Solo Traveler to Lucerne; Hoping to get to Murren...

I would go straight to Murren or Lauterbrunnen from Zurich airport (3 hours via Bern) and stay there at least two nights. I don't know what the weather will be like, but if it's good during any part of the day, then you're in the right place to seize the opportunity. Traveling 6 hours roundtrip from Luzern in a day really reduces your opportunities in the new region.

I also don't feel experienced enough to hike on my own, but a few easier hikes are really easy and there likely would be other people out on a good day.

And everybody's definition of hiking is different. I prefer the "walks" as I call them and there are PLENTY of those all around. None are scary (even for single travelers). There's a very nice walk all the way from Lauterbrunnen that will take you by Staubbach Falls and deposit you at the entrance of Trummelbache Falls. From there it's short walk (or Post Bus ride) onto the Schilthornbahn gondola which will whisk you up to Gimmelwald and change to the next gondola for the 3-4 minute ride on up to Murren. Walk through Murren all the (short) way to the other side of the little town and you can jump on the little train that will take you back down to Lauterbrunnen via Grutschalp. There's NO place along that entire route that is the least bit scary even for a single traveler.

It's the most beautiful place I've ever seen (Lauterbrunnen Valley and surrounding alpine villages). Even in the rain - it's stunning!

I think I am leaning towards going straight from Zurich airport. I have taken the train there before so I'm at least introduced. I recently hiked table mountain solo in Cape Town and I was very glad that I went with a guide but it sounds like these will be much more leisurely. Thanks!

I have zero experience in the Murren area, but just as a general comment: Due to much higher population density, you'll probably find far more people on Swiss hiking trails than you would encounter in the US. If the weather cooperates, I don't think you need to worry about personal safety. If still in doubt, stop in at the local tourist office and seek their opinion.

If you are unlucky with the weather at altitude in the Murren area, you may be able to find some lower-level walks down in the valley. Worst case, take a ride on Lake Thun.

I stayed in Murren during a RS tour. It's a wonderful little town on the side of a mountain up above the valley. This about 5 or 6 years ago, mid to late may. It's sort of in between seasons. Skiing has pretty much ceased but hiking season still hasn't kicked in yet. No crowds at all. Great time to be there but the weather may be less than ideal.

I've done the train between Murren and Grutschalp. You can also walk it. If it's nice out I would recommend hiking it as the view was incredible.

If you're thinking about heading up on the lift to the Schilthorn, check the cams. They show what the conditions are like up top. Gives you an idea if it's worth going up as the lifts can be pricey.

Hope you have great weather it's spectacular on a clear day.

I've been in a similar situation when I worked in Geneva. I'd keep your plans flexible so as to adapt to the weather. Finding hotels at that time shouldn't be a problem, so you could make decisions based on what you see in the morning.
If you are in Lucerne you can look at the weather in the Lauterbrunnen area here, on the webcams:
http://www.bergfex.com/jungfrau-grindelwald-wengen/webcams/c2883/
There are several other webcams on the top of that page.
If weather looks ok, I'd recommend Lauterbrunnen, or Murren (check a Murren webcam to see how much snow is still around).
Food: There is a huge Coop food store across from the Railway station at Interlaken Ost, where you have to change trains anyway. There is also a small Coop store almost across the road from the Lauterbrunnen railway station. It should be open--the locals have to buy food somewhere!
Internet: the tourist info office in Lauterbrunnen (near the store there) could give info. If you walk south down the road thru Lauterbrunnen to the fork in the road, on your right you should see Horner Pub. They have internet, good cheap food, and inexpensive rooms.
Walking: I've walked plenty solo around there, but I'm a guy. Still, I never felt unsafe. You're more likely to see farmers and locals on the trails rather than tourists. If you're afraid you'd sprain an ankle and get stranded, just tell your hotel your plans. The Swiss look out for hikers. When my brother and I hiked to a mountain hut near Innertkirchen they phoned the hut and said if we didn't get there by nightfall they'd send out a search party. That was a strenuous hike, and you'll just be taking walks.
The lower the walk, the less likely it would be thru mud or snow at that time. I'd walk these in this order:
Lauterbrunnen south to Trummelbach Falls (can take Postal bus back if it rains).
Cable car up from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp, then walk Grutschalp to Murren.
Murren to SpeilbodenAlp.
Train from Laut. up to Wengen, Cable car up to Mannlichen, then walk from there to Kleine Scheidegg, train back down.
The latter walks can first be checked out via webcams (for snow) or ask at tourist info.
This map shows all the hikes except the last one: http://www.gimmelwald.ch/e/activities/summer/hiking.htm

If you want a cheaper lift than the Schilthornbahn, take the Allmendhubel from the middle of Mürren. It doesn't go nearly as high up, but you still get unimpeded views of the three peaks, and at the top there's nice walking and a cafe (I agree that it's hardly a "hike" requiring equipment or anything like that).

If you hiked up Table Mountain, that is indeed quite an accomplishment. Compared to that, the majority of the hikes in Murren/Lauterbrunnen are a breeze. My wife and 7 year old hiked the North Face trail above Murren, Mannlich to Kleinne Scheidegg, and to the lake at First from Grindelwald. In reality, most are paved or crushed gravel trails that are EXTREMELY well marked. I would not feel hesitant for you or my wife to hike the trails solo around Murren. Your first hike should be a short one to see how your time compares to their estimations of travel time. We found that due to pictures and admiring the natural beauty, we had to triple any travel time for trails.

Great! Thank you everyone. I think I'm gonna give it a shot and it sounds like even if the weather isn't cooperative it might be worth a shot.