Things to Do in Interlaken in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Interlaken
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring mountain conditions are genuinely ideal - the hiking trails at lower elevations like Harder Kulm are snow-free and lush, while higher peaks still have that dramatic snow cover for photography. You get both worlds without the summer crowds that pack the trails from June onward.
- Waterfall season is in full swing thanks to snowmelt - Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain is absolutely thundering in May, moving up to 20,000 liters per second through those glacier-carved channels. The Staubbach Falls is also at peak flow, and you can actually feel the spray from 300 m (984 ft) away.
- Shoulder season pricing means you'll save 20-30% on accommodations compared to peak summer rates in July-August. Hotels that go for 400 CHF in high season are often 280-320 CHF in May, and you can still book good places without the 3-month advance planning summer requires.
- Paragliding conditions are consistently excellent - May typically offers stable thermals in the afternoon without the intense summer heat. Launch sites like Beatenberg have clear takeoff windows most days, and you get those crisp mountain views before the summer haze settles in.
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get 22°C (72°F) and sunshine one day, then 10°C (50°F) with rain the next. That 10-day rainfall average means you're looking at roughly one rainy day every three days, and afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly from the valleys.
- High-altitude destinations like Jungfraujoch can still be partially limited - some hiking routes above 2,500 m (8,202 ft) might be snow-covered or closed, and visibility can be hit-or-miss. You're not guaranteed that perfect alpine experience you see in summer postcards.
- Some cable cars and mountain railways run reduced schedules until late May - they're transitioning from ski season to summer operations, so you might find certain routes only running every 45 minutes instead of every 30, which affects day-trip timing.
Best Activities in May
Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfall Hikes
May is absolutely the month for waterfall viewing in the valley. The snowmelt from surrounding peaks pushes the 72 waterfalls to maximum flow, and trails like the route between Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg are mud-free but still dramatic. The spray creates rainbows on sunny afternoons around 2-4pm when the light hits right. Temperature range of 8-18°C (46-65°F) is perfect for moderate hiking without overheating on uphill sections.
Jungfraujoch Railway Experience
The journey to Top of Europe at 3,454 m (11,332 ft) is spectacular in May when you're transitioning through three distinct climate zones - green valleys, then pine forests, then pure snow and ice. Visibility tends to be better in May than summer months, though you want to check mountain webcams before committing. The Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory are fully operational, and crowds are 40% lighter than July peak season.
Interlaken Paragliding Tandem Flights
May offers some of the year's most reliable paragliding conditions. Thermals are strong but not aggressive, winds are generally stable, and the visibility is crisp. Flights from Beatenberg at 1,200 m (3,937 ft) give you 15-20 minutes airtime with views across both Thunersee and Brienzersee. The combination of snow-capped peaks and green valleys below makes for dramatic photos. Weather cancellation rate in May runs around 20% compared to 40% in shoulder months.
Harder Kulm Funicular and Viewpoint
This is the accessible mountain experience when weather is questionable. The funicular takes just 10 minutes to reach 1,322 m (4,337 ft), where you get panoramic views of Interlaken, both lakes, and the Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau trio. In May, the alpine meadows are starting to bloom with early wildflowers, and the restaurant terrace is open for lunch. If clouds are low on the Jungfrau, this is your backup plan - it is low enough to usually stay above valley fog but high enough for dramatic views.
Brienz Lake Cruise and Village Exploration
Lake Brienz has this incredible turquoise color from glacial sediment that is most vivid in May when snowmelt is actively feeding it. The historic paddle steamers and modern boats run regular routes between Interlaken Ost and Brienz village, taking about 70 minutes one-way. Brienz itself is known for woodcarving workshops where you can watch craftspeople work. The lakeside temperature is usually 2-3°C (4-5°F) warmer than Interlaken town, making it pleasant even on cooler May days.
Grindelwald First Cliff Walk and Mountain Activities
The First area at 2,168 m (7,113 ft) combines accessible cable car access with adventure activities. The cliff walk platform jutting out over the drop is dramatic, and in May you get snow-covered peaks as backdrop with green valleys below. The First Flyer zipline and mountain cart are usually operational by mid-May. Hiking trails like the route to Bachalpsee lake are typically snow-free by late May, offering that classic alpine lake reflection photo with the Wetterhorn behind it.
May Events & Festivals
Unspunnenfest Preparations and Preview Events
While the main Unspunnenfest traditional Swiss festival happens every 12 years, the region often hosts smaller alpine culture events in May as communities prepare for summer. You might catch yodeling performances, alphorn demonstrations, or flag-throwing exhibitions in villages around Interlaken. These are authentic local gatherings rather than tourist shows, usually happening on weekend afternoons in village squares.