Lauterbrunnen vs Lake Lucerne for 3 nights

Also, how far in advance do you have to buy the tickets for that (thinking of the weather).

Not in advance at all, since there is no advantage. You have no more advantage to getting a seat if you buy a ticket a month in advance over someone who buys a ticket 3 minutes before departure using an app, or someone who has no ticket but is traveling on a pass. It depends on who boards first.

Where will you be coming from? Have you thought about your ticket strategy (pay as you go, half fare card, travel pass)?

We are also Seniors (60's/70's) and have been to both Lauterbrunnen and Lucerne twice, including last month. Both are great. The physical beauty of the Lauterbrunnen Valley is very hard to beat while Luzern is also pretty in a different sort of way, and has many interesting sights to see such as the old bridges and the Lion. But all things being equal, I would vote for Lauterbrunnen. If there are no mobility problems with your group, getting around Lauterbrunnen is easy with the buses, trains and gondolas getting you wherever you want to go, including up to both Murren and Wengen, two places you should consider visiting. Wengen is an easy 10 minute train ride from Lauterbrunnen train station and Murren is a gondola ride up from the valley floor. However, you are going in off season and some things, including a lift or two may be closed in April. We went in early May once and we ran into that issue. Still plenty of things to see and do though in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Regarding going up high while in Lauterbrunnen, a cheaper alternative to Jungfraujoch is to go up to Schilthorn. Still expensive but much cheaper than Jungfraujoch plus going to Jungfraujoch pretty much uses up a full day, while the Schilthorn can be done in much less time. Great views and a rotating restaurant (breakfast buffet & lunch) makes the Schilthorn a good alternative to consider. One final tip, we went up to Mt. Pilatus last month and enjoyed it, but we did not make a reservation for the cogwheel and ended up having to wait two hours before we could get on the train. It probably won't be as crowded next April as it was last month, so you may not have that problem, but thought I would mention it. Have fun!

@Sam, thanks for your response. We will be taking the train from Strasbourg and it arrives Lauterbrunnen around 230pm. We may get a 4-day senior Eurailpass as we are beginning our trip in Amsterdam and ending up at Lake Como (a 14 night trip). So I have not yet priced out individual tickets yet. And thanks for letting me know we don't need tickets in advance! Good to know!

@SC Traveler, thank you so much for these wonderful tips! Yes, I am also leaning towards staying in Lauterbrunnen. It just sounds so gorgeous! I was in Lucerne a very, very long time ago, so I don't really remember it, but I can do that on another trip with more time. I am going to look up Schlithorn now. Kind regards.

ljordankp,

If you do the Schilthorn, on your way down, I would advise you spend a little time at the Birg station (the first stop coming down from the Schilthorn). It has some great views, a nice see-through viewing platform and if your group is VERY brave, there is a thrill walk that goes alongside the cliff ( I can't tell you too much about the thrill walk - have never personally had the nerve to do it - LOL). There is also a nice little drink & snack bar place at the Birg station. It is worth spending 20-30 minutes there.

When you look at your Eurail pass, consider that it will also be useful in Lauterbrunnen. If you have pass days available, it will give you a 25% discount on tickets on the Schilthornbahn above Muerren, and 25% discount on the trains above Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch. Free travel to Muerren and Wengen with the pass. So you will have to include those in the number of days for the pass.

Again, to Sam and SC Traveler, these tips are so much appreciated! I didn't realize that extra day use for Lauterbrunnen ! Thanks again!

Ok, have a great trip. One last tip for you, if you get to Wengen, there is a spot worth visiting that is more local than touristy. Walk up the main street (away from the train station) until you start going up a little incline. Look for a church on your left. Just beyond the church (to the left of the church entrance) is a small area with benches that have devasting views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Trust me - it will be worth your while if you have a clearish day to enjoy that view. Wengen is very small so this vista is easily walkable from the train station. Enjoy!

SC Traveler, once again, THANKS for this tip!