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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Switzerland in Spring

22 replies

bloodyunicorns · 28/09/2022 18:42

Thinking about Switzerland next Easter. Looking for lakes, mountains, trains, walks and a nice town! Any recommendations??

We're travelling there by train with teens. Thanks!

OP posts:
AverageJoan · 28/09/2022 18:44

We went to Switzerland last autumn and flew to Geneva, travelled to Bern by train for a night then to Interlaken then back to Geneva. Very much recommend Interlaken and the surrounding area, it was beautiful. I'd go back in heartbeat.

UrsulaPandress · 28/09/2022 18:47

Interlaken. Beautiful place.

Fivemoreminutes1 · 29/09/2022 06:40

From Geneva it’s really easy to get to Vevey. There’s lots to do: www.theguardian.com/travel/2019/jul/18/10-best-things-do-vevey-switzerland-wine-festival-fete-des-vignerons and it has a lovely old centre. This is one of my favourite walks that would probably appeal to teens www.myswitzerland.com/en-gb/experiences/route/astro-pleiades-claude-nicollier/
You can also easily do day trips to Lausanne, where there’s loads going on.

Porridgeislife · 29/09/2022 06:53

Switzerland’s alpine areas aren’t at their best in April as the snow melt is happening so everything looks (and is) grey and muddy. Various things are closed as it’s low season.

Any of the towns on Lake Geneva will be lovely. The Glacier Express is worth doing if it suits your travel plans, and Lucerne has a lot to do as well.

Porridgeislife · 29/09/2022 06:57

Also look at the Golden Pass train from Montreux to Lucerne - it’s a shorter but beautiful journey. It stops in Interlaken as well.

StamppotAndGravy · 29/09/2022 06:57

Ticino has better weather and has the major advantage that you get a free train ticket and discount pass (Ticino Ticket) when you're staying there. That means you can do Bellinzona, Lugano, Locano, Gotthard, Ascona etc all without paying any extra money. It's really pretty too. Switzerland will be painful if your bank account is in GBP this year...

LIZS · 29/09/2022 07:11

Spring is slightly tricky. It may still be ski season or in between, depending on weather conditions. If the latter not all resorts and facilities will remain open, even partially, between Easter weekend and Whitsun which may limit you a bit. If they are not all lifts run and paths may be slushy/muddy rather than prepared. Interlaken(Wengen/Grindelwald), St Moritz, Lucerne, Lugano, Saas Fee, Zermatt, Villars, Gstaad tend to be accessible all year round as do the train tours.

zgaze · 29/09/2022 07:13

Interlaken and the surrounding villages are stunning, it’s very easy to get around by train and the cable cars are all operational out of season too. We had a fabulous September week exploring the area a few years ago.

SunshineLollipopsAndRainbows · 29/09/2022 07:15

Another recommendation for Interlaken - I went for 3 weeks on a Canvas Holidays break as a child & it’s absolutely beautiful.

RosieCockle · 29/09/2022 07:40

Start saving. When I first came to Switzerland in 1998 it was CHF 2.40 to the pound. It's now nearly parity. So be aware that meals out will be around £25-45 per dish (not including drinks).

Original poster
bloodyunicorns · 29/09/2022 09:38

Ah. I hadn't thought about the exchange rate. Good point!

And also good point about the snowmelt...

Will check out the links you have posted. Have been to Lucerne and Lugano - but don't mind going back!!

OP posts:
Sausagenbacon · 29/09/2022 14:38

We've just done the Golden Pass, and it is stunning. And so are the prices.
We went through Interlaken and it looked lovely, and we like Lucerne as well.

TizerorFizz · 29/09/2022 18:39

Interlaken has great transport links and train journeys. You should get out to Wengen and Grindelwald. There’s a lovely lake trip at Bonigen - Lake Brienz. Mountain resorts might be a bit slushy but it’s still great to see the mountains. The Swiss Rail Pass might be of interest.

beonmywaythen · 29/09/2022 20:02

Interlaken

Swissmummy15 · 29/09/2022 20:51

As many have said Luzern in the spring time is stunning (bit biased as I’ve been here coming on 10 years) Although with kids I would recommend summer (for lake swimming ) and real winter (for sledging and snow activities ) When we have family and friends to stay…summer keeps the costs down as there are so many more outside activities!

SilverLiningPlaybook · 29/09/2022 20:53

On the basis of this thread I am keen to go to Interlaken. Any recommendations for accommodation?

UrsulaPandress · 29/09/2022 21:15

Years ago we stayed at the Hotel Goldy.

UrsulaPandress · 29/09/2022 21:17

Across the river from the town. (And what a river!). Easy to walk across the bridges.

Echobeachfarawayintime · 29/09/2022 21:21

I used to live in Switzerland, miss it! Definitely go to Montreux, it's beautiful

TizerorFizz · 29/09/2022 22:08

DD was at the university of Geneva - most of Switzerland is wonderful!

Ellmau · 30/09/2022 07:59

I stayed at the Seiler au Lac in Bonigen, which is technically a separate village on the banks of Lake Brienz, but practically a suburb of Interlaken. An easy 40 min walk or 10 min bus ride into the town, and so peaceful (maybe not what you want with teens though). It was a lovely hotel with super food. Interlaken itself is busier and more touristy.

I recommend a visit to the open air museum at Ballenberg, at the other end of Lake Brienz.

TizerorFizz · 30/09/2022 09:32

I stayed in that hotel!!! Maybe too quiet for some? However it’s a great area.

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