Must see places?

Transportation, Travel and Trips
1
So what are some must see places in Switzerland? I'll be going to the following:

-Basel

-Zurich

-Lucerne

-Bern

-Montreux

-Geneva

I know I wont be able to see absolutely everything because I'll only be out there for a couple of weeks, which is a shame, but any suggestions of some must see places while I'm out there would be greatly appreciated. I already have several in mind but I don't want to come back home and then say "OH NO! I was right there and didn't even see that!" Also if there are any places that you feel I should add please let me know. Thanks!

2
I know you are looking for suggestions of specific places in these cities, but may I suggest visiting Lausanne (along with or instead of say Bern, Basel, or Geneva) and St. Gallen (definitely along with and not instead of Lucerne and Zurich). Lausanne is stunning. You arrive at the main train station, walk down to the water (Lake Geneva) and spend some time, and then either walk or bus up (think San Francisco-type hills) to the Cathedral de Lausanne, and it is a beautiful day...

St. Gallen is the home of some crazy window boxes and two fascinating churches, different than many I have seen in Europe, as well as a really old library (sorry, I don't remember the name) that houses original documents dating back centuries (and you have to wear protective booties over your shoes and everything). It is easily done in just over half a day or so and well worth the hour east from Zurich.

Switzerland is a great place to visit and it sounds like you are missing (or purposely avoiding?) many mountainous areas. If your travel plans have room for change and you would like to see and/or travel through some mountainous regions, then I would google (or whatever your search engine of choice) Zermatt, Interlaken, the golden pass line (which is the scenic train route through some of these beautiful places), Les Diablerets, etc. This is where Switzerland really shines, IMO... Have fun!

3
http://www.englishforum.ch/travel-da...itzerland.html

[[Day Trips] Recommendations (from Zurich area)?](http://www.englishforum.ch/travel-day-trips-free-time/5493-day-trips-recommendations-zurich-area.html)

4 days through Bern and Zurich: Help

4
For Geneva, I suggest the old town and a visit to the Cathedral, with a view up from the North tower (panoramic view over Geneva) and also the archaeological site underneath.

and a tour with the buses Geneva : What to do there

5
Thank you JLF! this is exactly what I was looking for. Places that I would have missed out on and now I wont

I would be devastated if I came back home without visiting Interlaken, Lausanne, Les Diablerets, and St.Gallen. All which have been added to my list. Zermatt might be a little out of the way but I'm ok with that. It's just another reason for me to go back soon

Thank you Nev and Bertrand! Those links have been VERY useful and I will definitely be visiting and doing some of those things suggested on those threads.

6
If you are still here the first Week End of May 2011, you should go to Glarus - they hold their annual "Landsgemeinde" where the citizens meet up on the town square and hold their votes/elections- its a great day trip.

7
The mountains!

The towns are nice but the mountain scenery is what make Switzerland so nice to visit.

What time of year are you coming?

8
There are plenty of threads on here such as:

Have a look at these and then search for specific towns/regions. There are many specific threads about different areas.

Good Switzerland Travel guide?

travel tips & accommodation around Geneva in July 2010

What to see between Geneva and Lausanne?

11 Day - First Trip to Switzerland

Nice Touristy Train Journeys Suggestions?

A Day out in Switzerland - A Travel Guide

Where to go in 4/5 days in Switzerland?

Where Are The Most Beautiful places in Switzerland?

Places to visit Bernese Oberland

9
The problem with this kind of thread is it becomes a springboard for everybody to throw their favourite places into the hat. Before you know it, it's becomes like the Michelin Green Guide to Switzerland. Take Canton de Vaud, where I live. A lot of posters, including me, have advocated taking the lakeshore route from Geneva to Montreux. And it is an awesome drive, taking in a lot of sights. But nice as they are, Nyon, Morges, Lausanne and Vevey will eventually recede into the back of the memory.

However, a trip among the steep terraces of the Lavaux vineyards, with their bird's eye view across Lac Leman to the Alps- this will stay with you forever. Ditto the view of Chateau Chillon on the approach along the lakeside path from Villeneuve. Pure poetry! Especially in the morning when the stone walls of the castle glow like honey in the rays of the rising sun.

Finally, nothing beats the view from the Chablais, that short stretch of the Rhone valley between Villeneuve and the gorge of Saint Maurice. Stop anywhere - let's say Aigle - and spin 360 degrees on your heels to take in the peaks of the Dents du Midi, The Dent du Morcle, Grand Mouverain and the Diablarets Massif soaring up over 3000 metres in front of you into the sky.

If you have time to do the whole of Vaud - great. It's worth the effort. But if I was limited to three picks...these would be my "must not miss" sights in Vaud.

10
Agreed about Lavaux.

11
When you're in Zurich, you may as well stop by in Winterthur: It's famous for its museums:

http://www.culture.winterthur.ch/

12
no suggestions here but one question

what is Fonz interested in and what would he like to see?

Because from his question it's more along the lines of touristy sights but maybe some off beat suggestions more fitting to personnal interests could fit the bill

13
wow, thank you all for these suggestions! I'll be arriving on the 17th of October and stay out there for about a week and a half. Not long enough, but I'm interested in seeing a little of everything without feeling rushed. I'm looking for more scenery areas, places that will always stick with me and the way Nev described Lavaux I think I just might have to do that for sure. Already planned on Chateau Chillon so I'll stick to that. This is a lot for me to take in but I really do plan on doing everything you all mentioned and much more. Maybe not on this trip but definitely on my next one. I already have my ticket for next September Swiss people seem like the most nice people I've ever talked to! I've gotten messages from some of you about meeting up, others giving me very helpful information, and some on other websites that have been very kind to me. I wish I knew people like you guys out here. I'll take any other suggestions as well so keep them coming! Thank you guys very much!

14
An early welcome to Switzerland! It's great that you're going to tour through Vaud - things are looking very beautiful these days and the weather around your trip dates should be crisp but pretty. The tour boats on Lac LeĢman ( www.cgn.ch ) are still operating so you can travel to the Chillon by water.

If you want to splash out on a great meal, try the Auberge de l'Onde in St-Saphorin: http://www.aubergedelonde.ch/

Here's the page with directions (by train, get off at St-Saphorin station and walk up the hill to the tiny village, by boat get off at Rivaz/St-Saphorin): http://www.aubergedelonde.ch/index.php?id=58

Have a wonderful trip. What ever you do here you are bound to enjoy it.

15
Thank you Snowbear

I was curious on what the laws are out there for going up places like the Lavaux vineyards in Vaud, or up the hills in Bettingen by Basel. In California many mountain areas, forests and hills are considered trespassing on private property and are not accessible. They'll call the police or shoot at me for walking on there property. So in Switzerland can I walk freely and explore all that there is to offer? Do I need some type of pass to walk through there? Or will I get fined or face other types on consequences?

Thank you!