<p>DD is studying abroad in Zurich this semester-DH and I are going to visit in mid October. Oh wise and wonderful CC folks–what are your favorite places in Switzerland that would be appropriate choices at this time of year? We’ll be there for about 12 days, will see DD on the two weekends, and plan to travel by train. Thanks!</p>
<p>Definitely visit Lucerne. It is one of the prettiest places, very friendly, easy to get to by train from Zurich.</p>
<p>^^^ I second Lucern. It is about a two or three hour train ride from Zurich. It is just beautiful!</p>
<p>I like all of Switzerland. </p>
<ul>
<li><p>Lucerne is nice as others have said.</p></li>
<li><p>Zermatt is great. This is where the ‘real’ Matterhorn is. </p></li>
<li><p>Bern has some nice sights.</p></li>
<li><p>In Germany but very near Switzerland is the castle Neuschwanstein - mad King Ludwig’s castle - the one Disneyland used as inspiratoin for the Cinderella castle (I think). This is near the town of Fussen Germany.</p></li>
<li><p>Chateau De Chillon on Lake Geneva (Swiss side) is a nice castle.</p></li>
<li><p>I went skiing once in Davos, where a lot of international meetings are held. It was a nice area.</p></li>
<li><p>Basel has a very old cathedral on the Rhine. It’s also known for its zoo.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Interlaaken just beautiful!</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions so far–looking forward to hearing more!</p>
<p>It might be the grape harvest in alsace region of France. If it is at the time you will be there it is a not be missed event(s). Actually Alsace is one of the most beautiful places in the world and is great at anytime and is really close to Zurich.</p>
<p>We were in Switzerland this past June and I thought it was the most beautiful place ever. In particular, I found Gruyere picture perfect. Of course, they have a castle, and the surrounding area is filled with restaurants and gift shops. In the town of Gruyere proper, there are tours of the cheese factory, and also Callier chocolates is here and yes, they do give out free samples. </p>
<p>I saw Chillion Castle mentioned in previous posts, we went there also, it is just outside Montreux (famous for jazz festival) If you are interested in pop culture, there is a statue of Freddy Mercury in Montreux, right along the lake by a restaurant. His ashes were scattered in Lake Geneva.</p>
<p>Geneva was beautiful. We went to the “old town” area. I wish we had time to explore more. We also stopped in Bern which is well worth the trip. Don’t miss the bears in Bern, and the view from the rose gardens at the top of the hill is worth the hike.</p>
<p>We stayed just outside Interlaken, and the little town we stayed in had its own castle overlooking the lake (it was in ruins but you could climb up to the battlements and look out). </p>
<p>We took the Jaun pass and came out to the most beautiful town you could imagine, but I would be careful about mountain passes this time of year.</p>
<p>Hope you have an amazing trip.</p>
<p>If you go to Chillon, don’t forget to read the poem!</p>
<p>The Prisoner of Chillon by Lord Byron: [Poets</a>’ Corner - Lord Byron - The Prisoner of Chillon](<a href=“http://theotherpages.org/poems/part2/chillon.html]Poets”>Poets' Corner - Lord Byron - The Prisoner of Chillon)</p>
<p>Eat raclettes!</p>
<p>I really loved Zermatt, and if you want to hike a little there, plan to spend enough time to do it. You can hike in many places, I think Interlaken also looked good for hiking, but I did not have enough time there.</p>
<p>I had the raclette (in Interlaken) and have to say…never again.</p>
<p>My best suggestion: TAKE ME WITH YOU!! :)</p>
<p>and have a wonderful time!</p>
<p>^^I agree, please take me with you. My D2 is in Switzerland studying abroad this semester. She is in Geneva.</p>
<p>She recently returned from a trip to Bern and Lucern. She said she thought this area was more beautiful, and the people were friendlier. Although she loves Geneva, she has been more impressed with the German side.</p>