Long term study in Switzerland

Posted by Milo on 10/12/23 01:45 AM

Hello,

I will be engaging in a longer term (six or so months) study just outside of Geneva from around September to February. I am looking for general recommendations of things I might want to check out in my free time or short weekend trips that would be easy to take. In general, I am just looking for your general recommendations. Unfortunately, it seems the RS guide leaves out Geneva much to the dismay of many guidebook readers. That, however, will be my base. Also, if you have spent a good deal of time in Switzerland, tell me what it's like during that time frame - anything special happen other than the obvious holidays? What is the weather actually like? What must I not forget to pack? Send me your tips for Switzerland! Any hidden gems to discover? Many thanks in advance!

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

10/12/23 02:12 AM

21140 posts

September will be harvest time in the Lavaux wine region.
https://www.winetourism.com/wine-appellation/lavaux/

Lyon is just 2 hours away by regional train.

Posted by Laurel

Forest Grove, OR

10/12/23 04:06 AM

11775 posts

How great to have this opportunity!

Rick’s book covers Lausanne, Montreux, the wine region (as mentioned by Sam) so some good ideas there. Also, above lake Geneva are Rochers de Naye and Les Pléiades for hiking and views. These locations are good options in any season.

Further afield, many locations are feasible for a weekend, especially a long weekend. Get familiar with SBB, download the app, and sign up for an account. Check out passes that will make transportation less expensive.

Weather? Who knows? Last year we had rain and clouds for almost half of a month-long stay in autumn in the Berner Oberland. This year, about 2.5 out of 28 days were inclement. Temps this year in 2 months here (late August to now) have been as high as 93F in Zurich and as low as 36F one early morning in Graubunden.

Pack something for all weather possibilities. A light option for warmer days with mid and outer layers plus some true cold-weather outer wear. Hiking boots will serve you well if you do any outdoor activities.

Posted by acraven

Washington DC

10/12/23 10:11 AM

28065 posts

I assume your educational institution is assisting you with obtaining the necessary long-stay visa so you can remain in Switzerland beyond the usual 90-day limit.

Posted by phred

Los Angeles

10/17/23 05:25 PM

4853 posts

You're right, Rick skips over Geneva. I thought I got a misprinted guidebook at first. At some point he explains his omission, I'm paraphrasing here but I think he says in essence he doesn't feel the need to be an encyclopedic guide to every city in Europe and in his opinion Geneva can be safely missed.

Check out Fodors and Frommers since they do try to be more complete, and also realize that a tourbook is not necessarily going to be of great help to someone spending 6 months somewhere. Look for expat forums.