Switzerland Guidebook
Favorite discoveries or tips:
Manor department store, Manora cafeteria in Luzern, Switzerland. Rick recommended it, and it was the place. I had fall off the bone,Osso Bucco, for 10 Euro's. Our total bill was 36 Euro's including a split of wine. In Suisse, that's a real bargain. The fourth floor was getting ready for Fasnacht. Some great costumes and inexpensive confetti. Clean restrooms. Just returned on Saturday 28 January 2012.
Terry Granade in San Antonio, Tx USA 01/30/2012
Use the train systems. Food and lodging in Switz is super expensive now. Southern Ger. not bad.
Jeff Hirzel in Guthrie, OK USA 09/11/2011
Definately stop at the TI in Zermatt. We found Linda to be very helpful and pleasant.
Jim in Scottsdale, AZ USA 07/18/2011
I enjoyed hang gliding tandem in Interlaken and recommend Hang-Gliding Interlaken. Bernie and Ed did a nice job and it was a super experience at a reasonable cost. They are a small outfit operating out of a local hang gliding club and very personable. I enjoyed it immensely and would (and hope to) do it again. Visit www.hangglidinginterlaken.com.
Kevin Vick in St. Louis, MO USA 07/17/2011
A helpful line regarding Chateau Chillon might be "there are no baggage check facilities at the castle or the small train stop at the castle, locker your bags in Montreaux if traveling with them". We had to go back to Montreaux to locker our baggage, not a big deal as our time wasn't tight that day. Preston Bennett, PresBennettMD@aol.com
Preston Bennett in Arlington, VA USA 06/08/2011
Not mentioned in the guidebook is Best of Switzerland tours in Zurich. We did the City Tour and found it most informative. The finale, at Fraumunster in front of the Chagall Windows, was spectacular. The guide was very knowledgeable. Best of Switzerland Tours leave from the parking lot across from the Sihlquai tram stop.
MIke Atamian in San Diego, CA USA 10/23/2010
We want to commend Rick and his crew for doing such an excellent job in all of his guide books. We were introduced to his books 3 years ago, by a stranger in Barnes and Nobles. Since that time we have been to Europe 3 times and are constantly amazed at what a wonderful and thorough job you folks do. The walking tours are perfect, the recommends for cities, museums, etc are great. We have 3 weeks of time share so we usually use the time share as a home base and drive all over. That is quite an experience; the guides books have been crucial in helping to know where to park, when to park far out of town and take the metro or bus to town to avoid pricey fees or crazy driving. We did stay a a few of the recommended hotels in between timeshare stays. We have taken Rick's advice about getting to know the locals, and we have had a lot of fun meeting people in the grocery stores and some of the smaller non tourist areas where our timeshares have been. This past yr we stayed in USA and went to New England, the only states we have not visited in the US. We bought several guide books, including some with walking tours. We were so accustomed to the thoroughness of your books and sooo disappointed in what we found for out New England trip (despite high reviews). Anyway, thanks for all your do. Keep up the wonderful work.
ConnieD in Templeton, CA USA 10/23/2010
Bus trip from Lauterbrunnen up to Isenfluh and then the small cable car up even higher---great mini trip and the walk back from Isenfluh to Lauterbrunnen is a wonderful, easy, gradual downhill hike-not at all physically strenuous.
Sylvia Grant in Osceola, WI USA 10/15/2010
Gail Hennessey geshrwh@hotmail.com
Gail Hennessey in Harpursville, NY USA 09/23/2010
We spent 4 nights in Gimmelwald last week and loved it. The best thing we did was purchase the 7 day tram pass for 135 swiss francs. The initial outlay was high, but we figured out that we used it for more than 275 dollars worth of trips--we went up to the top TWICE (once on a clear warm day and once on a clear day after an August snow storm) and it was beautiful both times. Each trip to the top is 91 francs when purchased alone. We didn't have to worry that each short trip was 5 to 8 francs--we used the trams,the train and the funnicular multiple times. Switzerland is expensive no matter what you do!!
