Switzerland

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May 23, 2013 9:22 PM
rasta723

last reply
May 24, 2013 7:39 AM
hasip

1 replies
42 views
location: Switzerland

Which 2 cities in Switzerland (6 days total)?

Hello from New York,

I am trying to plan a vacation to Switzerland with my sister and parents, for roughly one week in late August. My parents want to "relax" (i.e. not have a busy daily itinerary, just stroll around), with the only requirement that they want to "see the Alps." We like nature, of course, but no steep hiking, please! I was thinking we'd maybe fly into Geneva and then home from Zurich airport (most affordable flights from US). If we did that, will we be able to "see the Alps"? Maybe there is a daytrip from one of these places that I'm not aware of. Thanks for your advice!

May 22, 2013 10:25 AM
TravelingPak

last reply
May 22, 2013 11:19 AM
TravelingPak

0 replies
43 views
location: Switzerland

Switzerland on a Budget

Hello, I am planning to spend about a week or week and a half in Switzerland. I'm not really interested in the party/drinking scene while I'm here nor the culinary part of Switzerland due to the expense. A lot more interested in the natural/physical aspect on this part of my 2 month Europe journey. So hiking, exploring, swimming, etc!

Also, I want to use the least amount of travel days on my 10 day Global Flexi Pass!

Here is my general itinerary but very open to suggestions:

-Geneva (Cern, Swiss Riveria, Boat ride) only 1 day

-Lucerne (hike Mt. Pilatus) -> Take Golden rail

-Interlaken (Giessbach Waterfalls, boat trip around the Thunersee, canyoning?)

Option:

1) Kleine Scheidegg -> Grindelwald (take the Jungfraubahn up) to Jungfrau (Heard it is expensive even with 25% discount I will get with the Eurail Global Pass) **would stay longer if going to Jungfrau depends... more »

May 22, 2013 8:18 AM
behyx

last reply
May 23, 2013 5:31 PM
behyx

4 replies
108 views
location: Switzerland

Swiss Saver fare or Flexi fare?

This is my itinerary over the 5 days i'm taking trains (and using swiss rail pass)

Day 1
Interlaken - Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch - Wengen

Day 2
Wengen - Zweissimen
Zweissimen - Montreux (Golden pass)

Day 3
Montreux - Zermatt

Day 4
Zermatt - St Moritz (Glacier express)

Day 5
St Moritz - Tirano (Bernina express)

Should I get Swiss saver 4 days? Or Swiss flexi 5 days? If I were to get the former, which is the day which I ought to buy individual ticket?

Thanks!

Edited by: behyx

May 22, 2013 7:55 AM
behyx

last reply
May 22, 2013 1:15 PM
furs

4 replies
118 views
location: Switzerland

Does most places in Switzerland and Italy have credit card surcharge?

I'll be in many towns in Switzerland; Milan and Venice in Italy.

I'm wondering if most merchants charge additional surcharge % for credit card payment?

Most importantly, when buying Swiss Pass at the airport, will there be any surcharge by credit card?

May 21, 2013 1:53 PM
ddelvecchio

last reply
May 22, 2013 5:48 AM
onyx007

1 replies
48 views
location: Switzerland

Kandersteg as of this week-end

Hi all,

Was hoping that someone living in Kandersteg or staying there right now might give some more information...

I'm leaving for Kandersteg this Saturday and staying there until Thursday. Should I really expect "winter conditions" as some forecasts state?

Should I expect snow (in case of falls) to stay on the ground? I would think that by 2 or 3 degrees it would melt but I'm not an expert...

Do you foresee any issues on the roads (I will be driving from Brussels)?

Thanks a lot
Davide

May 16, 2013 4:09 AM
QLJ

last reply
May 18, 2013 5:12 AM
Mike2S

1 replies
78 views
location: Switzerland

Apartment for short-term rent in Interlaken and Lucerne

Hi,

I am wondering if there is any recommendation for 3Night apartment stay in both InterLaken and Lucerne. I am looking for one with kitchen and beds for 4 people. Have trouble finding such short-term places during end-June and early July period.

May 15, 2013 10:28 PM
behyx

last reply
May 17, 2013 8:30 AM
ZuidWest

8 replies
224 views
location: Switzerland

Guide to ski in Zermatt

Hi all,

This is our first skiing experience, in Zermatt in a week's time.

Do I need to hire a coach to teach us how to ski? Or we can just rent the gear and try it ourselves?

Also, how much is it typically to rent the gear and/or hire a coach?

Thanks! :)

May 15, 2013 12:40 PM
ingallslake

last reply
May 23, 2013 6:14 AM
ingallslake

5 replies
127 views
location: Switzerland

Ideas for a Solo Winter Weekend in the Swiss Alps?

Hi Switzerland experts,
I am going to be in Geneva at the end of November visiting IOs for a few days with my Masters class. I am staying a few extra days to see something else in Switzerland (first time), preferably a little mountain time!

I'll be free Friday (Nov. 29th) at around 2 pm and have a flight out of Geneva on Monday evening.

