Switzerland Guidebook
Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:
Best: walking trip through old town Luzerne.
Why: concise and easy walk.
Terry Granade in San Antonio, Tx USA 01/30/2012
Best: Appenzeller Card and Eurail Pass
Why: There are so many discounts available using the AC card. We used the three -use Eurail pass for discounts at other venues such as boat rides and museum entry in Zurich
Bruce in Lincoln, CA USA 10/05/2011
Best: Muertan, Switz is small but worthwhile.
Why: Access to wonderful lakes, nice small town atmosphere, etc.
Jeff Hirzel in Guthrie, OK USA 09/11/2011
Best: Hotel Staubbach
Why: We love Hotel Staubbach. It is clean, pretty, comfortable, in an absolutely beautiful spot, has a great breakfast, and is very nicely run. But, the absolutely best thing about them is their warmth and concern. We traveled to Hotel Staubbach up from Italy across the St. Gotthard pass. As we approached the pass at about 2 in the afternoon, we met with a totally and completely stopped line of traffic. Technically, we were about 3 hours away from Hotel Staubbach at that point. We actually arrived at midnight due to the traffic. In the midst of all this, I emailed the hotel and received a set of entertaining and encouraging text messages from Angie at the hotel. We slogged on, completely energized by the messages. We arrived an hour after the hotel normally shuts down for the night expecting to find a note on how to get the keys. Angie had stayed an hour late, waiting for us and welcoming us with humor and offers of coffee or tea. This was the beginning of a way too short and totally wonderful stay. I would not hesitate to recommend this hotel to anyone. You will love it!
Katie Gibbs in West Sacramento, CA USA 08/18/2011
Best: Appenzell Museum
Why: The entire museum is one of the most concise and all inclusive museums we've ever visited. Easy to experience without being overwhelmed. Lots of interesting things for children to see and enjoy. Yet the museum does not require more than 1.5 hours. It is perfect.
Jim in Scottsdale, AZ USA 07/18/2011
Worst: Esther's Guest House in Gimmelwald
Why: She refused to turn on the heat, even tho it was snowing out, and she smirked and said, that is not going to happen. She was the rudest innkeeper I have ever met.
Jean in Evergreen, CO USA 06/10/2011
Best: self-guided walk
Why: It was clearly stated and it was an inexpensive way to see the highlights in town. We especially enjoyed eating at the Manora in the Manor department store. The food prices were reasonable and the selection was extensive.
Worst: train experience
Why: My sister and I landed in Zurich after 3 long legs from Hawaii. We purchased train tickets to take us to town where we planned to walk to our hotel. As I was about to leave the train, a male came and tussled with my suitcase. I wrestled it away from him and left the train, only to find that my pocketbook had been picked. It was worn around my neck and shoulder, but during the commotion, he and his accomplice were able to unzip several compartments and take about 150 in Swiss francs and about $200 US. He left my passport and all my credit cards and was not able to detect another $500 US in another inner compartment. What a welcome to Zurich! The guide book suggested a money belt, for good reason. I had just returned from a 3 week trip to China with no problems. Now I anticipate the worse and will be prepared.
Carol Ching in Honolulu, Hi USA 03/26/2011
Best: Luzerne and Interlaken, Excursion to Jungfrauboch
Why: Amazing towns with beautiful buildings, bridges, etc. Great sites from "the top of Europe". Once home, we had to rewatch "Eiger Sanction" movie.
ConnieD in Templeton, CA USA 10/23/2010
Worst: Liesi's Heart Place
Why: The owner comes in very late at night (around midnight to 1 AM) and you can hear her walking around above you. The room was fine but Gimmelwald has next to nothing in town - few good places to eat, no grocery store. I would recommend that people stay in Murren if they go to Berner Oberland.
Traci Drake in Tacoma, WA USA 10/02/2010
Best: Hotel Eiger, Murren
Why: We traveled to Murren, Switzerland. What a picture perfect Alpine community reached by cable car and train. I would definitely say this is an area of Switzerland you must see. The Hotel Eiger is right across from the train station and was a wonderful hotel. The price is about what we paid at other hotels(around $250 a night with a view of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau)-less without the view but isn't that why you want to stay in an Alpine village? There is a pool and the rooms are a nice size with a modern bathroom(robes/slippers, too).The owners are wonderfully helpful and friendly. They offer a reception for all the guests once a week, champagne flowing freely with the owners coming to speak with all the guests. Dinner is an experience with the staff coming to show the meal for your inspection before serving it. My husband and I had a large portion of a chicken dish, with potatoes and veggies AND, then,we were offered-seconds!!!!! (All for about $28 dollars per person). You could get a complete meal for $50 but we didn't wish all the different courses. Breakfast is included in the price with lots of choices AND more champagne! There is free computer use in the lobby. I would definitely recommend the Hotel Eiger! http://www.gailhennessey.com
Gail Hennessey in Harpursville, NY USA 09/23/2010
Best: Muerren and Piz Gloria
Why: In early June the wildflowers are in bloom, the snow still on the peaks, weather warm and people most friendly, and it's not nearly as crowded at later in the summer. Loved our walk to Gimmelwald and riding the cable cars. Website www.muerren.ch has webcams in Mürren and up on Piz Gloria as well as a wealth of information and pictures. I see why this is Rick's favorite place in all the world.
