My husband and I are planning a trip to Switzerland in September or October. We want to see Lauterbrunnen, Bern, Lucerne, and Zermatt. What is it like in September and October in these areas? And should we pick a home base and just do day trips or is it better to stay in each of these places? We have not bought our airline tickets yet or booked hotels. We are planning on getting the Swiss Rail Pass. Any favorite places you've stayed in these cities/towns on the less expensive side (I know it's an expensive country)? I just want quiet, clean, and a comfortable bed. Also I have Swiss ancestors and am looking for history and culture.
Posted by
Bend, OR
2039 posts
Is this trip for this year?
Posted by
OP
64 posts
Yes, and I know it's going to be hard finding hotels, but we are willing to go a little later in September and October if necessary. We will be flying into Zurich and sleeping there the first and last night.
Posted by
San Diego, California
7098 posts
How many days in this beautiful country? For me, it's at least two weeks.
The BO should get the bulk of your time, 4-5 nights. No one is ever ready to leave, and it helps to plan for moody weather . You are going at a great time of year.
Zermatt is not my favorite, and it takes you further west. I would skip it, but many would heartily disagree. It also depends on how many nights you have.
I think the first week of October is the latest you should visit the Alps, as some of the lifts start shutting down by mid-October. There's an off season between the summer and ski demand, used for maintenance.
I would do Lucerne, the B0, and one other location if you have two weeks. You haven't mentioned fitting in the Bernina Express scenic train.
Hotels fill up quickly, so firm up an itinerary asap and book lodging.
You have a beautiful adventure in store!
Posted by
OP
64 posts
Some good points to think about Pat! Is Appenzell worth it for culture?
Posted by
USA
961 posts
Zermatt is not my favorite, and it takes you further west. I would skip it, but many would heartily disagree. It also depends on how many nights you have.
Interesting that you would say this. I'll be in Switzerland late August into September and currently plan to spend 3 nights in Zermatt, but the more I research the more I've wished I was spending that time in Murren instead. I have a week in Wengen afterward, but the whole BO area looks much more appealing to me than Zermatt. I'm pretty sure I could easily fill 10 nights in that area.