Julie in Provo, Ut USA 09/02/2010
If driving from Engadine to Lugano in the Ticino via Maloja Pass, go a bit further south along Lake Como to Tremezzo. Stay at Villa Marie Hotel, and take lake boats to Managgio and/or Belaggio.
Bill in New York, NY USA 08/30/2010
Swissminiatur Park near Lugano Especially for model railroad enthusiasts. There are 18 different trains and cable cars running among the 120 models of Swiss buildings & monuments. Easy access via lake boat from Lugano.
Phyllis Thomas in Chattanooga, TN USA 07/30/2010
I loved the Lake Geneva area. We stayed in the Lausanne guesthouse. The price was great, the area not so great. It was my husband and I only, but if I had brought my children I would have been a little bit afraid. There were some strip clubs right by the guesthouse.
Jennifer in Taylor, Fl USA 05/27/2010
We loved Jungfraujoch and would highly recommend it to everyone. Trummelbach Falls is a little more low-key and might not get quite as much publicity, but we thought it was absolutely AWESOME. Unless you are a brilliant photographer, pictures cannot capture its beauty: you have to go.
We stayed at Hotel Staubbach. Miriam, the Manager, is moving on to start her own business, Flying Wheels (www.flyingwheels.ch), offering electro-bike tours of the Interlaken region which will open up bicycle tours to riders with handicapping conditions. We wish her well. Frank, a very cordial young man, is taking over management duties at the hotel. Their breakfasts were the best B&B breakfasts on our trip!
Alan Nakamura in Crestwood, KY USA 05/15/2010
Just returned from a trip through Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain using Rick's Guidebooks all the way - had a great time. Wanted to let you know that in Lausanne, it appears that participating hotels are giving their guests free pass cards for the bus and metro system during their stay. Don't know how long this program will last, but we took full advantage of it on a rainy, cold day. Still got to see a lot of the city, learned our way around, it was warm and dry, all at no cost.
Janet Shellenberger in Houston, TX USA 04/11/2010
The automatic payment machine at the parking garage in Lucerne does not take Euros, credit cards or debit cards. You had better have some Swiss Francs with you.
Ed & Rita Reed in Port Aransas, TX USA 01/19/2010
Chateau Chillion has luggage lockers 1 CF Olympic Museem in Lausanne has free luggage lockers and is a very short walk from the boat dock. In Lausanne, the Metro has reopenned and is free with a pass you can get from most hotels. The Metro takes bicycles; therefore you can pick up a free bike in town(FLON) and take it by metro down to the lake where there are wonderful bike paths. If you pick up your bike by the lake, you pay for it; although the TI told us that you can get a discount voucher in Flon that would enable you to rent a bike for 5 CF.
william traester in simsbury, ct USA 11/11/2009
In Zurich- The Hotel St-Georges. Centrally located, reasonable and a very friendly staff. Excellent breakfasts included.
Terry in Vallejo, Ca USA 11/04/2009
If you plan to be in Zurich(and perhaps through out Switzerland) on June 1 be aware that it is a national holiday and most everything will be closed. Stores, shops, restaurants, food markets, etc. all closed. We had to search for a restaurant that was open on this day and we had a nice, but quite expensive, meal at Kronenhalle. Our alternative would have required a tram ride to the airport to find an eatery.
Susan Jennings in Atlanta, USA 10/28/2009
Rick recommends the restaurant at the Hotel Freudenberg in Appenzell. It was indeed a good place to eat. We also found that the Freudenberg was a wonderful place to stay. In fact, it was our favorite lodging during our two weeks in Switzerland. The rooms were large (including the bathroom). The beautiful setting above Appenzell was so peaceful. Breakfast was delicious with much variety. The only drawback was the 15 minute walk (steep at the end) from the train station. The other lodgings were adequate, while this one was a cut above.
