We are headed to Switzerland November 27-30. We didn't realize it was off season and know that some excursions in Berner Oberland (Schilthorn) are closed. What is the best way to spend our 3-4 days. We are coming from Paris and flying out of Zurich. Our thoughts were hit Lausaunne, Bern, Interlaken (Junfrau excursion) and whatever else of interest during this time, and Lucerne. We had a suggestion to hit Tocino possible instead(Lugano, Locarno, and Bellinzona) but that is a little more out of way. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
You can still visit the towns on the Schilthorn (Muerren and Gimmelwald), but most businesses will be closed. Piz Gloria should remain open. If you're visiting the Jungfrau, though, exploring the Schilthorn at this time of year is probably redundant.
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
When you arrive in the first Swiss town find the local Tourist Information Office and ask about travel to those places you want to visit.
They will be able to answer your questions. Planning a trip at that time of year when many places will be closed is impossible from here. Wait until you get there and get expert advice.
Posted by
Seattle, Washington, United States
91 posts
Hi Laura,
We just returned from a trip to Switzerland yesterday. We stayed in Muerren for a week and yes it is off season and the shops, restuarants etc do have limited hours. At one time we were even stuck up in Muerren since they lost electricity as it snowed. That being said, when we knew there was a chance of rain, we travelled to the bigger cities like Interlaken Lucerne, Bern, Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich. Bern is a very nice city to walk around in bad weather especially rain because it has huge covered side streets where one can browse, window shop and visit the Einstein Museum and Einstein House!!
I believe the Jungfrau is still open and so is the Schilthorn. As the previous poster suggested, definitely visit the TI in every city you go to to get current information on weather, sights etc. All the TI's we visited were very very helpful.
Another suggestion: A good way to see a city in bad weather is to take the public transportation for that city and just ride it from one end to the other. We did that in Geneva, Berne, Zurich and Lausanne. It is a cheap effective way to see the city and also experience local life. Just ask the TI which tram will take you across town and they will tell you.(Eg. For Lausanne, the newly renovated Metro takes you up and down from Ouchy(lake promenade) to Lausanne Flon(where the old town is); in Berne, Tram #12 will take you to the bear pits and back and you will pass Einstein house on the way; Geneva's Tram#8 will take you to the UN and International Red Cross Museums etc : We got all this and more information from the TI's in the respective cities :)
Let me know if you would like more specific information since we just returned.. You will have a wonderful time in Switzerland even if it is off season. Do not worry, the weather cannot be controlled even during peak season :) And since you are going now, you will experience Switzerland like a local, less tourists and more Swiss and that is the best part!!!
Posted by
Oakland, CA
73 posts
We spent 10 days in Switzerland last year at the end of november (returning december 1). We had a blast--entire train cars to ourselves. My only advice would be to make a hotel reservation if you head to the Berner Oberland. We arrived in Murren as it was getting dark--and nearly everything was closed; the only hotel open on those dates was Hotel Alpenruh--we had a great time there and were just so thankful to find a place to stay.
I wouldn't try to cram too much into your 3-4 days. I would pick either Lausanne or Bern and then head to Muerren and over to Lucerne. That would be my maximum amount of destinations.
Have a great time! I wish I was going again!
Posted by
Napa
4 posts
We just returned from our trip to Switzerland- thoroughly enjoyed entire trip - should have not wasted our time and money with Murren- not much to see and the locals were very unfriendly. Other parts of Swld. are far more rewarding.