Hi everybody!
I've enjoyed reading all your posts! My question is, we are going to be in this beautiful land in late November. Trying to figure out the best way to utilize our time and move efficiently from area to area. We will be coming in from Paris and I was thinking 3 days in Montreux, 2 days in Zermatt and 3ish nights in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Is this possible/doable this time of year? We are open to suggestions! Ideally we would like to try for the Matterhorn, we are aware weather is a huge factor, would love to hang out and explore Murren, Gimmelwald, Grutschalp, Luzern and the rest of the valley. and then of course everything Montreux has to offer. We will be exiting Switzerland towards Salzburg. Thoughts? TIA!
Kristin
Posted by
4434 posts
I would prefer two stops, but that's just a personal preference. First you might want to work backward and see how you will get to Salzburg, as you may need an extra night near Zurich. If you need to be in Zurich by noon or later for example, you can stay in Lucerne the night before and travel by train the morning of departure.
November will be iffy weather-wise. The weather turns in October in a typical year--last year was the warmest on record and the seasonal shift was delayed. I was wearing short sleeves in Montreux in late October.
A lot of places in Murren were closing for the season at the end of October, but we had perfect weather and still managed to eat out two of four nights. We rented a chalet.
I booked at the last minute so I could watch the weather (was waffling between Zermatt and Murren, went with Murren). If you are concerned about weather, I would suggest staying in lovely Lucerne, which has stuff to do if it's rainy or miserable, but plenty of mountain day trips if you luck out like I did.
Posted by
4434 posts
The Swiss board has been quiet lately but it'll pick up...
Based on my limited experience described above and research, I think October is a much safer bet. Prices are better in this shoulder season too.
Do look into the transport to make sure you can get three full days in the Bernese Oberland--I consider Lucerne far for a day trip and as a separate stay, otherwise sounds good.
Posted by
Wengen
1716 posts
An important difference between October and november is that in November in Lauterbrunnen and surroundings almost everything will be closed. There is basically no point in going there that time of year. The season last till the third weekend in October, so if you are coming before that you will still be able to do the usual stuff when coming here.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Very helpful insight! If we were planning to be there October 22-25, is that too late?
Posted by
Wengen
1716 posts
The last day of the summer season in the Bernese Oberland this year will be oct 22nd. So after that a lot will be closed. Do try to come earlier. If you can't, maybe go to Luzern in stead.