Berner Oberland hikes
 

We plan to hike in the Berner Oberland region the first week of June. We live in Colorado so are prepared for altitude etc. We hope to hike Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg . What are some other favorite hikes in this area?

Murren to Gimmelwald.

In the first week of June you might encounter snow, though.
Some paths do not open before mid-June.
But I think Murren should be fine in early June.

For me: From Mannlichen to Gipfel and back, then, after taking a cable car to Holenstein, by foot to Brandegg.

From Grutschalp to Winteregg. (The stretch from Winteregg to Murren was, as I recall, relatively uninteresting and without shade.)

Schynige Platte.

And the walk from Trummelbach Falls to Lauterbrunnen.

That said, you might need to play it by ear and call upon the expertise of your hotel staff, who will know which trails are open and which trails might be best for YOUR needs given the conditions.

Not a hike, but I was glad to spend a lot of time walking around Ballenberg.

As I wrote in your other thread, Kleine Scheidegg might or might not have snow in early June. Yes, play it by ear. The cable car and gondola are in operation at least.

To avoid the relatively uninteresting stretch Winteregg to Mürren take the hiking trail via Allmendhubel.

The hiking trail from Schynige Platte along the mountain crest via mountain hut Maenndlenen to Grindelwald will most likely be still closed - the hut opens mid June.

The sunny side of Männlichen/Kleine Scheidegg mountain crest around Wengen will most likely be free of snow in early June. So you can probably hike the trails around Innerwengen/Wengernalp/Staubbachblick viewpoint.

This guy lists several hikes in the area, some easy some hard. Enjoy!

http://www.gimmelwald.com/hikes.html

thank you, thank you, this is so what I need. Any idea what their winter has been like. I heard much earlier in the season it was very dry but have not heard anything for quite a bit.

If among all areas in the Swiss Alps you choose just the Jungfrau area for early June hikes, you are most probably prepared to hike in smelting snow and mud.
But everything is possible and all Swiss trails are well signmarked, even if you can't see the signs under the snow.

BTW: the Aletsch Glacier area, Riederalp - Bettmeralp, etc. might be the better choice

If you want to know how Maennlichen looks now, load down http://panocam.skiline.cc/maennlichen

We love to stay in Murren and hike the wonderful trails on that side of the valley. I'd suggest you get a copy of Kev Reynolds book "The Bernese Alps: A Walker's Guide" http://www.amazon.com/bernese-alps-w.../dp/1852844515. It contains all the information you will need for hiking in the Lauterbrunnental area.
General hiking maps are available locally. More detailed maps are available from Schweizer Wanderwege. Maps #254T and #264T cover the whole area on both sides of the valley. http://www.swisstopo.admin.ch/intern...hiking_50.html
Two of our favorite hikes are from Murren to Rotstock hut, and Stechelberg to Obersteinberg and Oberhornsee.
Here is a live webcam for Murren http://www.bergfex.com/muerren-schil...webcams/c5482/

Necervd, looks like only a few brave souls there. thanks.

brdcollie, in an earlier post it was recommended that we stay in Lauterbrunner because of the time of year. thoughts on this???

Early June is a bit risky for hiking weather, but I would always stay in the mountains instead of the valley no matter what time of year.
It may be to late to book since she fills up well in advance, but check with Denise at Chalet Fontana http://www.ferntree.ch/chalet/fontana_summer.htm to see if she has a room or apartment available.
It's the perfect place to stay in Murren and she will provide you with excellent advice regarding hiking options for the conditions at the time of your visit.

I remain firm in my recommendation to stay in Lauterbrunnen -- but fully understand that others have different opinions! To each his/her own and good to see that nobody is saying anything is a BAD choice. :-)