hi.
we are leaving for Switzerland this sunday. we will stay 4 nights in the berner oberland. I have been checking the weather and it seems that there will be a 20 - 40% chance of rain in the Alps on those days. would anyone know if the cable cars/trains to the peaks are closed when there is some rain? am planning ahead - I would like to know alternative sight seeing day trips outside of the B.O., in the lowlands - perhaps Interlaken, the lakes, bern, etc.
thanks a lot.
Olivia
That means that there is a 60-80% chance of no rain.
The cable cars run in all weathers, except very high winds.
The trains run in all weathers except in truly exceptional high winds and floods.
Unlikely either will stop whilst you are there.
Have you got the RS Switzerland book, or access to one - say in a library?
Quite a few options are listed there - Trummelbach Falls, the Open Air Museum, boat rides on the lakes and many more.
thank you mr chris and nigel. ok, won't panic yet.
will check other places to visit, just in case.
Olivia
On our trip to the area in May we experienced what Chris has stated - the weather is dynamic. One morning - faced with a totally socked in valley we went to visit the Trummelbach Falls. After a brief visit we stepped out of the cave entrance and the weather was a bit different...
Off we went to catch the Cable Cars (just moments away) and in less than an hour we were at the top of the Schilthorn with fantastic views in all directions.
Spelled Mainwaring pronounced Mannering.
We just returned from a three week trip to wengen, adelboden and some hut to hut hiking in Appenzell. One thing we did when it rained was go to Ballenberg, the open air museum near Spiez. It is huge and kept our three kids busy for the whole day. It is outdoor, but there are lots of buildings to explore. We also learned that the rain doesn't keep you inside. As long as there is no thunder, people kept hiking and walking even in the rain. Enjoy your time there!
not to worry, chris of murren. even if I didn't know where the phrase came from, I knew that 'don't panic mr manning' was a catchphrase :) and I have been using your meteo website. thanks.
thanks nigel for the other suggestions. I googled trummelbach falls and found that it is easy to go to and from the reviews is a must-see.
thanks bruce. now I know, the weather is touch and go and fickle.
thanks chris of river falls. I googled ballenberg. it is a little far from gimmelwald but looked very interesting. will be an alternative.
Olivia
When we were in the BO in the fall it was drizzly and cloudy the whole time. We were discouraged but we decided to take the Brienzer Rothorn train to the top of the mountain anyway. It turned out to be a great decision. A little over halfway up we passed through the clouds and emerged into the most brilliant warm sunshine. Sure, we couldn't see the valley below but we could see all the big mountain peaks above the sea of clouds. It was stunning. We are so glad we decided to chance it and go.
So, don't knock off a high mountain excursion just because it is raining. Check the television/internet to see the conditions at the mountain tops or ask a local what they think. The cloud cover may be low enough to still make it worthwhile.
Also, check out St. Beatus Holen. I haven't been yet but they have been on my want-to-see list for our past few trips.
