Staubbach Falls, Lauterbrunnen Switzerland (Best Time to Visit)

Brian,

Not sure about the "best" time to photograph Staubbach Falls. I can tell you I've been to the area twice. 1st time in 2nd week of June, and last year end of May / begging of June. Both times Staubbach Falls was amazing! There was still a little snow on some of the trails, and this last trip we realized that the funicular between Murren and Allmendhubel doesn't start running til the 2nd week of June. We had a fanstastic time both times, but the next time we go to the area we will try and go the 2nd or 3rd week in June for optimal enjoyment!

The falls are roaring in late April-early May, although the mountain towns are dead at this time.

I haven't visited Gimmelwald in late May, but hiking conditions should be better, if not ideal, by that time. The businesses in the towns should mostly be open by then.

I've been to Muerren (just above Gimmelwald) in late May/early June for the past 7 years. It's a great time to visit. There are a few tourists, but it's not packed. The wildflowers are in bloom, and we've only encountered remnants of snow on 1 visit. But no one can 100% predict mountain weather accurately. Our friends arrived in Muerren a few years back in early June and were faced with snow up to there knees...and they had just come from Italy with their shorts and sandals.

Muerren and Gimmelwald are wonderful places. Whatever weather you encounter, just know you are in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Hi Brian,

We were in Lauterbrunnen May 29-June 1 this year, and Staubbach Falls was gushing quite well. (I don't have a point of comparison from other months of the year.)

Gimmelwald and the moderate hiking trails around the area definitely weren't too muddy. We saw those same reviews about it being too muddy for hiking, so we were prepared for mudslides, but it was nice and dry.

As an added bonus, the wildflowers are in full bloom at the end of May. Absolutely beautiful!

Hope you enjoy Switzerland!

Am planning mid May 2010 to be in Lauterbrunnen. Does the cog railway to Murren run at this time of year and also on a good day can you take the gondola to the Shilthorn.

There's no cog railway at Lauterbrunnen. You can either take the cable car up to Grustchalp and then transfer to the narrow-gauge train to Murren, or take the Postal Bus to Stechberg take take a different cable car direct to Murren. It's too early to know when each cable care will be closed for maintenance. But one or the other will always open at any given time. You can check schedules at the Swiss Rail site:

http://rail.ch

I was there in early June, and the Falls were amazing!

I was in Murren during the last week of May this year, and the Falls were great and the trails were dry. But many of the hotels were still closed because tourist season had not yet started. The weather was very nice and we had a great time.

Penn

we were in Lauterbrunnen/ Murren area May 18th through May20th. The place was beautiful..The trails were dry...the wildflowers were in full bloom.
All the falls were gushing with water. But yes, the restaurant,hotel scene seemed a little dull..but we loved it..felt very very peaceful.

We were there the 3rd week of May and the water was pounding down Staubbach Falls. Gimmelwald and Murren trails weren't muddy, but the towns were pretty dead.

Thanks so much for all the excellent feedback everyone. This really helps a lot ...

Brian

Brian, we went the last week of April and stayed til the first week of May of 2009 and ALL the sites were spectacular. I don't think there is a bad time to visit Suisse! Hsve fun!