Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Best Vacation Ever: Spring in Switzerland
26
items We spend 5 magical days in Switzerland in early May. While the temperatures can get chilly and rain is to be expected, it ended up being a beautiful experience. Fall in love with Switzerland and create your own dream itinerary with help from these su...
Sections
7
✈Day 1: Arrival + Zurich
🍫Day 2: Classic Switzerland
🚠Day 3: Discovering the Alps
Day 4: Lauterbrunnen and Brienz
🦁Day 5: Lucerne
💼What to Pack
✈Day 1: Arrival + Zurich
Welcome to beautiful Zurich! Upon arrival, take a train, cab, or bus to your hotel then explore Old Town.
Our original hotel got canceled and we were moved to this location. It was a dream!
While the room was tight (1 double bed and a sofa sleeper), the view was delightful, the location was perfect, and the breakfast was great!
It was the perfect place to start off our trip.
While the room was tight (1 double bed and a sofa sleeper), the view was delightful, the location was perfect, and the breakfast was great!
It was the perfect place to start off our trip.
Where to Stay: Boutique Hotel Wellenberg, Zurich
Not far from the Hotel Wellenburg is the Fraumünster church. Enjoy walking along the Limmat River, cross one of several bridges and check out the beautiful stained glass windows as well as the crypt - where the foundations of buildings from over 1200...
Visit: Fraumünster Church
Ok, so Mexican food is not what I would recommend in Switzerland. Not because it isn't good, but because, well…you're in Switzerland and want to enjoy the specialties of the region.
However, this is where we ended up getting dinner our first night and it was great. Filling, delicious, and moderately priced (still felt expensive, but it was less that then sit down restaurants we were looking at).
It's not super close to the hotel, but my husband and I enjoyed walking the streets of the city and exploring a little more.
However, this is where we ended up getting dinner our first night and it was great. Filling, delicious, and moderately priced (still felt expensive, but it was less that then sit down restaurants we were looking at).
It's not super close to the hotel, but my husband and I enjoyed walking the streets of the city and exploring a little more.
Eat: Zapote
🍫Day 2: Classic Switzerland
Chocolate, history, lakes, and mountains - as you leave Zurich and head to Lauterbrunnen you can enjoy several breathtaking spots.
Switzerland is known for its chocolate, and we started our day at the Lindt Factory.
We got tickets for right when it opened and did not feel crowded or overwhelmed.
Have a hearty meal before, but come with a *little* room because you can have so many chocolate samples! Eating before means you won't get a stomach ache from testing the chocolate dispensers - both solid and liquid chocolates.
We were only allowed to take one of each of the truffles on display, but we took those home and savored them throughout the rest of the trip.
We got tickets for right when it opened and did not feel crowded or overwhelmed.
Have a hearty meal before, but come with a *little* room because you can have so many chocolate samples! Eating before means you won't get a stomach ache from testing the chocolate dispensers - both solid and liquid chocolates.
We were only allowed to take one of each of the truffles on display, but we took those home and savored them throughout the rest of the trip.
Morning: Lindt - Home of Chocolate Museum
Bern wasn't our favorite stop, but it was on the way to Lauterbrunnen and there is a lot of rich history in the city.
The clock tower is impressive, and you feel transported to another time when walking the historic old town streets.
The clock tower is impressive, and you feel transported to another time when walking the historic old town streets.
Bern: Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
Take a tour or simpling snap a photo outside of Albert Einstein's Bern apartment.
There is something about walking where the genius scientist once walked.
There is something about walking where the genius scientist once walked.
Bern: Einstein Haus
The “gateway” to your stay in the alps. With absolutely breathtaking views, I recommended stopping at Schloss Spiez - a former castle.
We got there later in the day and spent an hour or two exploring the grounds that had views for days.
We got there later in the day and spent an hour or two exploring the grounds that had views for days.
Afternoon: Spiez
You will finish your day in Lauterbrunnen, and we highly recommend Camping Jungfrau.
We stayed in a Bungalow and loved being able to make our own meals, hang out on the porch, and spread out a little.
There is a restaurant on site (get the fondue!) as well as (paid) laundry facilities.
We had a parking spot for our rental car and drove to surrounding sites easily. Grindelwald was about 30 minutes away.
