So we got off last minute coming from US. Our friends are going to Oktoberfest in Munich so we plan to be in Munich til Oct 3.
October 4 -10 we don’t really want to see anything else in Germany. Need to fly home October 11 from destination to be determined. People are telling me head to Switzerland and get out of Germany but now I’m lost.
We are active 37 y/o and appreciate hiking.
I’m seeing the Jungfrau area is amazing but want to know realistically how much can be done in that time. We like to be on the go and can tackle a lot, but it would be nice for insight to narrow ideas.
Lastly, rent a car or rely on Swiss pass?
(Please, don’t be condescending, we get it’s last minute and Switzerland can be costly)
TIA
Posted by
11569 posts
Stay in the Berner Oberland, Switzerland! There are so many places to use as a base. Grindelwald, Murren, Wengen are beautiful with sweeping mountain views.Grindelwald allows cars so we stayed there and loved this town as a base. Lots of hotel and dining options and you feel as if you can reach out and touch the Eiger!
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2545 posts
Yes, you can absolutely have an amazing trip in that time frame. Use the trains, cars can’t even go to many places in the alps. Look at staying in the Berner Oberland area (Wengen or Murren to be up in the mountains, or Lauterbrunnen in the valley). Plan to spend your last night wherever you fly home from (Zurich?). So that gives you 5-6 nights in the alps in October. Sounds wonderful to me. Book your lodging asap, and yes, it will be expensive!
A more affordable alternative would be the Salzburg area. 5-6 nights would give you plenty of time to explore Hallstatt, Berchtesgaden, Werfen. A car is better in that area. If you fly home from Munich, I would rent and return the car in Munich. It’s only a couple hours drive to Salzburg.
You could also spend some time in the Dolomites.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
I can’t believe a flight from Geneva is a little cheaper than Zurich. Is that too much squeezing Geneva in? I’m seeing it’s known for wine country.
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
28 posts
That’s plenty of time for a nice visit. We’re here now and definitely recommend the Swiss travel pass. The trains have not been crowded, but the roadways have been backed up. Lots of hotels advertising rooms available and the weather has been fabulous.
Posted by
22 posts
Just got back from Best of Europe in 14 days and Switzerland was my favorite place! We stayed in Lauterbrunnen at Hotel Oberland (which was great, I had a balcony with a view of the valley and waterfalls). We only had a day and a half and we were all sad we didn't have more time there because there is SO MUCH to see and do! We barely explored 1 side of valley, and there are gondolas, trains/trams, tons of hiking and biking. We took a gondola from Lauterbrunnen up to Grutscalp, hiked to Murren, then took a gondola back down, walked through the valley floor, stopping at Tremmelbach Falls, then back to Lauterbrunnen, and felt we only covered a tiny bit of everything offered! I wish I could've stayed for a full week to experience everything! It was not very touristy, but was very busy with hikers/backpackers. I would go back in a heartbeat!