Two nights in Lauterbrunnen 1st week of May

You might be surprised. We stayed in Lauterbrunnen 30 days later and the snow was gone to well above Murren at 5,200'. The weather was warm. But, the weather varies from year to year. For us, we walked the back road down to Gimmelwald from Murren and the wild flowers were in full bloom. We kept stopping to see the views and take pictures of the wildflowers. Two things. 1) you might be a tad early to see the farmers walking their cows from the valley up to higher pastures. We did see this. 2) In April, they reportedly spray the upper meadows with liquid manure to fertilize the grasses. It's supposed to be quite fragrant. You might get to see this.

Stechelburg to Schilthorn is by cablecar, not funicular. They tore down the funicular from Lauterbrunnen up to Grutschalp several years ago, replacing it with a cablecar over the same route. There is still a funicular from Mürren up to Allmendhubel, but it is separate from the Schilthorn journey. What I recommend is a loop trip: from Lauterbrunnen, take the cablecar up to Grutschalp, and the short train ride along the rim to Mürren (you can also walk this section if the day is nice). At Mürren you catch the cablecar up the Schilthorn. It will definitely be too snowy to hike down from there. Ride back down past Mürren to Gimmelwald. Ot take the path between the two; it is veery nice and often people will have their flowers out already. You can walk around Gimmelwald as well if you like, depending on the snow (it should be gone, and you can check webcams to see how it is doing). The hike down into the Kilchbalm area may be open. Then ride the cablecar from Gimmelwald down to Stechelberg. This is thrilling as it swings out away from the cliff and over the valley thousands of feet below. From Stechelberg, you can walk back to Lauterbrunnen; there is a foot path along the river most of the way. Detour to Trummelback Falls if you like.

Larry/Lola, Thanks for the insight and practical advice. Lola - We're planning on following your itinerary and we'll let you know how it goes. Even if the weather is horrible, I'll be happy just to be there. My ancestors spent most of the 1800's in Bern and the surrounding areas. Thanks to both of your for your time!

Greg, you may be in luck with the green meadows and maybe some wildflowers. I just checked webcams for Muerren, and there is little if any lingering snow at that elevation. The grass is starting to turn green. And the sun is shining in a clear blue sky there today. My husband's great grandfather came from a village south of Bern. We had fun looking up the old family place and visiting the house.

I highly recommend the hike down from Murren to Gimmelwald if the weather is nice. The vistas across the valley to the Jungfrau and the view down to Stechelberg are spectacular. Then the cable car ride down will tighten your stomach as you get to the edge of the cliff. Have a wonderful trip. Wish we were headed to Lauterbrunnen this year. Dave

May can be iffy. You might get lucky and have sunshine... or you might get drenching rain and thick fog (although at least in my area of Germany, spring so far has been mostly warm and sunny). One thing to keep in mind, though. Those lovely Alpine pastures get fertilized in April-May with liquid manure sprayed through a power hose. That and the weather are a big reason why there's a spring shoulder season in the Berner Oberland.

You can make those decisions once you get there as weather is very changeable and will dictate what you do and see. We were there in July the wildflowers were nr T Falls only, missed Jungfrau due to rain but did everything else poss. The alpine expereince is everywhere be flexible and it will be wonderful whatever you do. enjoy.

I would suggest either keeping your itinerary flexible and visiting when you get a sunny day, or spending multiple days there. I've been there a number of times, in spring, summer and fall, and have always had a real mix of sun and warm, and cold and rain, sometimes on nating days. For that reason, I wouldn't plan a trip of less than 4 days, just to make sure I get some sun and views.

I have been to Murren when the valley below was fogged in, but was TOLD by locals that it was clear at the top of the Schilthorn. I assumed the lifts were running , but did not try to go up that day, but went the next when it was clear. You can look for yourself at www.swisspanorama.com Just click on the Schilthorn picture.

Also, one of the local TV stations is devoted entirely to the panning camera on Piz Gloria.

Given that the odds aren't in my favor (on having clear weather) - In bad weather is the schliterhorn usually covered in that weather, or above it. That is, if it is cloudy wet weather in the valley - is there any point in taking the cable car up to the Schliterhorn?

I second Schilthorn/Piz Gloria. Phenomenal cable car ride up and spectacular, head-spinning views of the alps from up-top. Definitely a highlight of any trip to that area. Enjoy!