As you board the old-fashioned mountain railway, prepare to be overwhelmed by dream views of the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and the surrounding peaks. Enjoy a stroll through a colourful alpine garden, or an altitude hike packed with great views. After your hiking tour, relax over a good meal on the sun terrace of a century-old mountain hotel.
The impressive ride on the old-fashioned Schynige Platte mountain railway starts at Wilderswil station. Along the way you pass through deep green forests and mountain meadows filled with alpine flowers as the rack-and-pinion railway winds pleasantly through the tranquil natural landscape. There is a short intermediate stop at Breitlauenen, where a smart bistro next to the railway station invites diners. Be sure to sample a savoury platter of alpine cheese or a slice of home-made fruitcake. Throughout the hour-long trip, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the famed peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and the surrounding mountain chain.
A steam locomotive also chugs its way up the Schynige Platte. Only four steam-powered ascents are made each summer, and demand is high; each trip carries a maximum of 40 steam enthusiasts, so check the dates and times of these special trips well in advance. Perhaps you have dreamed of driving a locomotive yourself? Now you can turn that vision into reality by booking a ride on the footplate. This special offer invites you to put on your stoker’s cap and overalls and get your hands dirty oiling the machinery in preparation. On the journey, you then take the controls like a real engine driver.
When you arrive at 1967 metres above sea level, you can join an easy circular route promisingly dubbed "nature’s cinema", which starts from the summit station. The path, which is open from June to October, more than earns its nickname. Wooden frames set along the route accentuate the views from a variety of impressive angles; it is possible for visitors to sit on the bottom frame and pose against the majestic mountain backdrop. Which perspective of the vast white mountains will you find most beautiful or striking? The route also takes in the Botanical Alpine Garden, where your voyage of discovery in the heart of the Swiss Alps continues.
The Schynige Platte is a paradise for walkers and the starting point for memorable hikes. The altitude hike from the Schynige Platte to First (or vice versa) is something you really have to experience. The six-hour mountain tour embraces the diversity of alpine flora, lush pastures and idyllic mountain lakes. To the left is turquoise Lake Brienz, to your right the majestic Jungfrau range. A shorter route (with equally beautiful views) takes in the "Daube" viewpoint; this continues along a secure ridge with views of the Oberberghorn, passing brightly coloured alpine flowers (and curious marmots) on the way to the Louchernhorn before heading back to the start point.
In the summer, the warm tones of alphorn players ring out in front of the mountain hotel between 11:00 and 14:00. Alpine herdsmen once used the alphorn to communicate with dairymen in other meadows and people down in the valley; today this typically Swiss instrument captures the hearts of visitors. Producing melodious tones from a natural horn measuring almost four metres takes a great deal of practice. The alphorn players of the Schynige Platte are highly skilled in doing so: see for yourself with the free performances in front of the mountain hotel. The tones of the alphorn combine with the sounds of nature to crown your hiking expedition.
In the Botanical Alpine Garden, edelweiss, gentian and other mountain plants in need of protection flourish in their natural environment above the tree line; visitors find the colours and scents beguiling. A circular path extending around one kilometre introduces you to two thirds of all the alpine flora in an easily accessible environment that invites you to encounter some 650 different species of plant. For children, tours and afternoon events are held every Wednesday. Fairytales are related as children are guided around the alpine garden, and invited to pot their own plants.
One high spot for families with children is the new Alpenspielplatz, a playground created with the backing of Swiss musician Marc Trauffer. At the heart of the experience is a new mascot: the carved cow Lily and her animal friends. Alongside his successful musical career, Marc Trauffer runs «Trauffer Holzspielwaren», a company that designs carefully sculpted wooden animals such as Lily the cow. The wooden figures spark the imagination of children in a typically Swiss play experience.
After the exhilarating circular hike, relax on the beautiful sun terrace of a mountain hotel more than a century old. Close your eyes for a moment and listen to the call of "Tächi" (as Alpine choughs are affectionately known here), the tinkling of cow bells and the sound of the wind through the firs. Before or after your hike, fortify yourself with fine Swiss specialities at the Panorama Restaurant. From the charming mountain hotel, the views of the peaks and Lake Thun twinkling down in the valley are superb.
Take a comfortably rustic room unchanged since your grandparents’ day at the Berghotel Schynige Platte – and enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets. All 17 rooms feature enchanting starry skies painted on to the ceilings: when it gets dark, the stars start to shine. An Austrian artist produced the artworks with purely natural materials using a technique he developed himself. Be inspired to dream beneath the stars.
Old-fashioned train ride with superbly panoramic views
Alpine playground and botanical alpine garden with more than 650 plant species
Ideal starting point for panorama trails and altitude hikes
Spectacular sunrises and sunsets from the mountain hotel
Daily performances by alphorn players
Operates from July to the end of October
Journey time of one hour from Wilderswil
Check times of the last descent
Weatherproof clothing recommended
Sturdy footwear essential for hikes