Switzerland in late April
 

Hello, myself and two others will be vising Switzerland from April 24 through May 5 of this year. We will be flying into Zurich, and the plan is to stay there for a few days, use the Swiss Rail Pass to go to the Jungfrau region, then make it down to Zermatt.
I have been to Zermatt before, but have never made it to the Jungfrau region, and I have a few questions. We are looking into staying in either Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, or Grindelwald. We will most likely make it to all three places during day trip, but which, in your opinion, is the best to make our home base? I have heard that it is also possible to walk between these towns. Would it be possible to do this in late April/ early May, and what are the trails?
We would also like to hear what everyone's favorite thing to do in Zurich/ the Jungfrau region is.
We are all very much into hiking and biking, and would like to do some while we are in the Alps. What would be the best trails to do during this time frame? If most of the trails are still snowed in at this time, is there any good snow shoeing available?
Any additional suggestions or information is very much appreciated!

Lauterbrunnen is in one valley, Wengen is on a cliff next to it, and Grindlewald is in a different valley adjacent to Wengen. You could walk between them, but it would be difficult and possibly trecherous in April as there could still be snow on the ground, even at lower elevations.

This site has information about hiking in Switzerland. Higher elevation trails will not be open in April or early May.
http://www.wanderland.ch/en/wanderland.html


I think most Swiss visitors find nearby Luzern to be a more attractive town to visit rather than Zurich. It's only about 70 minutes by train, it's prettier, more mountain scenery, and is generally more pleasant. And it's on the way to Lauterbrunnen.

As already noted, weather in the Bernese Oberland can be tricky at the time when you will be there. If you decide to go, you might actually want to base in Interlaken so you have greater flexibility if the weather is bad. Just an option. Of the three you mention, the views from pedestrian-free Wengen can be spectacular -- but not necessarily from the less expensive hotels. For my budget and interests (and the time of year when I went), I thought Lauterbrunnen a very good choice.

To learn what you might see and do, please consult a good guidebook or two, or read some trip reports, or both.

Good luck!