How to visit Schynige Platte [in 2024 and 2025]

Located in the Jungfrau Region, Schynige Platte makes the ideal day or half-day trip from Interlaken.

It’s an incredibly scenic spot, and is often visited by nature lovers and hikers who come to enjoy the Schynige Platte panorama trail. Despite this, it tends to be more peaceful than the larger, better known peaks in Switzerland, so it can feel like something of an undiscovered secret. 

There is also a hotel at Schynige Platte, where can you dine indoors or on the terrace, while a kids’ play park allows younger visitors to burn off some excess energy. You can also take a Schynige Platte hike or explore the pretty Alpine garden during your visit. 

If you’ll be in Switzerland from mid-June to late October, it’s worth considering a visit to Schynige Platte – particularly if you’ll be in the Interlaken area. During winter, the cogwheel railway is closed for the season.

If the idea of fresh mountain air, stunning views and an abundance of nature appeals, read on to plan your perfect day at Schynige Platte.

So, if you are wondering how to visit Schynige Platte, from how to get there to what to do – plus frequently asked questions and practical advice – this guide will steer you in the right direction. 

Quick Summary of Schynige Platte Ticket Options

About Schynige Platte

Schynige Platte is a wonderful area for walking, and also makes the perfect viewpoint for gazing out over the surrounding Swiss peaks. There is also a beautiful, flower-filled Alpine garden, and during a visit you may also get to hear local people playing the alphorn. 

Apart from the picturesque attractions of the area, popular things to do include Schynige Platte hiking such as the Schynige Platte to First route, dining at the hotel restaurant while enjoying the mountain panoramas, exploring the Alpine meadows or playing at the kids’ park. 

Taking the train to Schynige Platte is also a highlight of any visit. The 19th century railway route is around seven kilometres (or just under four-and-a-half miles) long, and riding in the historic carriages is a quintessential part of the experience. 

I’ve made the trip to Schynige Platte on three separate occasions and can’t wait to do it again.

Where is Schynige Platte?

Schynige Platte can be found in the Bernese Oberland of central Switzerland. As part of the Jungfrau region, the peak can only be reached via the charming, 19th century cogwheel train. 

This departs from Wilderswil in the canton of Bern. The nearest sizeable town is Interlaken and you can take a train or drive from here to reach the Schynige Platte railway station in Wilderswil. 

How to get to Schynige Platte

To reach Schynige Platte from Interlaken or destinations beyond, you can take one of the regular trains from the resort town to Wilderswil. Otherwise you can drive to Wilderswil, and there is a car park at the station where passengers can leave their vehicles.

Some even opt to walk from Interlaken, as Wilderswill is just a few kilometres from town. 

Getting from Interlaken to Wilderswil to Schynige Platte

It only takes around four minutes to reach Wilderswil by train from Interlaken, and there are two trains per hour. You could also drive or take a taxi, with a journey time of around six minutes. 

If you choose to walk from Interlaken to Wilderswil, allow around 40 minutes from the resort centre, as Wilderswil is a village not far from town.

The cogwheel train from Wilderswil to the summit of Schynige Platte operates between mid-June and late October each year.  (See exact dates of operation for 2024 below).

The Schynige Platte bahn – as it’s known in German – departs from the station in Wilderswil and the scenic journey takes just over 50 minutes.

Schynige Platte Timetable

If you’re taking the train from Interlaken, these depart twice per hour from about 6am. The journey of around two miles or three kilometres takes just four minutes, which is why walking is also an option. 

The first Schynige Platte railway service normally leaves Wilderswil daily at just after 8am and arrives at the station on the summit just before 9am. This applies during the operating season from 15 June to 20 October, 2024. For the remainder of the year, this route is closed. 

Operating dates for 2025 are yet to be confirmed.

You can check departure times for the Schynige Platte cogwheel train from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte here. 

Schynige Platte Prices

As mentioned in the table above, the regular return adult ticket costs CHF 64 from Wilderswil. Holders of a Jungfrau Travel Pass and Berner Oberland Pass^ travel on the Schynige Platte bahn for free, whilst holders of a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card pay 50%.

