We are planning to do the Rick Steves' tour of the Best of Berlin, Prague and Vienna either 9/14 to 25, 9/21 to 10/2 or 9/28 to 10/9. Since we are over in Europe (from California), we figure we will also Switzerland. We were able to visit Lauterbrunnen/Murren area for a day in early May 2023 when we were on the Best of Europe in 14 days tour, and we just felt in love with the area. So, we now want to spend a bit more time exploring Switzerland. Would it be best to visit Switzerland before or after our Berline/Prague/Vienna tour? We plan to spend a couple more days in Vienna at the end of the tour. Is visiting Switzerland better in September or October? We would like to go to Lucerne, Murren area (and go higher up), and other areas in Switzerland, preferably visiting small town/villages instead of cities and also take one of their famous scenic train rides and take a boat ride on the Danube River. We are retired, so we can be flexible with dates, but we want to go off season to avoid big crowds but still have decent weather. How difficult would this Switzerland trip be on our own without a car? Asking a lot, I know. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks.
Posted by
238 posts
We spent a full seven days in Wengen from 4th to 11th October this year and found the timing ideal. There were still people, but not really crowds, and almost everything was still open. There were just one or two restaurants and hotels shut but plenty of options.
We caught trains everywhere, and of course mountain transport. You certainly do not need a car.
Posted by
Rocky Mount, VA
292 posts
It partly depends on what you want to see and visit while you’re there. Some funicular and other lifts close in mid to late October.
I visited in September through Oct. 1 and had great weather, and it wasn’t too crowded. In Zermatt, late September, at least one restaurant was shutting down for a break before reopening for winter ski season.
Also in September, there are a lot of alpine cow festivals known as Alpabzug/ Alpabfahrt/ Alpabfahrten (festivals where the cows are decorated with flowers and return to lower pastures before winter) and cheese festivals also known as Chästeilet. These are fun to attend.
In September, many towns and cities have market days with lots of local food for sale in a festival-like atmosphere.
I can't comment on what it's like in October, but September is a good time.
All the best,
Raymond
Posted by
186 posts
I agree with late September-early October - my favorite time to visit Switzerland!
Posted by
5097 posts
I had a wonderful experience in late October, but it was a weird year (2022)--warmest October on record. I would for sure risk October again, but I think either will be fine.
Of course do 10 instead of 7 if you can swing it!
Switzerland without a car is easier than with one--for the areas you intend to visit.
I'd scope out all the transport options to see what order works best.
Do it quickly because accommodations book up early--I left it somewhat last minute and paid out the nose (but for some of the most perfect accommodations I have ever had).