I am going to Basel for 3-4 days in the week of Oct 22 and I am hoping to plan a two-week trip around it and visit Zurich, Lucern, Bern, Lausanne, Geneva, etc. My questions are: 1) Is it possible to be based in one or two places throughout the trip and make the others a day trip instead of packing and moving to a new city every one or two days? 2) I'd also like to visit the Bernese Oberland area. However, seeing that mid- to late-October is neither hiking or skiing season, will there be a lot of closure? Weatherwise, is it a good idea to go? If so, is there any particular places within that region you would recommend? I don't suppose there will still be cows grazing the meadows then. 3) any other cities in Germany or Austria you would recommend I can reasonably pack into this trip? Thanks,
Felicity
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
"However, seeing that mid- to late-October is neither hiking or skiing season, will there be a lot of closure? Weatherwise, is it a good idea to go?" In the mountain towns, yes, that is true. Some businesses may remain open, but the majority will likely either be closed or closing soon. Another option could be to stay in Interlaken or even Thun or Bern, and if you have a day with good weather, head to the mountains. In terms of precipitation, October is one of the driest months of the year (although there is no defined wet or dry season), but the skies are often overcast, especially towards the end of the month.
Posted by
Green Bay
21269 posts
Right now, JungfrauBahn has a 100 anniversery special for 3 days unlimited travel in the region. Sale ends Oct 21. Interlaken has tons of hotels and its hardly prime time in October. The pass includes a ride to the JungFrauJoch, and you can visit all the other places RS loves, Gimmelwald, Muerren, etc. http://shop.jungfrau.ch/en/bergbahn/centenary-pass
It might also pay to get a Swiss Rail Half Fare Card for 165 chf.