Alright, so I finally did it. Switzerland in October. Everyone’s always yapping on about the fall colors, fewer crowds, and how it’s supposedly the ‘best’ time. So, I figured, let’s see what all the fuss is about. Packed my bags, ready for an adventure, or at least some decent cheese.
My whole plan started because I heard it was the “shoulder season.” Sounds fancy, right? Basically, it’s supposed to be cheaper and less packed. I was thinking, you know, crisp air, maybe a bit chilly, but those vibrant leaves everyone shows in pictures? That’s what I was after. Plus, the idea of not having to fight through hordes of tourists for every photo op was pretty appealing, let me tell ya.
First thing that really hit me when I landed was the air. It was definitely crisp. Some days were absolutely gorgeous – sunshine, that amazing golden light bouncing off the mountains. But then, other days, whoa, it could really turn on you. The weather apps would say something like 8°C to 15°C down in the towns, and yeah, that was about right. But you go up any kind of mountain? Totally different story. Layers, my friend, layers are key. I learned that pretty quick.
So, I made my way to Lauterbrunnen. You’ve seen the pictures, I’m sure. That valley is just insane. And in October? Man, the leaves were doing their thing, all sorts of yellows, oranges, and reds. It was pretty stunning. You could just feel winter was kinda peeking around the corner. Some of those higher peaks already had a dusting of snow, which looked incredible against all the autumn colors. I spent a good few days there, just wandering around, taking it all in.
Hiking was high on my list. I mean, it’s Switzerland, that’s what you do, right? Some of the trails were just perfect. Not too hot, not too sweaty, just right for a good long walk. But here’s a thing: “shoulder season” also means some stuff starts to close down. A few of the mountain lifts, the ones that take you way up high? Yeah, they were either on a limited schedule or shut completely for the season. So, you gotta be a bit flexible with your plans. Can’t just expect everything to be running like it’s peak summer.
Then I decided to check out Lugano, down in Ticino. Totally different world. It felt so much warmer, almost like I’d popped over to Italy. They had this autumn festival going on when I was there. Lots of food stalls, music, people roasting chestnuts on the street. It was a really nice vibe, very lively. Good to see that side of Switzerland, the more Mediterranean part. Showed me how diverse the country is, even in a small place.
Now, about it being “cheaper.” Yeah, okay, maybe some hotels had slightly better rates. I probably saved a few bucks here and there. But it’s still Switzerland, you know? It’s not suddenly a bargain basement destination. And the trade-off for fewer crowds is that some places can feel a bit… quiet. Like, really quiet. If you’re looking for that buzzing, lively atmosphere everywhere you go, October might not be your month. But if you’re like me, and you actually enjoy a bit more peace, a bit more space to breathe, then it’s pretty great.
I remember this one morning, I was all set for a hike I’d planned. Checked the weather, looked fine. Woke up, and it was freezing. Like, way colder than I thought it would be, especially with the wind whipping down from the mountains. My fancy weather app didn’t quite capture that reality. I nearly froze my bits off waiting for a bus. Had to dive into a tiny village shop and buy the thickest, ugliest woolly hat they had. Cost me a fortune, relatively speaking. But you know what? It became my favorite souvenir. Reminded me that no matter how much you plan, nature just does its thing. You gotta roll with it. That’s the real travel experience, not just the glossy brochure stuff.
So, yeah, Switzerland in October. It was definitely an experience. You get those amazing fall colors, some beautiful crisp days if you’re lucky, and for sure, fewer people than in July. But you absolutely need to pack for all sorts of weather, and don’t be shocked if some of your grand plans have to change because a cable car decided to take its autumn nap. It’s not the postcard summer scene, but it’s got its own raw, beautiful thing going on. A trip I won’t be forgetting anytime soon, that’s for sure.
