2 weeks in Austria/Switzerland/Germany flying in and out of Zurich
Dec 22nd, 2008, 11:43 AM
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2 weeks in Austria/Switzerland/Germany flying in and out of Zurich
We are planning an early October 2009 trip. We've got 2 full weeks (probably could stretch it a couple days more) and we'll be flying in and out of Zurich. (using AA miles) We'd like to avoid renting a car and travel by train (hopefully, that's the most economical, as well).
We're interested in seeing as much as possible in Switzerland, Austria (we love "The Sound of Music" and really want to see some of those sites), and maybe even a bit of Germany.
We're in our early 50's and love to walk. We pack light and love to try new things.
We've traveled extensively, but never to these three countries. (other than to change planes in Zurich)
I'd love to hear your suggestions!
We're interested in seeing as much as possible in Switzerland, Austria (we love "The Sound of Music" and really want to see some of those sites), and maybe even a bit of Germany.
We're in our early 50's and love to walk. We pack light and love to try new things.
We've traveled extensively, but never to these three countries. (other than to change planes in Zurich)
I'd love to hear your suggestions!
Dec 22nd, 2008, 12:05 PM
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Look into the Eurail Select Saver Pass for three countries - Switzerland, Austria and Germany - starts at 5 days unlimited travel in a 2-month period for about $350 p.p. - for first class unrestricted travel - hop any train any time. I always refer folks who do not know much about the fantastic European train system to two great websites: www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com as each has tons of objective info in addition to the usual pass prices, etc. The latter has a free download of their European Planning & Rail Guide that has good chapters with rail maps and itineraries for each of the three countries you are going to. www.seat61.com also has unique valuable info. For Switzerland www.swisstravelsystem.com links you to the Swiss railways, scenic trains, lake boats (many are free with railpasses), etc.
Dec 22nd, 2008, 12:31 PM
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We are recently back from a wonderful trip to Austria and Germany. We bought Eurail Select Passes and they were a great choice for us.
The train system is awesome and we used buses as well as we had no desire to rent a car. We had absolutely no issues.
Zurich is about 5 hours from Salzburg by train if you take one without a connection. Not bad and I understand having to use FF miles so being flexible is necessary.
I was not thrilled with Switzerland but just love the area around Salzburg and also Bavaria. I also find the areas to be great values compared to other parts of Europe.
We based in Salzburg for a week and visited Konigsee, St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang and other areas from there. Then we went to Vienna and cut that visit to one day. Next up was Munich which we totally enjoyed and visited Garmisch from there.
We had nine nights and saw quite a lot and it was the Christmas market season so it was all simply beautiful!
The train system is awesome and we used buses as well as we had no desire to rent a car. We had absolutely no issues.
Zurich is about 5 hours from Salzburg by train if you take one without a connection. Not bad and I understand having to use FF miles so being flexible is necessary.
I was not thrilled with Switzerland but just love the area around Salzburg and also Bavaria. I also find the areas to be great values compared to other parts of Europe.
We based in Salzburg for a week and visited Konigsee, St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang and other areas from there. Then we went to Vienna and cut that visit to one day. Next up was Munich which we totally enjoyed and visited Garmisch from there.
We had nine nights and saw quite a lot and it was the Christmas market season so it was all simply beautiful!
Dec 22nd, 2008, 12:41 PM
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Good for you--that will be fun. You could spend 2 weeks just in CH if you wanted to, but in your case I would focus on 3 primary destinations:
Berner Oberland--5 days
Luzern--3 days
Salzburg area--4 days
Tons of options for day trips and secondary destinations. Get a good guide book.
Berner Oberland--5 days
Luzern--3 days
Salzburg area--4 days
Tons of options for day trips and secondary destinations. Get a good guide book.
Dec 22nd, 2008, 01:05 PM
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Hi J,
Zurich is a pleasant town for a night or two.
You might want to do one night upon arrival and one night before flying home.
The Swiss rail people have various tourist passes.
http://www.sbb.ch/en/index.htm
Lucerne, Interlaken, Munich and Salzburg would be nice to visit, but it won't be easy by train.
Check schedules at www.bahn.de
Zurich is a pleasant town for a night or two.
You might want to do one night upon arrival and one night before flying home.
The Swiss rail people have various tourist passes.
http://www.sbb.ch/en/index.htm
Lucerne, Interlaken, Munich and Salzburg would be nice to visit, but it won't be easy by train.
Check schedules at www.bahn.de
Dec 22nd, 2008, 02:44 PM
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I have done a very similar trip several years ago using AA miles. We travelled in October spending about one week in each country. We used the train for Switzerland (have been back twice since then and ALWAYS use the train)and Austria. We trained to Munich from Salzburg and then rented a car. We flew back to the US from Frankfurt.
