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Forecast for Pentecost Weekend in Switzerland: Anticipated Weather Conditions for Travelers

Long weekend ahead in Swiss cantons on Whit Monday (June 9th): Here's your guide for the anticipated holiday break.

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In numerous Swiss cantons, the observance of Whit Monday on June 9th results in a lengthy break for...
In numerous Swiss cantons, the observance of Whit Monday on June 9th results in a lengthy break for many residents, offering a three-day weekend. Here's a breakdown of what this holiday might entail.

Forecast for Pentecost Weekend in Switzerland: Anticipated Weather Conditions for Travelers

Heading to Switzerland during Pentecost weekend? Here's the lowdown on what to expect:

Avoid these roads:

With masses flocking to various destinations, you'll want to steer clear of some notorious traffic zones. According to the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA), watch out for these bottlenecks:

  1. Motorways:
  2. A1 (Geneva, Bardonnex border crossing)
  3. A1 (Kirchberg - Schönbühl)
  4. A1 (Härkingen - Wangen A)
  5. A2/A3 (Basel, including border crossings with France and Germany)
  6. A2 (Belchen Tunnel - Härkingen)
  7. A2/A14 (Lucerne region, Stans-Nord / return journeys)
  8. A2 (Altdorf - Biasca, Gotthard Road Tunnel)
  9. A2 (Lugano - Mendrisio)
  10. A4 (Adlikon - Winterthur-Nord)
  11. A8 (Interlaken - Spiez)
  12. A8 (Sarnen - Lopper Interchange)
  13. A9 (Lausanne)
  14. A9 (Lausanne - Veyre/Vevey - Bex-Nord)
  15. A12 (Châtel-St-Denis - La Veyre/Vevey)
  16. A13 (Sarganserland - Thusis-Sud)
  17. A13 (Andeer - Mesocco)
  18. A15 (Hegnau - Brüttisellen)
  19. A16 (Courgenay - Glovelier)
  20. Border crossings on the A9 (Vallorbe, VD), the A2 (Chiasso-Brogeda, TI) and the A24 (Gaggiolo, TI)

Main roads:

  • Spiez - Kandersteg (outbound journeys)
  • Gampel - Goppenstein (return journeys)
  • Brunnen - Flüelen (Axenstrasse)
  • Göschenen - Andermatt
  • Raron - Brig
  • Bellinzona - Locarno
  • H338, Sihlbrugg - Hanegg (Hirzel section)

The Gotthard conundrum

This notorious route becomes a traffic nightmare during public holidays and weekends, with the Gotthard Pass Road being particularly congested. ASTRA has reopened it for journeys to and from the south since May 16th. When traffic jams start forming, the 'CUPRA' special lane will be available on certain days to provide quick access to the Gotthard Pass without leaving the motorway.

The Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) published a timetable suggesting the days to avoid crossing the Gotthard during Pentecost weekend:

Airport chaos

Traveling by air during the long weekend? Be prepared for increased passenger numbers at Switzerland's international airports - Zurich, Geneva, and Basel EuroAirport. Longer waiting times at passport control and check-in zones are expected, so arrive early and have your documents ready. Keep in mind that certain items are not allowed on flights due to security reasons.

The good news for Geneva Airport passengers is that the technical glitch causing aircraft landings to drop by 20 percent has been resolved, eliminating capacity issues.

Special events to check out

Want to make the most of your Pentecost weekend? Here are some events happening in the German, Italian, and French-speaking parts of Switzerland:

  1. Pentecost market, Vitznau (Lucerne) - June 7th Strut your stuff amidst delicious food, a massive tombola, and top music bands at the scenic lakefront market in Vitznau, known as Vierwaldstättersee.
  2. 'Ascona in allegria' - June 6th to June 8th Immerse yourself in a whirlwind of street performances, including mimes, musicians, clowns, and more in the picturesque town of Ascona in Ticino.
  3. Street Food Festival, Geneva - June 5th to June 15th Pack your taste buds for a 10-day foodie festival featuring over 60 food trucks and stands serving Swiss and international specialties.
  4. Weather update: Brace yourself for rain over the weekend, except on Whit Monday, which promises sunshine and temperatures ranging from 19C in the northeast, to 21C in the western cantons, and 25C in the south.

[1] http://www.newsinenglish.ch/switzerland/Difficult-road-conditions-in-Switzerland-cause-delays-of-up-to-6-hours-1361458094936[2] http://www.newsinenglish.ch/ch/articles/switzerland/ch-transport-news/traffic-jam-on-the-gotthard-directional-lens-traffic-2175935812662[3] http://www.20min.ch/schweiz/startseite/story/Traffic-jam-on-the-road-to-Italy-up-to-7-hours-wait-20925777[3] https://www.baslerzeitung.ch/leben/bauen/trafi/Transport:Gebietskettenbilder-fuer-das-Wochenende-stehen-damit-die-Autos-weiter-fahren-24730904

With the forecast of heavier traffic due to the Pentecost weekend, consider adjusting your travel plans to avoid congestion on certain roads. Be prepared for delays on the Gotthard Pass Road, as this route becomes a notorious traffic nightmare especially during public holidays and weekends.

As you explore Switzerland, keep an eye on the weather as well, as rain is expected over the weekend, except for Whit Monday which promises sunshine and warmer temperatures.

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