Greetings to the wise...can anyone tell me if there is any likelihood of getting good enough weather in Muerren in early May to see the mountains?

Others on the board have more experience, but we were in the area in mid May in both 2002 and 2004 and skipped trips up into the BO due to rain, fogg, and generally low visibility weather.

JN, I am also planning a trip next year, probably late May. Do you think that the fog and low visibility is hit or miss or is that the norm? We could probably move our trip into early June but I don't know if that makes a difference.

Hi Beaker,
I have heard that snow is very possible in the Gridelwald area in late May(when we are planning to go.) I know that there is no real way of predicting weather so far in advance but if hiking is your thing it doesn't sound like May is the best time. I am now wondering if we should add Switzerland toward the end of our trip rather than the beginning. Good luck!

Haven't been to Murren in early May, but have been there in late May and early June. The weather will be hit and miss - anything can happen that time of year. A bigger problem might be what's open - there's only one year-round hotel in Murren - Hotel Alpenruh. Their restaurant, and their sister restaurant at the Schilthorn cable station are the only options in town that time of year. There's always the COOP, which is a small grocery store if you plan to self cater.

I've been hiking in the area in late May and it was a bit tricky - lots of ice, snow and mud.

Mountain cableways might be closed as well as it's off season. The funicular and train to Murren run year round, but other options might be hit and miss.

Switzerland is very seasonal - the off season is the time for maintenace of funiculars, cable cars, etc.

If you do plan to go, check opening times with your hotel before your visit.

On the other hand, I've been to the Berner Oberland many times, and have always seen the mountains. If you're only there one day, you might not be so lucky, but if you're in the area for several days, you've got a good chance of seeing what you came for.

Have fun.