I know it's not the nicest of months, but I'm a big mountain lover. My one idea was to head to the Alps (someone suggested the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald to me, but apparently it closes to solo travelers at the end of November). I'll be traveling alone, so a social place to stay would be nicer...but I'm fine with a little soul-searching for a few days as well! Any route there sounds beautiful so I don't count travel time as "wasted."

Any ideas on a good part of the Alps to stay a day or two in early December would be great! Any more detail... more »

May 15, 2013 11:04 AM
sammyboat89

last reply
May 16, 2013 1:39 AM
greencelery

1 replies
87 views
location: Switzerland

So... What's up with Geneva?

and why is there apparently only one hostel?!

I've read a variety of reviews of the city, most of which seem to reiterate that Geneva is not particularly backpacker friendly. Can anyone speak to this? Is it because of the astronomical prices? Perhaps it is due to the international organizations located in the city (actually my own reason for going)?

Anyways, I'll be living there over the summer, and while I'm sure it will be amazing, I can't help but feel a little apprehensive..

Thanks for any insight!

May 13, 2013 6:00 AM
akrunner1026

last reply
May 14, 2013 10:54 AM
Pirate_at_50

6 replies
152 views
location: Switzerland

Swiss Pass - Flexi or Half

Hi,

I will be in Switzerland in July. My itinerary is as below:

21 Jul: Milan - Zermatt (79 CHF)
23 Jul: Zermatt - Interlaken (40 CHF)
26 Jul: Interlaken - Berne - Zurich (38 CHF)

I will also be using it for the Matterhorn (Original fare: 64 CHF) and Jungfraujoch railway (Original fare: 197 CHF)

I have a few questions:
1. How do I go about using the Swiss Pass (Half or Flexi)? I can only use it to book on the day itself or can I do reservation slightly earlier? And if only can use it on itself, I guess it is subject to availability?
2. The price I found is via sbb.ch but I am wondering if the price will change significantly?
3. I can use this pass for the cruise tour on Lake Thun/Brien right? But I cannot make reservation?

I was inclined to using Swiss Half Pass but if the price changes later I am thinking Flexi Pass might be a better deal? Swiss Saver Flexi... more »

May 13, 2013 3:13 AM
prakpow

last reply
May 14, 2013 6:30 AM
MTL

4 replies
142 views
location: Switzerland

Tour itinerary.....

Hello folks,
I have a problem arranging following places in order of visit with number of days at each place.
I need your expertise to fit as you think fit to enjoy following places. I would like you to suggest places of residences for an easy access or to enjoy, number days for to stay. Since we are a group of 10 plus I wish to know which card should work cheap while visiting each of following. E.g. Hafl Fare Card or Swiss card.
The places of visits are as follows......
Munich to Zurich, Lake Zürich Boat Cruise, Uteliburg, Heidiland and Liechtenstein Tour from Zurich,
Zurich to Luzern, Lucerne City Orientation Tour, Mt. Titlis, Vitznau - Rigi Kulm Aerial cableway Weggis - Rigi Kaltbad, Mt. Pilatus
Jungfraujoch and Montreux.
Depart for Paris from Montreux or Gneva whatever you may think fit. Please prepare an itinerary based on above information and provide me train fare bot... more »

May 12, 2013 12:55 PM
bnk418

last reply
May 13, 2013 3:07 AM
meckerdv

1 replies
123 views
location: Switzerland

5-day scenic hike in Swiss Alps

We are going to be arriving in Zurick in early July, departing for Italy from Geneva 7 days later. We want to do a 5-day hike where we maximize scenery and minimize crowds. While not professional mountaineers, we are in good shape and can handle some moderately strenuous hiking. We've looked into certain hikes in the Bernese Oberland, but are more than willing to go elsewhere. We hope to stay in small towns and/or huts along the way. Any advice on the most scenic 5-day hikes would be much appreciated. Thanks!

May 11, 2013 1:07 PM
chile2004

last reply
May 18, 2013 12:35 PM
tiomca

4 replies
158 views
location: Switzerland

Zurich 1 night boutique hotel near Train station

Hello.
Any advice for a nice, medium price, boutique hotel near Train station, for 1 night?
Can be booked via Hostelworld?
Link for it?
Thank you!

May 9, 2013 12:22 PM
joostschrier

last reply
May 12, 2013 12:04 PM
onyx007

3 replies
110 views
location: Switzerland

Rental of road bikes (Rennrad)

I am staying in Lucerne for the next 4 weeks. Could someone please tell me where I can rent a normal road bike/ racing bike? It seems like impossible! Just Ebikes and MTBs for rent!
Please help!

May 9, 2013 7:14 AM
yonatan_becker

last reply
May 10, 2013 3:12 AM
meckerdv

4 replies
128 views
location: Switzerland

indoor activities for kids in Valais

Hi

i'm going to Valais with two young kids for a weeks

I'm looking for indoor activities suitable for kids for a rainy day

I'm considering the following:

The Stockalper Schloss in brig

The Saint-Léonard lake

The matterhorn museum in Zermatt

Gianadda fondation in Martigny

Valère castle in Sion

De Tourbillon castle in Sion

Thanks in advance

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