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Switzerland trip- advice needed

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: 2004 Nov. - 2005 Jan.: Switzerland trip- advice needed users admin

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Awareinva
Member

08-13-2001

Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 9:18 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
My family is planning a two and a half week trip next June to the Lauterbrunnen valley of Switzerland with brief side trips to Salzburg, Austria and maybe to Germany to visit the Mad Ludwig castles (can't spell them and not gonna try). Probably will fly into and out of Zurich (still looking for good flight deals- we are coming from three different locations and that makes it harder).

We are taking four families- grandma/grandpa and three grown kids with families- 16 people in all. Most kids (8 in all) are 9-16 years old, but I have a baby who will be one in March. Families live far apart and only see each other maybe once a year. We are renting vans for travel, but mostly will use trains and cableways. We pretty much know what we want to do- hiking and seeing the mountains is the biggest thing- mostly outdoors stuff. Not into history or real touristy stuff for the most part. We have four cabins at a local campground rented for two weeks (one per family- tho I'm sure the kids will do a lot of switching). Need lodging near Salzburg and Zurich for a few days.

I am looking for anyone with suggestions on specfics of the region - like "don't miss this" kind of tips. Grandparents have been here lots- I've been several times years ago as a child and in college, but it's been a while since any of us have been. None of us have traveled to Europe post 9-11.

I worry about putting people who really don't know each other well (children and in-laws) together in high stress/unfamiliar situations for longer periods of time... any tips on remaining friends through the vacation and beyond??

Plus any advice on traveling internationally with children would be great- mine will be 14, 12 and 1. I am an experienced traveler (lived overseas as a child and visited parents in Saudi Arabia and Europe all through college) but DH has never left the states and children have only flown once to Seattle and Portland two years ago.

Have NEVER traveled with a baby except on car trips to grandma's.... so I need lots of tips on plane travel with a baby. (I am getting him his own seat and taking my car seat for the plane and the rental van).

Had a rough weekend at grandmas with baby missing his own bed and the interrupted sleep made me start to wonder if this trip will go as planned! :-) I am going to try to do all I can to be prepared, so please feel free to give me all the wonderful advice I know that you TVCHers have to offer!



Awareinva
Member

08-13-2001

Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 9:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Mods-- please help!!!

The title on this post was supposed to be "Switzerland trip- advice needed". Don't know how the aware and babyaware showed up.... I'll never get the advice I need without the proper heading ....LOL! :-)

Schoolmarm
Member

02-18-2001

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 3:12 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Ok, I'll get started, but since I'm still jet lagged from coming back, I'll write more later.

The Swiss aren't part of the EU, so you will need your passports when you go into Germany or Austria, which are part of the EU.

Get money out of a cash machine for the best exchange rate.

Give the baby a bottle or something to suck on when the plane takes off and lands so the little ears get some pressure relief.

I've flown into Zurich before and it's a fairly easy airport to use.

From Zurich, we drove up to Lake Constance (the Bodensee) and had a great trip driving around the lake, and just stopping when we saw something interesting.

Oh, when travelling with children, if both parents aren't there, you have to have a letter from the other parent giving permission....it's some kind of "anit-kidnapping" law. You can be denied boarding without it.

Have you checked the Eurail fares? There are HUGE discounts for kids and elderly and many people traveling together. Try the "partner cards".

I LOVE Salzburg. I usually stay in a college dorm with a pool, so I'm no help with lodging. There is a great website, though, where you can download a huge map of Salzburg and lists all of the types of lodging. You might want to be a bit out in the country at a family inn.

In Salzburg, the whole family would probably like to see "Schonbrunn" a castle/palace/part in the southern part of the city. There are "trick" fountains all over, and you can see them only if you take a tour of the palace. It is WELL worth it! The park is beautiful, and would be a lovely place for a picnic lunch. You can take the bus there, and they do have a big parking lot. The gazebo there was the one for the "Sound of Music".

By the way, they have "Sound of Music" tours and dinner theaters. I would not bother with the dinner theater, and I have not done the "tour", as I'm mostly in Salzburg to study music and don't have time for touring.

There is an amazing garden in the main part of Salzburg. Free entertainment during most of the summer.

I'll think about more about Salzburg later.

