What is needed to stay warm in Murren in late July?

The issue with hiking in the Alps in the summer is usually not staying warm. You're not likely to hike high enough to encounter particularly cold temperatures and hiking in the mountains generates a lot of body heat. Rather, the biggest need is to stay dry if it rains, which happens often and without warning in the Alps. I recommend a lightweight, water resistant but breathable jacket. And sandals are not a good idea for any mountain hike for many reasons, including the fact that A LOT of livestock live in this area.

Muerren is just wonderful in the summer. Tom has the best suggestion about staying dry. It will rain suddenly. One other hint is to layer your clothing. It was 70 degrees in Muerren when we were there in early June last year. We needed light jackets on the top of the Schilthorn.

CLICK HERE to see a list of hiking trails in the Berner Oberland.

And we were there (In Mürren) in late June last sumer---maybe 2 or 3 weeks after Larry---and it was cold and rainy. In four trips to that area, hiking every day, we have seen everything from bright and sunny and 75 degrees to cold and rainy and near freezing. The answer is to layer--with the right layers. My basic packing list to deal with this is one short-sleeve hiking t-shirt, one long-sleeve (Patagonia Capilene 2, which is very warm and breathable for the weight), a micro-fleece zip jacket, and a lightweight Goretex wind- and water-proof jacket for the top layer. On a hot day, I wear just the short-sleeve T. On a cold day, I wear all four layers.

If one word had to be chosen that describes mountain weather, it would be: changeable.

We were there last week and it was cold and rainy for part of our stay. We did make it up to the top and had great views of the mountains. On the way down, it started raining as we started walking back from Murren to Lauterbrunnen. I had a sweater and a rain jacket/jeans and I was comfortable.

I love the Icebreaker brand of merino wool shirts/sweaters. Also combined with a great lite gortex type jacket - like Mountain Hardwear. Id suggest a pair of matching slip-on gortex pants you can put over your shorts to stay dry. This all layers well which is also important - and all is very light weight and drys super fast!

My husband and I were there last week, and we saw cold/warm and rainy/dry weather just in a span of 3 days. I agree that sandals are NOT a good idea, take it from one who stepped on what I thought was a rock....but anyone who has hiked in that region knows what I really stepped in. Luckily I had trail running shoes on!

Thanks Thanks I love all you people from Texas with replys. Sounds like Switzerland is a destination for relief from our HOT weather! We're counting down and think we'll be prepared thanks to all of your help.