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Bernese Oberland this mid May, how to make the most of out of 3 days?

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By far the biggest mistake I made on the planning of my trip was not do enough research for the Berner Oberland activities for the month of May. It was only after I booked my flights, hotels and train journeys that I found out a lot of hikes and lifts won't be open. To make things worse, it seems that this winter has lasted forever and is still going on. Now It's too late and there's nothing I can do, except just face it. It's right the middle of a 23-day trip so I can't just cancel it.

What itinerary would you do to have the best experience possible if you were in my position? Some info:

  • I arrive at Interlaken OST on the 16th at about 3PM and leave on the 20th.

  • My hotel is based on the Lauterbrunnen Valley floor, very close to the BLM train station.

  • I'm interested in easy to moderate hikes and good mountain views. Never saw snow in my life so that's always a plus. I've actually never been in any alpine region before so I was really looking forward to this stretch of my trip.

I've done some research but I'm not sure how to fill the 3,5 days I have and I'm finding it a bit hard to get some concrete info about what is open and what isn't (provided weather is ok). This is what interests me:

  • Blumental Panorama trail
  • Mannlichen - Kleine Scheidegg hike (closed I think, K. Scheidegg - Wengernalp could be an alternative?)
  • Top of Schilthorn or Jungfraujoch, or both?
  • Lauterbrunnen valley floor andTrummelbach falls
  • First - Bachalpsee hike (also closed it seems)
  • Gimmelwald - Chilchbalm hike (seemingly starting from June only, but I'm not sure)

That's all I've got. What else can I do? Anything worthwhile in Interlaken, maybe?

Also what are good, reliable sources of information for activities in this region? Or do I only get to know stuff when I'm actually there?

I appreciate the help.

Posted by
1914 posts

I really wouldn't worry about it. You can find out what gondolas etc. and hikes are accessible when you get there. The region is huge, so there are many, many hikes in the area and it is jaw dropping gorgeous. I bet with a lot of snow it is even more beautiful.

Don't stress about it! I'm sure it will be fine, and I think you will love it! The whole region is my favorite place on earth. If you couldn't do one hike and all you could do is sit and drink a beer gazing at the mountains you might find its your favorite too!

Posted by
11315 posts

There will be plenty to do and enjoy! Go right to the TI and ask for advice and try not to fret. You can always ride a train somewhere. :-)

By all means go to the Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn. (You don't need to go to the expense of both.) You will see snow!

Posted by
1443 posts

No worries. I've been to that region in mid- to late-May and it's still wonderful and plenty to do, rain or shine. In fact, I prefer that time of year because the crowds are so much smaller.

There are two day-trips from the Lauterbrunnen area that I have done and recommend in the event of a cloudy day.

Bern, the capital, has a fun medieval core to explore, a Paul Klee modern art museum, and a top-notch museum to honor their famous patent clerk.

The Open Air Museum is near Ballenberg and is a real treat if you'd like to see what pre-industrial Switzerland was like.

There is also a castle at Thun, a town at the west end of Lake Thun next to Interlaken. I have not been there but I've read good things.

If you get really nice weather, then I would consider either the Schilthorn or Jungfraujoch. The Jungfraujoch is great but will take about half a day.

As the others said, many of the higher elevation trails will be closed in mid-May, but there will still lots of great lower-level trails open. The TI and your hotel will be able to fill you in on what's open.

Other fun stuff to do: rent a bike and tool up and down the mostly flat valley. You could also take your bike on the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp, and then ride down hill all the way to Gimmelwald. Then take the cable car back down to the valley and back to town. Very enjoyable.

And if you really need a kick in the pants, try paragliding. I tried it once and it was awesome. And scary! Several companies do tandem jumps from Murren, the Schilthorn, and from the Grindelwald area. In a tandem jump the pilot straps you in and controls everything -- your job is to enjoy and not wet yourself. Your pilot will even take in-flight selfies and videos.

Posted by
437 posts

In addition some of the things you have mentioned (and you can certainly enjoy both Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch - they are rather different experiences), I spent an enjoyable day taking the boat from Interlaken to Brienz, and the bus from Brienz to the Ballenberg open air museum. These will both be operating in mid-May. We took the train back to Lauterbrunnen. You can find info on both of them on the internet. Each time I went, I was there in late May or the first week of June and while a few hikes were closed, the wildflowers on the open trails were spectacular.

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