Schynige Platte (1,967 m) is one of the finest excursion destinations in the Bernese Oberland. The historic cog railway from Wilderswil, in operation since 1893, takes visitors to the summit in 50 minutes. From the top, a spectacular 360° panorama unfolds: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau on one side, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun simultaneously on the other. The Botanical Alpine Garden with over 800 alpine plant species, the new Skywalk viewpoint and diverse hiking trails make Schynige Platte an unforgettable experience for families, hikers and nature lovers.
Quick Facts
What makes Schynige Platte special?
If you visit Interlaken and skip Schynige Platte, you've missed something — and that's no exaggeration. At 1,967 m, this mountain destination combines five experiences no other peak in the region offers so compactly: a historic cog railway, a 360° panorama of the famous trio and both lakes simultaneously, Switzerland's richest Botanical Alpine Garden, the new Skywalk, and an authentic mountain hotel with a sun terrace dating back to 1899.
The name "Schynige Platte" derives from the Romansh schynen (to shine, to gleam) — referring to a slate rock face on the Gummihorn that glitters intensely after rain. This combination of history, botany, views and hiking makes Schynige Platte a well-kept secret that's no longer particularly secret — but still significantly quieter than Harder Kulm or Grindelwald First thanks to its longer journey time from Interlaken.
- 360° panorama of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau plus Lake Brienz and Lake Thun
- Historic cog railway (Schynige Platte-Bahn) since 1893 — the journey is an experience in itself
- Botanical Alpine Garden with over 800 alpine plant species
- Schynige Platte Skywalk — new viewing platform since summer 2025
- Panorama Trail (T2, ~2.5 hrs) and high-altitude Faulhorn–First hike (T3, ~6 hrs)
- Mountain Hotel Schynige Platte (since 1899) with sun terrace and overnight stays
- Lily's Puzzle Trail for children and daily alphorn concerts
- Often above the cloud inversion — worth visiting even in bad valley weather
Getting there — by cog railway from Wilderswil
The Schynige Platte Railway (SPB) connects Wilderswil station with the Schynige Platte summit station over a 7 km route. The journey takes 50–55 minutes, climbs a maximum gradient of 25% and passes through 4 tunnels and over 8 bridges. The historic rolling stock — open summer carriages and covered wagons from the 19th century — makes the journey an experience in itself. The locomotive pushes from below rather than pulling from above, giving the classic cog railway atmosphere.
Timetable and opening hours
- 2026 season: 13 June to 25 October 2026
- Frequency: approx. every 40 minutes in peak season
- First departure from Wilderswil: approx. 7:25 am
- Last departure from summit: approx. 5:00–5:35 pm (check current timetable on jungfrau.ch)
- Mountain Hotel Restaurant: daily 8:15 am – 6:00 pm (hotel guests also in the evening)
- Botanical Alpine Garden: daily 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
- No winter service
Getting there by public transport and car
- Public transport: Interlaken Ost → Wilderswil (BOB train, 5 min, every 20 min) → Schynige Platte Railway (50–55 min). Total journey from Interlaken: approx. 1 hour.
- By car: Motorway exit 25 Wilderswil, Gsteigstrasse to Wilderswil station. Paid parking behind the station.
- Important: No road to Schynige Platte — from Wilderswil the cog railway is the only way up.
Prices and tickets for the Schynige Platte Railway
Travel-interlaken.ch is not a ticket vendor. The table below is for neutral guidance — always verify current prices on jungfrau.ch or at an SBB ticket office.
| Ticket / Pass | Return price (adult) | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Full price (no pass) | CHF 68 | — |
| Swiss Half Fare Card | CHF 34 | 50% |
| Swiss Travel Pass / Flex | CHF 34 | 50% |
| GA Travel Card | CHF 34 | 50% |
| Jungfrau Travel Pass | CHF 0 | 100% — free |
| Berner Oberland Pass | CHF 0 | 100% — free |
| Eurail / Interrail Global Pass | approx. CHF 51 | 25% |
| SBB Railaway combo | approx. CHF 54 | approx. 20% |
| Children under 6 | CHF 0 | free |
| Children 6–15 (with Junior Card) | CHF 0 | free |
Prices as of 2026 — subject to change. Always verify current prices on jungfrau.ch.
