Two of us will be in Switzerland April 4-7 and would love to visit Lauterbrunen, Gimmelwald and Murren. We've heard that Gimmelwald and Murren are very quiet in April -- too quiet? It looks like most of the places to stay in Gimmelwald are closed, although not all. Is it possible to hike there then or is everything still snow covered? Would we have trouble finding a place to have dinner in Gimmelwald or Murren, assuming we weren't picnicing with stuff from the grocery store? Is it better to stay somewhere like Lausanne and travel there for the day on the train? Thanks for your help!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11776 posts
It is still off-season in April, especially early April. Gimmelwald is quiet even in high season, so don’t expect much. Lauterbrunnen will have more life, Muerren may not be bad but could be snowy still. And the farmers spread manure in April so it may be fragrant....
Lausanne is truly a city and rather far for a day trip to the Jungfrau Region. Luzern is a reasonable bet in April as is Bern. Maybe set up base camp in one of those and day trip around.
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis, MN
3 posts
Thanks, Laurel!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32351 posts
Kim,
Laurel offered some great suggestions and of the cities mentioned, Lucerne would be my choice. However, travel time from there to Lauterbrunnen is 2H:19M so that wouldn't be ideal for day trips as it doesn't allow much time for seeing the sights in the Berner Oberland.
You might check the long range weather forecast and if favourable, spend a few days staying in Lauterbrunnen. That's an ideal base to explore both sides of the valley.
If you were planning to visit the Schilthorn, note that the cable car is out-of-service for maintenance from 23 - 26 April 2019.
For travel anywhere in Switzerland, be sure to budget accordingly as it's an expensive place to travel.
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis, MN
3 posts
We ended up staying in Lauterbrunnen and it was wonderful. The farther part of the valley (beyond the little town, near the Schilthorn cable cars) was snow covered, as were the peaks, but the valley floor was green.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11776 posts
Glad you enjoyed it!