Easter week 2017 in the Berner Oberland?

Murren and Wengen will both be open for business but it's a poor time to visit the alps. Skiing is nearly done for the season and the hiking trails are almost all closed because they are still buried in snow. There's also about an equal chance to get either snow or rain, with advantage to snow at higher elevations. If you just want to kick back and enjoy the scenery rather than hike or ski, then you may certainly do that. I would not book anything, though. Play it by ear. Wait until you get to Switzerland and see what the forecast is going to be before going to the mountains. No point going there if the weather is poor.

The Swis Panorama webcams keep an eye on the high alpine villages for you.

Will those towns still be active since the holiday is later? No, April is always the shoulder season. For the multitude of reasons often posted on this website, the Alps simply aren't worth the time and expense during the shoulder season.

April is not only shoulder season, both towns shut down in March. I would say if you really want to stay up in the mountains, definitely pick Wengen if you can find an open hotel. We are in Wengen now and the season starts this weekend. Wengen is half way open. Murren is a ghost town. We are staying at Hotel Baaren and I highly recommend it with the full board option. Food is amazing and the prices can't be beat.

I have to respectfully disagree with Tom's post. I stayed at Hotel Silberhorn in Lauterbrunnen, the week of Easter, a few years back. I had the time of my life! The village's grocery stores were open (excluding Sundays), and many of the hotel restaurants were open. With regards to weather, any experienced hiker should have their snow shoes/waterproof gear on hand for varying trail conditions. Again, most folks do not visit the Berner Oberland for fine cuisine or a lively pub scene; it's to connect with the Alps. While I was initially disappointed that Gimmelwald was a ghost town, I quickly realized that I was primarily interacting with locals who were enjoying the tourist-free ambiance themselves! I ventured into a local dairy farmer's cellar, where you can purchase fresh milk, cheese and sausage products, and simply leave what you owe in a jar. I found this level of trust both dumbfounding and beautiful!

Let's face it, most American tourists have some sort of Rick Steves guide at their fingertips. Do you really want to visit a quaint, alpine village while boisterous throngs of selfie-snapping tourists are there? Not to mention the unavoidable wave of "new money" tourists from China who arrive by the bus loads. Experience the Berner Oberland for its beauty and hiking...and the glorious solace that Easter time brings. And if you miss the skiing, take a train to Zermatt where you're sure to find snow.