Berner-Oberland in mid-October?

In the Alps, October is variable. Depending on elevation, you may have temperatures in the 70s or 30s. Snow at lower elevations is possible but not likely.

All my four trip to the region have been in October. It is a bit cold in the higher elevations, but I have never encountered any snow problems. All trails have been open for hiking. I'm a person who prefers colder temperatures, so for me it was perfect weather. If my memory is holding up, I believe October is one of the driest months of the year, so statistically you should have many problems with rain or snow. I say go for it!

Hi Sharon,

Our one and only trip to the Berner Oberland was in early October. It was so nice, we have been traveling in October to the Bavarian and Austrian Alps and Italian Dolomites ever since. Our favorite time of year to be in the Alps.

Paul

Ah, San Luis--I practically grew up at Avila--at least spent summers there.

But as to Switzerland---the weather in October could be gorgeous---crisp and cool---or it could be foggy, rainy, or snowing. Chances are good that it will be fine, but I have friends who have encountered all of the latter in late September.But you should go and just be prepared in case it is cold.

There are wonderful places to go in Switzerland that would not involve as much travel time as the Berner Oberland. The BO gets all the press, but that doesn't mean it is the "best" place to visit in Switzerland, just the best publicized.

A couple of places I have been that you might consider, which are much closer to the Italian border and easy to reach from Milan (the main gateway to Switzerland from Italy), would be Kandersteg or Bettmeralp. Above Kandersteg there is a gorgeous alpine lake which we love, and in October the larches around it are golden. check www.oeschinensee.ch for photos of the area. The adjacent valley of Gasterntal offers great walking at a lower elevation that should not be a problem in October.

Bettmeralp is a car-free village high above the Rhone valley,, reached by cablecar from the train line that runs in the valley, 10 minutes from Bring on the main line up from Milan. Check out the photos at www.bettmeralp.ch. Behind the ridge that rises above the village you will find the Aletschgletscher, the largest glacier in Europe. If you ride the cablecar up the Eggishorn for a view, you will see all the way to the Jungfraujoch. This area is on the "sunny" south side of the Jungfrau massif and generally has better weather.

I don't mean to dissuade you from the Berner Oberland---I like that area too. Just suggesting that there are other good options if you are visiting from Italy. You can check train schedules at www.rail.ch if you are curious about travel times.

Sharon,

My last visit to the Berner Oberland was in mid-October, and the weather at that time was great! However, the mornings were definitely on the "cool side" especially since I didn't bother switching on the heater in my room. The B&B provided a wonderfully thick Duvet which made a big difference.

As long as the sun was out, I was quite comfortable touring and hiking in the area and even standing on the Observation Deck of the Schilthorn (10,000 ft. level) with only a light shirt and no jacket. I wore a Coat when Paragliding from Murren, but I was actually too warm and I could have dispensed with that.

There are never any guarantees where the weather is concerned, but you'd probably be fine with light rain gear (just in case) and clothing that can be "layered".

Happy travels!