The castles in Germany (Mad King Ludwig's...the one that Cinderella's Disney castle is modeled on) are about an hour or so outside Munich. You should certainly take a tour when you get there. I would see BOTH castles if you can. My tour only took me to Hohenschwanstein. (Cinderella one). You will have a BIG hike up to the castle, but it is very scenic.

If you decide to go to Munich, get a partner pass for the mass transit and FORGET about driving in munich...it is like a major city in the US and the main part of the city is a huge pedestrian zone. If you get a partner ticket, it is good for FIVE people and a dog. And two children count as ONE adult.....so really 10 children and a dog. And then you don't have to worry about parking. You might want to see the olympic villiage, Dachau (haven't been in the right mood to go there yet), and the English Garden (they had the surfing there from the Amazing Race), as well as the Marianplatz (the old down town). There are amazing concerts and art museums in Munich. I also like the store "Beck" where you can buy just about any classical CD ever printed....as well as gourmet food and clothing, etc.

It's helpful in Switzerland for driving if you know some French. I didn't. YIKES!

Also if you go northeast from Zurich, you are in the Black Forest in Germany and that area has beautiful scenery, cuckoo clocks, amazing cake and lots of little spa towns. Baden Baden is the most famous one. I stayed in Badenweiler, which is actually an hour or two from Zurich. It is a beautiful area.

You will be doing lots of walking on this trip. Make sure that you have a good stroller for the baby. Many places are not handicapped/stoller accessible, but since I don't have to travel with a stroller, I don't worry about it.

Pack light! I am so amazed at the HUGE amounts (and size) of luggage most Americans haul with them. You can always do laundry there if your socks get too stinky! Even though you are renting vans for transport, you should know that the size of hotel rooms in Europe is, um, rather compact. You may not have room for all of your luggage. If I can go for business, with all my computer equipment for three weeks in one carry-on wheeling bag and a flight bag.....you can too! Try to minimize what you need for the baby!

Take blow up pillows for the plane ride. You will need to SLEEP on the plane, and it is not really comfy if you don't have one of those pillows that goes around you neck. I put my briefcase under my feet because I am too short to comfortably sit in the plane seat for a long period of time without it.

Take extra water one the plane. It's really important to keep hydrated. I take and ice cube from my drink cup and melt it over my face (eyes especially) because I really dry up on the flight.

The scenery and natural beauty in Switzerland is amazing! Enjoy your trip!

I'll write more later if you have something specific you need to know. Juju and Lumbele might also post some info.....

Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Monday, November 29, 2004 - 8:24 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
One baby travel piece of advice I have, is buy the diapers and formula (tho after age one, he shouldn't be on formula anymore) after you get there. Travel with only as many diapers as you'll need til you get to your lodging....

Lumbele
Member

07-12-2002

Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 3:05 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Just to add a bit to Marm's recommendations:
If you hit Lake Constance don't miss the Meersburg Castle, Insel Mainau aka the garden island.
"The Bavarian Sea", aka Chiemsee also has plenty of attractions, like the Herreninsel and Fraueninsel (islands).
The Blackforest, esp. the southern part, has a lot to offer hikers of all abilities, great trails.
The rail network is extremely efficient, day passes, group passes, just make sure they give you exact maps of which areas these cover. Sometimes buying passes for adjoining areas are required to get to your destination and/or to cover a tour.
Backpacks and very comfy, solid shoes.
Decongestants for baby if ear sensitivity exists (talk to your pediatrician about length of time/doses before/during flight).
It is recommended to carry your passport all around the EU. The French esp. have been known to book you if you can't produce ID - it's a big hassle, better to lug it around.
I'll be back if I think of anything else. Let me know if you are making a route plan, then I can give you more specific hints.

Yankee_in_ca
Member

08-01-2000

Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 3:53 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I've been to Switzerland a few times (including Lauterbrunnen). I'll post some more when work has calmed down a bit.

Here are a few photos from the region, though:

The first one is Lauterbrunnen and the other 2 are in the region:
lauterbrunnen
switz1
switz2

Schoolmarm
Member

02-18-2001

Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 4:27 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Oh, my...Yankee's pics just made me want to Yodel!

