Hi -- We're total newbies! We're traveling to Switzerland in late March and want to see the Lauterbrunnen/Wengen area. Are we way too early to enjoy?
Also, lots of advice not to stay in Interlaken, which surprised me considering the views. We saw one place in Oberhofen that we liked, but it's an hour away from Interlaken by train. Thoughts, suggestions? P.S. I'm an active 67 year old and my friend is a very active 50. Not skiers.
Hi,
No, it's a perfect time IMO. Still winter season, with a good chance of snowy landscapes, and all lifts running. Make sure you have winter attire/shoes, and you re good to go.
We're not skiers and I broke my wrist 8 years ago slipping on ice in Mammoth. My concern is icy walks, even in town. Yikes!
Being from California, we thought this area would be green at this time --NOT! Would you still recommend?
You can’t get to Oberhofen via train. You have to take a bus or boat. It’s beautiful, but not great for day trips if you don’t want to do bus connections. Interlaken typically isn’t recommended because it’s more of a transportation hub, while places like Wengen are up in the mountains with a different feel. I think it’s okay to stay in Oberhofen in March if you’re okay with the extra time it takes to get places you want to visit. We love walking around the castle there.
We were in Wengen in late June and some trails had just opened due to snow. March is very much still winter in the alps. So I guess it depends on what you want to see and what your idea of enjoying it is. Does that include being in snow, not just seeing it from afar?
The area around Interlaken is beautiful. Interlaken itself is no great destination. Especially when you are so close to truly stunning Wengen, Lauterbrunnen and Murren. If you want to stay in the alps, stay in those areas. Wengen would be my pick, as there is major construction happening in Murren. Stay near the train station if you don’t like hills.
My concern is icy walks, even in town. Yikes!
Make sure you have the right boots, and buy Yak-trax or similar if you are really concerned. Then you're good to go!
There are tons of non-skiing activities, including miles and miles of winter hiking paths. It's really fun.
