Switzerland in November 2023

Welcome to a unique Swiss adventure in November. While this month may be considered the off-season due to increased rainfall, I invite you to join me on this journey filled with unexpected perks, breathtaking landscapes, and memorable experiences.

Andrew surprised me with this trip, keeping it a secret to avoid my complaints about the off-season. He knew I would be overly anxious about the weather. Upon arriving in Zurich, it was drizzling, but the weather cleared during our train journey to Interlaken, offering stunning views. The uncrowded train definitely made our experience a lot better, and even a light drizzle in Interlaken couldn’t take away the beauty of the captivating scenery.

For excursions, I recommend deciding day by day, as excursions do not get fully booked during the month of November. Our Airbnb host was so kind, she provided a list of excursions which was a huge help. I will link the excursions in the “Swiss November itinerary”.

The weather was unpredictable, but apps provide rain forecasts, allowing excursion planning around rain pockets. For example, our paragliding excursion happened in the morning because the weather was supposed to get ugly later in the afternoon.

The limited crowds in November enhanced our trip, offering a more intimate and enjoyable experience. However, our main complaint is that the prices in Switzerland don’t drop during the off-season as mentioned in many blogs and articles. We asked many locals if that were true and they looked at me like I was crazy. Expenses remain high, even for simple meals and souvenirs, so beware.

Interlaken was stunning and offered numerous excursions. The bus transportation was very accessible and convenient. There was a wide range of shops, about 80% of shops were open such as dining options, and cafes. The views were also incredibly beautiful everywhere I looked. I highly recommend staying in Interlaken for two to four full days, especially if you are someone who loves to admire breathtaking views.

Beatenberg, situated up the mountain, is a definite dream destination. You can get there within twenty minutes by bus from Interlaken.

Grindelwald, while smaller than Interlaken, offers immaculate views and few open shops and restaurants. A two-day visit during the off-season is more than enough, with the top-of-Europe excursion being highly recommended.

Bern is a shopping haven with beautiful scenic spots. A day trip allows exploration without committing to an overnight stay. Zurich, which was our last stop, was overpriced. If you have an early flight, staying in Zurich is practical; otherwise, consider alternatives like Grindelwald or Bern for a more budget-friendly experience.

Overall, my husband and I had the best time in Switzerland, and we will definitely be returning, hopefully in the summer. We feel like there is still so much to explore. It was the best trip of our lifetime, and this place deserves to be visited again. Until next time, LovelyLivelyAlexis.