Hiking Bernese Oberland in January

" or would regular trail shoes work? "

Are you aware that Murren is a ski resort area in the Alps? I suggest that you thoroughly check the weather reports and ask advise from a cold weather rescue expert before attempting any hiking in that area.

Actually, Mürren, like many alpine ski resorts, has marked walking paths, called "Winter Wanderwege". I found a list of them on this website:

http://www.jungfrauwinter.ch/pages/english/JWR/index.php

but the link to the actual page showing them is too long. Play around and you'll find it---it showed various open trails. There are also guided snowshoe treks.

OK---more winter hiking paths:

Grindelwald
- First - Faulhorn - Bussalp - Grindewald
~ 3 Std. mit Schlitten / ~ 18 km
- Männlichen - Kl. Scheidegg
~ 3 Std. / ~ 6 km
Lauterbrunnen
- Wengen - Staubbachbänkli
- Mürren - Winteregg - Grütschalp
- Entlang dem Tal der 72 Wasserfälle:
Lauterbrunnen - Stechelberg

The Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg walk would be especially nice on a clear day----don't go in bad weather or low visibility.

Here's the full link I referred to above; hopefully you can copy and paste to see the page:
http://www.jungfrauwinter.ch/pages/deutsch/PST/isp.php?page=PST_MS_wdrn®ion=2&data=P

I would wear boots for these hikes; regular leather ones are fine if waterproofed (Nikwax is good). Trail shoes + gaiters might be OK if the trails are on well-packed snow. Hiking poles are good too. Have fun!

Thanks for the information, Lola. I'll be sure to check these out. I have leather trail shoes, however I'll go for the waterproof.

Thanks for the response too, Bob...you are very helpful and wise.