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Mountain · Interlaken, Berna
Schynige Platte
Viewpoint at 1,967 m, reached by a rack railway opened in 1893 from Wilderswil. Beside the station is an alpine botanical garden with about 800 species.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Schynige Platte
Schynige Platte is a plateau at 1,967 m between Interlaken and Grindelwald. It is reached by the Schynige-Platte-Bahn, a rack railway opened in 1893 that departs from Wilderswil and climbs in about an hour in wooden carriages, with the Thunersee and Brienzersee appearing below.
At the top, the view opens to the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau on one side and to the two lakes on the other. Beside the station is the alpine botanical garden, with roughly 800 species of mountain plants arranged along a walk of about an hour.
From there short and long trails depart. The Panoramaweg is a loop of about two and a half hours; the crossing to the Faulhorn and the Bachalpsee, finishing at Grindelwald-First, takes about six hours and is for well-prepared hikers.
The train only runs in summer: the season typically runs from June to October, and it's worth checking operations before you go up.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From three hours to half a day, including the train.
Best time
From June to August the alpine garden's flowers are usually in bloom. Go early, before the clouds roll in.
How to get there
Train from Interlaken Ost to Wilderswil in a few minutes, and from there the rack railway to the summit.
Tip
Sit on the right-hand side of the train on the ascent to see the lakes. Bring a jacket: it is usually much colder up top than in Interlaken.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Schynige Platte
How to get up to the Schynige Platte?
By cogwheel train from Wilderswil, a few minutes by train from Interlaken Ost. The ascent takes about an hour.
Is the Schynige Platte open in winter?
No. The cogwheel train usually runs from June to October; check operating times before you go up.
Is the alpine garden large?
It has about 800 species of mountain plants, on a route of roughly one hour.
Can you hike from the Schynige Platte to First?
Yes, via the trail that goes past the Faulhorn and the Bachalpsee, in about six hours.