For our trip to Switzerland, we were based in Zurich for 4 nights. Many people just spend a day or two in Zurich and move on to other towns. Our hotel was a bit outside of downtown Zurich and it was right on the lake, so it was the perfect way to end our 2-week vacation! It was so relaxing and beautiful. We were right next to a ferry stop and a train stop, so it was very easy to get into the city or to get around the lake.
Day 1: Interlaken and Grindelwald
We did an excursion with Best of Switzerland Tours to Interlaken and Grindelwald from Zurich. This was a nice option since we did not have a car. It was organized bus and train transport to and from the smaller towns. It ended up being entirely free time split between the two towns.
We went to Grindelwald first and had a lovely authentic lunch. Grindelwald was an adorable town full of the traditional Swiss Chalet-style homes and buildings. My parents wandered through town while Kim and I went up the short cable car and hiked back down the mountain to town.
If I return to Grindelwald, I’ll plan more time to hike! The longer gondola into the mountains is about $60 which was not worth it just for a view (for me!). However there are lots of hiking trails, some to small lakes, once you get to the top. I didn’t have time for this but next time I would pay the $60 to be able to hike up in the mountain lakes!
After Grindelwald we took the train to Interlaken. Interlaken is situated between two lakes (inter laken) and is also very charming! Here we just wandered around the town and took a break to watch all of the paragliders land in the middle of town.
Day 2: Zurich and Surrounding Area
On our second full day, we went on another “Best of Switzerland” tour of town and the surrounding area. This included a short tour of the historical center, a ferry across the lake, and a ride up the Felsenegg Gondola. This was a great way to learn about the city, its history, and experience views from the lake and the gondola.
We had plenty of time to relax at our hotel, Seehotel Sonne. It was right on the lake in the beautiful and quiet Kusnacht neighborhood. Kim and I thoroughly enjoyed being able to jump right into the water form the little lawn of the hotel.
They also had stellar breakfasts!
Day 3: Exploring Zurich
Zurich was very walkable and was bustling with people in the city center, and along the lake and river. On our last day, we did a self-guided chocolate tour! We stopped at several of the main chocolate shops along the main street (Bahnhofstrasse).
Overall, Switzerland was stunning and was a fantastic change in temperature coming from Italy in August! I look forward to returning to the country to do more outdoor adventure and to return to the lakes in the mountains!
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