Sharing Some Science in Switzerland :)

[anat0l]

From what I read, Lucern is also a good base to start - less 'metropolitan' than Zurich.

Certainly, Luzern is less metropolitan than Zurich. It is still one of the most important cities in Switzerland, but Luzern also tends to be one of the most popular for all tourists to Switzerland. Part of it has to do with the appeal of the place, and the location is quite central.

Swiss travel pass for those 4 nights ?

Note that the Swiss Pass is counted on days, not 24 hour periods. If you start your 4 day Swiss Pass on day 1, irrespective of the time you first use it, it will expire on day 5 at 5 am (Swiss transport tickets based on days are, in general, valid until 5 am the day after gazetted expiry).

In general, it would be a good idea, but it's best to calculate where you are going and how much you stand to save (or maybe not). Also, whether it may be better to spend more to get the Flex pass or just the consecutive one (may be the case if you choose to stay closer to your base rather than venture out).

For what it is worth, UpInTheAir has come at a rather fortunate time. Coop, one of the supermarket chains in Switzerland, is currently running a special on Swiss Railways day travelcards valid for any day of travel up until 11 October. They cost CHF 49 and their sale and usage are not limited to Swiss residents, so 3 of these is cheaper than the 3 day Swiss Pass, and much more flexible because you can simply use each travelcard on the days you want. These day travelcard sales do happen from time to time, but they don't appear to have some sort of predictable pattern (a bit like points sales), so the only surefire deals that will be there are the Swiss Passes.

What's the 'best scenic route' from Lucern to Zermatt ?

The most scenic route might be Luzern to Zermatt via Göschenen. It takes close to 6 hours in total, but it crosses through some of the most beautiful scenery of the alps. You can also get off at Betten along the way to Visp from Göschenen to go up and see the Aletsch Glacier.

 

[amaroo]

anyone was interested.
View attachment 54368

Did you give the Mezze a go? Really like the QF offering. (which is really EK)

Day 1 - Zurich

(A through the window photo for Amaroo )
View attachment 54408

Love a window shot. Some shapes are more attractive than others

 

[pagingjoan]

For me, the TK version of the Mezze is the benchmark.

I think I'm a bit late to give Zurich tips for this thread but, for those with plans to visit that part of the world, I support all the recommendations. The ferry trips on the various routes available are also a lovely way to get around and to see some different parts of the region.

 

[ellen10]

Enjoying the trip report and photos.
We spent 8 days touring with a Swiss pass and loved it.
So easy jumping on whatever form of transport you like, train boat or bus.
We spent 2 of our days in Lucerne and loved our day trip to Mt Pilatus

 

[JohnM]

Blah... I obviously failed JohnM's class in uploading nice neat small photos.. I did try snipping and pasting in Word and copying into AFF with no luck
Oh well... I will persist...

If that is literally what you did, Uppy, you may have got the order wrong.

1. Insert image files into the Word document and size/arrange them.
2. Then take a snip of the group of pics.
3. Save the snip as a .jpg (the default).
4. Upload that file to your post.

You can't copy an image into your post; it has to be uploaded.

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

If that is literally what you did, Uppy, you may have got the order wrong.

1. Insert image files into the Word document and size/arrange them.
2. Then take a snip of the group of pics.
3. Save the snip as a .jpg (the default).
4. Upload that file to your post.

You can't copy an image into your post; it has to be uploaded.

I did it! I am blaming the overtired state of the first post.. it was obvious on the second day what I was supposed to be doing

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

For me, the TK version of the Mezze is the benchmark.

I think I'm a bit late to give Zurich tips for this thread but, for those with plans to visit that part of the world, I support all the recommendations. The ferry trips on the various routes available are also a lovely way to get around and to see some different parts of the region.

No I didn't try the Mezze but now I know it's importance I will be sure to try it on the way back
Ferries do look like a lovely idea but they were packed yesterday.
All the public transport in Zurich is sensational.. clean, efficient, easy to understand.
For anyone coming to Zurich I do recommend the ZurichCARD (even if just for one day).. I got my moneys worth with the travel (buses, trams, trains, etc) but it also included the cable car and museum entry.. If you are not thinking of doing the museums then the normal day pass would be enough.
I'll be back here again on Thursday.. so watch this space

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

Wow, Zurich looks much prettier than I expected. I was thinking of landing there and getting out ASAP but maybe not!

Jess I didn't say I wanted pix of chocolate Just tips on where to find the best

Enjoying the TR so far - thanks!

Sorry Anna, I am not a big chocolate person! Closest I got was to a massive Lindt sign on the side of a wall while I was on the tram. But anat0l has been my local tour guide so he will probably have some ideas.. he has been invaluable and I think we should start an AFF petition to not allow him to leave Switzerland but rather help all AFFers that travel here

I can certainly recommend Zurich.. it is a lot prettier than some of the other European cities (reminds me a bit more of the Scandinavian ones such as Copenhagen).. It is very clean and the weather has been (as you can see) perfect!

 

[Bindibuys]

Congrats on that climb up to the tower. When I thought I was lost, having to re-trace my steps back up to the lookout - encouraged me to keep going in the direction I was going - 'Down-hill!! "

 

[JohnM]

I did it! I am blaming the overtired state of the first post.. it was obvious on the second day what I was supposed to be doing

And nothing to do with numerous glasses of Champagne .

