I am planning a quick stop in switzerland at the end of april. My fist choice was murren area. I am a little worrie that the town is all closed down at that time of the year. We were hopeing to do some hiking and lots of taking in the beauty of the area. My second choice would be Luzen. Any input or this time of year?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16330 posts
Mürren is a ski resort at fairly high elevation, and late April is definitely between seasons.
Luzern, on the other hand, is several hours away by train, over a major mountain pass, and at much lower elevation. It sits on a large lake that moderates the climate. Temperatures will reach into the 60;s this week, getting cooler toward the end with rain. A month from now, it could be lovely.
However, there won't be much hiking there. rigi will still have snow, and even the lakeside trail, the "swiss path" (weg der Schweitz) is considered best from May on.
On the other hand, there are some recommend spring hikes at low elevation in the Bernese Oberland:
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en.cfm/interests/hiking/offer-Activities_Hike-Hike_Spring-list-007.html
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
April is a bad time of year in this region. As you alluded, the mountain towns are practically deserted and the weather is wet, overcast and frequently foggy. Luzern is close by and probably has similar conditions.
Posted by
Orlando, Florida
484 posts
Hello Heather,
Here is a link to a live-cam in the Lauterbrunnen Valley that has been my link to there for the winter months.
The snow only melted in the lower elevations yesterday. Well the last of it anyway. I would think that April would be rather muddy but you can stay on the paved roads. The area is really very beautiful.
Posted by
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
Lucern is nice most any time of year - but the mountains will have likley snow or mud - they can still get a big storm before now and then! But a ride on the lake and walk around town will still be nice on a sunny day.
Geneva/Lausanne is also nice along the lake but a bit far from Zurich if you land there first, or the Ttalian speaking Ticino area but its a bit farther to get to.