Swiss Holiday tips?

nicki_2

Can anybody give me some tips on a cheap things to do in Zurich, Switzerland? We're going there next week and I've never been abroad, never mind to Switzerland. My parnter keeps insisting that he'll "ask mum" as his parents often go on holiday there but I don't want to do everything his parents do ::) Plus I don't want to be living in his parents pockets for the time we're there.

We'll be staying with friends so no cost there (okay, we've met them once but they're friends of in-laws) and we have a meal on the first night, a party and all the prep on the next day/night but then we're free to do anything we want for 3 days and I don't know what to do. I know one day/afternoon will be spent shopping as I've promised to bring back gifts for my family as it's my mum's and brothers birthdays while we are away/the day after we get back.

Any help with ideas for activities would be welcome but we do have to take into consideration that we have a 3-year-old daughter to cater for as well

TIA.

VickyA_2

Interlaken isn't too far from Zurich - from what I can remember on my Interrailing trip - they're about an hour apart. The trains that run on that route tend to be "double deckers" which will probably be just as exciting for a 3 year old as it is for her parents! The train takes you past one of the lakes (Lake Thun, I think, can't quite remember). On the lake you can take a boat trip. Alternatively sit on the banks of the lake watching the fish. Kept me occupied for hours when I was 20! The (short) walk that we took to the edge of the lake took us past cows with bells around their necks and the walk started next to Interlaken Ost (I believe, again, can't quite remember). The walk was on the flat, so easily manageable with a buggy.

from_suffolk

In Zurich buy a transport ticket which is available from 9.am (all day at weekends )valid for all over the greater Zurich area on Trams Boats, Trains and Buses.

Recomended excursions are a trip up Zurich's Mountain by train to the the Ueitliberg you can then walk up an Iron Tower to have a spectacular view over the city.

The second excursion is by Lake steamer to Rapperswill at the southern end of the Zurichsee, a nice town with a castle.

Interlaken is about 2.5 hours from Zurich.

If you want to do excursions further afield best to buy a Swiss Pass. Half Fare or Flexi Pass check out https://www.myswitzerland .com

For information on transport tickets in Zurich check out the Zurich network at https://www.zvv.ch a great site with clear explanation of ticket types, maps and excursion tips in English.

TMFTP

I've never been to Zurich - always been based at Montreux (we use friends accommodation too!).

Generally Switzerland is a bit more expensive than the UK for eating out, etc - but not prohibitively so.

On the plus side, the public transport is AWESOMELY good - everything runs on time and networks effortlessly with everything else. We hired a car the first year we went - and haven't bothered since.

We also got return flights (Geneva - Heathrow) with BA for £78, so it's nice and cheap to get to.

There's LOTS of history in Switzerland, the scenery is stunning, the people are extremely friendly and laid back - whatever type of holiday you want, I'm sure you'll love it.

TMFTP

PS - Unless it's a beach holiday you're after......

from_suffolk

TMFTP It is possible to have a beach holiday in Switzerland as about a third of the country is made up of lakes. Best to head south to the Ticino though where the water is much warmer!