I'm going to Switzerland for 8 days in July 2007. What should I make sure I see?

Question

I plan to fly into Geneva. Any suggestions on "must see" things in Switzerland?

Answer 1

The scenery in Switzerland is breathtaking...and there are also lots of interesting historical things to see, especially the Old Towns (old parts of various cities). The best way to 'see' Switzerland is by train.

Geneva is a nice city which sits on Lake Geneva...there's a number of interesting things to see there (Jet d'Eau, over 30 museums, most of which are free...etc).

However, to experience 'more' of Switzerland, I suggest you travel (by train) from the city up to perhaps...Zermatt, for stunning mountain vistas and a cog wheel train ride up to Gornergrat for a closer look at the Matterhorn. A 2 night stay there would be a good minimum.

Cities or towns to see and stay at along the way to Zermatt...
Lausanne-50 mins by train from Geneva, for it's stunning gothic cathedral, old town, museums, boat trips on the lake.
Vevey or Montreux...13th century fortress, Chateau Chillon

You could also take a scenic train ride (Golden Pass Line) from Montreux to the lovely and very popular city of Lucerne...and then travel to Zermatt from there.
Things to see and do in medieval Lucerne...lovely mountain views, walks along the river and lake, lion monument, museums, cable cars, boat trips and rides up to mountains by the steepest cog railway in the world.
Mt Pilatus and Mt Rigi are well worth the cost (you can buy a discount for the two mountains), especially if the weather is fine. You would need at least 2-3 days in Lucerne.

There really are just too many towns and too many things to recommend, so I suggest you get a good book on Switzerland (Lonely Planet is excellent), for maps, prices, ideas, and a ton of information.

Also...train travel can be quite expensive, so enquire about a train or travel pass of some kind.

hope you have a great time.
You will love Switzerland (it's pricey, but worth it just once or twice or...).

Answer 2

I've been there many times, got my favourites , but wouldn;t know where to start 'cos I'm sure I'll miss something :)

I suggest that you have a look at the official national Tourism website of Switerland via the link below, which is a masterpeice of information and pictures. It focuses on places that have been well researched as the sorts of things that people like yourself would like to see, and it covers a lot of options and angles - so you don't just get the "top tourist destination" - although you'll see them if you want them.

Another consideration is to look at staying close to the places that you want to see, so I sent you a link to a directory of some of the key centers in Switzerland. You can sort accommodation by location, price, star rating and last minute or year round offers.

Hope this helps .... one thing - I'd breathe some of that mountain air sometime - it's like "champagne oxygen":

Answer 3

I'd say go to Lucerne and then go out in the country side and see the alps that way. Lucerne is a mid sized town and the lake is very beautiful. rent some bikes to see it the best. also consider foing to interlaken. Interlaken has many companies to take you paragliding. Interlaken is between two lakes and sits in a valley looking up to the alps. Just a few suggestions, but wherever you go in switzerland you will enjoy it.

Been to switzerland times.

Answer 4

I'm swiss, so here are some suggestions
-geneva
-zurich
-Bern, nice old downtown
-Lucerne, lovely lake and mountains
-Interlaken or Thun, beautiful view of the alps
-Lugano, if you are willing to go this far (southern switzerland)
-Jura
-the alps, go to the jungfraujoch or shilthorn
have fun!!

http://www.myswitzerland.com/en.cfm/home

Answer 5

the border of Lichtenstein where they invaded this week