<GRIN>

Yankee_in_ca
Member

08-01-2000

Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 4:30 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
(I've got dozens and dozens -- those were just 3 I had that were small enough to post!! :-))

Awareinva
Member

08-13-2001

Wednesday, December 01, 2004 - 5:46 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Wow.... I'm ready to go now!!! Thanks everyone for the tips so far.

We are thinking about Swiss Rail passes (kids travel free with families) and one of the Bernese Overland passes. There are two... still looking to see which would be better.

Anyone know anything about babies and high elevations? Just wondering about that today- I'll have to check with the pediatrician next week when we go for the 9 month checkup.

Great pictures Yankee :-) Makes me want to go now!!! Looks just like I remember..... waiting anxiously for details on what you did on your trip!

Anyone every been to the Nestle factory in Brug? Or the cheese factory in Guruyers (sp?)? We are thinking about driving over there one day- the train trip takes too long and starts from the other side of Switzerland, but driving over there is a good possiblity.

Keep 'em coming gang! I knew you all would be able to help.

Sus
Member

01-19-2005

Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 6:47 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Sorry to bring this post further up again.
I have been given the addy of this forum (might I add I like it very much) by a friend, and have been reading up on my favorite shows.
Awareinva, I was born and grew up in Switzerland, have been living in north america, both Canada and USA since 1977.
All the advice you have been given is great and very helpful.
My two oldest were born in Switzerland.
You asked: Anyone know anything about babies and high elevations?
My answer to this would be: I have been in the mountains with both of them when they were babies and there was no problem at all.
If I am reading your post correctly, you are planning on doing some hicking....where as strollers a great to use some hicking paths are not paved and as it can at times be steep up or down hill. I would almost advice you to have a baby carrier where the baby can be carried on the back. It makes it alot easier.


Mak1
Member

08-12-2002

Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 7:05 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Welcome to TVCH, Sus! Have fun finding your way around, and if you have any questions, just ask. Someone will answer, you can count on it.

Awareinva
Member

08-13-2001

Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 1:24 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Welcome Sus! You will love TVCH.... it's full of great people!

We spent quite a bit of time over the holidays planning our trip. We have tickets now from the US to Munich. From there we will get rental vehicles (thinking of 2 vans and a car) and drive to Bertchesgaden for two nights. While there we plan to do the Saltmine tour.... mostly because we all went when my grandparents were living, so it seemed fun to take all our kids with their grandparents.

While there we will only have an afternoon, so not sure if we will get to Salzburg or not. Plan on taking my mom to a Sound of Music Dinner theater as a treat from the kids on the second night. Not sure if we will get to see much of the city or if we will maybe do some hiking around Lake Constance. Any suggestions on which would be more enjoyable?

Then off to Switzerland for two weeks in Lauterbrunnen. It will take most of a day to drive there because my dad is determined to go the long way through Klausen pass.... which has some beautiful scenery, but descriptions of the road sound scary to me. :-) Narrow curvy road where beautiful scenery tempts drivers to take their eyes off the road... yikes!! Anyone done that drive who can assuage my fears?

Then two beautiful weeks in Lauterbrunnen. So far we plan to do a bunch of sightseeing/ hikes. These are favorites so far, in no particular order: if anyone has done them or has suggestions, we are looking for 2-3 hours hikes- but fairly easy (we have grandparents and some younger 8 and 9 year old kids).

*Grindlewald to Murren hike,
*hiking North Face Trail (cable car to Allmendhubel, hike down to Grutschalp),
*Schilthorn (Piz Gloria),
*Lauterbrunnen valley/Trummelbach falls,
*Kandersteg - Oechsinsee ;
*Allmenalp- cable car visit cheese-making dairy and walk to lookout;
*Schynige Platte,
*Thunersee lake cruises to Speiz (castle) to Niesen Klum,
*Driving 3 pass tour (Grimsel, Susten, Furka), Rhone Glacier Ice Grotto;
*Brienzersee lake cruise to Brienze- Rothornbahn cogwheel steam train from Brienze to Rothornkulm;
*Wengen-cable car to Mannlichen - Kleine Scheidig-Wengen hike;
*Adelboden, tour Our Chalet AM (my mom, my self and my daughter are Girl Scouts for life and can't miss the opportunity to visit this GS world center) Engstligenalp cable car from base of falls to mountain top;
*Jungfraujoch and/or North Eiger Trail from EigerGletsher to Alpiglen
*sightseeing in Lucerne or Berne- suggestions on which would be most interesting if we can only see one?
*Drive to Broc to visit Nestles Callier chocolate factory- maybe Gruyers to visit the cheese factory

This is our tentative itinerary so far. We are still looking and don't really plan on a day to day schedule since alot will depend on the weather. That is why we are trying to get some rainy day possibilities (lake cruises/ towns/ choc. factory) as well as definite clear weather ones (Jungfraujoch or Shilthorn).

