12 days early September in Switzerland report

Gruezi,

I want to thank “My Swiss Alps” for all the great info on planning my trip to Switzerland. Three of us (mom and 2 adult daughters) were here for 12 days. We loved every minute! I am planning a return trip next Sept.

We flew into Zurich from Newark,NJ, non stop flight and returned to US flying out of Geneva, non stop flight.

On our first day we arrived in Zurich at 8:30 am, picked up our travelers “hot spot” WiFi at the airport(best decision ever!) then headed to Luzern by train (we bought 15 day Swiss travel pass). We stayed in a Trental rental at the old Schiff Hotel (converted to apartments) we were on the 4 th floor apt Mars IVa right on the river! Perfect location! We were there 3 nights. When we arrived it was cloudy. Took us awhile to actually find the entrance of the apartment building. We walked around Luzern a bit, had dinner and went to Migros (grocery store at the train station). Stores closed on Sunday. The next day forecast rain so we looked at the map of Switzerland to see where the sun was shining and it said Lugano! So day 2 we hopped on the train and headed there( approx 2 hr train ride ea way). Beautiful sunny skies, sparkling blue lake to walk around. Felt like we were in Italy! Lots of people speaking Italian and the gelato was to die for here!

Day 3 Luzern bright blue skies- we headed to Mt Rigi via the boat, beautiful ride. We packed our own lunch to take with us. We took the cogwheel to the top and walked back down to the cable car into Wiggins then boat back to Luzern. We then had time for some window shopping in old town area, dinner.

Sept 5-10 We headed to Bernese Oberland area. Arrived at our 5 night holiday flat (Run by Hotel Silberhorn in Lauterbrunnen) lovely little Chalet. Lauterbrunnen kept our large luggage at the train station in a back room 3 chf ea while we toured. This area was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful!!!!! We did the Gimmalwald, Murren, Schilthorn on our 1st day(due to rain predictions everyday that week) however the rest of the week we had beautiful weather. This was all included in the Swiss travel pass 2018 for free.

This was our base so on other days we did Thun, Ballenberg Museum, Oeschinensee lake hike, Tasch to see an Alpine descent parade(very close to Zermatt so we scooted over to see the Matterhorn). My only regret in this area was the day we decided to go see the Ballenberg museum (somehow we got lost and wasted time getting there) we originally were going to stay only a couple hours then head to Wengen to do the Mannlichen to Klein Scheidegg hike. By the time we got back to Lauterbrunnen it was 3 pm and we were tired but we forced ourselves to Wengen because we were leaving the area the next morning. We took train to Wengen then cable car to Mannlichen. Our mistake was getting a round trip ticket instead of walking down to Klein Scheidegg. I guess we were tired and not thinking clearly. So next time I am definitely going to explore this area!

Sept 10-11 Headed to Gruyeres( 3hr train ride). We stopped on our way at Broc Fabrique train stop (down street from factory)for a trip to the Callier Chocolate factory (no luggage facility at the train station) but at the choc factory they have large luggage lockers for 3 chf and you get your money back at the end. No lines at all, we arrived around 10 am on Monday. We really enjoyed this tour and had lots of free samples of delicious chocolate! We then took the train from Broc Fabrique station into Gruyeres train station (20 min) then the bus took us up the hill to the village of Gruyeres.

We checked into our hotel. Hotel Gruyeres, very nice! Sheets and pillows soft and fluffy(we have been staying at apartments and they mostly use IKEA towels and sheets). We also had a lovely breakfast included here. The village is small but quaint. We visited the castle, H R Giger bar (best mojito ever had) this is a very unique place. We went to Le Chalet for cheese fondue dinner, delicious! The girls had their macaroni and cheese, delicious! Next day we went to the La Maison Cheese factory around 10 am, no crowds, they do not store luggage, they told us we can put it in a corner of a coat room, no locks, but we were not concerned, take valuables with you.Train station at Gruyeres does not have lockers either. Enjoyed cheese factory tour, they give you a free pack of cheese.

Sept 11-13 Train from Gruyeres to Montreux via Montbovan on the Golden Pass. We did not have a reservation, but had several vacant seats in 2nd class. We stayed at Eurotel hotel with view of Lake Geneva. We walked to Chillon Castle from our hotel 45 min one way on flat path along lake. Mostly chilled this day…..getting exhausted. Day 2 here we took train to Lavaux Vineyards. We arrived in Lutry and took a little tourist train (15chf) through the vineyards with beautiful views. No commentary, just a ride. You can buy a bottle of wine from the lady selling the tickets (15chf) she’ll give you little plastic cups. After we got off the little tourist train, there is an ice cream and snack shop there. We watched 6-7 yr old children take sail boat lessons on Lake Geneva. Oh yea, this area speaks French. Next morning up took 5:15 am train to Geneva airport.

Had wonderful time in Switzerland! However, In hindsight, I would not come to Montreux/Geneva area again,felt resort-like. I LOVED the Bernese Oberland area ( it’s what you picture in your head when you think Switzerland).

I personally, loved Travellers hot spot WiFi ( used it all the time for train schedules, hiking, never once did we not have a connection) Swiss travel Pass and app ( convenience for first time to Switzerland, no worries) loved the train travel, swift and so clean! Migros & Coop (packed our lunches daily for hikes and we took lots of snacks, buy your giant chocolate bars here, cheap and taste just as good as name brand, I bought lots of these to take home to family and friends). Free water fountains, everywhere! Oh yes, the cheese! Yummmmmmmmy

Danke Schoenberg