Discounts — Half Fare Card, GA and regional passes
Swiss residents with a Half Fare Card or GA Travel Card enjoy a 50% reduction. For tourists, the Jungfrau Travel Pass (includes Schynige Platte, Harder Kulm, Grindelwald First, Männlichen and more) and the Berner Oberland Pass make the Schynige Platte Railway completely free — well worth it if planning multiple excursions in the region. For last-minute visitors without a pass, the SBB Railaway Schynige Platte combo (Interlaken rail + cog railway) is often the best deal.
The best hikes at Schynige Platte
Schynige Platte is an ideal starting point for hikes of all difficulty levels — from a relaxed family loop to a demanding half-day mountain traverse. All routes begin directly at the summit station.
Schynige Platte Panorama Trail (approx. 2.5 hrs)
The most popular loop from the summit station. The trail passes the mountain hotel and climbs to the Daube/Tuba viewpoint (2,076 m) — the route's highest point — offering a spectacular ridge walk with views of Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. In July: edelweiss and alpine roses in full bloom along the route.
Loucherhorn Loop (approx. 2h15)
For visitors wanting to escape the crowds at the summit station. The route passes the Tuba viewpoint, then follows a scenic ridge path towards Loucherhorn. Turn right at the Grätli signpost and return via the Oberberg huts. A quieter alternative to the Panorama Trail with similar views and less foot traffic. The Loucherhorn summit (2,230 m) is reachable as an optional detour (T3, ladders, exposed).
High-altitude hike Schynige Platte — Faulhorn — First (approx. 6 hrs)
One of the finest high-altitude hikes in Switzerland. Start at Schynige Platte summit station, ascend to Faulhorn (2,681 m) with its historic mountain hotel — the oldest mountain hotel in the Alps (since 1832). Continue along the ridge to Grindelwald First, where the gondola takes you back down. An early start is essential (watch last gondola times). For experienced hikers with appropriate equipment and up-to-date weather information only.
Highlights and activities at Schynige Platte
Schynige Platte Skywalk
New since summer 2025: the Skywalk at the mountain hotel is a semicircular viewing platform jutting out from the hillside as a cantilevered walkway. From here you literally float above the alpine meadows with an unobstructed view of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and Lake Thun far below. No extra charge — the Skywalk is included in the railway ticket. Photographically best in the early morning before the first clouds build up.
Botanical Alpine Garden Schynige Platte
The Botanical Alpine Garden is one of the oldest and most species-rich in Switzerland. Along a roughly 1 km walking circuit, over 800 alpine flowers and plants grow — including around two-thirds of all Swiss plant species. Edelweiss, alpine roses and gentian reach full bloom in July. Entry included in the railway ticket. Open daily 8:30 am – 6:00 pm. Free guided tours every Sunday 1:45–2:45 pm. Information boards in German, French and English.
Lily's Puzzle Trail — adventure for children
Cow Lily is the mascot of Schynige Platte and guides children through the mountain world on the Puzzle Trail. Various stations around the alpine huts invite exploration, puzzle-solving and play. The playground at the mountain hotel completes the offer. Children's play area and baby-changing room in the hotel. Dogs welcome on a lead. Well-suited for children from about age 4.
Alphorn concerts — Swiss tradition in the Alps
Daily between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, free alphorn concerts take place in front of the mountain hotel — indoors in bad weather. Photo opportunities with the up-to-4-metre instruments are welcome. Every Sunday features an extended concert. First weekend in September: Bernatone Alphorn Meeting Interlaken-Jungfrau — an annual festival with around 80 alphorn players from Switzerland, Austria and Germany.
Mountain Hotel Schynige Platte — dining and overnight stays
Mountain Hotel Schynige Platte was founded in 1899 and sits approximately 1 km from the summit station. Run by Jungfrau Railways, it is one of the few mountain hotels in the Bernese Oberland with direct rail access and a panoramic terrace facing the famous trio. Contact: hotelschynigeplatte.ch.
Restaurant and sun terrace
- Open: daily 8:15 am – 6:00 pm (seasonal)
- Menu: Swiss specialities, regional cuisine, game dishes, international options, self-service and table service
- Seating: 290 (approx. 160 terrace, 100 indoor)
- Payment: credit cards, cash
- Tip: Often full at lunchtime 11 am–1 pm — arrive early or after 2 pm for a quieter meal
Staying overnight at the mountain hotel
The mountain hotel offers overnight accommodation for guests wanting to experience sunset and sunrise at nearly 2,000 m. Hotel guests can dine in the restaurant in the evening (kitchen open after 6:00 pm). Conference rooms available. Early booking recommended — limited capacity. Reserve via hotelschynigeplatte.ch.
