joeyeoj

Hey guys,

I plan on visiting Switzerland in May 2017 and based on what I have read so far, weather in May can be very unpredictable. I would like to seek your advice on where to stay as a base --- should I split my days to 2 places or can I stay in just 1 area for the entire trip?

I would really want to stay in mountain villages like Murren, Wengen, Grindelwald, etc. because of the view. But given the unpredictable weather, I don't know what's the best option for me. I'm actually looking forward to seeing both fine weather and snowfall (we don't experience snow where I'm from) LOL. They say Interlaken is a tourist trap so I don't want to stay there, maybe a day trip is fine.

I would also like to try paragliding and riding the luge (or do they call it summer toboggan ride in Switzerland?) --- are these activities possible in May? Saw paragliding videos on youtube that were done in May but I'm not sure with the luge.

Apologies if my thoughts are all over the place. I probably need more research but your inputs would be very helpful.

Thank you!

FuryFluffy

You can stay in one area and do daytrips - 5 days are not really enough to split in 2 places.

There are enough activities in the Jungfrau region (Murren, Wengen, Grindelwald) to keep you busy. Paragliding is available in May (I was there this May and saw plenty of it), but luge I'm not sure, it depends on the condition of snow, and I just saw their website only sell luge tickets up to 17 avril.

Don't stay in Interlaken, even a daytrip there is not necessary: Interlaken is only the transportation hub to go to other mountain villages, nothing in itself. You may stay in Lauterbrunnen, it has easy acces to Murren, Wengen, Grindelwald, Interlaken and everything that you have mentioned. Plus, Lauterbrunnen is a gorgeous valley that can occupy you for 1 full days.

Other than that, you can do daytrips to Switzerland cities if you like: Bern, Lucern,...

joeyeoj

Hi Furyfluffy,

Thanks for the reply to this thread and for my France thread. Switzerland is the first stop of the trip I'm having and France is my last. Also going to do Amsterdam and might visit a friend in Weinheim before that.

I've read about Lauterbrunnen in a few itineraries, I'll read more about it.

Did you book the paragliding activity in advance? Since the weather could be unpredictable, can I book it on the day itself?

Edward2005

I used Paragliding Jungfrau in June 2008. Just call them the morning you want to go (weather permitting). They have several jump spots to choose from but not all may be available on the same day, as the weather can vary between valleys.

joeyeoj

I'm hoping that in those 5 days, I could get one fine weather to paraglide. Haha. Thanks Edward!

By the way, this is a non-country specific question: How is it travelling with a medium sized luggage in trains or buses? I don't think I can fit all my stuff in a huge backpack. I haven't travelled for this long (18 days all in all --- Switzerland > Weinheim > Amsterdam > Paris).

Edward2005

Ask a question about packing philosophy and you literally will get about 100 replies.

I'm a pack-light guy. One backpack that weights about 18 lbs (backpack + contents) is my limit. It's the same whether I am going for one week or four. Managing airports, train stations, etc. is soooo much easier if you pack light. And you will have to walk a whole lot more with your luggage than you imagine.

My basic packing tips:

* Don't pack something because it *might* come in handy. Only pack something if you are *certain* you will use it multiple times. Say no to the scuba mask and yes to the toothbrush. If it turns out you need something you did not pack, you can buy it in Europe.

* Don't pack a ton of clothes; this adds bulk and weight to your luggage. Use the Rule of Four: 4 underwear, 4 pairs of socks, 4 shirts. Couple pairs of pants/shorts. Sweater. Layer for warmth. Do laundry as you go.

* One pair of shoes. They are heavy and bulky, so don't pack a second pair unless absolutely necessary.

Even with my pack-light approach, after the trip when I unpack I can still find things I brought but seldom/never used. Generally, we need a lot less stuff than we think we do.

FuryFluffy

Intercity train and buses have a common space for luggage, but less big than airplane luggage space, and it's on first-come first serve basis, so if you have lots of luggage, come a little bit early (20 mins before departure time at least).
Also, don't put precious thing into the luggage because it's really a common space.

DantesDame

For the luge (called Bobsled, or Rodelbahnen here), do a search online. Some of them run all year, some are summer only. And of course, there are many different varieties of tracks.

kja

I used paragliding-jungfrau in June 2013 for a tandem jump ending in Lauterbrunnen. I booked ahead, and IIRC, I had the option of going from the Grutschalp (Murren) side in the morning or the Wengen side in the afternoon -- I went in the morning and had a glorious ride over the stunning Staubbach Falls.
http://www.paragliding-jungfrau.ch/wp/

Swiss rail offers a luggage forwarding option that you can use in some rare cases for morning to evening delivery, but perhaps more useful, for sending things head a day or two and just taking a bag with things you'll need for a day or two until you "catch up" with it. Browse the "services" section of the sbb website; you will probably have to specify specific stations to get the info you need.
http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html

joeyeoj

Edward/FuryFluffy - excellent tips! thank you!

DantesDame - saw some videos on youtube and I think they did it in May so that's good. thanks!

kja - haven't heard of that luggage forwarding option but i'll look into it. thank you!