In Salzburg we used the train to visit the salt mines and took the "Sound of Music" bus tour. Both were so fun. It is a very walkable town.
After four trips to Switzerland (we were there for a week this past October), we have decided the Berner Oberland is our favorite area. There is so much to see and experience, you could easily spend a week there.
We also enjoy the Montreux area on Lake Leman. Based there you can visit Lausanne, Gruyeres (chesse factory), Broc (chocolate factory), Chateau de Chillon and other towns on Lake Leman.
A guide book will help you to narrow where you want to go. It is so easy to visit Switzerland and Austria by train. You will love it.
In Salzburg we used the train to visit the salt mines and took the "Sound of Music" bus tour. Both were so fun. It is a very walkable town.
After four trips to Switzerland (we were there for a week this past October), we have decided the Berner Oberland is our favorite area. There is so much to see and experience, you could easily spend a week there.
We also enjoy the Montreux area on Lake Leman. Based there you can visit Lausanne, Gruyeres (chesse factory), Broc (chocolate factory), Chateau de Chillon and other towns on Lake Leman.
A guide book will help you to narrow where you want to go. It is so easy to visit Switzerland and Austria by train. You will love it.
Dec 23rd, 2008, 07:14 AM
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If you are traveling just a little in Austria and Germany and mainly in Switzerland then i would opt for a Swiss Railpass for sure - many more benefits than a Eurailpass in terms of mountain trains and 50% off gondolas, etc. that Eurail does not offer except in a few occasions. But if doing a lot in Austria and Germany then go for the Eurail 3-Country Select Pass. Note that Swiss Passes, though sold in Switzerland are currently significantly higher than those bought in the states in dollars - why? Beats me but last times i've checked they always have been.
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Dec 23rd, 2008, 07:58 AM
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I've done lots of traveling in those areas and I must say that if you are interested in variety, freedom to roam, and spontaneity in your travels, you will be better off in a rental auto. You say you are packing light, so you would have no trouble with a smaller car. Two people traveling as PalenQ recommended, at $350 per person (approx) for 5 days of travel, could rent an auto for considerably less than the cost of two $350 tickets. And it would seem to me that since you have 2 weeks, you need to decide whether you want the freedom to make last-minute choices of a place to go or to stay.
Of course, if you want to travel for only a few days out of your 2 weeks, and otherwise settle into a selected location for a few days at a time, the price of travel for 2 weeks with the rail program at $750 will probably be lower than 2 weeks of auto rental unless you can find a special offer from one of the auto rental companies.
I have personally treveled in and out of Zurich, renting an auto each time, and I must say that for convenience an auto beats a train hands down. There is a lot of non-monetary value in being able to set your own schedule, not only daily but hourly as you wish.
However, if you really want to avoid renting a car for some specific reasons (such as concern for safety, worry about accidents, getting lost, etc) then the train is for you. I think that you miss a lot when you can't just pull off the road into an interesting little town you might see, and enjoy the feeling of stopping and visiting with the locals. Storming with the crowd out of the train station, perhaps looking for a taxi or maybe trying to find a hotel on your own, and perhaps being not too comfortable with the local area, would be something you might avoid if you use a car. But to drive, you must do a bit more homework, you must be comfortable with the road customs and signs, and you ought to be a little familiar with major language expressions. That way you can stop wherever you want, drop into a roadside bistro, and have a snack while you enjoy the passing scene. Since you have traveled extensively, I don't see why you wouldn't opt for a car.
Of course, if you want to travel for only a few days out of your 2 weeks, and otherwise settle into a selected location for a few days at a time, the price of travel for 2 weeks with the rail program at $750 will probably be lower than 2 weeks of auto rental unless you can find a special offer from one of the auto rental companies.
I have personally treveled in and out of Zurich, renting an auto each time, and I must say that for convenience an auto beats a train hands down. There is a lot of non-monetary value in being able to set your own schedule, not only daily but hourly as you wish.
However, if you really want to avoid renting a car for some specific reasons (such as concern for safety, worry about accidents, getting lost, etc) then the train is for you. I think that you miss a lot when you can't just pull off the road into an interesting little town you might see, and enjoy the feeling of stopping and visiting with the locals. Storming with the crowd out of the train station, perhaps looking for a taxi or maybe trying to find a hotel on your own, and perhaps being not too comfortable with the local area, would be something you might avoid if you use a car. But to drive, you must do a bit more homework, you must be comfortable with the road customs and signs, and you ought to be a little familiar with major language expressions. That way you can stop wherever you want, drop into a roadside bistro, and have a snack while you enjoy the passing scene. Since you have traveled extensively, I don't see why you wouldn't opt for a car.