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

And nothing to do with numerous glasses of Champagne .

I can neither confirm nor deny such rumours

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

Congrats on that climb up to the tower. When I thought I was lost, having to re-trace my steps back up to the lookout - encouraged me to keep going in the direction I was going - 'Down-hill!! "

Thanks Bindibuys... I saw your old cable car set-up and took a photo for you


Also here is a better picture of one of the rocks with the planet (Saturn) on it so people can understand what I am talking about. Apparently they are spaced at the same relative distance as the solar system so when you walk the path you are travelling at twice the speed of light.. no wonder my legs were tired

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

I may do my first-ever TR then with my iPhone.

Do it! For two reasons.. one because you are never lonely when you can share your travels with AFF and also because people (like me) live vicariously through other peoples TRs It is funny though... when you are travelling along, in the slower moments you start imagining what you are going to share in your TR

 

[RooFlyer]

Really enjoying the TR. The only times I have visited Switzerland (3 times) was on business - honest!. Once was driven in a massive black Merc limo Zurich-Zug-Zurich, courtesy of Glencore, the company I was visiting with a colleague. I'll swear we broke the sound barrier both directions. Was told later that the back of the limo was bugged, so I guess they found out what we thought of them!

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

Day 2: Train to Arosa
Today was a bit disjointed with meeting people and trains, etc on our way to the conference. But the highlight was the train trip and arrival at Arosa. The first two photos are from Zurich to Chur.


Then from Chur to Arosa.


And at Arosa and the Waldhotel itself.


Swiss TV is funny.. not only is the show-jumping on two channels and the cycling on another but there is also a sport with two men with strange pants on wrestling in sand! I do like the complimentary bottled water – still and sparkling – and apples


And the view from the pool is also gorgeous

 

[JessicaTam]

I spent two weeks skiing in Arosa soon after I finished school (youth exchange). Amazing train trip up and back. Say "hi" to the gondolas for me!

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

Days 3 and 4 - Conferencing.

Day 5: Gondola in Arosa
Well after a couple of intense days of conferencing I decided to take the Wednesday morning to do some site seeing. First I had a swim in that beautiful pool! Then it was off to Arosa to catch a bus to the cable car station to Hornli. Again I had the cable car to myself J Although I passed over some more musical cows I didn’t see any of the little furry animals (Marmots (?)) that some of the conference guests had spotted… I did however get to see another fantastic view including this great coloured lake It is interesting that you do notice the altitude in Arosa.. even at the hotel I would charge up the stairs as per normal but notice that I was out of breath at the top. Altitude at Hornli was 2511m.


After this small adventure I took the bus back to Arosa and walked up to the hotel in preparation to take the train back to Zurich. A couple of extra train photos for you.


Finally found the hotel in Zurich (all this getting lost is certainly giving me exercise! Trudging up and down hills with luggage ). It is an older style (MGallery Hotel Continental) and after the amazing hotel in Arosa this one was looking a little tired… Not to mention the mould growth in the water of the Nepresso machine! Having said that as soon as I took it to reception, they were horrified and rectified the situation immediately They had also given me a complimentary upgrade on check-in so my room was quite big.


By the way… I found champagne (NV Moet) in the local Coop (supermarket) so life is back to normal

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

Day 6: Trip to Lucerne and Mount Pilatus
Today I had a free day so I decided to head to Lucerne (since it is so close). Just a hint for people travelling to Zurich… if you can book the train fare from your hotel (where you can print your ticket) and you are happy to leave at a set time, you can save up to 50% on your ticket by purchasing a “super saver ticket”. For short trips like this one it is certainly cheaper than a travel pass (Thanks anat0l for explaining this to me).

Firstly a sweet shot for Anna.. You will be happy to know that there is no chance of not being able to find chocolate in Switzerland.. it is everywhere! Here are some pretty deserts in the Sprungli store at the train station.


When I got to Lucerne I bought a Golden Round Trip to get to and from Mount Pilatus. First leg was the boat and the scenery is so good it is a struggle to know the best photos to include… but it gets worse! Here is a selection…


Then it was a cogwheel rail car to the top of Mount Pilatus. Now this would have to be one of the highlights of this trip so far. It was really busy (and this was a Thursday) so I can only imagine what it would be like on a weekend. This cogwheel rail is the steepest in the world with gradients of up to 48%! The views are amazing and I haven’t seen anything like it before. I hope the camera gives you some idea but really nothing can give you the experience when you do it yourself.


And then there was the view from Mount Pilatus itself…


For getting down the mountain it was on a cable car… the first one would probably be more aptly described as a sardine can but the second one was a normal 4 seater. Then it was a bus back to Lucerne.. The round trip from Lucerne on all these modes of transport are what's included in the Gold Round Trip. A fantastic trip!

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

Once back in Lucerne I had a quick look at the sites including the wooden bridge and the lion before heading back to Zurich. Overall a great day. Lucerne is very touristy but this can be handy as everyone speaks English and everything is very well signposted (in English and a number of other languages). Didn’t get lost here

 

[TomVexille]

By the way… I found champagne (NV Moet) in the local Coop (supermarket) so life is back to normal

Good to hear the Swiss aren't letting you go thirsty

And loving the photos