Just booked flights and we will be flying into Zurich on October 29th and taking a train to Lucerne to start our vacation. Any thoughts or ideas on what other places we should go, or what we must see. We have about 4-6 days to play with. Also, how is the weather in switzerland around that time? will we need to pack boots, coats? Any other comments, suggestions would be extremely helpful! Thank you.
If you're looking for an Alpine experience... wrong time of year. Most of the tourist infrastructure in many of the mountain towns virtually shuts down by late October and doesn't re-open until the ski season begins in mid December. Concentrate on the cities. Luzern's a good choice.
Weather isn't usually particularly cold at this time, but often cloudy, overcast and wet. You won't need boots, probably won't need a heavy coat either.
Some popular scenic trains and mountain lifts close for maintenance during at least part of November. For instance, the Mt. Shilthorn lift is scheduled to close Nov. 10 - Dec. 5 and the official departures of the Glacier Express won't run Oct. 27 - Dec. 14 (although local trains with more connections will operate).
Most lifts in Zermatt is generally open all year round if you want to see the Matterhorn. Resorts devoted to skiing won't be open this time of year. Maybe stick to cities and towns, head over to Zermatt to see the mountains (and they are fabulous in Zermatt if you hit the weather right!), and take in the culture.