^From 1 January, 2025, holders of a Berner Oberland Pass will receive a 50% reduction on Schynige Platte ticket prices.

Children aged 6 to 15 years pay CHF 30 each whilst children under 6 travel for free.

Where to buy Schynige Platte tickets

If you don’t already have a Swiss rail pass, and don’t intend to purchase one, the simplest way to buy your Schynige Platte tickets for the cogwheel railway is to buy them online in advance.

This ticket covers each 52 minute leg of the return journey, and should you need to cancel for any reason, you can receive a full refund as long as this is done 24 hours or more before departure. 

Traditional Swiss Alphorn players perform for visitors between 11am and 2pm daily during the summer season. Your ticket also includes entry to the Schynige Platte botanical alpine garden. 

> Click here to buy your Schynige Platte tickets

Note: tickets can only be purchased from spring (approximately late April) each year.

As mentioned above, if you hold a Jungfrau Travel Pass or Berner Oberland Pass^, your Schynige Platte price is fully covered, as holders travel free of charge. Those with a Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Half Fare Card or Eurail Global Pass, get their tickets half price. 

^From 1 January, 2025, holders of a Berner Oberland Pass will receive a 50% reduction on Schynige Platte ticket prices.

🇨🇭 Read about the different Swiss rail passes here

Things to do at Schynige Platte

Once you reach the summit, things to do include having a drink, snack or meal at the Schynige Platte restaurant.

You can also visit the attractive alpine garden, spend time at the kids’ playground or take a trek such as the Schynige Platte to First hike. 

Schynige Platte botanical alpine garden

The lovely botanical garden at Schynige Platte is home to over 750 native Alpine species of flora. Notable plants growing here include blue gentian and of course edelweiss, alongside various types of crocus, lily, rose, aster, orchid, thistle and more. 

This garden perched almost 2,00 metres above sea level is also an important site of scientific research. Like the railway it’s open from mid-June to late October, and admission is included with your train ticket. The garden is located directly above the station. 

There is a Schynige Platte webcam located at the Alpine garden, so you can take a sneak peek of the live weather situation before your visit. 

Schynige Platte restaurant

Dining at the restaurant at the Schynige Platte hotel is a must for many visitors. With seating for 500, the eatery serves everything from coffee and cake to a full Swiss meal.

As you might expect, the views are spectacular. Service is great and the food authentic and of good quality. 

Schynige Platte hiking

Hiking at Schynige Platte is one of the most popular things to do on the mountain. Of all the Schynige Platte panoramaweg (panoramic way) routes, the hike to First is one of the best known. This takes around six hours, however, so it’s not for the unfit or faint-hearted.

Gems to discover along the route of this ‘panoramaweg’ from Schynige Platte include floral, mountain and wild landscapes, plus sparkling Swiss lakes. 

Other routes you can follow in the area include the Daube viewpoint hike of around an hour and the Oberberghorn panorama trail that continues the trek. Allow another hour or so for this.

From Oberberghorn you can also take the Loucherhorn panoramic trail if you wish, which will take another two to three hours. 

You can also take the easier Swiss flower and panoramic trail, which also begins at the Schynige Platte bahn station. This takes you past fragrant, colourful Alpine meadows where beautiful native flowers grow.

There are information boards here, as well as paths heading off in various directions to follow if you like. 

Schynige Platte alphorn players

The alphorn, alpine horn or alpenhorn is a traditional Swiss instrument that can be up to four metres in length. It’s often played at local events, festivals and celebrations, and local players also perform for visitors between 11am and 2pm during the peak season.

There’s nothing quite like hearing the sound of the alphorn as the Schynige Platte bahn pulls into the station. It is a magical moment, for sure.

You can see the daily performances either outside or inside the hotel, depending on the weather in Schynige Platte on the day of your visit.

If you’re planning to have lunch at the restaurant, you can schedule this so you don’t miss the music. 