We stayed in a Bungalow and loved being able to make our own meals, hang out on the porch, and spread out a little.
There is a restaurant on site (get the fondue!) as well as (paid) laundry facilities.
We had a parking spot for our rental car and drove to surrounding sites easily. Grindelwald was about 30 minutes away.
Where to Stay: Camping Jungfrau, Lauterbrunnen
🚠Day 3: Discovering the Alps
Located less than an hour from our home-base in Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald is a lovely mountain town in the Alps. We loved spending the morning in the town, resting back at our bungalow for lunch, and heading to Mürren for the afternoon. A perfect day in the Swiss Alps!
This was a splurge for us, but I don't regret it one bit. It is especially wonderful on a sunny day.
If you are more adventurous you can add on a mountain scooter ride, glider, and more.
Bring a sack lunch or purchase something to eat at the top.
The First Walk is along the side of the mountain and can be a bit nerve wracking for those afraid of heights, but I highly recommend giving it a go!
If you are more adventurous you can add on a mountain scooter ride, glider, and more.
Bring a sack lunch or purchase something to eat at the top.
The First Walk is along the side of the mountain and can be a bit nerve wracking for those afraid of heights, but I highly recommend giving it a go!
Morning: Grindelwald First - Cable Car Ticket with Cliff Walk
Half the fun of Mürren is getting there! We chose to take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp and then a train to Mürren.
You get an incredible view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and Staubbach Falls from the Gondola. Try and grab a spot in the front bottom or close to where you entered for the best views.
My husband and I took a walking trail back down from Mürren to Grütschalp and it was a perfect way to spend some time outside without wearing ourselves out too much.
Make sure to drink from one of the fresh water fountains in the town!
You get an incredible view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and Staubbach Falls from the Gondola. Try and grab a spot in the front bottom or close to where you entered for the best views.
My husband and I took a walking trail back down from Mürren to Grütschalp and it was a perfect way to spend some time outside without wearing ourselves out too much.
Make sure to drink from one of the fresh water fountains in the town!
Afternoon: Mürren
We did NOT paraglide, but saw so many others doing so and if you are going to paraglide somewhere, the Lauterbrunnen Valley may be one of the best options in the world. So I thought I couldn't NOT share that with you!
Mürren: Paragliding over Lauterbrunnen Cliffs and Waterfalls
Conveniently located on site at Campng Jungfrau, Restaurant Weidstübli is the perfect place for you to enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine.
The four of us shared a fondue pot and an order of rösti (a hashbrown-like dish…but better).
The four of us shared a fondue pot and an order of rösti (a hashbrown-like dish…but better).
Dinner: Restaurant Weidstübli
Day 4: Lauterbrunnen and Brienz
These falls are incredible to witness!
A short walk uphill will bring you to a funicular that travels up. You then can start heading up the many stairs to explore.
Bring good shoes, layers, and be prepared for slippery ground.
Some in our party couldn't manage stairs well so they only explored one or two areas, but it was still impressive.
I'd recommend this with kids as well, but only if they are attentive and willing to listen as most of the stair ways and overlooks just have a standard hand rail.
A short walk uphill will bring you to a funicular that travels up. You then can start heading up the many stairs to explore.
Bring good shoes, layers, and be prepared for slippery ground.
Some in our party couldn't manage stairs well so they only explored one or two areas, but it was still impressive.
I'd recommend this with kids as well, but only if they are attentive and willing to listen as most of the stair ways and overlooks just have a standard hand rail.
Morning: Trümmelbach Falls
Enjoy an lazy afternoon strolling the streets of Brienz and sitting on a bench overlooking the lake.
Many of the residences have beautiful flower window boxes in the spring, and you feel like you are in a whole new world as you walk around.
Many of the residences have beautiful flower window boxes in the spring, and you feel like you are in a whole new world as you walk around.
Afternoon: Relax in Brienz
While it has become quite popular, and you are likely to see many visitors along the way, wandering Lauterbrunnen and the surround valley will change you forever.
The beauty is unparalleled, and you might even spot some Swiss cows. The herders/owners thought we were nuts for being so excited by the animals, but they were so fun to spot!
