Last fall (I keep telling you it’s the best time to visit) my Sister-in-law and nieces came for a visit and had the best time- here is what we did!
Except for arrival day these are in no particular order because each one can be done in one day traveling to-and from Ennetbuergen. Obviously the days you visit Lauterbrunen and Hike would be enjoyed more in Sunshine weather, so try to plan accordingly. Also a list of alternative ideas are at the bottom.
Arrival Day (Thursday):
When arriving from a long flight most people have the inclination to sleep -(I always need a nap) be careful no to nap to long and stay up till evening if possible – this will help you re-set your clocks. If you can just walk around the village-
- Check out the church – yes its okay to go inside, and even take photos, just be reverent and respectful.
- The graveyard behind the church is lovely
- The seeplatzli park on the lake front is a must do even if you don’t have small children its lovely to sit at the benches overlooking the lake and watch the swans.
- Stop at the only place in town to find Gelato.
- Take a boat trip (check for schedules) from the “ship stop” in Ennetburgen just past the Gelato place and make sure to sit on the outside balconies for fresh air.
- Take a walk up on the top of the Burgenstock (click here for suggestions).
Day 2 (Friday):
Spend a day (or a day and a night and another day) in Alsacs- Colmar and Riquewihr, France Click here to see 40 of the last storybook towns.
Day 3 (Saturday):
If you don’t stay in France try checking out Engelberg…… Lots to do!
Day 4 (Sunday):
- Visit the local LDS church for services in German and with English translation. Service begin at 9:00am.
- Although Sunday isn’t a market day and the shops are closed- it can be a perfect day to walk around the city for a tour. I give a really good tour that takes about 2 hours. For walking tours in English or German meet at the train station but book in advance and check the schedule for seasonal availability. For market days you’ll have to visit before noon on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Shops stay open a little later on Wednesday and Friday evenings.
Day 5 (Monday):
Interlaken area is a must do, and the most popular tourist area in Switzerland. Lucky for us it’s only about an hour by car or 1 and a half by train. I always recommend the train because the ride takes you through beautiful mountanin scenery, that is best enjoyed on a train where you are free to walk around an take photos from the windows.
- My favorite place in the Bernard Oberland has to be Lauterbrunen. This picturesque valley was the inspiration for Rivendale -Tolkins magical land of the elves in the Lord of the Rings Trillogy. It’s a great place to bring a picnic and take a walk to – Trümmelbach Falls.
- From Lauterbrunen catch a mountain train to Murren or Wengen.
Day 6 (Tuesday):
- Trotti bikes in Emmeten
- Hike at Klewenalp
- Visit the Spielplatz Grotzenwäldli in Engelburg, or schedule some paragliding!
- If you can squeeze it in – perhaps you would like to make your own Swiss Army knife at the near by factory? Book this early – especially during peak tourism this is a popular attraction.
Day 7 (Wednesday):
Head to the french region- its a lot to pack into one day so get an early start!
- Visit the chocolate factory in Broc . We like to visit the Chocolate factory first then head to Montreux to tour the castle.
- The Castle Chillion in Montreux- it is beautifully situated directly on the lake. My favorite part was the dungeon! There are lots of lake front restaurants in Montreux but you’ll be on a bit of a tight schedule to fit all three of these attractions into one day so I recommend bringing a picnic an enjoying it by the castle.
- Then head to Gruyere (one of the 40 storybook towns left in Europe). Click here to see what there is to do . I have been to the cheese factory- home to a little museum exhibit, but the real pleasure is just to walking around this walled village soaking up the beautiful views. My children played on the ramparts of the city walls for over an hour, using their imaginations to travel back in time. Watch the sunset and have dinner under the stars.
Some alternative ideas:
- Alpamare– This is a really fun waterside park- go in any weather. Buy tickets online so you don’t have to wait in lines- plus it’s a little cheaper!
- Stein am Rhein– I haven’t been yet, but I want to go and it has come recommended often.
- Basel Zoo- Basel market is great too- make a day of it and hit both places, they aren’t far from each other and the trams in Basel are fun and easy to use.
- A day in the Italian Canton of Ticino:
