First Swiss trip May: itinerary ideas, Glacier Express, car or train?

MelH · 2025-01-26T15:37:23+01:00

Hello, I am travelling to Zurich from the UK on 7th May for 4 nights for my 50th birthday with my husband, and potentially my son and his partner. I had provisionally booked a hotel in Amsteg but it was really to put a pin on the map as a central point to drive to and then explore by car. However, the more I research, the more I think touring by train would be better for us all rather than exploring from one base point. I'm at a loss what to book so looking for recommendations. My choice of Switzerland was to see the mountains, and to travel on the Glacier Express. I also would love to see some wildlife and perhaps book a wildlife watching half day - I think I'd need to be over the eastern side of the country for this. We also love good, local food,...

Short summary – read this first

A traveler is planning a special trip to Zurich from the UK for 4 nights to celebrate their 50th birthday with their husband and possibly their son and partner. They are considering changing their plans from driving to traveling by train to explore Switzerland's mountains, see wildlife, and find good local food, and are asking for recommendations on a doable itinerary.

Key takeaways:

Opt for the Swiss Travel Pass for easy access to public transport throughout Switzerland.
Start your trip in the east with places like Appenzell and explore scenic routes beyond the Glacier Express for more affordable options.
Prioritize your must-see spots since 4 days may not be enough to see everything.

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AI-generated summary

MelH
Participant

1 post

26 January 2025 at 15:37:23 #2317641

Hello,
I am travelling to Zurich from the UK on 7th May for 4 nights for my 50th birthday with my husband, and potentially my son and his partner. I had provisionally booked a hotel in Amsteg but it was really to put a pin on the map as a central point to drive to and then explore by car. However, the more I research, the more I think touring by train would be better for us all rather than exploring from one base point.
I’m at a loss what to book so looking for recommendations.
My choice of Switzerland was to see the mountains, and to travel on the Glacier Express. I also would love to see some wildlife and perhaps book a wildlife watching half day – I think I’d need to be over the eastern side of the country for this. We also love good, local food, so any hidden treasures of small restaurants or hotels would also be great.
could you recommend a doable itinerary for 4 nights? we arrive in Zurich around lunchtime.
any tips, places to avoid, or must do’s would be amazing! In the meantime I will continue to explore your amazing website which has been a huge help so far, although the more I read, the more choice I realise there is.
We haven’t travelled for 15 years, we have a farm and lots of dogs, so trying to get away other than in the UK is a big thing for both of us!
Thank you

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Roger Sexton
Participant

1570 posts

Reply 1 of 2 • 26 January 2025 at 17:37:36 #2317643

Hello MelH

Welcome to MySwissAlps. What a wonderful way of celebrating your 50th birthday, even if you are doing the organising!

I am an Englishman who does not drive. I have been visiting Switzerland most years since 1971. Why? It has magnificent scenery, the best public transport in the world (buses, boats and trains) and the Swiss Travel Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/), which gives me the freedom of that public transport.

Car or Public Transport?
Do you really want to drive through the mountains ‘on the wrong side of the road’.

Date of Visit
Brilliant! You are in between the skiing and hiking seasons, so even fashionable places like Klosters or St Moritz will be quiet, and accommodation will be plentiful.

Eastern Switzerland?
Yes! Despite the presence of fashionable resorts, it is the least densely populated. Start at Appenzell in the unfashionable north-east of the country and then go on to the Graubunden canton in the south-east.

Glacier Express?
No! Expensive luxury train I have never travelled on. I often go along the most scenic parts of its route, but I always use the ordinary HOURLY stopping trains which run 365-days a year. St Moritz-Chur is spectacular almost the whole way. Chur to Disentis goes through ‘the Grand Canyon of Switzerland’. Disentis to Andermatt goes over the Oberalp Pass. West of Andermatt is not nearly as good.

Watching Nature?
Not my expertise, but I would suggest you break your journey at country some station for an hour or two, perhaps have lunch, and then continue your journey.

Restaurants?
Not my expertise, except that meals on trains are particularly expensive.

Shortage of Time
This is your biggest problem. You will not be able to do a lot in four/five days. What time is your return flight from Zurich?

Best wishes
Roger

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Anna
Moderator

7726 posts

Reply 2 of 2 • 27 January 2025 at 14:50:07 #2321543

Hi MelH,

I would definitely recommend travelling by train. It’s part of the Swiss travel experience! Consider getting a rail pass: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/tickets/

To help you plan your trip, please have a look at some sample itineraries here: https://www.myswissalps.com/planning/itineraries/self-guided/

I agree with Roger that 4 days may be too short to see everything. Make a wish list and select what’s the most important for you. Then let us know and we can help you to fine tune your itinerary.

Regards,
Anna

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