Has anyone stayed in Lauterbrunnen, Murren, or Gimmelwald in early May?

[Guest]

My husband and I are traveling to Switzerland for the first time in early May. I have a conference in Basel from May 2-4, but we wanted to add on a few days of sightseeing in the Berner Oberland. My first choice for “home base” is Murren from May 4-6, but I’m finding a lot of the hotels are closed during this time.

Has anyone stayed in Lauterbrunnen, Murren, or Gimmelwald in early May?

Are the hiking trails, restaurants, other sightseeing options open? Would you recommend visiting that area or going somewhere else? And last question, would you recommend buying tickets for the Schilthornbahn ahead of time?

We would only go if the weather is clear and I’m not sure if the tickets are refundable, but I don’t want to miss it if they sell out.

Thanks in advance!

[Kayla]

While we went in September not May, I suggest staying in Lauterbrunnen. We stayed in Wengen and it was a little bit of a pain going up and down and back up if we wanted to go to the Murren (so opposite for your plan).

[Olga]

I would go to Chamonix Mont Blanc. Beautiful drive. And gondola to the top. But that is just me.

[John]

We were there last July so I can't speak to May and what is open and closed. We stayed in Lauterbrunnen and it was the highlight of our trip. Such a beautiful area. We purchased tickets to Schilthornbahn day of (we were also unsure about the weather) but we were also the first people up the mountain that day. That is definitely worth the trip and you should have breakfast at the restaurant on top. A bit pricey for a breakfast buffet in my opinion but its such a cool place to eat with the most amazing views. I hope this helps. Safe travels.