clothing for Switzerland in September

Thank you Glenn and Pauline. I believe you confirmed some of my thoughts. I know we will be hiking, but probably only spend one day at the highest elevations. One thing I did wrong on our last trip was to underestimate the chill of Paris and Amsterdam in the rain (July). So I WILL have a hoodie jacket, rain wear of some sort and sweater. The shoes are my biggest question. I alternate sandals so I have a hiking pair and another that looks OK with a dress. Then sneakers for travel/cooler weather. Another pair will be too too much space. So I'm hoping sneakers will do. Suggestions for a good base for 2-3 days? I was thinking Lauterbrunnen.

Hi Doris I live in the UK and usually go to Switzerland at that time of year. I usually pack what I would wear at home in September, and add a decent pair of walking shoes, it depends on how much walking/hiking you intend to do and how you feel about walking up and down fairly steep inclines in sneakers. I would take a jacket you just never know you could well get a cooler day and you may well decide to go to the mountain tops. Probably the best advice is take clothes you can layer and remove if necessary. Also make sure you have some wet weather clothes, a jacket or light rain coat.

Doris,
I just got back from a trip that included three nights in Murren( late Sept ), and also spent time in Switz and Italy in 2009, mid Sept. My experience was that at lower elvations, a light sweater or jacket was plenty, and on some days, just a short sleeve shirt is okay. Up at the peaks ( say Jungfrau and/or the Schilthorn ), you'd want a jacket with a sweater for extended outside activities. In Italy( Verona, Venice, Florence) it was quite warm in Sept, and I never needed my sweater or jacket during the day, sometimes one or the other in the evenings. I also travel light (Convertible Carry On...fully packed I'm down to 16 lbs, regardless of the length of trip ). I take just one pair of shoes with a good tread, and have never needed anything else in terms of footwear. If you pack a lightweight jacket, lightweight sweater, and a good waterproof, breathable rain jacket, you'll be fine. Follow Rick's packing tips ( and his packing lists for men and women ), and I'm confident in saying that not only will you be okay with one bag, you'll be thankful!

Can't go wrong with Lauterbrunnen...it's beautiful there. If you'd prefer soething at a higher elevation ( Lauterbrunnen is on the valley floor ) try Murren or Wengen. I stayed in Murren( Eiger Guesthouse...fabulous staff ) in Sept,no cars( well, a few service type vehicles but that's it), access to lots of great hiking, easy to get to the Schilthorn, and of course stunning views..

Doris, I agree with the previous replies. I was in the Berner Oberland, Bern and Zürich in late September and for the most part the weather was great (although mornings and evenings were a bit "cool"). There was a bit of light rain one day, but nothing too severe. If you're planning on doing any hiking or walking, good quality shoes would be a good idea. As the others mentioned, clothing for layering and some light rain gear would also be prudent. If you're planning on visiting the Jungfraujoch, a warmer and thicker coat will be necessary if you want to go out on the observation deck. It's cold out there, especially with a wind. Happy travels!

I spent August and September this year in Switzerland. It was unusually hot, in the 80 - 95F, even in Sept. One cool day in Murren, near freezing in early morn, but still only needed a sweater (I'm Canadian!). I carried rain gear but never used it, wouldn't go to Switzerland without it tho. I hiked miles and miles in running shoes, which served me well, even on a couple of really steep trails. On more level trails I used my SAS sandals, even on high mountain hikes. I always threw the sandals in my day pack, as the weather was so warm that if the trail wasn't too demanding, off came the runners! I took only a carry-on bag for the two months, just made sure I had one long sleeve t-shirt and sweater and wind/rain jacket. You should be fine with this, and if you happen upon a really cool year, you can always buy a 'souvenir' top over there! Stay in Murren instead of Lauterbrunnen, fantastic views, beaut. village and lovely, friendly people! Next time, I intend to stay in Gimmelwald just to soak up some of that 'little bit of heaven', but for a short trip it is a bit out of the way and more time consumming to get to. I spent nine days in this area, my favorite of the many places I visited in Switzerland.

Doris, "Stay in Murren instead of Lauterbrunnen" Which place to stay will depend to some extent on where you plan to tour in that area. If your trip will be limited to Mürren and Gimmelwald (and that side of the valley), then Mürren is a perfect choice and a beautiful small town. However, if you're planning to tour a wider area including (for example) Wengen, Grindelwald, Jungfrau (ie: the other side of the valley) or perhaps Interlaken, then Lauterbrunnen is a more convenient and central "home base" as transportation is easier. It's also a beautiful small town and has some good Hotels. Cheers!

Thanks for all your comments...me decision is getting easier and easier. The clothing issue seems like one we can handle with one bag...we do alot of hiking in our ecco trainers. It appears I really need to determine if I have time to explore both areas (Schilthorn AND Jungfrau), as Ken indicated, or stay in Murren and spend the time we have on that side. Let me peck away at our itinerary to help in that decision.