Hello All:

We're probably going to be spending 2 weeks in Western Switzerland in August, and were thinking of extending the trip to a third week in the general area. We're going to probably be flying in and out of Geneva.

We're having difficulty deciding where for the third week. We're not hikers. Lakes Como or Maggiore seem too far (and maybe too crowded in August), French or Italian Alps quite similar to the first 2 weeks of the trip. Having trouble getting excited about Eastern France (we've been to Alsace and Burgundy a while ago).

I'd like your opinion on a slow travel destination good for a week, somewhere in striking distance of Geneva. Scenic drives, good food, non-hiking, non-city. Not too crowded in August (haha), and relaxing. Hope these criteria aren't too restrictive.

Ideas anyone? Thanks!

Will you drive or take the trains?
Geneve has a lot to see, Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux aswell.Aigle is wine country then you can go up to Les Diablerets and then up onto the Glacier 300, which is FANTASTIC!!!!
Bix has the salt mines, and then theres always the Thunersee in Interlaken, take the Jungfrau boat around the lake. Then if you are up that far you can go to the top of the alps to Grindelwald and up to the Jungfraujoch!
Every spring once the pass opened for the season we would do Klausen Pass which is outstanding!!!! Almost as good as the Jungfraujoch. Then all the way to the east take in Appenzell...Oh sooo much to do!!
Bern is also nice to visit. Then of course my neck of the woods ..Zurich... you could spent a week there as well!
Wishing I was home up in the Alps!

Sue

Thanks Sue, for your reply. We are now booked for 2 weeks in August! We fly nonstop to Geneva, rent our favorite Renault Scenic car, and rent a chalet overlooking a beautiful view outside Chateau D'Oex in French-speaking western Switzerland..

It looks like there is a ton of stuff to do in Chateau D'Oex / Gstaad region. Plus, we seem to be within a reasonable drive of the Interlaken / Lauterbrunnen area as well. And maybe even as far as Zermatt for a day trip in the southerly direction.

If anyone has specific recommendations on what to see and do, I'm all ears. My wife and I stayed near Murren about 18 years ago and are generally familiar with the Lauterbrunnen valley. We like scenic drives, picnics, cheese, trams, cablecars, funky museums, wine, farms, interesting people, local merchandise. We do not do much in the way of hiking, cities, or crowds. We'll have our 9 year old daughter this time.

It seems to me the Jungfraujoch train trip may be too touristy for our liking, not to mention expensive. With a car it looks like we may be able to reach some of the high Alpine passes, and get 90% of the enjoyment at much less cost and hassle. Jungfraujoch alternatives, especially via car, earn extra points!

Thanks for your input, a trip report and numerous photos will available in a matter of weeks!

Hi Dave,

It is so good to see you back here... and to know that you're planning what I know will be another great trip.

We did a two week walking tour in Switzerland last summer at the end of our long trip. I know you're not into hiking, but I do have a couple of suggestions around Meiringen if that is do-able for you. There is an incredible river gorge that you walk through just outside the village. And then in Meringen is a Sherlock Holmes museum that Kelly and I thought was pretty fun. Your daughter could have her photo taken with the Sherlock Holmes statue. Then you can take a cable car (or mountain railway) up to the waterfalls where supposedly Sherlock fell to his death in one of the stories. Kelly was very familiar with the story. You can read about some of this here in my trip report (and then on the next page too). There are also some photos of our time around Meiringen beginning

Our walk actually ended right near Gstaad. You could taken the Golden Pass train (or I think there is a Chocolate train too). If you can buy one of the Swiss passes (and your daughter would be free), it can be very economical to ride on some of the otherwise very-expensive train/boat trips.

We are back in the Luberon for a month, housesitting for a family we met during our long stay. I'd love to get caught up with you--

Kathy

Kathy of the Luberon! Send me an email and we can catch up on details.

I read your writeup of the hike and it sounded great.

The train thru the Chateau D'Oex / Gstaad region is supposed to be one of the most scenic... but I wonder how much nicer it will be than just the driving around the region that we'll be doing every day. I did see one reference to the train being higher up the valley than the road, but is the experience worth mucho $ more?

The whole Swiss Railpass thing is very confusing, especially if like us you'll be driving most of the time and taking occasional boat / train trips. And some of the scenic trips are not covered by the pass. I was going to speak with someone at the TI when I got over there.

I'll look into Meiringen, thanks.

Allons-y!