Schynige Platte nature cinema

Perched just above the cogwheel railway station is the Schynige Platte nature cinema. This is open between June and October, and is a trail you can easily follow. Along the way there are a couple of large picture frames so you can pose for photos or footage captured against the Swiss mountain backdrop. 

You’ll also find wooden benches en route, where you can stop for a mindful moment to hear the call of the mountains, the swishing of the pines and the cheerful birdsong of the lucky creatures that inhabit the area. 

Can you stay at Schynige Platte?

You can indeed stay overnight at the top of a Swiss mountain, at the Berghotel in Schynige Platte. This is where you’ll find the restaurant, and is also where the alpenhorn players perform each day. 

Berghotel Schynige Platte

Berghotel Schynige Platte is very much at the centre of life on the mountain, and it’s also possible to book an overnight stay here. The hotel offers accommodation in twin, double or family rooms, and there are shared bathrooms.

The Berghotel has a restaurant with terrace, a garden with a kids’ play park and offers free guest WiFi throughout. Some rooms come with soothing mountain views, and a buffet or continental breakfast is available daily.

Rooms are simple yet charming and comfortable in style, with character features like wooden beds and ceiling panelling. 

> Click here to book your stay at Berghotel Schynige Platte

How long should you spend at Schynige Platte?

Three to four hours is recommended for a day trip to Schynige Platte. Booking lunch, dinner or even an overnight stay at the Berghotel is also a great idea, as you can enjoy endless mountain vistas as you dine or during sunset.  

Best time to visit Schynige Platte

If you want to visit, do bear in mind that the cogwheel railway and attractions of Schynige Platte are only open during the summer season. The operating dates for 2024 are 15 June to 20 October. Dates are still to be confirmed for 2025.

The best time to see the Alpine flowers in the meadows and at the botanical garden is during June, July and August, though certain species can also be seen in spring and autumn. 

Practical advice for visiting Schynige Platte

Schynige Platte weather tends to be cold and snowy during winter, which is why the railway, hotel and attractions are closed then. In summer, temperatures may reach up to 15°C in July, while overnight lows may still be around 4°C. 

If you plan to visit, checking the weather forecast beforehand is advisable, as there are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy. Some of the Schynige Platte Bahn carriages are also open air.

The webcam in Schynige Platte can also give you a good idea of what to expect when you arrive. 

We strongly recommend you arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure as tickets can sell out fast – during June, July and August in particular.

If you’re driving, there is a decent sized car park at the station in Wilderswil, so you should find a space as long as you arrive fairly early. There is also a car park at Matten bei Interlaken which is just two minutes by train from Wilderswil.

Is Schynige Platte worth visiting?

Schynige Platte is absolutely worth visiting. The stunning Alpine views must be seen to be believed, and the Swiss meadows and botanical gardens carpeted with spring, summer or autumn wildflowers are an incredible spectacle.

Whether you prefer to take it easy while enjoying an authentic lunch and listening to the alphorn players or get active by taking an energetic hike, there is plenty to delight visitors to Schynige Platte.

Not least, of course, making the most of those photo opportunities. 

Visiting Schynige Platte – FAQs

When can you visit Schynige Platte?

Schynige Platte is only open to visitors for the summer season. You can visit from 15 to 30 June, every day in July, August and September, and from 1 to 20 October, 2024.

How do you get to Schynige Platte?

Schynige Platte is only accessible via the local cogwheel railway service, which departs from Wilderswil. This a village is just outside Interlaken, and you can drive, walk or take a train from the resort town.

The train trip between Interlaken and Wilderswil takes only four minutes, while the scenic rack railway journey lasts for 52 minutes. 

Is Schynige Platte included in the Swiss Pass?

If you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, you can ride on the Schynige Platte cogwheel railway for half price. This also applies to holders of the Swiss Half Fare Card and the Berner Oberland Pass (in 2025.)

Those with a Jungfrau Travel Pass travel free of charge. 

🇨🇭 Like more travel tips and ideas for your visit to the Jungfrau Region? Check out all our Jungfrau Region travel guides.