Switzerland in the summer - what's it like? (or Italy)

[DilysPrice]

For me, DH, and 7 and 9 year old DCs in August.

Attracted by trains, walking, lakes, moderate weather and the fact that it's very public transport friendly, but would we actually enjoy it? What would we do all day? Is it eyewateringly expensive? (we can afford it, and we're used to London prices but I think it takes the fun out of a holiday if you're always reeling in shock from 10 pound cups of coffee).

Alternatively, does anyone have views on Italy with that age group? (cities or the Lakes).

We went to lake Garda late august last year with dc (13&11), stayed at a lakeside campsite and it was bliss (although very hot the first 4 days we were there). Would go back again at the drop of a hat. Quite interested to hear what others think about Switzerland too.

The French alps are some of the most beautiful places in the world in summer, but we had equal days of sun and rain

Switzerland is cripplingly expensive at the moment and best avoided.

Italy is lovely and there are so many fabulous places to go. Try the Trentino-Alto Adige.

Thanks all, that's interesting.

The specific appeal of Switzerland is that we know we can do it without hiring a car (DH can drive, but prefers not to, especially abroad, and it's his holiday too).

Are the Italian/French alps doable by public transport? And how expensive is Italy?

Living in Switzerland at the moment and can concur with bonsoir. Glorious summer weather, tonnes to do, but unless prepared to spend then I wouldn't recommend. London is extremely cheap compared to Switzerland - swiss franc very strong at the moment compounds things.

I walk around like all the time at the price of EVERYTHING.

If you want a car free holiday, go to the Ile-de-Ré in France where you can cycle everywhere!

Oh that's a pity about the exchange rate - I just know that it would really stress me racking up £££££ for odd cans of Coke and sandwiches (though I think there are hotels which will throw in packed lunches which would make it slightly less fraught).

Switzerland in the Summer is just beautiful. We stayed in Wengen once- stunning scenery, lovely walks, beautiful weather- but yes very very expensive.

We also stayed in Zell am See in Austria one summer (without a car). Lovely place again fab views- swimming lake, walks and cycling.

Relativley quiet, if you avoid the big tourist attractions or make an early start, can be hot, can be snowy can be stormy. Swiss kids go back to school mid August so it gets a little less busy from then on. Lots of lakeside bathing and mountain walks, feeding marmots, not too much on the cultural front though and yes pricey. Mind you we went to to Lake Garda last year (also good for that age group, and you can visit Verona and even Venice reasonably easily) and had a shock cost wise.

Switzerland is absolutely beautiful. I have Swiss relatives and I've been going regularly since a baby. We used to stay near Montreux but now go near Estaveyer-le-lac on Lake Neuchâtel. You are right you can manage really well in Switzerland without a car as the transport system is so good. However it is so expensive.

As an example two adults and two children having a midday meal in a restaurant attached to a small campsite, so not posh or even in a really high tourist area. Two adult main meals (local fish with chips and salad), two childrens' main meals (spag bol x 2), two childrens' ice creams, two coffees and four soft drinks came to £90.

I don't live in London. I'm ooop North but for me that is excessive.

I can guarantee you would love it. We're not an out doorsy family but my boys (11 and 7) absolutely love it.

I love Switzerland in the summer but it is shockingly, shockingly expensive. France is pretty expensive IMO but besides Switzerland, it pales in comparison.

Trains are v good in Italy and France too. Personally I'd go to Italian lakes (although the children might be v bored)

We went to Lake Garda at the end of August last year and it was fabulous. The scenery is stunning and there are ferries that you can take to different towns around the lake. We stayed in Garda itself at this hotel. DD is 11 and doesn't need to be entertained every minute of every day and this place suited us beautifully. I would take a 7 and 9 year old here, but then we avoid hotels with kids clubs anyway.

Switzerland is absolutely beautiful in the summer. Whereabouts do you have in mind? I lived in Switzerland for 3 years and it's worth the trip.

Keep an eye out for bargains due to the strong Franc. A week in Zermatt, half-board with flights from the UK was £350 this week down from £800+. I couldn't take my kids out of school but was sorely tempted!!

I was thinking of Wengen or one of the other car free villages, (I want to say Grindlewelt, but I suspect he was the fascist in Harry Potter) but having read this thread Lake Garda is sounding very tempting indeed now.

Switzerland is eyewateringly expensive. We left there two years ago and I still look back in shock at the cost of everything.
Wengen is lovely, although not entirely car free. Grindelwald the same.
I think there are cards you can buy to get a certain % off train fares. We had a halbtax card which reduced the fares by 50%. They may only be for residents though.
They are valid on a lot of ski lifts as well as buses.

It's loverly in summer.

I find it good value for the quality - because for the hotels summer is 'off season' so they often drop their rates. Tend to have v. Nice pools, spas etc.

'ski' lifts give you a lift to the top, so more scenery less sweat.

We stayed in the French Alps last summer about an hour from Switzerland - went to Geneva for the day - bloody expensive ! Lovely but expensive .

Great walks , lakes in the French Alps aswell .

You can try eating in supermarkets. Migros and COOP generally have pretty decent cafes.
Engelberg has a good COOP. I used to spend the day there while DD was at ski school, and the halbtax was valid on their gondolers.

We stayed in Brienz for a few days in July 2010. The weather was terrible - but we did trips to Grindelwald, the Reichenbach Falls and walked the Arschlucht gorge. It is truly beautiful but crippling expensive. The cost of the cable car up to First from Grindelwald made my eyes water.

Italy is much more affordable. We have stayed on Lake Garda, Lake Como, the Cinque Terre (stunning) and the Venetian riviera on a campsite. I would recommend any of them.

Or look at Austria - we stayed near to Mayrhofen one year and there are some lovely walks. Very easy to get about by train and bus.