My husband and I (both 60 yrs. old) will be flying in and out of Munich this October. We have 6 days in Switzerland and I don't know where to go because it looks like it may be too cold and closed down to go to a lot of the top destinations? It looks like Zermatt and the Matterhorn are out. Can we go to the Berner Oberland area? Any help with an itinerary during the later part of October would be helpful. We like culture, hiking, biking, food and wine, and prefer smaller villages to larger cities.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5493 posts
The latter part of October finds many places in the Alps closing down for maintenance, and the folks running the lodging taking breaks before ski season. I think you'll need to Google each destination. The local hotels would also have these details.
I would suggest Lucerne for several days, as it's charming, and you have access to the lake and Mt Rigi. Not sure when Pilatus and Stanserhorn lifts shut down, but I think Rigi stays open, as I've been up there in December.
You would also have access to Mt. Titlus, if these lifts are open , for a day trip. Lucerne also gives you easy access to Bern and Basel, for day trips.
I'm sure you'll enjoy this country. Safe travels.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you, Pat. That really helps and makes me wonder if we should go to Switzerland on another trip to Europe. I've always wanted to go to small villages in the Alps to hike and experience the culture. Thank you. Susan
Posted by
San Diego, California
5493 posts
Susan, as much as I love Switzerland and encourage folks to visit, I don't think you'll have the experience you're dreaming of in late October. If you have the flexibility, June thru the first week of October would be optimal, in my opinion. Perhaps others will chime in. Safe travels!
Posted by
4855 posts
Caveat: This was likely a fluke, as it was the warmest October on record in Switzerland. I was in Murren at the very end of October in 2022, and the weather was absolutely sparkling. Yes, a couple restaurants were closed, and the Allmendhubel was not running, but we made do and I would go at this time of year again. The trails were so marvelously uncrowded that it was worth the risk to me. I was also in Montreux and was wearing short sleeves in both places.
That said, I loved Lucerne and easily could have spent 6 days there.
Posted by
180 posts
I frequently travel in September or October in Switzerland, and love both the weather and the many festivals in the fall.
I checked some BO mountain transport closures, and many look okay!
Pilatus- November ? Exact date
Stans - Nov 24
Rigi-slightly reduced hours Sept 9 - Dec 14
Titlis- Nov 4
Schilthorn- Nov 4
I'd go for it!
Posted by
180 posts
Pilatus=Nov 17 closure to prepare for ski season.
Zermatt/Matterhorn - some transport open through October 31.
Jungfrau-open all year!
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you!!! I am truly overwhelmed by the thought and time you all have put into my question. All answers are very helpful.
Posted by
11 posts
Correction to one comment above. The Birg-Schilthorn cablecar closes for construction works on October 14th, and will not reopen until Spring’2025.