11/2-11/9/02 Is it a bad time to go?
 

1. Has anyone been to Switzerland in November? Should I not bother? <BR><BR>I've been reading the postings and researching the books on switzerland. Due to work, I can only take this week off for switzerland. November seems not to be a recommended month to go to Switzerland. Seems like things may be closed and chance of bad weather. I plan to fly into Zurich, goto Lucern, see the Jungfrau region /Interlaken, see the Ch&acirc;teau de Chillon (by Lake Geneva), and I definitely must see the Mattahorn from Zermatt. All by using public transportation. What do you think? Risk it? or should I just head to Greece? (which is off season too but at least not cold) These are my only 2 choices(Switzerland or Greece), since I plan to stay a second week in the Amalfi Coast region of Italy. Here's to dreaming.<BR>

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Hi<BR><BR>Shucks no .............<BR><BR>11 Feb to 9 Nov looks great<BR><BR>Peter<BR>

Hello Dreamer,<BR><BR>I love Switzerland any time -- so my response is biased.<BR><BR>I've been to Switzerland once in November and once in March (pretty similar weather in my book); the November trip was to Luzern & Montreux and the March trip was to Wengen & Montreux. <BR><BR>The negative aspects of a November trip are: fewer boat trips on the lake (maybe 0 on Lake Leman), no flowers, and no outdoor cafes.<BR><BR>But the positive aspects of this timeframe are: great, interesting, and provocative weather (the lakes turn downright moody), fewer tourists, and maybe some local concerts or fests going on.<BR><BR>I think the excursion to Interlaken and the Jungfrau might be underwhelming at this time -- no flowers and little snow -- but Lake Geneva would be a good bet. You might want to consider Locarno or Lugano in the southern part of Switzerland as good bets as well.<BR><BR>Do you plan to get to Zermatt from Luzern as a day trip? You should know that the train ride is about five hours each way, so that's clearly not a good idea.<BR><BR>Have fun planning this!<BR><BR>s<BR>

Hi Dreamer,<BR>In Luzern, November can be great or not so good. Pretty helpful, huh? There is often rain or overcast days, but when the sun shines, it is beautiful. The only problem is it is iffy. Think Seattle. The weather is not generally too cold...maybe 40 degrees. The plus side is that there are few tourists and rates should be lower. Check www.myswitzerland.com for festivals that may be going on.<BR>Happy deciding!<BR>Jan

Thanks for all your help. Still working out the details and trying to decide. Happy Travel!