Medieval, non touristy Swiss village/towns
Discussion
Hi, appreciate it's a bit of a contradiction, looking for suggestions over Xmas/ New year, staying in Bern again with friends,doing the swiss pass so travel not a problem, thinking Thun,Murren,Grimentz,Yvoire on french side,would be interested if anyone has any good ideas they'd care to share,or unusual ideas for places, things to do ,won't tell , honestly,thanks in advance
Edited by Giantt on Tuesday 9th December 17:08
Hi OP, Basel resident here 
Colmar at Christmas is my version of hell on earth, far too busy and packed in. The only time I will ever visit is from 10-12 before it gets too busy.
If you are looking for small and not too busy, in a similar style to Colmar then Eguisheim, Riquewihr, or Kaysersberg might fit the bill.
Grimentz is very nice, if a bit of a trek to get to, I really liked it and the construction of the houses is very unique (logs on rocks).
Super touristy, (I know it doesn't fit the bill) but if you haven't visited previously then Gruyeres is good for half a day or so, can also be combined with a chocolate or cheese factory visit.
Rheinfelden on the Swiss German border is an old medieval town, has a very nice spa (Sole Uno) that you can spend a few hours in before wandering around the town and even crossing over into Germany for more eating or shopping options. There is also the Feldschlossen brewery with a Restaurant and vast collection of beers to try.
Murren is relatively small and quite touristy, only go if you plan on taking the cable car up to Schilthorn and make a day of it.
Neuchatel, theres a castle. It doesnt get much more medieval than that....also not super touristy.
Finally, Basel - if you havent visited already. Lots of cobbled medieval streets, culture, eating and drinking options, river boat rides, Christmas markets, city walls..
Colmar at Christmas is my version of hell on earth, far too busy and packed in. The only time I will ever visit is from 10-12 before it gets too busy.
If you are looking for small and not too busy, in a similar style to Colmar then Eguisheim, Riquewihr, or Kaysersberg might fit the bill.
Grimentz is very nice, if a bit of a trek to get to, I really liked it and the construction of the houses is very unique (logs on rocks).
Super touristy, (I know it doesn't fit the bill) but if you haven't visited previously then Gruyeres is good for half a day or so, can also be combined with a chocolate or cheese factory visit.
Rheinfelden on the Swiss German border is an old medieval town, has a very nice spa (Sole Uno) that you can spend a few hours in before wandering around the town and even crossing over into Germany for more eating or shopping options. There is also the Feldschlossen brewery with a Restaurant and vast collection of beers to try
.Murren is relatively small and quite touristy, only go if you plan on taking the cable car up to Schilthorn and make a day of it.
Neuchatel, theres a castle. It doesnt get much more medieval than that....also not super touristy.
Finally, Basel - if you havent visited already. Lots of cobbled medieval streets, culture, eating and drinking options, river boat rides, Christmas markets, city walls..
If going to Murren, don’t take the new cable-car along with all the insta-tourists who just want to get up to Schilthorn asap, but use the adjacent one and alight at Gimmelwald…the perfect mountain village; views, great bar/restaurant at the Mountain Hostel, ancient buildings, an honesty-shop, animals etc. Then walk up to and thro’ Murren to the station for the train to Grutschalp and cable-car down to Lauterbrunnen…terrific Eiger/Monch/Jungfrau views.
That could be a full day out but if time allows take the small bus from Lauterbrunnen to Isenfluh and cable up to Sulwald…nice cafe and walk or trotti-bike back down…now that is a step back in time!
That could be a full day out but if time allows take the small bus from Lauterbrunnen to Isenfluh and cable up to Sulwald…nice cafe and walk or trotti-bike back down…now that is a step back in time!
Pete102 said:
Hi OP, Basel resident here
Colmar at Christmas is my version of hell on earth, far too busy and packed in. The only time I will ever visit is from 10-12 before it gets too busy.
If you are looking for small and not too busy, in a similar style to Colmar then Eguisheim, Riquewihr, or Kaysersberg might fit the bill.
Grimentz is very nice, if a bit of a trek to get to, I really liked it and the construction of the houses is very unique (logs on rocks).
Super touristy, (I know it doesn't fit the bill) but if you haven't visited previously then Gruyeres is good for half a day or so, can also be combined with a chocolate or cheese factory visit.
Rheinfelden on the Swiss German border is an old medieval town, has a very nice spa (Sole Uno) that you can spend a few hours in before wandering around the town and even crossing over into Germany for more eating or shopping options. There is also the Feldschlossen brewery with a Restaurant and vast collection of beers to try.
Murren is relatively small and quite touristy, only go if you plan on taking the cable car up to Schilthorn and make a day of it.
Neuchatel, theres a castle. It doesnt get much more medieval than that....also not super touristy.
Finally, Basel - if you havent visited already. Lots of cobbled medieval streets, culture, eating and drinking options, river boat rides, Christmas markets, city walls..