Kitty Kramer in Centennial, CO USA 10/27/2009
We were buying tickets for the lift to the Schilthorn when the clerk asked if we had any discounts. I said I didn't think so and she started listing some possibilities. We were pleasantly surprised to receive a AAA discount of about 15 euros per ticket.
stan kopacz in santa cruz, ca USA 10/21/2009
We adored the hike from First to Lake Bachalpsee to Fallhorn to Bussalp. Our journey started in Lauterbrunnen where we were staying. We took the train to Grindelwald and then a private gondola to the top of First.
It was a moderate hike from First to the lake and then it intensified from there. The lake provided classic photo opportunities of the Eiger, Munch, and Jungfrau.
At the top of Fallhorn there is a restaurant that serves traditional Swiss fair. Surrounding the hotel are panoramic views of the valley where Interlaken is along with the two gorgeous lakes.
The trail down to Bussalp from Fallhorn is somewhat rugged, but well-marked. There is a small restaurant/inn where we caught the bus back to Grindelwald in Bussalp. We think we were the only Americans on the trail that day. Always a good sign.
If we had to do it again, we might have started at Schynige Platte and hiked to Faulhorn and then to First. Ending in Grindelwald. We hiked around Schynige Platte and adored the views along the crest.
Jenn in Portland, OR USA 10/07/2009
Lausanne has just turned into a NO SMOKING area for all resturants! The day we arrived there, 9/17/09! So we were able to enjoy several resturants that RS noted as being "smoky" without the smoke! The Lyric (greek resturant) is downplayed. It was excellent swiss rendition of Greek Food. SOme of the best meals we ate on the trip. It would be nice to note that there is a LOT of Helicopter noise in the Lauterbrunnen valley. We were quite dismayed..all the trips along the Murren area were filled with Helicopter sounds. Also, need to carry CASH for Murren and Gimmenwald. Minimum credit card charges are ususally around 30chf. And Almenhubbel restruant would ONLY take cash. NO credit of any kind. Please don't downplay Pontrecina. It was a lovely place and as RS noted, great hiking. But to relegate it to a partial day trip is sooo underappreciating the area.
Rita Hester & Claire Appelmans in Santa Cruz, CA USA 10/05/2009
have you ever done the klettersteig from muerren to gimmelwald? check it out, it was alot of fun.....
cheryl runyan in bozeman, mt USA 09/28/2009
We discovered a budget hotel in Luzern which was not on your guide book. We found it worths to recommend to others. Long story short. It was recommended by a local at midnight in the train station when we arrived with no hotel reservation. We had no luck to get any budget hotels on the phone at that late. The name of this hotel is ETap (address: Icarotel SA, Kellerstrasse 6, CH-6005) and the price is fairly reasonable in this town which is fixed $89+tax (breakfast extra). The room is not big but is more than acceptable. The hotel is about 15 mins walking distance from the train station.
Taylor Tang in Dallas, Tx USA 09/27/2009
In St. Mortiz, we stayed at Hotel Bellaval. http://www.bellaval-stmoritz.ch/. The hotel was next to St. Mortiz railway station, 50 feet away. Being so close to the station, it was very convinent to catch next morning's Bernina express. The Hotel was cosy, and has a great (not very expensive) resturant.
Vibhas Chandrachood in Lexington, KY USA 09/13/2009
While you are "right on" by recommending visitors concentrate on the Berner Oberland, I think you overplay the appeal of Gimmelwald. Both the views and hiking are better if you stay in Murren. On the opposite side of the valley, Wengen is a reasonable choice. Admittedly, both these towns are much more built up, but that also creates infrastructure (like supermarkets and restaurants) that tourists will find useful. Maybe it's just me, but I didn't find Gimmelwald all that appealing -- just small. In other words, Gimmelwald is one choice, but not necessarily THE choice, for a Berner Oberland home base.
