72625 posts
Hi Jennifer2017 and welcome to MySwissAlps!
Interlaken is a great town to base yourself in for outdoor activities. See our what to do page on the area here (it shows scenic trips and hiking options).
Boat tours in the Interlaken area typically start up in April at a reduced schedule. So it may be possible to go on Lake Thun or Brienz.
Skiing is possible at Schilthorn until April 17 but is limited after April 3.
You should have no problem finding restaurants in Interlaken or on the mountains like Schilthorn or Jungfraujoch. It will be quieter at that time of year though.
Regards,
Lucas
7567 posts
Hi Jennifer-
Adding to Lucas’ comments, the majority of “secondary” transport – cableways- up for skiing or sightseeing are shutting down during April. Poor snow, no customers. They open for the hiking season on May 25th.
Some work with the timetable
http://www.myswissalps.com/ti metable
and this map will help you :
Zoom in.
map.search.ch/?pos=636784,162448&z=32
The routes to Schilthorn are open, and the cograil from Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfrau run all year.
Some hotels and restaurants close sometime in early April and reopen in early to mid-June.
I think that boats on Lake Brienz don’t start until May.
Use the timetable, or check here:
http://www.bls.ch/en/fahren/u nterwegs-mit/schiff#time.from:0 5.02.2017,time.to:05.0 6.2017
http://www.myswissalps.com/bo atlakebrienz
Slowpoke
72625 posts
Thank you Lucas and Slowpoke for your info! After reading your replies, I’m thinking
- Day 1-boat trip from Interlaken to Thun. Then, the St. Beatus Caves are close to that correct?
- Day 2-maybe the train trip to Jungfraujoch…I hear there is a restaurant up there with cheese fondue?
- Day 3- hopefully some hiking? Any suggestions on best hikes for April?
Does that sound like the best use of a small amount of time coupled with the fact that it’s in-between seasons?
72625 posts
Hi jennifer2017,
Just be sure to check out the boat schedule closer to your arrival time that is operating on the date you want in April – it may not be. The caves are closer to Interlaken than Thun.
Most any Swiss restaurant will offer cheese fondue :). It looks like there are 3 at the top of Jungfraujoch but I can not access a specific menu for them.
Hiking will be a challenge at that time of year at higher elevations. We have a selection of hikes described here that are in the Jungfrau area that you might like but might not be open for you at that time.
Lucas