Sight seeing in switzerland in 3 days- pl suggest the 'must see' places?

Question

we will be in switzerland with family (2 adults &2 kids) in May for 3 - 4 days.

we will be travelling from amsterdam to geneva by flight.

please suggest the must see places in switzerland, especially the Alps area.

Thank you !

Answer 1

Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

The Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps are among the most beautiful mountains in the world.  Although you will be surrounded by mountains wherever you are in Switzerland, we urge you to head for the high country when you have a chance.  Two areas that offer great vistas and wonderful touring are:

The Berner Alpen

Considered by many to be the "Top of Europe" this mountain range in the Bernese Oberland is "must see".  Its main attraction is the

Jungfrau

The Jungfrau holds a special place in the heart of the Swiss and if you visit it, you will understand and appreciate their admiration.

Pennine Alps

Zermatt

Sitting at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a place that beckons the visitor and fills the role of the quintessential Swiss mountain resort.

Matterhorn

You have seen it in pictures, but you will not be prepared for the grandeur of its natural setting.

Bern/Berne  

In 1991, Bern celebrated its 800th anniversary: the Old City of Berne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a wonderful place to wander.  Bern is both beautiful and interesting. See the Münster Cathedral for an attractive church and great views of Bern and the countryside from the church tower. The Bundeshhaus,  the site of the country's Parliament, is open to the public and its Square host markets and has an attractive series of fountains representing the Cantons of Switzerland.  In addition, Bern offers great restaurants (with some of the best breads in Europe).

Zurich    

Zurich blends the old and the new in a manner that makes the combination seem natural.  The city with its narrow winding streets is delightful and compact: its streetcars make it easy to get most places of interest to tourists.  The Old Town area of the city is most enjoyable, but you may want to spend some time shopping on the Bahnhofstrasse or exploring one of Zurich's fine museums.  Be sure to see the Schipfe (fine arts area), the Fraumünster Church, the Zurich Opera House and, of course, Lake Zurich.

Lucerne  

Many tourists consider Lucerne and its mountains to be one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities. Its lakeside setting is among the best in Switzerland.  The well-preserved Old Town is a treat to explore.  Be sure to see the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower. The Wagner Museum, Picasso Museum and the Rosengart Collection are the highlights of the city's collection of fine museums.

Interlaken

The "city between the lakes" offers great shopping, wonderful scenery, and a number of villages that are worth a visit.  Interlaken may be "tourist" Switzerland but it does it so well that even the Swiss like the area.  Surrounded by the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch, Interlaken is a great base for touring one of the best sections of Switzerland.

Lausanne  

Situated on the northern edge of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is considered the ideal  base to tour the Lake Geneva,  Geneva, and Montreux.

Lugano  

Lugano is a good town to base your explorations of the Ticino, the Italian speaking southern segment of Switzerland.  This scenic town is situated on the northern bank of Lake Lugano and the Lake is the real reason to visit.  In addition, be sure to see The Madonna degli Angioli Church (and its magnificent fresco).  Tour the city on the tourist tram the Red Arrow (La Freccia Rossa), which runs from March through October. The Parco Botanico San Grato, about six miles from Lugano  is an attractive place to visit, especially in the Spring. Click here to visit Lugano Tourism's official travel site .  

Basel    

Located near the headwaters of the Rhine, Basel is the point of disembarkation for many Rhine River cruises.  This well-preserved city offers a blend of  the traits of Germany and Switzerland.  Basel offers several interesting museums and is worth a visit, if you have just ended a holiday cruise.

Geneva

Geneva is the home base of many international organizations and that role has given it a cosmopolitan bearing mixed with a distinct international flavor.  Its Old Town is worth a visit, but Geneva's popularity is based more on its role in world affairs than its attractiveness as a  tourism destination.

Extraordinary Train Journeys

The Glacier Express  

Switzerland's Glacier Express train between St. Moritz or Chur and the Zermatt (or the reverse) is an unsurpassed rail ride through the Alps and some of Switzerland's most scenic vistas.  The ride takes 7 1/2 hours, crosses 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and is breathtaking.

Since the ride takes the entire day, you will need reservations at your destination.

Only the first class cars are "panoramic", featuring large windows and very comfortable seating.  First class is worth the extra cost.

Meals are available in the Dining Car, but reservations must be made in advance of the trip (there are not enough seats to accommodate all passengers).  

Snack and drinks are available from the Railbar.

For more detail visit the Glacier Express         web site.



The Bernina Express

The Bernina Express runs between Chur and Tirano, Italy.  It is a shorter run than the Glacier Express, features beautiful mountains and is an engineering marvel.   In summer, a bus connects with Lake Lugano.  For more information, see this web site.          

http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/...

Answer 2

The best way to answer such a huge and subjective question, then condense it to 3 days is to go to the official tourism site for Switzerland.

I've enclosed an access link for you.

They have done a lot of research where you will see them promoting the major highlights of the country.

With so little time it's essential to minimise wasted time, so plan you accommodation well. I've provided some sample links to a website where you can filter the hotels and places by price, location, star rating and last minute or advance bookings.

Hope this all helps to contribute to a great time for you ... oh ... and don't miss the mountains .... i guess it's hard not to :)