My partner and I were planning to do some hiking in the Bernese Oberland in May, and would like to stay in Murren.<BR><BR>However, now that we've started researching, it looks like most of the hotels close down in April/May.<BR><BR>At the moment, we look like being there 9th to 11th May. We'd like longer, but we've got some other places booked to visit in Northern Italy and Switzerland.<BR><BR>Can anyone help with any advice about places that might be open in early May, in Murren?<BR><BR>Many thanks.

Daisy- my brochure (2+ yrs old) from the Hotel Alpenruh shows that they are open during this time. We stayed there in Sept. 1999 and it was nice. About 95 CHF for two. The room had a balcony and a deep bathtub. However, I don't know how much hiking you're going to be able to do in May. There will still be a lot of snow in the high areas and mountain passes.

Daisy - forgot to give you the website for Alpenruh...www.muerren.ch/alpenruh

Thanks, Bonnie, for your information. I'll check it out. Although I thought that when I was searching last night, Alpenruh was one of the ones that was closed. Again, thanks for taking the time to reply.

Hi Daisy,<BR>When I first read your message, I thought I could help you. My husband and I were in Murren last May and stayed at Hotel Alpina, which I can highly recommend. However, we were there later in the month than you will be, and I don't think they opened until May 18th in 2001. And, when we were there, I believe they might have been the only hotel open. You might have better luck if you open your search to Wengen or some of the other villages. I hope you find something because I'd hate for you to miss out on this gorgeous area.

Hi again Daisy, well I hope you've made some progress in your search, even if the Alpenruh turns out to be closed then. I did goof on the price, meant to put USD not swiss francs.

We have been to the Lauterbrunnen Region many times at different times of the year. We are avid hikers. I believe that you will find the snow line to be too low for much hiking in early May. Even at the end of May hiking very high can be difficult. Of course, if you are interesting in mountaineering (crampons, ice axes, ropes), that is different. In Wengen, the Schonegg Hotel is a charming 3 star hotel. Valley walks will be pretty in May with the flowers beginning to bloom. Yet, we have found in mountainous areas of Austria and Switzerland that even into mid May, they are just starting to bring out the flower boxes and there a still snow patches in sheltered areas.