Switzerland

Favorite discoveries or tips:

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

Please note that Switzerland is LOADED with smokers, perhaps worse than France or Germany. If you are sensitive to smoke, get ready.

See some elaboration of the following in my TripAdvisor reviews.

Thanks to another post, we tried the iPR Guesthouse in Zurich and it was perfect: 2 blocks from the hauptbahnhof, cheaper than most everything in the book, and we had a LARGE room (#111), one of the ones with shower and toilet. We were able to book it again on our return to Zurich at the end of the trip, before the flight out the next day.

Haus Ebneter in Appenzell came in really handy - Haus Lydia was booked up when we arrived but she graciously helped us by calling just around the block to this zimmer. The host was delightfully friendly and helpful; our room was very large and comfortable. We would stay here again. www.ebneter.ch

We agree with Rick that Appenzell is somewhat anticlimatic after having stayed in Wengen in the Oberland - yet this area (from here across the Rhine valley to Feldkirch, Austria was absolutely beautiful and we wished we had more time there. It was a highlight of our trip and a great way to end on a relaxing note. (Nearby Gortenbad even had some spas which we are eager to try next time.)

Zunfthaus Zu Metzgern served a wonderful lunch in Thun, just below the Thun Castle museum. We were tempted to check into their hotel for the night!

We missed the cows coming down through Murren - but we caught them coming down through Wengen! We added another night in Wengen to do this, and it was worth it. Lovely.

We heard about Stein-Am-Rhein while in Switzerland, and did a little side trip (it's not far from Zurich) there and to the Rheinfalls. Yes, we heard how heavily touristed it is - but not in early October! The main drag in the altstadt is indeed picturesque, with murals on the buildings and other fancy decoration. We didn't have time to kayak on the Rhine, but it looked wonderful in the way that canoeing or kayaking on the Dordogne river or in the Gorges du Tarn would be great in France.

Cafe de Paris in Interlaken (near some of Rick's recommendations) had delicious food and a large outdoor seating (minimizing smoke!) area.

Jim Koster in Santa Fe, NM USA 10/17/2008

I have a comment, in respect to Berggasthaus Aescher Hut in Appenzel. I had an issue with this hut that you recommended, as I book the hut In April 2008 for my the trip I was planning with myself and friends. We reserved a private room for 6 people. As I was confirming my reservations the week before they noted they made a mistake and had failed to book my reservation and could not help. Instead of helping me find another hut they just said sorry and I had no lodging. As it was August, all the huts were fully booked and we ended up having to change our trip and not stay in Appenzel. I understand people make mistakes, I was just really disappointed in how they did not want to help correct the situation.

Jeffrey Menard in Holmdel, NJ USA 10/04/2008

Instead of going up to Jungfrau we hiked up to Eigergletscher from Klein Scheidegg. Steep uphill climb but breathtaking beautiful views and scenery. Would highly recommend.

Really enjoyed the Mannlichen-Kleine Scheidegg hike but would recommend going early or late in the day. The trail was packed with individuals and large tour groups when we went in the late morning.

Leslie in Mankato, MN USA 07/27/2008

The French part of Switzerland is more "french" than France! During our recent visit to Lausanne and environs we found people to be more monolingual, arrogant, rude, unhelpful, condescending, and chain-smoking than anywhere in France - even Paris! I speak Spanish and German and a little "survival" French, but had real difficulty communicating. When my son needed medical attention, I couldn't even get the police to understand our situation! My niece spent a month studying French there and had very similar experiences. I'll never go back. Better to spend time in German and Italian parts of Switzerland.

Peter Foreman in Champaign, IL USA 07/21/2008

Tip: if you are headed to the Berner Oberland in late Spring (early June) and you plan to ride the Goldenpass train, I would suggest that you go ahead and book the 1st class tickets (make the reservation if you have a Swisspass). I wish we had, as several schoolgroups were taking up many of the train cars and it was difficult for us to find a seat (and 2nd class was crowded). I would have felt better with a reservation.

Victoria Van Wie in cypress, tx USA 06/22/2008

Consider adding IPR guesthouse as inexpensive, but nice budget-minded lodging in Zurich (and it is near the train station). We found it to be clean, quiet, and the rooms were very well appointed (although we did have to share a toilet & shower with 3 other rooms). Weblink is below: http://www.sleepinzurich.ch/4394.html

Victoria Van Wie in Cypress, TX USA 06/22/2008

One thing I wish I'd known before scheduling our trip: on a sunny weekend, trains and cable cars are packed with locals going hiking up in the mountains, but the same trains will be empty on weekdays. In particular, at Interlaken Ost; Lauterbrunnen; and Gornergrat in Zermatt. Plan accordingly if you wish to avoid crowds. We also heard that the toboggan run on Mt. Pilatus had a 45-minute line on a Sunday, but when we showed up the following Monday it was so quiet they were offering discounts. In Montreux, as of September 2007, the old town is under construction; looks like they're replacing lots of underground pipes. We stayed along the lake, which was pretty and quiet, with a short walk to the train station. It seemed more convenient than staying in Lausanne. In Zermatt, Kleine Matterhorn was also undergoing lots of construction.

