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Our member UpInTheAir:) recently spent a wonderful, warm summer week in Switzerland. Prior to departure, advice and suggestions were requested from our well-travelled members, who have once again risen to the occasion. A wealth of advice on everything to do with travelling in Switzerland has been offered. The result is a trip report packed full of tips and advice about how to make the most of a visit to Switzerland!
After flying to Europe in Emirates business class, a beautiful day in Zurich awaited our member who was eager to get straight into some sightseeing. Zurich is home to no shortage of sights and activities. Packed with culture and history, a wander around town is the perfect introduction. Of the city’s attractions, the Landesmuseum appears to have been a highlight. The lake was also worth a visit.
Not far from Zurich is the Uetliberg Mountain. On a clear day, it’s hard to find a better view over Zurich.
Well today I decided to stretch out those plane legs and to head up to the Planetary Walk in the Uetliberg area. I started the opposite way to what Bindibuys (and Lonely Planet) recommended and took the S4 train straight to the cable car. This turned out to be a good thing as I was on the first cable car for the day and had it all to myself.
For getting around, it is hard to beat the efficiency of Swiss trains. Trains can be used to get just about anywhere in Switzerland, and they have a reputation of running with the punctuality of a Swiss watch. But like most things in Switzerland, the trains are not cheap. To gain maximum value, one member suggests purchasing a travel pass for unlimited travel at a fixed price.
If you are thinking of travelling quite a bit around Switzerland, especially in a block of days, you may want to consider a Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare Card. No need to purchase them in Australia – you can buy them in most large railway stations in Switzerland.
Another tip is to purchase a “super saver” ticket from any hotel. Our member used this method to save 50% on a train ticket between Zurich and Lucerne.
Today I had a free day so I decided to head to Lucerne (since it is so close). Just a hint for people travelling to Zurich… if you can book the train fare from your hotel (where you can print your ticket) and you are happy to leave at a set time, you can save up to 50% on your ticket by purchasing a “super saver ticket”. For short trips like this one it is certainly cheaper than a travel pass.
Lucerne itself was also a great highlight. It is one of the most-visited cities in Switzerland by tourists, and for good reason. The charming medieval town has a lot to offer, including the famous Lion Monument. There is also a transport museum – which happens to be Switzerland’s most popular museum – that is guaranteed to entertain anyone interested in planes, trains and automobiles for hours.
Not far from Lucerne is the popular Mount Pilatus. Our member visited and was certainly not disappointed with the scenery!
When I got to Lucerne I bought a Golden Round Trip to get to and from Mount Pilatus. First leg was the boat and the scenery is so good it is a struggle to know the best photos to include…
Find out what else our correspondent got up to, and pick up some great tips about travelling to Switzerland HERE.
