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Murren vs. Lucerne Early May

Hi everyone,

We are scheduled for a fairly extensive trip beginning in Rome and ending in Zurich. As part of that, we have set aside four nights for Lucerne and/or Murren. Currently, we’re booked for two nights in each. I can’t imagine we would give up Lucerne as we’re really attracted to the city and nearby attractions, but we have some concerns on Murren.

  • I know the weather is unpredictable. We’ll be in Murren May 10-12 according to our current schedule. Would we be better served be selecting a Berner Oberland destination at a lower altitude? Or should we skip the BO entirely given the time of year?
    • Given the concern about the weather, are there other alternative destinations in Switzerland we should consider for this two night period?
    • Would we be better served by spending four nights in Lucerne and day tripping from there?

Thanks in advance for all of your insights.

Posted by
7300 posts

I would keep things as they are. By 10 May, the Schilthorn cable car will run, and your chances of good weather aren't much worse than later in the year - you are in the mountains after all.

Posted by
903 posts

If we could only accurately predict the weather in advance! You can practically daytrip to Lauterbrunnen Valley from Lucerne, but it is a 2:20 journey one way. So that is nearly 5 hours on the train. Ugh.

Posted by
5604 posts

If you are going to Switzerland, don't you want to actually be in the Alps? Stay in the BO, and add more days , if you can. Safe travels!

Posted by
1880 posts

Keep it 2 and 2. Lucerne is worth 2 and so is Murren. Too bad you don't have longer, but don't skip the Alps since you are so close. Enjoy.

Posted by
381 posts

Keep what you've planned. We stayed in Wengen around the same time last year. The first day was completely fogged in, and on the third day it was brilliantly sunny. Lauterbrunnen was nice enough that we ate on a patio each day. I had a back up plan if it was pouring rain but didn't need it. You can't predict the weather so have back up plans.

Of course you don't want to miss Luzern