Gear for Hiking the Swiss Alps

Layers is the answer, and don't be upset when you see far more mud than snow at that time of the year. Also, be sure to plan around any closures of lifts, etc., as May is smack dab in the middle of the between the seasons time and many things are closed in May, particularly early and mid May. Unlikely you will need one, but ski jackets, etc., are certainly easily purchased in the valley and in Interlaken. I've never seen rental coats, but I've never been in the valley in cold weather.

As Nigel noted, expect more mud than snow, unless you plan a very vigorous hike to the higher elevations. A good windbreaker (Jack Wolfskin, for example) with a fleece or a sweater underneath will be sufficient. Keep in mind that you will likely generate quite a bit of body heat as you walk, and you will more likely need to remove clothes rather than add. If you're planning on visiting the Berner Oberland, aim for as late in May as possible. Early May is the end of shoulder season, when most of the infrastructure in the mountains shuts down between the skiing and hiking seasons.

As Nigel indicated, layering is the key. I was in the Berner Oberland in late September ( so can't comment on what conditions will be like in May ) and had with me a long sleeve t-shirt, light weight wool sweater, and wind proof fleece jacket. For the top of Jungfrau, you'd probably want all three on, but depending on the weather, it's unlikely that you'd need to wear all that at lower elevations ( carry it in your day bag though! ) At Grindelwald and Kleine Scheidegg I was comfortable with just the long sleeve t-shirt during the day. So use layers, and carry a day bag to store what you don't need to wear ( for me, I'd have with me a t-shirt to wear, a lightweight sweater, lightweight fleece jacket, and lightweight rain jacket ). Like you I only travel with one bag, and when doing day trips I take everything I need for the day in a day bag ( Rick's Civita, a super lightweight, yet sturdy, day bag ). The most important item will likely be a good pair of walking shoes/hikers...you don't need big hiking boots, just something with a good tread...

Thanks for your help everyone! I am glad I asked! I really really want to go to the Berner Oberland and see the sights but it is sounding like May isn't the best time. For me, this was going to be the highlight of the trip. We were planning on going May 6 through 22nd for our entire travels in Europe. With Switzerland in-between. Unfortunately, we might be fairly locked down on those travel dates. However, in your opinion what is the best time to go for good weather, hiking, seeing the sights? Specifically Berner Oberland area?

"However, in your opinion what is the best time to go for good weather, hiking, seeing the sights? Specifically Berner Oberland area?" January if you're a skier, late June-early July or late September if you're a hiker. By late June, most of the snow on the trails at the higher elevations has melted, but you don't have to worry about uncomfortably warm temperatures. May can be overcast and cloudy, obscuring the views you came so far to enjoy. Also, there's a lot of snow melt run-off, which can make some of the hiking areas quite muddy. You haven't mentioned what you planned for the rest of your trip. It may be that your trip would be better served elsewhere in the Bavarian or Tyrolian Alps, perhaps in an area that experiences less of a shoulder season shut-down. Although I enjoy the Berner Oberland... with each new region of the Alps I've explored, the Berner Oberland becomes less and less special. Yes, it is gorgeous, but neither is it the be-all/end-all Alpine region.

I agree with the previous posts, but would stress the importance of good shoes. Walking shoes are ok if you don't have any ankle issues. If you do have problem ankles, you'll want some sort of support. Also, most of the Europeans we saw in July who come specifically for the hiking had poles. I brought mine from the States and was glad I did. Many of the Americans we saw in July were satisfied walking around the villages and taking the lifts. Unlike the Europeans, they didn't bring poles and boots, especially is using only a carry on.

Well, right gear is something tricky. I myself am fan of water-proof and insulated clothing (aka Gore Tex) with trekking boots. In such trips by airplane, I usually fly wearing the heavy pants + jacket + trekking boots. I dislike hiking with low shoes because it speaks "danger" for my ankle, but that is up to every person walking speed/style. Of course you can buy any winter gear in Switzerland, it's easy to find such stores especially in Interlaken, but prices are substantially higher than in your typical strip-mall outlet... Now, I second the remarks of April/May being the peak of "melting season" with a lot of mud or seasoned closed lifts/trails due to maintenance or avalanche risks.

I visited the Berner Oberland mid-May this year. I encountered absolutely no mud; and they had a lot of snow the previous winter. Only one cable car was down for maintenance (the one that takes you above Wengen). I also recall someone around these parts saying there would be no cows around as they would "all" be grazing in the higher elevations; there were plenty cows grazing at every elevation. This was my fifth trip to the region, and I encountered some the best weather I've ever had. Temps down at Lauterbrunnen ranged between 65-70, with perfect visibility for the three days I was there. Having said that on the day I was leaving for Paris the was an overnight snow storm in Murren dumping six inches of snow. I checked the webcam a couple of days later, and it appeared to have all melted by then.