We are going to Europe in May (13 to 28) and will spend 4-5 days in Switzerland riding scenic trains, lifts (Berner oberland), etc. After that we go to Venice and probably a few days by one of the Italian Lakes or the Cinque Terre. My question is, what kind of clothing do I take? I know the weather will be mild in Italy and lower elevations in Switzerland (light jacket weather?) But do I have to bring along a bulky jacket for the trips up in the mountains? Since we are traveling on trains I'm trying to limit what luggage we will have to lug around, so this is an important consideration. How do all of you handle this kind of situation? Is there such a thing as "rent a jacket" in the Berner Oberland? Or should we just stuff our silk long johns in our suitcase and go with our light jackets? Thanks in advance for sharing your tips and experience!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
For the time of year that you are going, the B.O. can be a bit chilly. The snow has probably gone but there could be rain and cold days. You will need to layer your clothing. If you are going to the mountain tops and plan on going outside, it's cold up there. Sweaters, jackets and hats. Gloves if you are going to stay outside. It can be windy up there. If you stay inside the Jungfraujoch or the Piz Gloria, maybe not with the heavier clothing. It's nice inside. Walking around the B.O. you will need sweaters and possibly light raingear.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
You will only experience cold temperatures near the summits of the mountains. Realistically, your total time exposed to these elements will likely last well under an hour. I wouldn't overpack for such a brief slice of your overall trip. A windbreaker lined with a sweater, plus a scarf, gloves, and hat should be adequate, and if not, just go inside. Leave the long johns at home. Even if it is cold enough at the top to justify them, you would still have to wear them on the ascent and descent. In the climate-controlled trains and lifts, you will start sweating in long johns, and that will make you all the colder when you reach the top. At lower elevations below the alpine level, a wind breaker and light sweater will suffice. If you plan on hiking, consider investing in some hiking pants (made of a synthetic material that dries quickly) and a water-resistant wind breaker. You will likely encounter rain at some point.
Posted by
OP
Stanwood
6 posts
Thank you all for the input. I feel much more comfortable now leaving the heavy jackets and the long johns at home! I love the Travelers' Helpline and all the great people who take the time to contribute. I'd be lost without it!
Posted by
Clarksburg, MD, USA
92 posts
My sister and I took our Mom to Switzerland a couple of years ago. We were there for about 10 days at the end of May. Each of us had a light jacket that we supplemented with seaters, scarves and gloves. This worked well for us as it was not really cold except at the very top of the mountains. We used Murren as our base of operations for several days and it was not very cold at Murren either. The only time my Mom felt cold was one day when my sister and I decided to have a beer at the restaurant just across the street from Murren's train station. We sat outside in the sun and my Mom said that she felt cold because of the wind. My sister and I told her that she felt cold because she decided to have an ice cream instead of a hot cup of tea or coffee! Penn