Hey fellow travelers,
I'm planning the following trip in September!
Fly into Zurich, two days in Luzern, 1 day in Bern, 3 days in Murren, 2 days Annecy France and 2 days in Chamonix, fly out of Geneva.
Couple of questions:
1) Weather in September. I have a choice to go Aug 30-Sept 11 or Sept 13-25. I prefer the later date but I'm wondering about how the weather will be and want to make the most of my trip.
2)Looks like the Swiss half- fare travel card is the best option for Switzerland and point to point rail in France or bus (Chamonix to Geneva). The RS book doesn't talk much about the half price pass but I do think it could be most economical and I like the idea that it is valid for one month. Thoughts??
3)Lodging. RS books indicates that we should be able to book as we go at this time of year. Anyone done that? Again I like the flexibility that would allow so that if it is raining in the Berner Oberland we can change up our itinerary. I have booked everything ahead of time on past trips at peak times (summer, Italy in late sept) but think it would be fun to go with the wind!
Thanks for your thoughts. Much appreciated!! Travel on!!!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17422 posts
A quick note---a regularSwiss pass or Flexi pass will cover your journey by train from Chamonix to Geneva, including thepart within France. A Half-Fare Card will not.
And I am confused by your statement that you like a Half-Fard Card because itis good for a month. What does that matter when your trip is only 12 days or so,mand some of those are in France?
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11775 posts
As to weather... We were leaving Muerren on the first Monday of September one year (2014) and it had snowed overnight. But we spent a full week in Lauterbrunnen the end of September and into the early days of October in 2015 and had great sunny weather, no rain until we departed. Mornings and the Jungfrau were chilly. Last year we visited in mid-October for a week in Lauterbrunnen and had snow up at Grutschalp one morning which made for a bright hike, a bit of mist two days, some sun, some clouds, lots of great hiking days. Take layers and be prepared for anything.
We always book ahead. I am too fussy about where we stay and what it costs.
Posted by
OP
Greenville, USA
192 posts
Lola
Thanks for weighing in. I am trying to be as cost efficient and flexible as possible with the train fares . My calculations indicate that the half price fare card will actually save me money in Switzerland vs the the flex pass or Swiss Travel pass for 8 or 15 days. I had seen other posts indicating that as well and I was just making sure its a solid option.
Posted by
OP
Greenville, USA
192 posts
Laurel
Thank you, too, for your input. I appreciate it!