Switzerland

A long weekend from Metz through Germany's Black Forest gateway, a day trip into Switzerland's tri-border city, and a night in Strasbourg on the way home.

Duration

A long weekend — 4-5 days covers the full loop comfortably.

Best time

Late spring through early autumn (May-September) is the sweet spot — June and September especially, for the same warm, reliable weather as peak summer with thinner crowds and better prices. Strasbourg's Christmas market makes a good case for a completely different December trip instead, though Freiburg and Basel turn cold and grey that time of year.

Budget

Roughly €80/day, covering intercity travel by bus, getting around each city on foot, and hostel stays. Cheaper is possible if you stay outside the city centers, and pricier options exist too — it depends on what kind of traveling you prefer.

Getting around

Bus from Metz to Freiburg, with a change in Strasbourg. Strasbourg itself is about 45 minutes from Metz by high-speed rail (Ouigo is worth booking) or roughly 2 hours by bus — worth having the Carte Avantage Adulte for this route; see our Metz post for why.