Dave in Philadelphia, PA USA 09/10/2009
We stayed with "friends of friends" in Krattingen when we were in the Berner Oberland region--they had a lovely home overlooking the lake. It was incredible. I had wanted to go to to Gimmewald--where I'd had such fond memories 15 years ago--the following day, but they wanted to take us up to the Steingletscher Glacier. I was a bit disappointed, but since they were being so nice to host us, of course, I agreed.
We had an incredible hike--flowers, glaciers, mountains, and solitude!!! It was so beautiful and very few people.
We managed to spend a morning in Gimmelwald before we left and I couldn't believe how much that area had changed in 15 years. Still gorgeous scenery, but definitely NOT a "back door" anymore!!!
Kathy in Longview, WA USA 07/29/2009
Ask for Leitungswasser (tap water)as you recommended and you are right the waiters don't offer it to you.
Loved our Swiss Pass, it is so convenient. We also took advantage of the children travel free with an adult and the free museum admissions. What savings!!
The Communication Museum and Natural History Museum in Bern offered free admissions to Swiss Pass holders. The museums very kids friendly and had lots of hands on exhibits.
We stayed in Altdorf, it is convenient to Luzern by 30 min train ride. We stayed at recently renovated rooms at The Goldener Schlussel. Rooms are comfortable, with free Wi Fi and breakfast. Common areas were smokey, but there will be a ban on indoor smoking soon.
B CA USA 07/26/2009
Rick provides information about the bus which takes one from Lugano to Tirano,Italy to catch the Bernina Express train trip to St. Moritz and other stops as well as providing a connection to the famous Glacier Express train from St. Moritz to Zermatt. Rick should add that travelers coming from the South may take a train from Rome to Milan and transfer to a train which goes directly to Tirano, Italy. There are several trains offering more options than the one daily bus trip mentioned in the Rick's guidebook.
Michael Morawey in Richardson, TX USA 07/24/2009
Wow! Take Rick with you everywhere. His book was our bible, for this first ever trip to Europe. We had a great time. Were able to maximize our time and see a lot!
Barry Blodgett in Cary, IL USA 07/07/2009
Updated info: Visited Bern today with 3 kids ages 9, 11 and 13 and the Welcome to Bern walking tour was PERFECT for their ages and attention span. Unfortunately, the Bern Bears DIED! There are no bears in the pit until October 09 when the will transfer 2 little guys over from the Bern Zoo. It is possible to visit the new bears in the zoo now. (per info at TI in Bahnhof on July 7, 2009)
Mary Ann Bayer in Cham, CH, USA 07/07/2009
The book covers Lugano, in the southern part of the country. I took the train from Zurich to there and the last stop before Lugano was Bellinzona. It has three castles there to explore and it would make a easy stop before heading to Luago.
Also, our home base was Zurich and an area not mentioned in the book but was recommended by a local was Rapperswil on Lake Zurich. (The book did mention it when talking about the boat rides on Lake Zurich) It was a very nice littel town with a lot of charm. The castle and church on the hill, a little zoolino for kids, etc. I think it would be a good addition to mention.
Francesca Jewell in Winston-Salem, NC USA 06/18/2009
I am writing to let your readers know that there is an independent English bookshop in Lausanne, called Books Books Books. For Switzerland, where you can expect to pay at least 25 CHF for an English paperback - BBB is very competitive. They also have the personal touch that is lacking at Payot or FNAC, both Swiss bookshops with a small, expensive English section. The Bookshop is located at Rue de Mercerie 12, Lausanne. Or for a faster, less steep walk, go through Globus and head for the elevators and get off the 4th floor. Shares a space with Holmes Gym.
