Is there a store in Basel, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, or Murren where I can purchase topo maps for hiking in the Bernese-Oberland? We plan to hike from First, Wengen, and Murren (weather permitting).
I am a serious map nerd and never hike in the Cascades or other US mountains without a topo map. But honestly, in Switzerland you may do just fine without. The tourist offices have maps that show the trails and routes, and the trails are well- marked. I always bought the 1-:25000 topo maps for the region where we would be hiking--- and then never used them.
Lola thank you. Sounds like good advice.
They are easy to find in stores when you get there.
General hiking maps are available locally. More detailed maps are available from Schweizer Wanderwege. Maps #254T and #264T cover the whole area on both sides of the valley. http://www.swisstopo.admin.ch/internet/swisstopo/de/home/products/maps/leisure/hiking/hiking_50.html
For hiking choices get a copy of Kev Reynolds book "The Bernese Alps: A Walker's Guide" http://www.amazon.com/bernese-alps-walkers-guide/dp/1852844515. It contains all the information you will need for hiking in the Lauterbrunnental area.