Hello! First, thanks so much for this forum. I've researched a ton and you are all incredibly helpful in answering other traveler's posts. Our kids have school break the week of Oct 16th (from London)...knowing that is the other side of the season, but right on the edge wanted feedback from this forum. Is it too late to say in Murren, we've found housing is available. Or would you recommend staying in Lauterbrunnen for more options depending on weather? We are a total party size of 10 (4 adults; 6 kids). We are an adventurous group and do well w/ going w/ the flow a bit. Also any feedback on viability of dogs traveling with us? I know the trains don't allow it, but we will have a car as well. Last question, many say Zurich is much closer for those flying in to get to Lauterbrunnen vs. Geneva. Google maps shows a 40 minute difference by car. Is that correct as flights out of Geneva are much cheaper than Zurich right now. Thank much!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11300 posts
We leave the Lauterbrunnen Valley about Oct 16 every year having spent a month there. It is getting very quiet by then. Some hotels and restaurants close, weather is cool, rain more likely. BUT we have had some marvelous weather in October everywhere we go, including London for the last half of October one year. Also, the crowds will have diminished and there are several rainy day activities we’ve found over the years, documented here https://girovaga.com/2022/09/30/more-rainy-day-plans/.
FWIW, we like the central location of Lauterbrunnen because it does give us the most options.
Note here https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/cable-car-and-funicular-closures-winter/ that there are some lift maintenance closures that might make staying in Mürren more of a challenge.
Posted by
4323 posts
Last year could have been a fluke or it could be a preview of things to come, who knows, but it was the warmest October on record. I was in Murren in late October and the weather was fantastic. I would risk it for the better accommodation prices. We got an absolute steal on a chalet that we could never afford in high season. Restaurants were open until the end of the month.
Can't advise on travel with dog or car--Murren has no car access. It is so close to Lauterbrunnen I don't think it makes much difference which you stay in. There was a dog on the cable car, so apparently they are allowed there. But you're going to need two cars with so many, so I'd be inclined to make it easier and use train.
Posted by
Thun, Switzerland
483 posts
Dogs are allowed on trains, you just have to buy them a ticket. When purchasing in the app choose ‘more tickets’ and the dog option comes up.