Wanderyn
Schynige Platte
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · CH

Schynige Platte

Getting around: Schynige Platte is reached by a vintage cogwheel railway from Wilderswil, a short train ride (about 5 minutes) or 15-minute walk from Interlaken Ost. The cogwheel ascent itself takes about 50 minutes.
Hours: Operates seasonally, typically early June through late October, with departures through the day; closed in winter.

Schynige Platte is reached by a slow, old-fashioned open-carriage cogwheel railway dating to 1893, climbing through forest and alpine meadow to a ridge with an alpine botanical garden and sweeping views over Lake Brienz, Lake Thun and the Jungfrau massif. The pace of the whole experience — train included — is deliberately unhurried compared to the faster, more infrastructure-heavy ascents elsewhere in the region.

It's a favorite for hikers, since the summit is also the starting point for one of the region's classic ridge walks toward First, and the alpine garden (with several hundred native alpine plant species) gives it an additional draw beyond the view for anyone interested in flora.

Schynige Platte FAQs

Why is the train ride part of the appeal?

It's a vintage open-carriage cogwheel railway from 1893, moving slowly through forest and meadow — the journey itself is part of the experience, not just transport.

Is the botanical garden worth visiting?

Yes, for anyone interested in alpine flora — it has several hundred native species and is a genuine botanical attraction, not just a garden feature.

Is Schynige Platte a good hiking base?

Yes, it's the starting point for a well-known ridge hike toward First, popular with more experienced hikers.

Is it open year-round?

No, it operates seasonally, roughly June through late October.

How long is the train ride up?

About 50 minutes for the cogwheel ascent from Wilderswil.

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