Hi. I am torn between spending 2 days in Lucerne or Interlaken area. My initial thought was to do Interlaken or one of the small towns higher up but then I read that many places may still be "closed" in early May. We are two ladies in our 30s that would like to enjoy the outdoors but still have some activity in and around town. We will have a Eurorail pass so would it be feasible to spend a night in each city? Any suggestions? Thanks!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Many places in the Berner Oberland close in April and early May for "shoulder season" which is the transition period between the ski season and the summer season. Places like Muerren and Gimmelwald will be very quiet. Most places there will most likely be closed. Lauterbrunnen or Wilderswil may be good choices for April in the valley. As for weather, go figure. No guarantees but here's a link to the Muerren weather in April of this year. http://gyazo.com/0e83ccbbf8303ce910c9889db8beef91
Alternatively, Lucerne will have much more availability and things to do in April.
Posted by
Green Bay
21140 posts
My impression of the city of Interlaken is lots of fancy hotels and a about a hundred shops selling
Swiss Army knives and watches. Luzern is a bit more genuine.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Think of it like this. The Berner Oberland is primarily an outdoor destination. Because the weather at that time of year doesn't tend to cooperate to allow you to enjoy those amazing outdoors, most of the tourist infrastructure shuts down temporarily. Luzern is more weather-neutral. Your money doesn't go as far in Switzerland as it does in other neighboring countries, so I would head to where you would get the most value for that time of year- Luzern. Save the Berner Oberland for the winter or summer.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks so much for all your help!