Wondering if anyone can give me some insight on what to expect around these dates for weather - getting more and more concerned that a lot of things will be closed near Wengen because it will still have snow on the ground? We are in Lucerne two days before this, and then these 4 days (May 7-11) in Wengen. I don't care about temperatures, but from what I'm seeing there might just be a lot that is inaccesible for hiking and walks. Thanks!
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6360 posts
I can't speak to Wengen for May. I can say I was in Lucerne in January and I can't imagine Lucerne being nothing short of fabulous any time of year. There was plenty open in January. If you plan on doing the excursions to mountain tops, I can't speak to the condition of trails, but the boat to the cog wheel train up to Mt. Rigi would still be lovely even if you find that trails are not hikeable.
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2534 posts
I was in Wengen last year in late June. Some trails, like the Panorama trail, had just recently opened due to snow. We were there 5 nights and didn’t get to everything we hoped to see. Just go to what is open and have a great time.
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3272 posts
Spring weather in the mountains anywhere in the world is unpredictable. But in early May, the problem is not so much the weather as the conditions on the ground. It is likely to be a mix of old snow, slush snd mostly mud. Not good for hiking.
Many of the smaller hotels in the mountain villages take a break between ski season and summer, and do not reopen until mid-May. So you may find many things closed.
I see from your posting history that you asked about a revised trip in Switzerland late in January, and most people endorsed the idea of 2 days in Lucerne and 4 in Wengen. But you never said at that time you are going in early May.
Honestly , at that time of year, I would go from Munich to Italy without spending so much time in the alpine area of Switzerland. Lucerne is at lower elevation and should be ok. But I would not spend a lot of time snd money going to Wengen in early May, especially if I wanted to hike.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11739 posts
We were in Wengen last year starting in May 11 for 11 nights and we had excellent weather. Flowers blooming, trees not yet leafed-out but starting to, while in the valley the trees were quite leafy already. No high level hiking, as you might guess, but the valley and the walks around Wengen and the lakes Thun and Brienz were lovely.
YMMV as who can truly predict the weather, but while it was cool, it was not cold for us, and we benefited from a dry period. Hope you do as well!
Posted by
OP
124 posts
I think i'll take a chance and hope for decent weather.
Posted by
OP
124 posts
Didn't mean to hit post! Anyway, I guess it could go either way, and I'll just hope for the best! Thanks for the advice!