Switzerland in early November

I tlooks like the cablecar and gondola up to Männlichen stop running Oct. 21, and do not re-start until late November: http://www.maennlichen.ch/en/summer-timetable.html But you can access the trail from the Kleine Scheidegg end, as the train runs all year. You can walk it as an out-and-back from KS. As for the Schilthorn, check the website www.schilthorn.ch for information on the cablecar schedule and the restaurant. Early November is definitely a quiet time there, and the weather may be overcast as well as cold. But you could hit a spell of good weather and it will be beautiful, and uncrowded.

"...But you can access the trail from the Kleine Scheidegg end, as the train runs all year. You can walk it as an out-and-back from KS..." When I was in the region last May, the Wengen-Mannlichen cable car wasn't operating, and the the trail-head at Kline Scheidegg was chained-off with signs warning that the trail was closed, and not to proceed. Another way to find out if stuff is closed is to use the Swiss Rail site and plug-in your exact travel dates: http://rail.ch

If you really are going to this area in early November, go with very low expectations. This is the shoulder season between the hiking and skiing periods. It's too cold, wet and overcast to hike but usually not enough snow yet for consistent skiing. Much of the tourist infrastructure shuts down temporarily before the skiers arrive.

Thank you so much for your wise input everyone. Maybe you could help me - my daughter has 1 week at the beginning of November, and we chose Switzerland for the scenery - we are mountain lovers! But, it sounds like we sure won't get to experience much at that time of year. Can anyone make a suggestion as to a beautiful place to go, not for the shopping/touristy stuff, as much as the scenery, at that time of year? This is starting to stress me out - an opportunity to travel and no idea where is good to go!

Hi Heidi, If your looking for mountain scenery and places that aren't "closed up", maybe fly into/out of Munich and visit Salzburg and the nearby Berchtesgaden area, the Innsbruck area and maybe add Fuessen/Neuschwanstein area. The Zugspitze (Germany's highest mountain) would be ideal on a nice day, as would the Nordkettenbahn cable car from Innsbruck. www.zugspitze.de www.zugspitze.at http://www.nordkette.com/ Paul

Don't stress out too much. I've been over several times between June and early Sept. I don't think I'd go in Nov. if the mts. were my objective. Relatives have gone to New Zeland when their summer is our winter. I prefer Switz., but NZ has mts., beaches, fjords, rain forests, etc. There are dozens of apps out their to help you find weather and sight-seeing destinations and the info people at the larger train stations can advise you on a day to day basis. The whole Swiss atmosphere is comfortable and condusive to warrant a vacation there!! I like to visit museums and there are plenty over there worth visiting.

Heidi,
Arrived in Laterbrunnen about 30 minutes ago. I plan to check tomorrow and will let you know if your question has not been answered by then.

Gary - Thank you so much! Anything you can find out would be so helpful. Places to stay, eat, Schilthorn & Jungfrau trains/railways, Mannlichen-Kleine Scheidegg hiking...I really appreciate your help. And HAVE A GREAT TIME!!

I had picture perfect weather in Murren in November a few years ago for an entire week. It is hard to predict. In general the weather in Zermatt is better so you may want to consider that area as well.

Grrr.... I wrote a long response and it failed to post, and was lost. Summarizing, the Schilthorn cablecar will run until November 11; it closes Nov. 12 for maintenance. The website does not say if Piz Gloria restaurant will be open or not but you could email them to ask. Most of the other lifts in the area (Grindelwald-First, Schynige Platte train) close October 21. It appears from rail.ch that the cablecar/train combo up to Mürren wil not be running, but you can still get to Mürren on the Schilthorn cablecar if you want to walk around there. As Michael reported, the Männlichen trail can be closed; I assume this was because of snow. That trail traverses some steep slopes which would be dangerous if someone slipped. I can see why they would close it to protect tourists who had no clue about the dangers. Whether there will be enough snow for them to close it in November is anyone's guess. If you still want to go, despite the limited services and chance of bad weather, I suggest you stay in Lauterbrunnen, if you can find a hotel open. try the Oberland, the Staubbach, and the Silberhorn. If I think of any others I'll post them too.

It looks like Hotel Staubbach may be your only hope in Lauterbrunnen. They are open until Nov. 4 (last night you can book is Nov. 3) and have lots of double rooms available for around 150 CHF, plus or minus, depending on views and balcony. Maybe you could spent 2 or 3 nights there and then go someplace else, like Luzern.

I can not thank you all enough for all the help you have been. Keep it coming! :) It is so helpful - AND encouraging!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

Update and question - if you were to choose between staying in Gimmelwald & Lauterbrunnen in early November, which would you choose and why?

I wouldn't choose either at that time of year (for the reasons noted previously), but if I was forced to, it would be Lauterbrunnen. I found Gimmelwald... well, boring, and not nearly as unique as touted. In November, I would imagine very little remains open in Gimmelwald and transportation to and from the other towns is likely greatly reduced.

We are staying at the Hotel Staubbach right now! It is old but a beautiful and clean-extremely well managed. All of the employees are very knowledgable of the area and extremely helpful. Went to Schilthorn yesterday and it was beautiful. You have already been advised on the closing schedule- sorry!

We are staying at the Hotel Staubbach right now! It is old but a beautiful and clean-extremely well managed. All of the employees are very knowledgable of the area and extremely helpful. Went to Schilthorn yesterday and it was beautiful. You have already been advised on the closing schedule- sorry!

Hi Heidi, Here is another daily report from Lauterbrunnen. Rainy, cool and foggy. Saw the web cams from Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch. Visibility was zero and weather was too......30-32F.
Good luck.

Hello Heidi, November is the month I least recommend to visit our country if you are interested in Switzerland's nature. There are two reasons: 1) The weather in November is very often rainy and quite cold
2) Touristic attractions are shut down or not open yet for winter season However, the prices for accommodation are probably lowest in November and the tourist crowds are as well. You certainly have the chance to experience some nice days in February too. They are quite seldom though. I recommend you to visit Swiss cities in November. In my opinion Bern and Luzern have their own charm on a grey and foggy fall day. Museums are open during the whole year too. Best regards