We also wanted to do something special for our parents as a thank you for the trip. Thinking aobut a helicopter tour of the Jungfrau range... anyone got any suggestions on that or other options. Also plan on each couple taking them out to eat on night for a nice dinner while the others stay at camp with all the kids.
I would love any input on any of these trips that you guys have done.... hate to plan on a 2 hour hike that takes 6 hours in reality!! :-) We have a good baby carrier for the little one, plus a stroller for the in town stuff. Plus there will be some trips that Grandma doesn't want to do, so she will probably stay at the cabin with him (and maybe DH too :-) he's worried about not being in shape for these mountain hikes)

Plus my dad hates crowds.... so any suggestions on doing the Jungfraujoch trip? I've heard its worth it especially if you go early- but would the Schilthorn trip be just as good and less crowded?

Thanks for the help.

Yankee_in_ca
Member

08-01-2000

Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 1:27 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I've driven the Klausen pass. In the summer it should be fine. Very very very very beautiful, though... :-)

Jungfraujoch is lovely, but it will be crowded with tourists, most definitely.

Awareinva
Member

08-13-2001

Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 1:31 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Wow Yankee... that was quick. I wasn't even done editing and got your response! :-) Thanks for the assurance. It's not like I don't trust my dad's driving but the descriptions are pretty scary for someone with a fear of heights!!

Yankee_in_ca
Member

08-01-2000

Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 1:39 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I'm not saying it's a piece of cake -- very twisty, but it should be fine :-)

I just happened to be here at the time of your post ... it's funny that this thread got bumped today because last night I was just thinking, "Now when is Aware going to Switzerland again?!" :-)

Sus
Member

01-19-2005

Friday, January 21, 2005 - 7:02 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thankyou for the welcome!
Awareinva, I get a Swiss magazine 4 times a year and have done some searching for you.
This URL has quite a bit of info on Switzerland

http://int.myswitzerland.com/en/welcome.cfm

hope it helps.

I have not lived in Switzerland for a long time but keep in contact with my family.
Switzerland is a beautiful country, but you already know that LOL.
Be aware though that everything is very expensive, mostly because Switzerland is a tourist country.

Most people now speak english enough to communicate with the english speaking.

When it comes to eating, you may find that at times the not so popular restaurants will have equally good food (if not better and more) for half the cost.

As for travelling the Mountain Passes.
I've been over a few and if you are not a fan of heights, at times you may not want to look down....just look up LOL. The scenery is out of this world though....similar to the Rockies.

I hope you will be treated well by my home country.


Tabbyking
Member

03-11-2002

Friday, January 21, 2005 - 9:48 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
my only advice:
don't forget to pick me up on the way!!!

Awareinva
Member

08-13-2001

Friday, January 21, 2005 - 12:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thanks for the link.... looks like some good stuff.

My 13 year old daughter is "learning" german for the trip. We got her a bunch of cd's and some computer programs. I know she won't learn too much but a few phrases won't hurt at all. Actually I have been listening too and it is bringing back some german I learned as a child. I could translate some of the hotel pages I looked at that weren't in english- of course they were easier because I knew the context.

Re: the passes: I remember as a teenage lying flat on the back seat absolutely refusing to look out the window until we got to the valley floor, due to a fear of heights. And I never saw the view out of the cable car from Murren until I was in college because I always resolutely sat on the floor with my back to the wall when traveling in it! :-) I can tolerate it better now and wouldn't miss the views for the world, but it does cause some sweaty palms. I'm afraid I have passed this phobia on to DD but she is better about looking even tho she's scared. DS on the other hand, has to be restrained from leaning way out over any height just to cause his dear mama heart palpitations. LOL