Dec 23rd, 2008, 10:50 AM
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My husband and I have both traveled extensively and are one of those who prefer not to rent a car when traveling in Europe. I have done so in Italy and it was a hassle. I also rented a car and drove from Copenhagen to Vienna and back several years ago with a friend. Spending hours on the road is not our idea of a good time and the one driving especially has to really pay attention and can miss a lot of fabulous scenery along the way.
For our most recent trip to Germany and Austria, we opted for a flexipass. Neither of us was interested in driving in inclement weather nor did we want to worry about parking a car in a convenient location. We like to adopt a home base or two on these trips and make trips out from there. We were able to hop on and off trains with total spontaneity and made decisions based on the weather, our mood, etc.
While the larger stations were indeed busy and we were "storming with the crowd out of the train station" in places like Munich and Vienna, it was not at all like that in Garmisch, Bologna Orvieto and other smaller cities that are very well suited to travel by train.
While a car indeed gives you the ability to visit places you might otherwise miss, ti also imposes limitations and challenges. It is all about personal travel styles I think and the wonderful train and bus system in this part of the world (Austria and Germany more so than Italy) makes it a real pleasure. Sitting back in our luxurious train compartment enjoying the gorgeous scenery, being able to read or nap if we chose, meeting people on the train that we would not have met had we had a private car, never having to choose a hotel based on available parking; all of these things contributed greatly to the enjoyment of our vacation.
For our most recent trip to Germany and Austria, we opted for a flexipass. Neither of us was interested in driving in inclement weather nor did we want to worry about parking a car in a convenient location. We like to adopt a home base or two on these trips and make trips out from there. We were able to hop on and off trains with total spontaneity and made decisions based on the weather, our mood, etc.
While the larger stations were indeed busy and we were "storming with the crowd out of the train station" in places like Munich and Vienna, it was not at all like that in Garmisch, Bologna Orvieto and other smaller cities that are very well suited to travel by train.
While a car indeed gives you the ability to visit places you might otherwise miss, ti also imposes limitations and challenges. It is all about personal travel styles I think and the wonderful train and bus system in this part of the world (Austria and Germany more so than Italy) makes it a real pleasure. Sitting back in our luxurious train compartment enjoying the gorgeous scenery, being able to read or nap if we chose, meeting people on the train that we would not have met had we had a private car, never having to choose a hotel based on available parking; all of these things contributed greatly to the enjoyment of our vacation.
Dec 25th, 2008, 08:04 AM
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I just want to point out there are places in Switzerland where you can't drive, but can access by train or other public transportation. The Swiss are superb at connecting up their train/bus/boat/etc. schedules, so getting around is very easy. And with public transportation, everybody can admire the scenery, no need to keep your eyes on the road.
Does AA allow open jaws routings with FF miles? If so, you might save a little time flying into Zurich and out of Munich or Geneva. Or vice versa. Two weeks isn't long when you want to dip into 3 countries.
Does AA allow open jaws routings with FF miles? If so, you might save a little time flying into Zurich and out of Munich or Geneva. Or vice versa. Two weeks isn't long when you want to dip into 3 countries.
Dec 25th, 2008, 09:11 AM
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I traveled around Switzerland in '07 and '08 with a Swiss Rail Pass. I recommend, as others here have, that you look into buying one before you leave. I got mine from Budget Europe Travel (look them up online). You can actually call and talk to someone (very knowledgeable and they will try to save you money on the best package).
I would definitely recommend you stay in Berner Oberland (I stayed in Murren and loved it). One or two nights in Luzern would be enough. I'm actually not that fond of Lucerne; instead, I would opt to spend two nights in Stein Am Rhen (charming medieval town--less touristed), just an hour north of Zuirch.
Another place I visited this year--really off the beaten path -- is Guarda in the Engadine (Southeast Switzerland). It takes 2 1/2 hours by train from Zurich, but a really charming village and area.
I would definitely recommend you stay in Berner Oberland (I stayed in Murren and loved it). One or two nights in Luzern would be enough. I'm actually not that fond of Lucerne; instead, I would opt to spend two nights in Stein Am Rhen (charming medieval town--less touristed), just an hour north of Zuirch.
Another place I visited this year--really off the beaten path -- is Guarda in the Engadine (Southeast Switzerland). It takes 2 1/2 hours by train from Zurich, but a really charming village and area.
Dec 26th, 2008, 08:46 AM
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Susan - i too often recommend BETS or Budget Europe Travel Service because it is the rare place in today's usually online only world where you can actually talk to folks who have actually traveled anywhere in Europe you will be going. And Byron there i find very knowledgeable about Switzerland. www.budgeteuropetravel.com. Pass prices are the same everywhere but service is why i often recommend BETS.
