We are just beginning to plan a driving trip for September 2017. While most of this trip will be in France, we want to detour for 3 or 4 nights through Berner Oberland as we travel between Colmar and Annecy. Do parts of B.O. become impassable in late September? We want to go up Jungfrau and Schilthorn and would probably stay in Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen. We would not be doing any mountain hiking, due to wobbly knees.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Snow usually doesn't start to accumalte in the Alps any earlier than late October. Dustings can frequently occur in Septmeber, but the snow quickly melts and doesn't cause any hindrances.
If you ask me, September is the single best month for hiking. Go and enjoy!
Posted by
NYC area
2906 posts
We stayed in Wengen during mid October. While quiet, it was beautiful weather and a trip we'll never forget. Go :)
Paul
Posted by
OP
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1819 posts
Thank you both for the information. Any preference between Jungfrau and Schilthorn or should we do both? We don't mind spending to see both peaks if they are different enough to be worth it. We both went up Jungfrau as teen-agers, but that was fifty years ago!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11315 posts
We had terrific weather there late Sept 2015 and hoping for more of the same this October. Do bring layers. We used our SmartWool shirts and base layer pants at the higher elevations though we were in shirt sleeves in the valley at some times.
The mountains are two different experiences, but they take most of a day. I would do one or the other and spend the rest of the time on lovely hikes. Spend 4 nights if possible. You will not regret it!
Posted by
Alabama, USA
271 posts
Yep, through the end of September should be good. The best weather (I got stuck there in the hottest weather since 1929 a while back...), temps, less tourists, etc.
Do Jungfrau.
Between Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen take the latter.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
We just (as in yesterday) were in Muerren for 5 nights with great weather except for one cloudy day on the 15th (went to Lauterbrennen, saw the waterfalls.) Went to Schilthorn, skipped Jungfrau, wandered down to Gimmelwald. Mid-September was great!