Looking to do a trip in October to Swiss area. Any commentary on how the weather would be and if it is mid tourist season. What are the can’t miss sites? We are up for train travel, hiking, etc.
Posted by
Switzerland
230 posts
October can be very beautiful! Some mountain excursions will close down, especially near the end of the month. You can check the operating info for locations you are interested in. Here it is for the Jungfrau Region. You can expand the ones that say “Seasonal Overview” at the bottom to see when they are closed. Others just have a reduced schedule, but continue running.
https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/live/operating-info/
One of my favourite days last October was going up First mountain in Grindelwald. It was a beautiful sunny day and all of the trees were changing colour. The view of the farmland as I took the gondola up was beautiful! Cows still out grazing, fall colours, snow capped mountains, and I had a lovely, not too busy hike once up there. Not every day is like that but hopefully you will hit a few!
Posted by
202 posts
Far less crowds- end Sept/early Oct is my favorite time to visit Switzerland.
Many small town festivals with cows coming down from the local alp.
Where are you staying, and for how long?
Posted by
Geneva, Switzerland
1 posts
October trips for Switzerland are Awesome and most beautiful scenes of the world. As we already know, Geneva, Switzerland is Heaven of the World tourism. So everyone should go and feel the most beautiful nature and public. Love of Life.
Posted by
5815 posts
My first and only trip to Switzerland was late October and since it was a work trip I didn't worry too much about closings and it possibly not being "ideal." It could not have been better--few crowds and perfect weather (Lake Geneva + Bernese Oberland + Lucerne).
There are many options, so your best bet is to get a book and pick out what appeals to you--there is a high level of quality throughout the country. Pick what maximizes your time and airport options the best.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1964 posts
Last year it started snowing late September. Be prepared.
Posted by
Michigan
229 posts
I have lost count of the times I've been in Switzerland in October. I cannot recall any adverse weather events. A little rain once in awhile. That being said, there have been times I've worn a jacket with a hood and fleece lining. The last two October trips I wore short shirt sleeves most days (late 20-teens). As with many places YMMV. I am not able to compare number of tourists to high season as I've never traveled to Switzerland in high season.
Happy Travels!