Mid-to-late September weather in Wengen/Murren

Every year is different, but last year we were there at exactly that time. We had no rain (which is unusual, I think). I wore hiking pants and needed a base layer for high altitudes: Jungfraujoch and some places we went in Zermatt prior to our week in the Berner Oberland. We wore layers on top: tee shirt, a fleece and a light jacket. Some mornings I wished I'd had my puffy coat but overall that would have been a hassle. I was glad for gloves and I took my summer hiking boots and good wool socks. We always go carry-on. You can do it.

Oh and temps down to maybe 45 in the valley overnight. Muerren might be colder and certainly at the Jungfraujoch it is. I don't think it got above 60-65, but it was sunny and warm enough to walk in the valley in just a tee shirt one day.

What you wear and carry will be somewhat dependent on where you hike and the level of risk you accept. Good general advice follows:

Wanderlust packing list for serious hikers:

Excerpts:

Hiking Gear: What to Pack for the Swiss Alps

What you take with you depends upon the itinerary, elevations and
season. Be prepared, but don’t overload your backpack. Day trips at
lower elevations don’t require specialized gear; however, the higher
you go, the more carefully you must pack.

Socks: Select socks made from breathable fabrics and padded. A good
fit avoids blisters.Take an extra pair (or pairs) with you, just in
case your feet get wet, or if they get cold in the evening. [Many North Americans like Smartwool
socks]

Hiking Poles: Telescoping trekking poles are best and fit into a
backpack while traveling and walking in low altitudes where they are
not needed (well that’s a matter of opinion and sports’ style). The
poles are useful in supporting knees and maintaining balance –
especially on steep ground.

Clothing: Think layers! Hiking brings you into contact with all
temperatures and you must be prepared for anything, and everything,
even in the same day or same hour. You never know what is waiting in
the Alps, just around the bend. Fleece pullover. When the chill
increases, and the nights are cold, fleece makes the temperature in
mountain huts bearable and cold weather hikes.
[And I would have a wind/rain shell with hood, cap and gloves.]

See: REI on Layering Basics

Layering your clothing is a tried-and-true way to maximize your
comfort in the outdoors. The beauty of this simple concept is that it
allows you to make quick adjustments based on your activity level and
changes in the weather.

Each layer has a function. The base layer (against your skin) manages
moisture; the insulating layer protects you from the cold; the shell
layer (outer layer) shields you from wind and rain. You simply add or
subtract layers as needed.

Laurel, Thanks for the info AND inspiration. I WILL do it in only a carry-on! Betty

Good for you Betty! By day 4 I feel like I am wearing the same stuff over-and-over, but only my husband knows! A pair of Columbia hiking pants is a great investment because they are lightweight and dry quickly.

Laurel, My REI hiking pants are very light, and I'm bringing a pair of Royal Robbins capris, also quite light, for the occasional warm day which I'm hoping to be lucky enough to get. I hadn't thought to bring base layers, but perhaps I should although i don't plan on going up to Jungfrau. You're doing something I've fantasized about for years--living in Italy. I, too, lived in Oregon for many years but moved to Seattle for grandkids. Italy still beckons, however. . . Betty

Laurel, My REI hiking pants are very light, and I'm bringing a pair of Royal Robbins capris, also quite light, for the occasional warm day which I'm hoping to be lucky enough to get. I hadn't thought to bring base layers, but perhaps I should although i don't plan on going up to Jungfrau. You're doing something I've fantasized about for years--living in Italy. I, too, lived in Oregon for many years but moved to Seattle for grandkids. Italy still beckons, however. . . Betty