Spring in the Alps: A Family Guide to Grindelwald, Interlaken & the Jungfrau Region
The Most Underrated Season
Spring in the Alps is a bit of a secret.
It’s not quite winter, not quite summer — and that’s exactly what makes it so special. If you’re visiting with kids, especially over the Easter holidays, it can be one of the best (and most underrated) times to explore.
But it does come with a few quirks.
Here’s what to expect — and why it might just become your favourite time to visit.
The Best of Both Seasons (If You Time It Right)
One of the biggest advantages of visiting the Alps in spring is that you can sometimes experience winter and summer in the same trip.
Depending on the year and snow conditions, you might still be able to ski in higher resorts like Grindelwald or above Wengen — especially around the Easter holidays.
At the same time, lower down:
Hiking trails start to open
Playgrounds reappear from the snow
Outdoor activities begin again
For families, this mix is hard to beat.
Fewer Crowds, Great for kids
Spring is often one of the least crowded times in the Alps.
Outside of peak Easter weeks, you’ll find:
Shorter queues for cable cars
Quieter hiking trails
Less busy restaurants and viewpoints
It’s the perfect time to visit popular spots like Jungfraujoch or the lifts around Interlaken without the usual summer rush.
With kids, that extra space makes a huge difference.
Perfect for the Big Attractions
Because it’s quieter, spring is ideal for ticking off those “must-do” Alpine experiences.
Whether it’s:
Scenic train rides
Cable cars to panoramic viewpoints
Famous mountain excursions
You’ll often enjoy them in a much more relaxed way — no long waits, no crowds, just the experience.
The Trade-Off: Seasonal Closures, wild weather
Here’s the part people don’t always expect.
Spring is also maintenance season in many mountain areas.
That means:
Some lifts and cable cars may be closed
Certain restaurants or attractions might shut temporarily
Entire areas can pause between winter and summer seasons
It’s always worth checking ahead — a little planning goes a long way at this time of year.
If there’s one thing to be prepared for, it’s the weather.
Spring in the Alps is unpredictable — sometimes wildly so.
In a single week (or even a single day), you might experience:
Winter snowstorms
Warm, sunny afternoons
Rain and sudden temperature drops
It’s not unusual to go from full winter conditions to almost summer-like warmth in a matter of days.
For families, this means one thing: come prepared.
Layers, waterproofs, and good footwear aren’t optional — they’re essential.
Why Spring is great for Families
Despite the unpredictability, spring can be a fantastic time to visit with kids.
There’s a sense of variety and flexibility:
Ski one day, explore a playground the next
Enjoy quieter attractions without the stress
Experience the mountains in a more relaxed, local-feeling way
It might not be the “perfect” postcard season — but it often feels more real, and more enjoyable because of it.
Spring in the Alps isn’t about guaranteed sunshine or perfect conditions.
It’s about variety, space, and a bit of adventure.
If you come prepared — and embrace the changing conditions — it can be one of the most rewarding times to visit, especially as a family.
Just don’t forget your layers… and be ready for anything.
If you’re travelling in the Jungfrau Region with little ones and fancy a bit of time to explore at your own pace, Prince Kids Babysitting is a lovely option. A few hours of extra support can go a long way in making your mountain trip feel a little more relaxed.”