Nikki in San Jose, CA USA 09/27/2007

Basel? Where is it. Basel is one of the artistic and cultural centers in Switzerland hosting the largest Carnival, Art Basel, Tri country region bordering the Black Forest and the Alsace Region of France. The over site of this region to of Switzerland was surprising.

Demetria Clark in Princeton , MA USA 09/16/2007

Jungfraujoch experiences Response. The trip is expensive (the early bird special is cheaper) and it is a long trip from Muerren, but just right from Lauterbrunnen or Wengen. The train may be crowded with noisy foreigners (after all - it is Europe), ours had a group of French ice-hikers complete with gear. But with proper planning this can be a fun trip - we enjoy the time we spend planning the trip, and getting excited abut the trip, before we ever leave. There is more to do than what some found. They missed the main level exit onto the dogsled, sledding, beginning skiing and hiking area. We hiked to the Moenchsjochhuette for lunch - 45 minutes uphill, at elevation, in the snow and watched the climbers ascending. There were additional views from this mountain pass too. Then a stop at Kleinescheidegg (Clint Eastwood's "Eiger Sanction" was filmed here) on the way down for ice cream and listen to the alpine horns, then hike down from there to Wengen, look around town, and catch the train for the return. While you may not want to go back a second time, if you have never been in a glacier ice-cave or to the top of an alpine mountain, then this is a good opportunity. We found plenty to make it an enjoyable experience and continue to re-live our visit through the many webcams in the area.

mike in owensboro, ky USA 08/07/2007

When traveling from Lausanne to Evian, remember to take some Euros as they don't use Swiss Francs in France.

Mitch and Helene Hamlin in Tempe,, AZ USA 07/15/2007

1) Hotel Arabelle - Bern, Mittelstrasse 6 (less than 10 minutes walk behind train station; quiet University area). Contact info: info@arabelle.ch, tel: +41 31 301 0305, fax: +41 31 302 4262; June, 07: single room with private WC/shower SF90 on weekend, SF130 weekdays (including buffet breakfast). Liked it because: friendly, good value, clean, bright, and because it was exceptionally quiet at night during my stay. Free internet access in a private room. Good location. (note that some may find single room very small, though for me space was adequate)

2) Day trip from Lausanne to Aigle (hiking in vineyards), and then to Sion exploring scenic Old Town. Valais region. Easy access by train (Aigle about 30 mins from Lausanne, and Sion about 30 mins from Aigle; then about 1 hour direct train from Sion back to Lausanne.)

Audrey Hermanutz in Edmonton, AB Canada 07/12/2007

Public transportation (trains) is the only way to go! Swiss Pass was an excellent deal. We used the trains like buses.

Michael Maturo in North Haven, CT USA 07/05/2007

Hotel Chevaliers in Gruyeres is quiet and right at the entrance of town. Great views from back rooms and nicely decorated. chevaliers@chalet-gruyeres.ch

Kathleen Burkley in Peoria, IL USA 06/13/2007

I'm writing to suggest that you mention The Alpenhof as a place to stay in any of your guides to travelling in Switzerland. It's a wonderful little bed and breakfast in the tiny village of Stechelberg, a twenty minute postal bus ride from the nearest town of Lauterbrunnen. Diane Sifis and Marc Jones run the place with friendly charm, never too busy for a conversation and always ready to give advice and help. The beds in private rooms are comfortable and clean, and a steal at 25 francs per person per night. The bathroom facilities are shared, and hot showers are a franc for five minutes. A big, delicious breakfast of locally-made yogurt, cheese, and bread, along with sliced meat, granola, fruit, juice, and coffee costs 10 francs. The kitchen is available for travellers looking to save some money, since dining out in the area can be a little expensive. The Stechelberg area is wonderful for hiking and skiing and just enjoying the beautiful Swiss countryside, and the Alpenhof, with it's wonderful owners and great facilities, is the perfect place to stay.

Michael Kaiser-Nyman in Sacramento, CA USA 04/17/2007

You suggest skipping Geneva because it is a "big, dull city." It may not be the most pleasurable city in Switzerland; but it does have treasures I think are not to be missed. One unknown (and unadvertized_ treasure is the museum at the International Red Cross/Red Crescent headquarters. With displays on wars and natural catastrophes in which the IRCRC has served, its exhibits are emotionalloy powerful--as much so as any holocaust memorial I have visited. The city also has worthwhile Reformation history sites to visit. (Zwingli in Zurich; Calvin in Geneva). Although not in Switzerland, Chamonix and Yvoire are easily accessed from Geneva--two worthwhile day trips.

Dwayne Daehler in West Lafayette, IN USA 02/20/2007