Kaf1: I don't want to outsmart anybody. I just wanted to help you. I go to the Wengen/Grindelwald area every automn since dozens of years.
But here, I give up. A local who lives in the area can obviously do nothing against concentrated US power.

What neckervd said.

Kaf1: I don't want to outsmart anybody. Just providing helpful information. I have stayed in the Bernese Oberland many times in different seasons in the last 20 years (but prefer the Engadine now.) If it doesn't matter to you that it can be very quiet after the daytrippers are gone, and that the selection of restaurants, cafes and shops is limited, then Wengen is the best choice for you, I'd say.

Btw, didn't know that PalQ is "concentrated US power". LOL Because I certainly do NOT fit into that category.

Locals provide great info only locals can provide but they are also locals and not foreign tourists - can be jaded to what someone never ever seeing Switzerland will like - pros and cons - overlooking things that may delight someone never having been there.

neckervd prvoides volumes of great info don't get me wrong but the eye of a foreign tourist is often different from that of a local.

"the eye of a foreign tourist is often different from that of a local."
Of course! and that's good so. Nobody knows that better than Swiss people living among 4 languages and 4 cultures within a small territory.
In the present case, one should probably define first what means "closed":
a. every restaurant and every shop closed, like in French "stations" (Avoriaz, Flaine, etc)
b. all restaurants and shops used by locals open, touristy things closed, like at Verbier, Courmayeur, Breuil/Cervinia, etc
c. almost all restaurants and shops open, all gondolas, mountain railways and buses running, but almost no English speaking tourists (like at Wengen/Grindelwald etc. during the Swiss automn holiday period).

the proof is in the pudding!

Thanks again to all We have decided to go to Grindelwald My husband has never been, and I was there only passing through on a ski trip. We will love it I am sure.

You really can't go that wrong no matter where you stay IMO - even Interlaken has it unbelievably cute parts, like Matten and Unterseen - Grindelwald should not be nearly as hectic in September as in July/August except perhaps for the Jungfrau Marathon which brings huge throngs but believe ti does not pass thru Grindelwald but not sure - but during it most area hotels will be filled IME.

Ingo - What do you mean " and it smells that you can't book it on booking.com" for the Hotel Belvedere in Wemgen?. Could you explaim?

They listed it as "available, but unfortunately just booked out." Which is nonsense, it is definitely closed at that time.

we just got back from switzerland and n. italy trip... we truly enjoyed our stay in leukerbad. if you truly want to relax... there's nothing like thermal water. the town was nice enough... the spa hotel (lindner) was very good and the food was quite good. you are on the other side looking toward the alps... and there is great hiking in the area, if weather allows. and if the weather is cold and awful... you've always got the thermal waters to relax in. just a thought... or if you want to go farther afield from milan, we LOVED bagni vecchi terme in bormio... also amazing views and thermal waters... but a little farther from where you said you wanted to be.

https://www.google.com/search?q=mont...=1600&bih=1075

If you like posh thermal resorts next time in Italy stop by Montecatini Terme, one of the most popular such watering holes in Europe.

It has a lush park-like setting very unusual for Italy - no obnoxiously loud mopeds running around - just so tranquil - the water though tastes horrible!

thanks palenq... yes... we have been to montecatini terme a couple of times... but never stayed there, just used the pool and grotto. lovely water!

kawh - how about Chianciano Terme - near Chiusi and Monetpulciano in Tuscany - to meet though did not rival Montecatini in size or plushness still a formidable watering hole?

Though I don't take the waters I love those Italian thermal resorts - mainly a senior crowd but still great people watching.

https://www.google.com/search?q=chia...w=1280&bih=860

Thanks palenq...have made a note!