kenav

We have been to Switzerland twice before but it was always early or mid-September. Now thinking of going at end of sept (because of availability of frequent flyer tickets).

Bern Oberland: Would most alpine lifts/funiculars/cog wheel trains, etc. still be working? Would "things" (shops, restaurants) for example, have closed until snow season?

Was also thinking of St. Gallen, Shuaffhausen area while we were there.

kenav

Yikes, what a terrible title - "Ever been fo the end of Sept-October"? Don't know how the "fo" got in there. Should be "Ever been there at the end..."

Dukey1

Yes, and including the BO..great weather and plenty to see and do. Last time was the first week of October and loved it.

Jean

We've been to several places in the Zurich-Geneva-Lugano triangle as late as the last two weeks of October. Everything seemed open. Although we did get light snowfall a couple of mornings in Bern and Luzern, the weather in the BO was perfect.

kenav

Jean - Glad to hear weather in OB was perfect - temperature? Were the means to get the mountains open? (My previous questions about funiculars, cable cars, etc.)

Were you in the mountain towns in OB or did you take day trips from Bern to get there?

kappa1

> Were the means to get the mountains open? (My previous questions about funiculars, cable cars, etc.)

Basically all are open SEP - OCT. Still high (or middles if not high) Some might close sometime around November before ski season. Go to some major mountain transport sites like Jungfrau, Schilthorn or any other in which you are actually interested. You can see details yourself.

Jean

kenav, we needed warm jackets for the top of the Jungfrau; otherwise, a sweater or fleece was enough. On the October trip, everything was open everywhere.

We've stayed in towns in the OB area (but not for several years), and the October visit was a day-trip from Bern.

kappa1

> Still high (or middles if not high)

Meant to say, still high - middle SEASON.

kenav

I asked about BO towns at this time of the year because when we were in Murren in mid September on our way to the cable car that takes you up to the Schilthorn, it seemed pretty deserted.

nytraveler

Most things are open until at or near the end of Oct - hiking in the fall is very popular. Many places/services will close in November (starting to get cold and nasty) to freshen/repair everything for the upcoming ski season from near Christmas on.

kenav

Any recommendations for hotels/B&Bs at about $150 US? Both upper and lower Engadine.

mokka4

How many nights will you be in this region? If 4 or more, have you considered vacation apartments?
I stayed for 5 nights in Pontresina at a two-bedroom apartment for about $110 per night. I liked the extra space, the ability to cook a meal and the view.

Ingo

www.engadinerhof.ch in Pontresina

www.pensionvaltuoi.ch in Guarda

I.

PS: In Wengen in mid Sept two years ago and I thought it became quieter and quieter. Probably deserted by mid October.

kenav

Ingo - Did I read somewhere that getting into Guarda is a long walk up from the train station?

gruezi

kenav,

I love the end of September for hiking in Switzerland. Great weather, uncrowded. Things are very much opened everywhere you are talking about.

You can take the Post bus up from Guarda or this hotel will pick you up.

Here is where I stay there:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...wiss_Alps.html

Ingo

The bus is timed with the arriving/departing trains. Otherwise, if you miss this bus, it is a long walk up, yes.

You can easily check the schedules on www.sbb.ch

Other options in the Upper Engadine:
www.central-samedan.ch
www.traisfluors.ch

In the Lower Engadin:
www.garni-alpenrose.ch (Scuol)
www.pensiun-plaz.ch (Sent)
www.allegra-garni.ch (Ftan)

I.

gruezi

But the bus comes right to the train so no reason to miss it unless you wander off...