My Background: I've travelled
extensively all over Europe for years now and have spent over 3 weeks in Switzerland.
If you skip Switzerland, you'll regret it once you know what's there. It is DEFINITELY one of the most
BEAUTIFUL places in the world!
If you're short on time, then visit the
Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. It has all the Alp beauty with FUN(!) things to do. For a mental image, the very first James Bond movie was shot there (Telly Savalas' hideout) and Clint Eastwood's "The Eiger Sanction" where the famous/treacherous Eiger mountain was filmed. It's beautiful right now b/c it's spring. Great, easy, picturesque hikes that you'll
never forget! Every mountain activity imaginable is available there. 2-3 days should be good for this region.
If you're pressed for time, just skip Zurich (banking center) and Geneva (the U.N. and watch companies are there--nice lake). Zurich is more beautiful as a classic styled city with a pictreque lake, but there's other places in Europe I'd first spend my time in (like Vienna or Munich which are close by in train).
But, definitely do the Bernese Oberland (B.O.) as it'll be a definite
highlight of ANY European experience!! Stay in
Lauterbrunnen (perfect as a base), villagy/SUPER charming Gimmelwald or larger Interlaken (where you'll arrive in train).
Buy a
Rick Steves guidebook (where the B.O. is listed), as he does a
fantastic job giving you good advice to capture the flavor of Switzerland--this is a must as RICK nails it on the head for B.O. activity.
Keep in mind that Switzerland is expensive......More expensive than any country in Europe by a good margin. It shouldn't matter too much, b/c there are good budget hotels at a moderate (not dirt cheap) prices that are exceptionally clean and well run (Hotels in CH are reputedly the best hotels in Europe--I agree!). The hostels in Switzerland (which have govt. oversight) are fantastic and set the standard in Europe!
As a matter of fact, the whole country runs like a Rolex watch. Trains connect you
EVERYWHERE and are on time. Get a
train pass in Switzerland (bought at the train station or any travel office) as this can save you some chunk of money. Remember: save $$ by using the hostels and restaurants
inside the supermarkets (which are quite decent!).
If you need more advice, post back in this thread......Happy travels! :thumbsup:
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