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Seeking Advice for Cloudy and Rainy Days in Lauterbrunnen Valley

Posted by on

Hi everyone,

First off, I want to thank this amazing community for all the valuable information shared across the forum. Your insights have been incredibly helpful in planning my trip.

I have two full days in the Lauterbrunnen Valley early next week. Unfortunately, the weather forecast predicts rain, fog, and generally cloudy conditions. My original plan was to explore Schilthorn-Mürren-Gimmelwald-Lauterbrunnen Valley on Day 1 and do the Männlichen Panorama-Wengen on Day 2. Given the forecast and possible trail closures, I'm creating options and alternative plans and would appreciate your advice.

Since Schynige Platte is at a lower elevation, would it offer better views in these conditions? I’m thinking I could do Schynige Platte in the morning and then exploring the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the afternoon on Day 1. For Day 2, perhaps the Oeschinensee hike or the Bachalpsee hike. Which one would be a better option considering the weather?

Additionally, another alternative I’m contemplating is an all day Lake Brienz cruise combined with a visit to Giessbach Falls, Iseltwald, and Brienz. Would this be a good plan for one of the days?

Thank you in advance for your suggestions!

Posted by
6430 posts

Early next week is still a week away. I find weather forecasts are overly pessimistic. Plus, a forecast of rain/clouds for a particular day doesn't mean the whole day will be less than ideal. Lauterbrunnen Valley (the waterfalls,etc.) are a good inclement weather activity. Often, the best weather in the mountainous areas is in the morning.

Posted by
9 posts

Thank You Jules. I want to have a detailed alternative itinerary ready just to calm my anxiety. Hope you are right.

Posted by
1998 posts

Having lived in the Sierra Nevada and been to Lauterbrunnen on several vacations- I’ve learned weather forecasts in the mountains can’t be relied on a week in advance because the conditions can change in one hour. When you see the symbol for rain— as the prior reply has stated— it could rain for just 30 minutes during the entire day — you’ll still see that same rain icon just as you do for a day when it actually rains all day.

That’s when it’s a day to visit the museums of Bern!

Posted by
2544 posts

Weather forecasts mean nothing in the mountains. It can be perfectly clear in one spot and raining on the other side of the mountain. We experienced this last July. We were in Wengen 5 nights. It was rainy or cloudy for parts of every day. Each morning I checked the webcams for Jungfraujoch. Each morning it was socked in. Finally, a perfectly clear day so we went on the first train. We were done by noon so we took the Eiger Express to Grindelwald. Stored our jackets at the station and headed into town for lunch.

Then we headed to First to do the mountain carts.
Waited in line for about an hour, and got caught in a sudden downpour. Out of nowhere. So always be ready for rain.

A detailed itinerary is a recipe for disaster. Have a list of options, and go where it makes sense based on the weather at that moment. Save webcams for the places you are interested in so you can see actual conditions, not just forecasts. If it’s super rainy and cloudy in the mountains, check webcams for Lake Brienz.

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