First Trip to Switzerland--need ideas

[goswitzerland]

We are going probably the first week in March, still setting up the dates.

I need ideas on some things to do for a child 8 years old. We don't ski but a ski lesson for her would be fine. I was trying to find sledding but haven't seen anything yet.

Also we would like to know of a hot springs. I am concerned about bringing my child to a hot springs--will there be different areas for unclothed people?

We will be in the Grand hotel Bellevue in Gstaad for 5 days. Meals are included for 3 days so ideas on lunch and supper the other 2 days would be great too!

We have swiss passes for transportation.

Thank you for any help on ideas on setting up our itinerary!

[Eagle]

goswitzerland,

To begin with, welcome to the Boards! I have a few comments on the questions you mentioned....

The first week in March is a bit "early" in the tourist season in Switzerland. I'm not sure what type of weather they've had this winter, but if you're interested in snow and ski / sledding any of the ski areas would probably be a good place to try. The Berner Oberland region and the Lauterbrunnen Valley (outside of Interlaken) is a big favourite with many here, and that may be a good place to check.

You didn't indicate the total duration of your trip (unless I missed that)? Also, aside from the skiing / sledding, what else interests you? Unfortunately, I don't have any information on hot springs in Switzerland, but hopefully one of the others here will have some comments on that.

Regarding "lunch and supper" for the days that aren't included with your Hotel stay, you might ask the Hotel for good local recommendations. I've found that those are usually "spot on". Tell them what price range and what type of food are preferred.

You might check your local Library and have a look at a few Guidebooks, as they have lots of information on the different regions and the activities and sites in those areas. Some Guidebooks also have great listings for restaurants and small Cafes.

Good luck!

[goswitzerland]

5 days in total.

We are interested in train rides and scenery but not very long hikes as my child has a disability. So scenery that doesn't require very long hikes to see.

So the ski areas will also have sledding? I wasn't sure about that.

I just did that - looked up guidebooks at the library so will pick them up on Monday.

I did also see that there is a demonstration on cheese making that would interest my child. I will have to find the info again though!

Of course we want to see the Swiss Alps but not into anything that strenous. Just more for sightseeing than climbing.

Thank you for your help! This is all new to me, never been out of the US before!

[Eagle]

gotoswitzerland,

Thanks for the additional information!

This is all new to me, never been out of the US before!

That's important! My first suggestion would be to pre-read the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door, as it will provide you with a lot of information on "how" to travel in Europe. You should be able to find that at the local Library as well. Pay special attention to the "Rail Skills" chapter!

As I mentioned, the Berner Oberland region is a good choice, as there's lots of "classic" Swiss scenery. It might be fairly "quiet in early March though, as the ski season would be coming to an end. One activity that would provide a good view of the Alps would be a Gondola trip (actually four separate Gondolas) to the top of the Schilthorn. It was partially used in the filming of the James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (and NO, it didn't explode!). From the top you'll be able to see the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau (provided it's not foggy). The Gondola trip is a bit pricey, but I believe the Swiss Pass provides discounted rides. I believe it was the world's first revolving restaurant. Riding the Gondolas might be kind of exciting for an eight year old!

The small farming village of Gimmelwald is very popular, but there's not a lot to do there (especially in the evenings). For more of a classic Swiss town you could have a look at Murren or Lauterbrunnen. The scenery is a bit "steep" in that area, so you'd want to make sure that your child didn't wander too far. Have a look at www.gimmelwald.ch for some photos of the area. The Pensione Gimmelwald section on that website has a description of sledding in the area, complete with photos.

One caveat regarding use of a Rail Pass is that these DON'T include reservation fees which are compulsory on some trains. You'll have to pay for these separately. Don't forget to validate your Rail Pass before first use!

Cheers!

[goswitzerland]

My main worry is not knowing how to get to where/what we want to see. Like how do we get from the hotel to the gondola rides? Is it in a different town? Take a train? Gondola rides sound perfect!

We are staying at Grand Hotel Bellevue in Gstaad.

Thanks again!

[Eagle]

goswitzerland,

Could you clarify one point - are you staying at the Grand Hotel Bellevue in Gstaad for the entire time in Switzerland, and doing day trips from there? That will definitely have a bearing on which places you'll be able to visit.

[goswitzerland]

Yes, the entire time at that hotel and doing day trips from there.

[madamtrashheap]

goswitzerland, if you are stuck for ideas on what to offer your 8y.o. perhaps contact the Concierge at the Grand Hotel Bellevue as they will certainly have some suggestions for you, particularly regarding sledding (and horse-drawn sleigh rides) as there are plenty of sledding areas in and around Gstaad. There are a plethora of activities and sights in the region, it just depends what suits you and your family. As Eagle mentioned, how much snow there still is in a month will depend on the weather, and it's officially the end of the ski season, but you may find that the weather holds and there is still plenty of snow around for you.

As far as day trips, Eagle's suggestions in the Bernese Oberland are great as they are close enough to Gstaad for day trips plus will offer great scenic train rides - although it's hard to find non-scenic train rides in Switzerland! Other places which might interest you are Montreux on Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) which is under 1hr30 away by train. This is on the "Golden Pass" railway section which runs from Montreux to Luzern and offers spectacular views. The whole ride would take too long for a day trip, hence the suggestion of just one section. And then if you feel like it, you can do the other section towards Lauterbrunnen/Schilthorn/Gimmelwald on another day. Chateau de Gruyeres and the town of Gruyeres (as in Gruyere cheese, named after the town, produced in surrounding regions as well) might also be of interest if you feel like a castle visit.

You could also do a train ride to Bern (the capital) as it's a beautiful city, has great scenery and a zoo, just to name a few things. Should only take around 2hrs by train and will be covered by your Swiss Pass. As March is the "in between" time (ie not winter but not yet summer), you may find some things are still closed (eg the chocolate factory), so again check with the hotel Concierge to be sure. From memory, there is a classical music concert in Gstaad held in early Spring, so check if it's on while you're there. And of course you will have to try Fondue (cheese is a good start), Raclette (another cheese dish), Rösti (each region has it's own specialtiy, as well and the regular version)...and that's just getting started.