We will be traveling in Europe for six weeks September-October starting in Germany, through Austria and Switzerland, and ending in Italy. My packing question is Switzerland! We have Mt. Pilatus, Shillthorn, the Matterhorn, and Jungfrau on the list of mountains to visit. I get very different answers when I get the high/low temps. Will we need a winter coat, or a light jacket and some layers? I'm from the East Coast (NYC metro area) for reference of our to how cold we are used to :) Thanks!
Posted by
Grand Rapids, MI
768 posts
Just figure it will be like a windy winter day up there. I understand not wanting to bring a bulky winter jacket, so I'd bring layers, including something to cover your head (hooded sweatshirt or wool cap) and something that is a windbreaker. If you double up on shirts or undershirts, you should be ok.
Posted by
Chicago
3133 posts
It is cold on those mountains!! 😊 I like this jacket from north face:
It weighs just over a pound and you can scrunch it up so it doesn’t take up much room in your luggage. I get cold easily so I also wear a warm fleece under the jacket.
Sounds like you have a great trip planned. Enjoy!! If you have the time, think about adding Mannlichen and Rigi to your list. Those are 2 of my favorites.
Posted by
Switzerland
408 posts
The temps are definitely hard to predict that time of year. For example, last year I was still hiking in Wengen in just shorts and a sweatshirt up until early October, but other years there were snow showers by mid-Oct. There will also be a big variation in the temperatures at Pilatus vs Zermatt or Jungfraujoch due to the altitude - so yes, layers are key.
In the fall, I always pack my silk long underwear (I like LL Bean's) as a base layer. It's extremely lightweight and doesn't take up any space in your bags, but is great for those chillier/windier fall days. It's so light, you can stuff it in your day pack if you end up not needing it or have it on hand 'just in case.'
A full-on winter jacket shouldn't be necessary, but definitely bring a shell that is wind/water-resistant and a fleece that can fit under it so you can double up when you go to potentially colder places like Jungfraujoch or Gornergrat. A winter hat, gloves and a fleece neck gaiter are easy to bring along too and give you flexible options. And definitely bring some good hiking socks to keep your feet warm when you are up in the mountains.