The spa at Neuchatel and the lake are also really nice.Colmar at Christmas is my version of hell on earth, far too busy and packed in. The only time I will ever visit is from 10-12 before it gets too busy.
If you are looking for small and not too busy, in a similar style to Colmar then Eguisheim, Riquewihr, or Kaysersberg might fit the bill.
Grimentz is very nice, if a bit of a trek to get to, I really liked it and the construction of the houses is very unique (logs on rocks).
Super touristy, (I know it doesn't fit the bill) but if you haven't visited previously then Gruyeres is good for half a day or so, can also be combined with a chocolate or cheese factory visit.
Rheinfelden on the Swiss German border is an old medieval town, has a very nice spa (Sole Uno) that you can spend a few hours in before wandering around the town and even crossing over into Germany for more eating or shopping options. There is also the Feldschlossen brewery with a Restaurant and vast collection of beers to try
.Murren is relatively small and quite touristy, only go if you plan on taking the cable car up to Schilthorn and make a day of it.
Neuchatel, theres a castle. It doesnt get much more medieval than that....also not super touristy.
Finally, Basel - if you havent visited already. Lots of cobbled medieval streets, culture, eating and drinking options, river boat rides, Christmas markets, city walls..
Pete102 said:
Hi OP, Basel resident here
Colmar at Christmas is my version of hell on earth, far too busy and packed in. The only time I will ever visit is from 10-12 before it gets too busy.
If you are looking for small and not too busy, in a similar style to Colmar then Eguisheim, Riquewihr, or Kaysersberg might fit the bill.
Grimentz is very nice, if a bit of a trek to get to, I really liked it and the construction of the houses is very unique (logs on rocks).
Super touristy, (I know it doesn't fit the bill) but if you haven't visited previously then Gruyeres is good for half a day or so, can also be combined with a chocolate or cheese factory visit.
Rheinfelden on the Swiss German border is an old medieval town, has a very nice spa (Sole Uno) that you can spend a few hours in before wandering around the town and even crossing over into Germany for more eating or shopping options. There is also the Feldschlossen brewery with a Restaurant and vast collection of beers to try.
Murren is relatively small and quite touristy, only go if you plan on taking the cable car up to Schilthorn and make a day of it.
Neuchatel, theres a castle. It doesnt get much more medieval than that....also not super touristy.
Finally, Basel - if you havent visited already. Lots of cobbled medieval streets, culture, eating and drinking options, river boat rides, Christmas markets, city walls..
Hi,thanks,did Basel Xmas marke last Xmas,flew in there,going via Zurich this time,some great suggestions, probably end up in Basel again explore a bit more,rained the Sunday we left last year so didn't get round much
Colmar at Christmas is my version of hell on earth, far too busy and packed in. The only time I will ever visit is from 10-12 before it gets too busy.
If you are looking for small and not too busy, in a similar style to Colmar then Eguisheim, Riquewihr, or Kaysersberg might fit the bill.
Grimentz is very nice, if a bit of a trek to get to, I really liked it and the construction of the houses is very unique (logs on rocks).
Super touristy, (I know it doesn't fit the bill) but if you haven't visited previously then Gruyeres is good for half a day or so, can also be combined with a chocolate or cheese factory visit.
Rheinfelden on the Swiss German border is an old medieval town, has a very nice spa (Sole Uno) that you can spend a few hours in before wandering around the town and even crossing over into Germany for more eating or shopping options. There is also the Feldschlossen brewery with a Restaurant and vast collection of beers to try
.Murren is relatively small and quite touristy, only go if you plan on taking the cable car up to Schilthorn and make a day of it.
Neuchatel, theres a castle. It doesnt get much more medieval than that....also not super touristy.
Finally, Basel - if you havent visited already. Lots of cobbled medieval streets, culture, eating and drinking options, river boat rides, Christmas markets, city walls..
Hi,thanks,did Basel Xmas marke last Xmas,flew in there,going via Zurich this time,some great suggestions, probably end up in Basel again explore a bit more,rained the Sunday we left last year so didn't get round much
quarryman111 said:
If going to Murren, don t take the new cable-car along with all the insta-tourists who just want to get up to Schilthorn asap, but use the adjacent one and alight at Gimmelwald the perfect mountain village; views, great bar/restaurant at the Mountain Hostel, ancient buildings, an honesty-shop, animals etc. Then walk up to and thro Murren to the station for the train to Grutschalp and cable-car down to Lauterbrunnen terrific Eiger/Monch/Jungfrau views.
That could be a full day out but if time allows take the small bus from Lauterbrunnen to Isenfluh and cable up to Sulwald nice cafe and walk or trotti-bike back down now that is a step back in time!
Thanks great insight, definitely try that That could be a full day out but if time allows take the small bus from Lauterbrunnen to Isenfluh and cable up to Sulwald nice cafe and walk or trotti-bike back down now that is a step back in time!
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff