A week in Switzerland arriving April 16 — can I still go?
 

I am to take this trip solo in 5 weeks in which I will be staying in Luzern for all 6 nights and taking day trips by train to the mountains. I have a disability with my back so my plan is to take trains and walk.

My focus will be the Berner Oberland (Schilthorn, First, Mürren, Wengen) and mountains near Luzern including Rigi & Pilatus.

I really want to make this trip. I don’t want coronavirus to stop me. But I also don’t want to be reckless. I’m not planning to go near the Italian border so no Matterhorn or Zermat. I may spend a day in Luzern including glong on a boat on Lake Luzerne to Viznau. That will be part of my trip to Rigi.

Am I being foolish in wanting to go? It is 5 weeks away. I can wait until the last minute regarding changing my plans. I live in NYC and take public transport daily so it isn’t as if I am isolating myself. Not at all. What would any of you do?

I woud have no hesitation in going. I would even visit those places near the Italian Border. Of course i'd be keeping an eye on what is happening in Switzerland and what their health authorities are saying between now and your trip.

I'm off to NYC next week for a week. I have no apprehension about this despite the cases appearing in the NY state. The only concession I will make (unless advised otherwise) will be to wash my hands more regularly than I would normally. Otherwise I'll be doing all the touristy things I want to do.

You'll note I live in Brighton which had an outbreak last month and I'm still here!

If you can survive Brighton....😉

You will be fine in NYC. If you put on the local news, you will hear hysteria by both the media and local/state politicians. You will also find crowded subways and buses because we still have to commute. Not everybody telecommutes. Some think that wearing masks will protect them and you’ll see that from time to time on mainly women in their 20s and 30s. Hand sanitizer is difficult if not impossible to find so if use it, bring it from home. I wash my hands all the time too. I also carry hand lotion because of the resulting dry skin from all that hand washing.

I appreciate your saying that you would go to Switzerland. I do really want to go. I can’t allow my exuberance make me reckless which is why I started this thread.

Have a great trip.

OP are you basically healthy with no significant lung issues? If yes, I'd take the precautions you'd normally take during flu season. If you're in basic good health without respiratory issues, it's my understanding you can catch this virus and barely know it. Which is clearly a problem with a contagious illness and a population in varying states of health. Which is why thousands get really sick and die every flu season but you don't. Other than the fact that it's a novel virus thus there's no immunity built up yet, is it really in effect that different than influenza?

I have had type 2 diabetes since 2003 and control my blood sugar with medication. I get a flu shot annually. I did contract a mild case of pneumonia last May and with medication, I was back to health within 5 weeks. I was given the pneumonia vaccine 5 years prior. I never needed to go to the hospital and really only had one bad day.

I haven’t had any respiratory problems since the end of June with that pneumonia.

I feel fine.

The risk is low but it's there. Only you can answer the question if you are comfortable taking it

I’d not hesitate to go.

Nobody knows what the situation will be in April. Italy is currently under lock down. If the current trends continue Switzerland will be where Italy is now in 2 weeks.

Only you know your risk tolerance. Personally, I would still go unless it gets significantly worse in Switzerland. I'd be monitoring conditions for the next couple of weeks, and it's good you are able to change plans at the last minute.

Also realize that at some point the decision may not be yours to make. Airlines are reducing flights and canceling some destinations. Some hotels and restaurants may close or have restrictions. As I'm sure you've seen in NY, we are seeing areas quarantined in the US and Italy. You may even find you get there and then aren't able to stick to the itinerary you planned. To me, it's much more about a disruption of the trip than a concern about catching the virus.

I'm guessing it will go the way of SARS and Avian flu, etc. eventually, but doesn't seem like that will be in 5 weeks.

That’s the thing, I will definitely be following what is happening in Switzerland. Initially I wanted to have a day trip to Bern and one to Zürich to enjoy museums and walk around but I’m not sure if that is a good idea as opposed to spending more time in the mountains.

I haven’t read anything about trains being canceled. There is one rerouting via bus between Interlaken Ost & Wilderswill due to planned construction but that is it.

To save money, I wanted to go to Manor in Luzern for a buffet dinner as it is more economical but I’m not sure that is a good idea.

My biggest fear in all honesty is not being able to return to JFK when I fly home on April 22. Will flights from Switzerland not be allowed to fly into the US? I don’t know how one can predict that before leaving for Zürich a week earlier.

IMO, you are clearly thinking of this in the right way. The one thing that's becoming more and more clear with this (now) pandemic, is that we can't predict what will happen from day to day. You bring up a good point about getting back into the US. Even if flights are all fine, there's always a chance you'll go into quarantine for a couple weeks. Whether you have work, family, or other obligations, you have to decide if it's a risk you're willing to take. Even if it's small right now, there's some chance that getting back into the country will take longer than normal.

I have an international vacation planned at the end of May. I hope by then most of this is behind us. But the things you've written are exactly what I'm thinking about for that trip. If we haven't turned a corner by then, and things are still getting worse, I'll definitely consider canceling. But I'll wait as long as I can to make that call.

As a side note, I always appreciate your posts in the Europe forum, so I'm hoping for the best and that you'll be able to take and enjoy your trip! Sometimes good wishes help. :)

Sorry, but this is a completely un-based statement unless you have direct data and have run your own models. You base your opinion on whatever statement was presented to you by irresponsible newspeople who think that working for a TV station or an internet page qualifies them as experts in public health! I can show you equally irresponsible pieces of news stating that within the next 2-3 weeks, the world-wide situation will ease down dramatically, i.e. the opposite of your claim. :rolleyes:

Thank you! You are very kind.

I just learned of the US 30 day ban on all flights from the European continent to the US starting this Friday at midnight which means that on April 13 at the earliest, the ban will be lifted. I am to leave for Zürich on April 15 returning April 22. In theory, I should be fine but theory isn’t reality. The ban could be lifted and then a few days after I arrive in Zürich, the ban could be reinstated and then I could be stuck.

I bought the tickets on Delta in August and if I change my itinerary, the tickets will be valid until September 21 meaning I have to return home by September 21. I will wait as late as possible to make that call. This is a headache as hotels are light years more expensive in September than in mid April. On the bright side, at least I’m not stuck overseas nor have I contracted coronavirus. Always best to look at the big picture.

I hope your vacation is not affected whatsoever by this. I would hope by the end of May with warmer weather, the coronavirus will no longer be a pandemic.

I just thought of you and your trip. It's a real nightmare for millions of people

Am in the midst of cancelling and rebooking my flights and asking the hotel if they will refund or hold a credit for later in the year.

If not I'm hoping my insurance will cover it as I have been prevented from travelling and didn't decide not to travel

We all just learned about it! This would make me rethink the trip. Again, not because I'm afraid I'll die from the virus, but due to the fact that I might be severely inconvenienced for an indefinite time. It's a little too close to the trip dates for my comfort. It's totally a guess, but it wouldn't surprise me if the ban were to be lengthened.

As I understand it, the ban doesn't apply to Americans returning home, although they would be subject to quarantine (I may be wrong, just what I gleaned quickly last night). But the bigger issue is how airlines will react. Flight schedules will certainly be reduced to the new demand and some airlines may decide to stop flights to the US completely during the ban. I suppose we'll know more by this weekend. If the ban is lengthened, it could certainly impact you.

I go to Switz. often, usually booking a Delta Vacation Package (air + hotel), many times the package price is less than airfare alone. I had such a trip booked for 4/7-4/14 which I just cancelled. In light of Trump's travel ban my flights might have been cancelled by DL anyway. Your trip is probably outside the 30 day period, so if things have improved I'd vote GO!
I've taken the Luzern-Vitznau-Rigi Kulm trip many times--spectacular scenery. Two suggestions: (1)on www.sbb.ch/en you can purchase a 1 day saver DAY PASS (you don't need a half-fare card, but it is cheaper if you have one) in either 1st or 2nd class (Vitznau to Rigi is only 2nd class), (2)the DAY PASS gives you the entire country (except expensive mountain trips like Jungfrau) for a fixed price; for the return trip, go Rigi to Arth Goldau, ride from there to Goschenen (via the pre-Tunnel route) the train spirals (in 3 passes) around the Wassen Church--a famous and interesting trip. In any event, even if you do cancel, the Alps will still be there to see on your replacement journey.

Good luck! For the first time, the hotel I booked is 100% refundable. I booked through Expedia and the ability to cancel up to a day before arrival was very attractive. I had never done this before; great time to start.

I'm hoping it's the opposite but I'll take a look at the expanse of the virus and make a decision one week before my trip. I'm with you about the concern of the unknown regarding travel.

As of now, Americans traveling to the US from these Schengen countries during the ban will be asked to to self quarantine. It has not been made mandatory as of now.

I don't think flights will be stopped because passenger flights have a substantial amount of cargo transported. I do think they'll be reduced. So if the ban were extended, the dates of one or both of my flights could be cancelled and I'd have to find a seat somehow. I'll wait until April 8, one week before my trip.

Good point.

Well, the cargo point was good until Delta ended all European flights during the ban. The big 3 US airlines tend to follow one another, and especially follow DL's lead. Let's hope we start to see signs of improvement over the next month.

The Swiss government has decided to close all tourist and entertainment venues in the whole country till the end of April. So no mountain railways, no cable cars, no skiing, no museums...
So no point in coming, i‘m afraid.

Some “mountain” railways, Rigi Bahn for example, Transport not just tourists. Several years ago I rode from Vitznau to Rigi on a weekday at around 3 pm, lots of students were returning to their homes at the end of the school day.

The Rigi railway has reduced its schedule to the minimum needed to serve the area. On the Arth-Goldau side this means two trips a day...

Elsewhere it is similar. Where a mountain railway has a public transport function this can continue operating. The Wengeralpbahn is still running between Lauterbrunnen and Wengen, but not further.

Given that;

A lot of European airlines are reducing flights by 50%, 75%, 90% in many cases
Many other airlines are suspending routes, reducing frequencies
That a lot of European countries are restricting non-essential travel across borders
That a lot of countries are only allowing citizens & residents to enter
That the USA has travel restrictions on most European countries, including all Schengen countries ( of which Switzerland is one) making return travel difficult at best

Even if Switzerland hasn't done many of these things yet, I would say it if probably just a matter of time. So then I am sorry to say but I very much doubt that your trip will be going ahead and you should plan accordingly.

Even if you were able to travel there, given that so many places are closing temporarily or drastically cutting opening hours. Then tourism at this time would be seriously hindered and you would struggle to have much fun.

I'm going to amend my advice. Given the severe disruption that your trip is going to face (basically everything closed, cut back massively) and the question around getting there and back (capacity is taking a huge cut), this would be about the most unenjoyable vacation ever. And you may end up in quarantine somewhere along the way. Cancel or rebook.

As predicted, Switzerland have now implemented strict controls

• a ban on all private and public events and closing bars, restaurants, sports and cultural spaces until April 19
• Only Swiss citizens, Swiss residents and people traveling to Switzerland for business are allowed to enter the country.

Source: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/covid-1...rland/45592192


So I'm afraid travel is now not possible at all.

Edit:
And now confirmed that the EU 26 states + Schengen states (including Switzerland) have closed borders for all non citizens and residents for 30 days.

To be honest, with the situation that is happening today and how we see the cases of people who have Coronavirus are growing, I would hesitate to go there. I think now, this time is quite sensitive and you can get stuck in a country pretty fast, and that won't be fun or easy (plus it might be pretty expensive). If I were in your position, I would see how much money I would lose if I skipped the trip, and if the costs are not too high, I would skip the trip.

CH is turning into a real Covid-19 hotspot. With everything closed and healthcare likely to be expensive, probably best to shelve this trip.

Well, here are a couple of verified facts that speak not to the contrary but which look at those rules in a different way (Switzerland becoming Mediterranean in enforcement of rules):

* My son went home flying into ZRH from ATH a couple of days ago without any control what so ever.
* A friend of mine went to the market in Annemasse (France) on Sunday (few stands open), bought a chicken, went back to Carouge and the only thing controlled was what he purchased: the customs agents said the chicken was illegal (she eventually let him bring it along).

By the way, the Swiss high court declared restrictions in Ticino to be unconstitutional...

KLouis, I appreciate your post but I had to try to get a young British university student home to Alsace last week. OK so he bought a last minute ticket between LGW and BSL but, like any other non-Swiss passport holder on the flight, was not allowed to board the flight at LGW. The airline flew him to Paris ... and there was a happy ending eventually but with plenty of stress and worry to all parties. Switzerland is not allowing non-Swiss nationals to enter their territory (even at a shared airport like BSL/MLH/EAP).

The French government yesterday has closed all markets of the type you mention.

Your son was (1) lucky and (2) within the law on the day he went shopping .... but would now be unable to do so.

Switzerland has closed its borders. My department (68) has had its quarantine period extended - and we started a week ahead of the rest of France. PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL HERE at present for your own health, wealth and peace of mind.

That is odd, since BSL is on France, not in Switzerland. Unless you take the Swiss exit you never enter Switzerland.

that maybe true but according to most when you mention BSL, its Basel,CH that comes to mind and not say Mulhouse,Fr . then again its alot closer to Basel then Mulhouse

I highly doubt most folks who work 1` way or another for an airline will have any idea that BSL isnt in CH but is physically in FR, just as some wont know that GVA has a Swiss and a French section

Pre EU, the Basel SBB station had an SNCF area (tracks were numbered 30+), you had to do passport control to enter. Was that section in FRANCE?

It was still there pre-Schengen. The section was technically in France. The same with the DB part of the Basel Badischer Bahnhof.

But that station was not physically connected to SBB.

Was in Basel in September and the SNCF part of the station was cut off from the rest of the SBB station, but this is(was?) because the whole station is under renovation. To enter or exit the SNCF portion, you have to pass through a customs post which was unstaffed when I was there. I guess there are now ID checks at the customs post, if non-Swiss cannot enter Switzerland.

Some trains from Basel SCNF have their first stop at Basel St Johann which is still in Switzerland. How did that work if you passed into French customs territory once you got on the train?

What about all those trams and buses which cross the borders? Basel tram 10 and bus 55 start in Switzerland, then cross the border to France / Germany respectively then go back to Switzerland again, and you hardly notice unless you are following the route on your GPS in real time :D

There are so many tiny roads and paths crossing the Swiss borders, I struggle to see how these were patrolled before Schengen, which was not that long ago. Were they all barricaded or policed and what is happening now?

In normal times there are SBB trains going through the Badischer Bahnhof, but because SBB runs the local S-Bahns instead of DB to Lörrach and further. These trains stop at a couple of stops before they cross the border though. I've taken them a few times.

You cannot cross the border into Switzerland from France unless you have a Swiss passport or a work permit allowing you to cross into Switzerland for your essential work. In addition, those coming from France will have to have an Attestation de déplacement dérogatoire, signed, dated and timed each day for each journey to and from work ... plus their French ID.

And little tracks etc can be closed by barriers (firmly embedded) or nasty things that will rip your tyres to shreds ... not to mention official police cameras.

If you are not going for essential work, or are returning as a national to your country to live (and go into quarantine) the Swiss border is closed to you. Switzerland may not be shouting from the rooftops, but has plenty of COVID-19 problems within its borders. Tourism is CLOSED for the moment, and probably for several months at least to come.

Schengen basically codified what was already common anyway. I have never in my life shown a passport at a Swiss (or French or German) land border. The only time I have ever been stopped at the Swiss border was when a border guard needed to explain to me that my trailer needed the highway sticker too.

Nothing that will stop a pedestrian or cyclist though. The border has never been very firm in that area.

I have. It happened several years ago as I was driving from Konstanz(Germany) to Kreuzlingen and was stopped by the Swiss border guard.