Phyllis Thomas in Chattanooga, TN USA 07/30/2010
Best: Luzern
Why: I loved the town, it is a bit over run with shops. We stayed at Hotel Des Alps right on the water it was beautiful. From this area we did a side trip to Mt. Titlus, breathtaking views.
Jennifer in Taylor, Fl USA 05/27/2010
Best: Berggasthaus Aescher
Why: That place was awesome. We never would have found it without your suggestion. Our son and his wife were also completely in love with the place. The view, the wind, the passage through the cave, the cows, the building itself, the people who run the place. Everything. Wow!
Judy Van Hoy in Philadelphia, PA USA 11/24/2009
Best: jungfrau
Why: Nothing like walking on a glacier
william traester in simsbury, ct USA 11/11/2009
Best: Alpine hiking
Why: Unmatched views, trails, and terrain.
Worst: Hubby didn't like the beer
Why: He doesn't like pilsners
Jenn in Portland, OR USA 10/07/2009
Best: gimmelwald area
Why: very quiet, nice, scenic... i could go on....
cheryl runyan in bozeman, mt USA 09/28/2009
Best: Berner Oberland
Why: The whole area was spectacular. No matter how many pictures you look at, you cannot comprehend the awe you will feel when surrounded by the Alps. I felt like I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real.
Worst: Lucerne
Why: It could have been the day we went, because there was some sort of festival going on, but the city was packed, and the people were not nearly as friendly as anywhere else we went in Switzerland. And it was the first time my whole trip (including Venice) where I felt like I needed to really lock up my backup, and caught a 13-year old casing me and my friend for our pickpocketing potential. He followed us for a bit.
Kimberly Tays in Saint Petersburg, FL USA 09/15/2009
Best: festival at Lausanne
Why: We were fortunate to go to the Lausanne festival at the Cathedral which gave us some nice insight into the local culture.
Jim Colgan in Bixby, OK USA 08/15/2009
Best: Swiss Rail Pass
Why: First time with a rail pass and not sure if Switzerland is the best but it was wonderful and a great savings on the multiple types of transportation and sights.
Jim Kronus in Bradenton, FL USA 08/09/2009
Best: Murren
Why: Stay here for the real swiss alp experience with conveniences.
JS USA 07/29/2009
Best: Cruising Lake Geneva
Why: The ferry is a fully restored antique 1910 paddle wheel ferry. what a treat.
JS in Walnut Creek, Ca USA 07/29/2009
Worst: Murren
Why: I had been enchanted by both Murren and Gimmewald when I had visited Switzerland 15 years ago and could not believe how much both places (particularly Murren) had grown. It's impossible to be disappointed with such great scenery, but my vision of "getting away from it all" in nature completely vanished.
Murren (despite its lack of cars) is very developed, and Gimmelwald (which I remembered as a "hole in the wall") was also not what I'd expected--though it still would be a charming place to stay.
Kathy in Longview, WA USA 07/29/2009
Best: Mt. Rigi and Swiss Tranport Museum in Luzern
Why: Loved Mt. Rigi, what a view.
Swiss Transport Museum what a great museum, so much history with lots of hands on exhibits.
Worst: Smokers
Why: Too many smokers. They will soon ban smoking indoors.
B CA USA 07/26/2009
Best: Pension Gimmelwald
Why: We've stopped by for dinner almost every night at sunset, excellent food and wine, very friendly people both staying and working there. Big view of the wall of glaciers and waterfalls.
Milton Stewart in Aspen, CO USA 07/24/2009
Best: Hiking from Allmendhubel to Gimmelwald
Why: I was just smiling all day on this hike for so many reasons: scenic vistas, wildflowers everywhere, cowbells ringing, waterfalls, etc... It was just a tremendous day. This was not an easy hike, particularly if you take the side route to the falls (I forget the name) above Gimmelwald. Our best moment of the week (and great picture) was coming into Schiltalp along with the cows, who were ready to be milked. We sat and had a milkshake and ice cream alongside the cows who'd provided the milk. It was just a lot of fun.
Worst: Boatride on Lake Luzern
Why: We didn't find the two hour boat ride to be terribly interesting. There's no commentary and the views aren't that great. We basically used the time to grab a snack and read Rick to decide what to do next.
Barry Blodgett in Cary, IL USA 07/07/2009
Best: Bourbaki Panorama
Why: We only visited Luzern but found this panorama painting and exhibit to be a beautiful and fascinating display of history and art. Such a creative enhancement of the original panorama and beautiful restoration. We had never seen historic panorama paintings and this should really be a must-see stop for all visitors to Luzern. Emotionally powerful, you feel as if you are in the village watching as the thousands of men from the French Army enter to surrender to the Swiss; an overwhelming prospect to say the least and very well captured.
Karen Lloyd in Lake Zurich, IL USA 06/05/2009
Best: hiking to Gimmenwald from Murren
Why: Our trip to Switzerland would not have been complete without seeing this charming village though we stayed in Wengen. We found the cheese hut and bought cheese from the charming cheese lady who gave us samples and explained the various cheeses. It was like stepping back in time--very delightful!
Susan Jennings in Atlanta, USA 06/04/2009