First time in Switzerland-advice needed

Trummelbach falls is in Lauterbrunnen valley. The bus from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg makes a stop there. Also an easy walk from either end of the valley.

You could visit Bern from either Murren (1.5 hours by rail) or Luzern (about 1.1 hours by rail). It's probably easier to do from Luzern and a good cloudy day option. Bern has an Einstein museum!

The huts you mention are probably in reference to the Swiss Alpine Club network of huts on higher elevation hiking trails. The idea is that you can hike during the day and sleep in one of these huts without ever coming down from the alps or carrying your own camping gear.

Tons of hikes to do in this area. The RS guidebook has excellent recommendations for easy to moderate ones. Also consult the MySwitzerland page for more.

Looks good to me! I did a very similar trip a few years ago (3 nights in Luzern, 4 nights in Mürren, and 3 nights in Lausanne) and it was great.

Trümmelbach Falls are in the valley, between Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg, and so you can walk from either one, or take the bus that runs between them (there's a stop right near the entrance). It's a great activity on a cloudy or rainy day, as much of it is indoors. If the weather's good, do something else, and save the falls for another time.

Don't worry - I know that before you've been there, the geography and connections in the Berner Oberland seem very complicated and inscrutable. But once you're there, they are very easy, and Rick's directions are great.

For Lausanne, I went to Chateau de Chillon and Montreux. I also went to the Musée de l'art brut (Museum of Outsider Art - fascinating) and the Olympic Museum. And I took a half day to go to Audrey Hepburn's grave in Tolochenaz. All were very worthwhile.

Your itinerary sounds great! For best scenic views while in Murren (in sneakers) I would recommend the hike from Mannlichen to Kleinn Schiedegg, and on the other side of the valley - the hike from Murren to Gimmlewald, the hike from the top of the Allmendhubel funicular back down to Murren, and the hike from between Grutschalp and Murren. One other nice walk is the valley walk from Stechelberg back to Lauterbrunnen. I don't think this walk takes you close to trummelbach falls, but you could probably walk that way. The easiest way to get to Trummelbach falls is the bus that runs the length of the valley.

Sorry I'm no help with your other questions:)

" One other nice walk is the valley walk from Stechelberg back to Lauterbrunnen. I don't think this walk takes you close to trummelbach falls, but you could probably walk that way. "

For getting to the falls, It's only about a 5 minute detour from the most direct path between Stechelberg and Lauterbrunnen. Again, Rick has details of the walk and a map in his book, and once you're there, that's all you need for this part.

Hikes from Murren: take a look at the map below. Follow any trail in yellow, plus the trail that generally follows the train tracks from Grutschalp to Murren, and you are good to go.

https://terrelledwards.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/hikingmap1-3-2.jpg

(My favorite would be to walk to the Murren cable car station. Take the trail that goes diagonally up the hill away from Murren. At a small building, the trail splits. Take the left fork which will lead to Sprutz Falls. Walk under the falls, then up the opposite side, which will bring you to the cows and restaurant at Spielbodenalp. If you have time you can make a big circle by walking up to Schiltalp, otherwise walk directly back to Murren on the trail that starts behind the restaurant and crosses the stream (yellow on the map).

As it's your first time in Switzerland, my first advice is to bring money! It's an expensive location to travel in.

Regarding your questions.....

• For your trip to Mount Pilatus, you might consider taking the boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, as it's a very pleasant trip. When you arrive you'll walk through the highway underpass to the ticket office of the Pilatus Bahnen funicular. You may have a short wait but the trip to the top has spectacular scenery, and the funicular is an engineering marvel. For your return trip, take the Cable Car down to Kriens (2 separate systems), walk down to the main street in Kreins and then take the Bus back to Lucerne (only about a 10-15 minute trip as I recall).
• There are two large hotel / restaurant buildings at the top of Pilatus. The Pilatus-Kulm is more formal (expensive), while Hotel Aberdeen has a really nice buffet.
• One hike that you could consider in Mürren (assuming the funicular is running) would be to take the Allmend-Hubel funicular up the hill, and then walk back down through the valley. There are couple of small bars along the way (hopefully they're still there). Other than that, I'm sure the guidebook or the staff at your hotel will have some suggestions. You could also "hike" down to Gimmelwald, and then take the cable car back to Mürren. You may enjoy reading this website - http://www.gimmelwald.com/hikes.html
• How to get to Trummelbach Falls - the easiest way is probably to take the cable car from Mürren down to Stechelberg, and then take the Post Bus to the Falls. You could also walk as I don't remember it being that far from Stechelberg. You could also take the small BLM mountain railway and then the cable car down to Lauterbrunnen, and again use the Post Bus.
• A day trip from Lucerne to Bern is certainly possible, as it's only about an hour (or so) each way.
• If you plan on visiting Chateau de Chillon from Lausanne, I'd suggest taking one of the elegant old steam paddlewheelers in one direction, and return via train. You might pack along some bottled water and snacks, as there are only vending machines at the castle. If you take the steam boat, there's both a cafeteria and a elegant traditional restaurant. The food in the cafeteria looked rather mediocre, and in the large restaurant it was expensive.

While in Mürren, were you planning to take the cable cars up to the Schilthorn? It's quite a spectacular ride (albeit expensive) and there's a revolving restaurant there (perfect for lunch) which provides panoramic views of the Eiger, Monch & Jungfrau while you're dining. It was used in the filming of the James Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service many years ago, and while there you can stop in the Bar and have a "Martini shaken, not stirred".

Are you planning to buy one of the Swiss Passes, such as the half fare card or others?

Be sure to allow some time for Lucerne as well, as there's lots to see there as well. The Museum of Transport is fantastic, and you might want to stop and see the famous Lion of Lucerne which Mark Twain called, "the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world".

Thanks everyone for the valuable tips.

Ken: Yes, we plan to go to Schilthorn . Any advice? Can we hike down from Schilthorn or Birg? What is the hike like?

We are leaning toward the 15 day Swiss Pass. I just need to add up point to point transportation cost and museums entrance fees to compare.

Traveling from Interlaken Ost to (Lausanne) Montreux via the Golden Pass with the Swiss Pass are Seat reservations required?

Given your conditions of sneakers, and "not very strenuous", I would not advise hiking down from Birg or the Schilthorn. It is STEEP and rocky and your legs will ache like crazy walking downhill that far.