of great shopping.

I would suggest, depending on how much time you have, to spend some time in each of the three regions, but since you don't like moving, I wouldn't do that.  

Lucerne (now, that's Italian Switzerland) is supposedly really beautiful.

If you are dead set on the German region, I think I would go to Zermatt, where you have the Matterhorn overlooking the city.  If I had to pick a place, that would be it, because that mountain has always captivated my imagination.

Or there is always Bern.  There must be neat stuff to do in the capital, besides going to where they keep the bear (Symbol of the city...namesake, you know) in a pit.  (actually, (I'd be willing to bet that has been stopped.  That was a long time ago.)

I, personally, wasn't as impressed with the German part that I saw.

Answer 3

Don't believe everything what is said here! E.g., Sue puts Lucerne down to the Italian/Southern part of the country. Actually, this city is in the very heart of Switzerland where Alemanic/Swiss German is spoken. Mind you, you'll get stuck amongst heeps of j**s, Chinese, South Americans, Yanks and Russians there! Whereas Zermatt (nice, although a real tourist trap) is on the South of the Alps where you find French and Alemanic/Swiss speaking people. Actually, you'll hardly find a part of the country that is not influenced by our neighbours (Germany and Austria in the North and East, France in the West, Italy in the South). So, where do you go today...? I suggest a city like Zurich (bustling, but with a charming old town) or Berne, the capital, with its very charming old town, too. From there, do your plans and set out for the day. Remember, the very reliable Swiss train system can bring you anywhere in the country within little time.

Answer 4

I lived in Morges (near lausanne) 8 months.

Lovely! absolutely very pretty. small town, but if u want just to chill out and see mountains in a daily basis, go there! Lausanne is beautiful too

Geneve, different, more "city" but pretty too.

Luzern and Berna especially very pretty.

Go to see the Zermat

Zurig is a city to visit

there is just one big problem: it's really expensive.

enjoy

Answer 5

i would suggest to stay at a place at the border of Lake Geneva. great places are Vevey, Montreux or Villeneuve (this is on the opposite side of Geneva, called the Swiss Riviera and located very close to Castle of Chillon). this is a good place for making day excursions to Bern, Fribourg, Gruyères or even to Zermatt (to see the Matterhorn). Fribourg is pretty close (about 1 hour by car or train), Berne and Gruyères are about 1h 30' and Zermatt 2h 45'.

on a beautiful day you can do a journey to Geneva by ship and return by train.

and last but not least, visit Rochers de Naye (a mountain), it's just above Montreux and there is a railway up there.

http://www.montreux.ch/naye/

http://www.montreuxtourism.ch/index.cfm?...

http://www.montreux.ch/tourism/

Answer 6

Basel

Answer 7

Andermatt

Answer 8

I suggest Interlaken It this sports adventure town you can't go 50 ft without seeing a sing for whitewater rafting, ice climbing, caving, sky diving, para-sailing, night clubs,  scenic views, the train that goes to the top of Europe,  (takes a full day).