Northern Switzerland is modern Europe at it’s most efficient. It’s a bit like the highways in New England. Sometimes picturesque and sometimes full of commercial buildings. All of the cities that we discuss today are all about an hour to hour and a half from each other by train.
Basel
Basel is an art centric river port where so many of the river cruises start or end their voyages. With a few sites to see, Basal is a one and done kind of town. Walking through the busy downtown makes this working city a cement jungle. Much of the old world charm and creative art lies just under the surface past the utilitarian feel. Use it for its transportation hub.
- Look for Basel to host the best festivals and have some of the best outdoor art.
- Take a walk around the historic area for the few old world gems including the town hall.
- Maybe stop at one of the many cosmopolitan stores and grab lunch from the deli. My favorite part was sitting by the fountain below.
- Above all know where the train station is to catch your train to the next destination.
Zurich
Zurich Modern Switzerland: Lots of buildings and perhaps missing a little bit of the charm that’s plastered all over Instagram. While the lakeside definitely is pleasing to the eye, the downtown and cement laden suburbs are built for swiss efficiency and modern living. That said, as always, the local people are so very nice and it makes the experience beyond worth it. Use it as a layover city.
- Enjoy a walk through the downtown lakefront while you wait for your plane.
- The food is great and the ever efficient swiss train system will speed you right to the airport.
Lucerne
Lucerne is simply lakefront perfection, This gateway to the south of Switzerland does not disappoint. the entire lakefront and riverside areas as well as the surrounding countryside. Use it for a perfect day trip.
- Use the Rick Steves’ walking tour to enjoy a lap around the historic old city center including the iconic bridges.
- Enjoy a cruise on the lake whether by taking a charter or using your own power on a pedal boat.
- Have your camera ready!
Bern
By far, Bern which is full of bears and boasts the unbelievably beautiful Aare river is a capitol well worth the time. The picturesque streets that begin at the main train station and continue all the way to the river views are full of interesting sites and wonderful shops. Bern is the perfect gateway to the south where some of the more famous vistas can be seen. Make it a home base for many of your day trips by train.
- Check in with the Bern bear!
- Enjoy the riverside square perched above the river just behind the cathedral. Then, get a book at the tiny library or take on a local with a game of Patong.
- Join in the Swiss outdoor fun. Take a swim right down the Aare River like the locals. Here are the instructions.
Getting Around
The Swiss train system is one of the best in the world and well worth the time it takes to arrange a pass. Using the train system is very easy. Simply check the multilingual boards, find your track and hop on. Late trains are a rare bird so connections are sometimes close but totally doable.
Driving in Northern Switzerland is a breeze. Modern roads and highways make this an enjoyable road trip country. Southern Switzerland is full of mountains covered in windy switchbacks. If that stresses you out, use the train and enjoy the view.
Where To Next?
- Drive north to Bavaria and Munich
- Relax on a Rhine River Cruise
- Enjoy Southern Switzerland
- Take the train south to Italy