Just remember to be respectful of the local residents, their land, and live stock.
The beauty is unparalleled, and you might even spot some Swiss cows. The herders/owners thought we were nuts for being so excited by the animals, but they were so fun to spot!
Just remember to be respectful of the local residents, their land, and live stock.
Evening: Explore Lauterbrunnen
🦁Day 5: Lucerne
A gorgeous city (like all Swiss cities) that sits along Lake Lucerne.
If you have all day, spend time in the old town, walk the covered bridges, and explore and climb along the old town wall.
Then consider a journey to Mt. Pilatus for, yet again, views for days - as long as the sky is clear!
If you have all day, spend time in the old town, walk the covered bridges, and explore and climb along the old town wall.
Then consider a journey to Mt. Pilatus for, yet again, views for days - as long as the sky is clear!
Morning: Lucerne
Another great opportunity to explore higher up and have the views of a lifetime.
When booking, ask about weather cancelations, and check the weather to know if you will be able to see or if the clouds will get in the way.
Either way, it will be an adventurous, and beautiful, outing.
When booking, ask about weather cancelations, and check the weather to know if you will be able to see or if the clouds will get in the way.
Either way, it will be an adventurous, and beautiful, outing.
Lucerne: Mt. Pilatus Cable Car, Cogwheel Train & Lake Cruise
A must see in Lucerne. Make sure to not only walk across, but take pictures from other view points in the city.
Lucerne: Chapel Bridge
If you have the time and transportation, check out the iconic and beautiful Lion Monument.
This memorial is meant to remember the Swiss Guardsmen who died in the French Revolution.
This memorial is meant to remember the Swiss Guardsmen who died in the French Revolution.
Lucerne: Lion Monument
While we obvioulsy saw the wall as we were exploring the city, we were pleasantly surprised that we could climb up into one of the towers and get an incredible view.
I don't recommend it for those with mobility issues, but if you can climb lots of stairs and ladders, it's quite the adventure!
I don't recommend it for those with mobility issues, but if you can climb lots of stairs and ladders, it's quite the adventure!
Lucern: Musegg Wall and its nine towers
💼What to Pack
Spring in Switzerland can have some unpredictable weather. While we had sunny skies most of the time, there were often afternoon rainstorms. Layering is key, as well as having good shoes and gear. Check out my recommendations!
This is a perfect layering jacket - it's lightweight and packable, but does a great job of insulating. Pair this with a good base layer and solid rain coat and you have your Spring Swiss uniform down!
Layers: Capa Insulated Hooded Jacket
I love the long version of this coat to keep your backside a little more protected! I got this coat specifically for the Switzerland (and later, Norway) trip and it is a fantastic rain coat.
It is not lined, so make sure to have good base and insulating layers underneath to keep cold and wind at bay.
Staying dry is important to comfort and this coat is great at making sure you can still enjoy being outside, even it isn't sunny.
It is not lined, so make sure to have good base and insulating layers underneath to keep cold and wind at bay.
Staying dry is important to comfort and this coat is great at making sure you can still enjoy being outside, even it isn't sunny.
Layer: Women's Hikebound™ II Long Jacket
I can't find the pair of Columbia waterproof shoes I wore throughout Switzerland, but these look like a great alternative.
My biggest advice is to read the reviews (one of my shoes is ripping in a section and others had complained), and know that a waterproof shoe will not be very breathable.
My biggest advice is to read the reviews (one of my shoes is ripping in a section and others had complained), and know that a waterproof shoe will not be very breathable.
Shoes: Women's Facet™ 75 OutDry™
📱Helpful Tools
FREE and so fun to use, this is a great travel planning app/site to put all your information in one place.
Note - you will want the internet/data if you plan to use it while on the go.
Note - you will want the internet/data if you plan to use it while on the go.
Itinerary: Wanderlog travel planner
Use this to translate menus, directions, museum signs, and more.
Language: Google Translate
Our kids were back home, so we sent videos back and forth via March Polo.
It was perfect because they could watch the videos and respond on their own time and not have to stay up late or wake up early to talk to us.
It was perfect because they could watch the videos and respond on their own time and not have to stay up late or wake up early to talk to us.
Stay in Touch: Marco Polo