Things to Do in Interlaken in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Interlaken
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather with 18°C (65°F) highs - ideal for Jungfraujoch and Harder Kulm without overheating on steep climbs
- Spring wildflowers peak in valley meadows and lower alpine zones (1,200-1,800m/3,937-5,906 ft elevation) creating postcard scenery
- Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to June-August peak rates while weather remains excellent
- Cable cars and cogwheel trains run full spring schedules but with manageable crowds - no 45-minute queues like summer
Considerations
- Higher altitude activities above 2,500m (8,202 ft) may still have snow patches and limited accessibility until late May
- Rain showers on 10 days mean outdoor plans need flexibility - afternoon thunderstorms can appear suddenly
- Some mountain huts and high-altitude hiking trails don't open until June 1st, limiting backcountry options
Best Activities in May
Jungfraujoch Railway Excursions
May offers perfect conditions for Europe's highest railway station at 3,454m (11,332 ft). Clear morning visibility is common before afternoon clouds build. Spring snow creates dramatic contrast with valley greenery below. Temperatures at the top range from -5°C to 5°C (23-41°F) - crisp but comfortable for the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory.
Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Boat Tours
May water temperatures reach 12-15°C (54-59°F) making boat tours comfortable with spring jackets. Tourist boat schedules expand to full service but without peak-season crowds. Shoreline castles and traditional villages are framed by snow-capped peaks reflecting in calm morning waters. Perfect photography conditions.
Paragliding from Beatenberg
May thermals are strong but predictable, creating ideal paragliding conditions over the Bernese Oberland. Spring weather patterns provide smooth lift without the turbulent summer heat thermals. Landing zones in valley meadows are accessible and crowds minimal. Tandem flights offer 15-20 minute air time with professional pilots.
Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfall Hiking
Snowmelt creates peak waterfall flows in May - Staubbach Falls drops 297m (974 ft) at maximum volume. Valley floor trails are snow-free while offering close-up access to 72 waterfalls. Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain runs at 20,000 liters per second. Cool 15-18°C (59-65°F) temperatures prevent overheating on valley walks.
Grindelwald First Cliff Walk Adventures
May offers optimal conditions for the First Cliff Walk - a 40m (131 ft) suspended platform at 2,168m (7,113 ft). Clear morning visibility showcases Eiger North Face before afternoon clouds. Spring snow creates dramatic Alpine backdrop while platform remains accessible. Mountain cart and zip line activities operate full schedules.
Bernese Oberland Photography Tours
May provides exceptional Alpine photography conditions with spring wildflowers, dramatic cloud formations, and optimal light quality. Golden hour occurs 6:30-7:30am and 7:30-8:30pm giving extended shooting windows. Snow-capped peaks contrast with green meadows creating classic Swiss imagery. Professional guides know seasonal flower locations and weather patterns.
May Events & Festivals
Interlaken Spring Music Festival
Local classical and folk music performances in historic venues around town. Traditional Alpine horn concerts echo across the valley. Outdoor concerts in Höhematte Park when weather permits.
Unspunnen Festival Preparations
While the main festival occurs in August, May features traditional craftsman demonstrations and Swiss wrestling training sessions open to visitors. Stone throwing and flag throwing practice sessions happen weekends.