Schynige Platte is a vast natural space, a natural plateau, and a diverse alpine botanical garden specializing in the display of and research into the high-altitude flora of Switzerland.
Schynige Platte is a mountain with magical landscapes, which offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding lakes and mountains. It is also a starting point for many hikes. Schynige Platte is a huge playground for nature lovers.
From the short panoramic walk to the trek of several hours through escarpments, karst landscapes, vertiginous cliffs, and alpine forests. It's a real pleasure. The paths are well-marked and maintained. Here and there, chains and stairs facilitate the ascent.
How to get to Schynige Platte?
Located near Interlaken, you reach the Schynige Platte and its alpine garden with a cogwheel train, which is slow, very, very slow. Unless you go up there on foot and discover all the charm of the region.
The cogwheel train
The Schynige Platte Railway has been operating for more than 125 years. And most locomotives are still in their original condition! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sweeping views of the lakes, surrounding mountainscapes, and even Lauterbrunnen, named "the Valley of 72 Waterfalls"!
The train only operates for the summer for 3 to 4 months (from July to mid-October).
Did you know you can get a return ticket to Schynige Platte for only CHF44 with your guest card? When you check in at Balmers Hostel, you will receive a guest card that allows you to travel free by bus to Interlaken.
Hiking to the top of Schynige Platte
If you decide not to take the train, it is one of the most beautiful hikes around the lakes of Interlaken. But also one of the most difficult.
Starting point: Wilderswil
You will start with a challenging ascent of 4 hours to Schynige Platte (550 - 1967 m altitude). But there is the possibility of taking the cogwheel train to avoid the climb. Wilderswil to Schynige Platte is a very long hike that is not worth the views until you get to the top.
1. Schynige Platte - Faulhorn
Hike on magnificent ridges with a view of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun on one side and the glacier on the other. Faulhorn is located at an altitude of 2690m. About 3 hours
2. Faulhorn-Bachalpsee
Descent to the lake Bachalpsee with a view of the Glacier. About 1h15
The most beautiful lakes around Interlaken
3. Bachalpsee - First
Allow 1 hour for a hike with an incredible panorama.
Possibility to descend by cable car to First and take the train to return to the starting point.
In total, it will take 25km from the start.
More details about this hike here: Top Hikes Around Grindelwald
Most people tend to do this trip the other way around, or even take the train up to the top and then back. But it is up to you.
In reality, it is a pretty challenging hike. With a combination of short and serious elevation gains, together with a wooded, rocky trail that was uneven underfoot. And a route that had an endless number of switchbacks.
About halfway up the mountain is the station of Breitlauenen 1,542 m (5,059 ft), an immediate station where the trains can pass and a location with overnight accommodation for hikers. It is a lovely place nestled in the alpine meadows, awash with impressive panoramic views.
Close to the actual summit, the views open up even more. And there are a series of impressive narrow paths and dramatic drops that require a steady footing, nerves of steel, and perhaps a good idea not to look down.
At the top, the summit of Schynige Platte is regarded as a hidden gem. With great views from the top and the setting for many a great hike, notably a six-hour jaunt over to First, Grindelwald, which is one to do in the future.
Discover Schynige Platte
As soon as you ascend the funicular, you will be impressed by the magical panorama of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau as well as the surrounding peaks. Take a walk in the picturesque Alpine Garden or hike up in altitude in front of an unforgettable panorama. After your hike, you can relax on the sun terrace of the century-old mountain hotel and enjoy yourself.
🌺 Schynige Platte is home to the most beautiful & best-known flowers from the Swiss Alps. Here you can find 777 alpine plants in their natural environment! There are always some flowers blooming on the Schynige Platte. In June, crocuses and gentians announce the beginning of springtime on the mountain. Then, in July, stars like the Alpine Rose and Edelweiss line the way. Finally, in August, the carpet of flowers reaches its colorful peak
🎵 Every day between 11 am-2 pm, you can watch a live performance of alphorn (Switzerland’s most traditional musical instrument) players.
🥾 Numerous hiking trails start on Schynige Platte, with the shortest called “The Natural Cinema” taking just under 25 minutes to complete. If you’re up for a challenge, Switzerland’s most beautiful high-Alpine trail through wonderfully varied scenery to First Mountain also begins here and takes 6 hours to complete.
The panorama hike on the Schynige Platte lets you marvel at both Lake Brienz and the majestic mountain trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
