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Is Switzerland worth visiting in Late October (26th-30) for a quick trip?

Posted by on

Hello all,

As part of a two country 10 day 9 nights trip i have planned for the end of October beginning of November, i was considering visiting Switzerland for part of my trip then finishing in Barcelona Spain (Oct 30-Nov 4th) and back to the US Nov 4th . I know late October means unpredictable and usually bad or wet and foggy weather in most of Europe, and in particularly in Switzerland. i don't have a current Rick Steve's Switzerland book (on order), but some other guides suggest skipping Switzerland all together after mid October until Ski season .

I'm interest more in seeing the historical beauty of one or two cities, lakes like Luzern and Zurich. I don't think i have time to visit more than two places on a 4 night trip, particularly with shortened daylight hours. I'm fine with Cold weather, but if its a high probability that much of the natural beauty will be socked in by fog or clouds, I'm not sure it would be worthwhile.

I'm fully vaccinated, but im also concerned that if Switzerland is anything like the US over-reaction to Delta Covid, they may go back to lockdown even for vaccinated. Is that likely to happen?

Id really like to make this work, but my alternate plan is Rome or Florence, then Barcelona.

I would appreciate any and all suggestions, tips or advice!

Thanks in advance

Posted by
1430 posts

Your gut feel is correct. The weather is very unpredictable at this time of the year. It may be sunnier on the Italian speaking side.

Posted by
11315 posts

City trips can be fine in any weather, but the real beauty is in the mountains and that is too unpredictable for a short trip. A three day stretch of rain would be really disappointing.

The Swiss are mostly minding the COVID precautions. We are in CH now and find there are maskholes everywhere, not just in the US. We are wearing high quality KN95 and KN94 masks ourselves. Some buses get uncomfortably crowded with non-complaint people, masks below noses, etc. We are staying outdoors/eating outdoors as much as possible, but in late October that would be tougher to do.

Posted by
6893 posts

I agree with all of the above. Regarding your alternatives, Rome seems to be the better choice to me, because it will minimize travel time: direct flights from many US cities, frequent flights to Barcelona.
Another option, to minimize Covid-related disruptions, would be to stick with Spain. Your timing is perfect for a Madrid (3 nights) - Toledo (1 night) - Barcelona (5 nights as you planned) trip.

As for weather, there can be rainy spells around the Mediterranean in autumn, but they are unpredictable.

Posted by
4392 posts

I would suggest minimizing travel between countries, because borders and airports are where the fun can start

Posted by
62 posts

I would stick to more southern areas but I've had rainy weather in all of your planned destinations at that time of year. Sorry! For sure in Switzerland the low fog can come in to the cities at that time of year. Though everything is open (whereas in mountain resorts may be closed for shoulder season) the low fog can be depressing. Based just on my experience, Barcelona is your best bet and save Switzerland for a better time of year.

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