mary wilhelm in bayside, ny USA 06/11/2009
I'm writing to suggest that the Switzerland guidebook include an entry on the town of WINTERTHUR. It's a museum lover's mecca, has some delightful architecture, a fun pedestrian mall and some beautiful scenery. Less than an hour by train from Zurich, many of Winterthur's sights are within the easy-to-navigate Old Town city center. Among the several museums in Winterthur are the Oskar Reinhart Collection, Kunstmuseum Winterthur (closed until 2010), Villa Flora, Winterthur Art Gallery, Fotomuseum Winterthur, Swiss Foundatuion for Photography, the Museum Briner und Kern, Swiss Science Center, Museum of Applied Arts and Design, Kellenberger Timepiece Collection, Coin and Antiques Collection, and Museum of Nature & Childrens' Museum. A Winterthur Museum Pass is SFr. 20.-- (1 day, excluding Technorama and Kyburg) and SFr. 30.-- (2 days excluding Kyburg). The Museum Pass may be obtained from the museums or the Winterthur Tourist Office and includes the use of the special museum bus. The city and Heidi Taxi (052/202 22 22) jointly run a Museum Bus (not necessary for the town-centre Stadtgarten collection and the Kunstmuseum, but very handy for getting to and from the Römerholz collection, some distance from town on a hilltop. Minibuses depart from the station (Tues–Sun hourly 9.45am–4.45pm), picking up at the Stadtgarten and the Kunstmuseum a few minutes later, and dropping off at the gates of the Römerholz gallery. Departures from there back to town are on the hour 10am to 5pm. The SFr.5 fare is valid all day. On Sundays the bus makes extra stops at the Villa Flora and the Fotomuseum. (We were there in March, and were not able to find the Museum Bus, though we waited for it a long time at the special stop at the station. So perhaps it only runs in summer, or maybe we were unlucky?) For architecture lovers, there are some nice churches and the town hall in the city center, or "Old Town". East of Winterthur lies the medieval castle of Mörsburg. Above the river Töss lies the medieval Kyburg Castle, comlete with gardens, chapel and torture chamber. Old Town is mainly a pedestrian mall, with lots of shops, restaurants and sidewalk cafes. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Tourism Board claims that 2/3 of the Winterthur is covered by woodlands, parks and gardens that invite hiking, strolling or relaxing outside.
Kris Swank in Tucson, AZ USA 06/09/2009
We're probably the only doofuses who didn't understand this, but the Chateau de Chillon in Montreux is open until 7 p.m. -- an old RS book lists closing time as 6 p.m., but that's just the last entry time. You still have an hour to enjoy the castle.
RS lists the Vevey backpackers hostel as a budget accommodation for Montreux. In the opposite direction (toward the Chateau), a 20-minute walk from the Montreux station, is another great option: the Hostelling International youth hostel in Territet. Super clean, friendly management, private rooms w/ WC, and great breakfast.
On a Friday morning Golden Pass panoramic train from Montreux to Interlaken, there were plenty of open seats in second-class. We were happy we hadn't paid extra for seat reservations.
In the Berner Oberland, go EARLY for the Schilthorn or Jungfrau. Both days of our visit, the summits were clear early in the morning and getting cloudy by about 10 a.m.
Emma in Davis, CA USA 06/08/2009
Thought you gave the Glacier Garden in Luzern a bit of a bad or underrated rap. Yes, the Hall of Mirrors doesn't fit with the rest exhibit (although it makes for some silly and fun photos!) but the geology of the area was really fascinating and well presented. We enjoyed it even though we are not geology buffs, just interested in natural sciences. And when you're in the Alps, it's nice to understand a bit about alpine geology and history, and the importance of the glaciers. There was a great slide show about man's impact on the glaciers with projections over time; particularly relevant today as we learn more and more about global warming. The only thing out of place was the mirrors, and we actually only stopped at a few that were outside.
Eat at Heini bakery!!!!! Wonderful pastries, quiche Lorraine(!),capuccino. There seem to be multiple locations; We enjoyed the larger store that was near the Manor department store. Mmmmmmm.
Karen Lloyd in Lake Zurich, IL USA 06/05/2009