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Early May - best views of alps

Hello again: Thank you to those who have answered several questions so far, What a great help!!

We are going to Switzerland May 2-12, 2026 mid 5-week 3 country tour. Dates are fixed. Wanted to stay at Edelweiss in Wengen May 5-10. Not yet open. So, rethinking that portion of the trip. We are spending time in Lucerne where we will visit Mt. Pilatus and Mt Rigi, cruise the lake, etc. I am now wondering if extending in Lucerne would offer the best day trips for Alps views since we will not be staying up higher. We are currently in Lucerne 4 nights, but can extend if this makes a good base. I would like ideas for seeing spectacular alps views without going to Wengen or Murren. Are there other good options besides Lucerne? Would trains offer the best option? And, if so, from what area/city/town. We will likely want to take regional trains rather than panoramic trains due to the ability to get off before the terminus. I would love to have some recommendations based on experience of early May. Since we are not going to Wengen, I am hoping to avoid packing hiking boots. Will take waterproof good-grip sneakers (OnClouds) which give me good support for arthritic knees.
Thank you in advance - Susan (80 and going strong!). PS we live in the Pacific Northwest so views of forests, "regular" mountains, etc. isn't a huge thrill. Looking for spectacular. Probably the reason everyone goes to Switzerland. :)

Posted by
1125 posts

Just because one hotel in Wengen is closed, doesn't mean they all are. If you want spectacular, you really should stay up in the mountains somewhere, even though it is off season and some things will be closed, the views are unmatched. Wengen, Murren or other car free villages in the mountains like Zermatt, Saas Fee, Bettmeralp, etc. would be where I would suggest looking.

Posted by
12124 posts

Staying in Wengen is completely different than staying in Luzern. You will be IN the mountains, surrounded by snowy peak and gushing waterfall. We usually go to the area in the fall but had the chance to go in May in 2023 and stayed in Wengen. Delightful! Not everything is open but enough is.

Posted by
149 posts

Thank you both. This information is helpful. If you have time, I would appreciate the name and info about where you stayed: quality of room, food , views, distance from train station, etc. I'd ask about price. But Switzerland seems very expensive in general! Thank you very much. Susan

Posted by
12124 posts

We stayed in an apartment run by the Hitel Silberhorn, about a 10 minute walk from the station. I would recommend the Hotel Silberhorn, which is right across from the station. Check their reviews.

Best food in town is at Maya Caprice, a couple of minutes away from the Silberhorn, Maya Caprice also has a small hotel that looks very nice.