Promethia

I'm planning on visiting Interlaken in late April for 1-2 days. Is hiking possible in late April? Any recommendations on hotels or things to do in Interlaken this time of the year? We are coming from Paris and heading toward Zurich and we want to do something 'outdoorsy'. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

barbmike

Any hiking you do in an elevated area will probably be done in the snow. I was there in mid April last year and there was still A LOT of "it" around in the mountains. In addition, the reports have stated that the area has had a very heavy late snow amount this year after a very mild early season. Have Fun, Mike

Bob_KY

In mid-May we hiked along the shores of lake Brienzersee (no snow). You can take a boat cruise from one (maybe both) of the train stations, and stop off at various points, hike awhile then catch a boat back to Interlaken. The hike along the lake is very scenic. The year we were there, there was not snow as high as Murren. If the weather is clear, it would be worth the trip to take the train/cable car into the mountains.

This is the hotel we stayed in :
http://www.jungfrauregion.com/interl...l/oberland.htm.
Moderately priced and somewhat rustic.

The lakes are beautiful, you will enjoy them I am sure.

Cicerone

There will most likely be snow in the mountains, but the immediate area around the lakes usually does not have snow in April; however considering the ton of snow we have had here in Switzerland this winter, it is possible that there will still be lingering snow even down at the lakes. (It is snowing now as I write this.) Even if there is snow, there will be some open trails. Bring very warm clothing if you plan to be in the mountain areas like Wengen or Murren or going up the Jungfrau, chances are about 95% that it will be below freezing.

Your hotel can direct you to good walks in the immediate area and possibly in the mountains, as with everywhere else in Switzerland there is an extensive and excellent trail system that is well marked. A useful book is the Lonely Planet guidebook “Walking in Switzerland”. There is also a very good walking guide just for the Bernese Oberland, the name escapes me but I will look tonight and post it.

Cicerone

The book is by Philip and Loretta Alspach. Very helpful book for walkers in the region.

dickv2

Good morning, tho have not stayed at either of these hotels, have check them and if you stay in Interlaken they both are within a short distance of the Interlaken Ost RR station and the boat dock for Lake Brienz. The CARLTON and EUROPA are less than a block from IO and the BOB that runs up to Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald.. There are a lot of trails out of Grindelwald First and best check they web site for more information. www.grindelwaldfirst.ch/..Also there is a pretty good travel guide, "Swiss Bernese Oberland" by Philip Alspach which covers the BO very well...
Have not been there in April, only
five times in October so can not comment on April conditions.. Richard of LaGrange Park, IL>