Weather and best time to visit Schynige Platte
The best time to visit is July to September: alpine roses and edelweiss are in full bloom (July), high-pressure systems are more frequent, and the days are long. A particular advantage of Schynige Platte: at 1,967 m it is often above the cloud inversion when the Interlaken valley is overcast. A day trip can therefore be worthwhile even in grey valley weather — above the clouds, blue skies often await.
In thunderstorms, return to the summit station — the railway may not run in severe weather. Always pack a rain jacket; temperatures at 1,967 m are approximately 5–8 °C cooler than in the valley. The season runs from mid-June to end of October — no winter service.
Schynige Platte vs. Harder Kulm — which mountain trip is right for you?
Both are worthwhile — but for different travellers and situations. Here's a direct comparison:
| Criterion | Schynige Platte | Harder Kulm |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 1,967 m | 1,322 m |
| Journey from Interlaken | approx. 60 min (train + cog railway) | approx. 10 min (funicular) |
| Panorama | Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau + both lakes | Both lakes + Alps (less closeness to summits) |
| Hiking | Extensive (multiple routes, to Faulhorn) | Limited (Augstmatthorn ridge) |
| Highlights | Alpine Garden, Skywalk, alphorns, hotel | Two Lakes Bridge, panorama restaurant |
| Time needed | Half day to full day | 2–3 hours |
| Return price (no pass) | CHF 68 | CHF 34 |
| Families | Excellent (Puzzle Trail, playground, free u-15) | Good (funicular ride, playground) |
| Best for | Hikers, nature lovers, families | Short trip, limited time |
Our tip: if you're spending several days in Interlaken, plan for both — Harder Kulm for sunset (funicular until 9 pm in summer), Schynige Platte as a full-day excursion with hiking.
Insider Tip
Visit the Botanical Alpine Garden on a Sunday morning in July: alpine roses are in full bloom, the free guided tour at 1:45 pm adds botanical depth, and the crowds at the summit station are still thin until early afternoon. Combine with the Panorama Trail — you'll have seen everything by early afternoon and catch one of the earlier trains back before the tourist rush peaks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Schynige Platte railway open?
The Schynige Platte railway operates seasonally — typically from mid-June to end of October. In 2026 it runs from 13 June to 25 October. There is no winter service.
How much does the Schynige Platte trip cost?
A return ticket from Wilderswil costs CHF 68 per adult at full price. With a Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass it's CHF 34. Jungfrau Travel Pass and Berner Oberland Pass holders travel free. Children under 6 ride free; children 6–15 with a Junior Card also travel free.
How long is the cog railway journey from Wilderswil?
The journey from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte summit station takes approximately 50–55 minutes. The route is 7 km long with a maximum gradient of 25%.
Is it worth visiting in bad weather?
Yes — Schynige Platte sits at nearly 2,000 m and is often above the cloud inversion when the valley is overcast. The panorama takes on a dramatic quality in clouds and mist. The Botanical Alpine Garden is also enjoyable in light rain.
Is Schynige Platte suitable for families with children?
Very much so. Lily's Puzzle Trail and the playground at the mountain hotel offer activities for children. The Alpine Garden is safe to walk. Small children can be carried in the Panorama Trail. Children up to 15 with a Junior Card travel free.
How long should I plan for a visit?
For a relaxed visit including the Panorama Trail, Alpine Garden and lunch, plan half a day (4–5 hours). Those tackling the high-altitude hike to Faulhorn and Grindelwald First should plan a full day.
What is the Schynige Platte Skywalk?
The Skywalk is a newly opened (summer 2025) viewing platform at the mountain hotel — a semicircular walkway jutting out with unobstructed views of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Entry is included in the railway ticket.
Can you stay overnight at Schynige Platte?
Yes. The historic Mountain Hotel Schynige Platte (since 1899) offers overnight accommodation directly on the mountain. Capacity is limited — early booking via hotelschynigeplatte.ch is recommended.
Are there beginner-friendly hikes at Schynige Platte?
Yes. The Panorama Trail (approx. 2.5 hrs, T2) and the Loucherhorn Loop (approx. 2h15, T1–T2) are well-marked and suitable for confident walkers. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
When do edelweiss and alpine roses bloom at Schynige Platte?
The Botanical Alpine Garden typically shows edelweiss and alpine roses in full bloom in July. The garden is open 8:30–18:00; every Sunday there is a free guided tour (13:45–14:45).