Schynige Platte and Alpine Garden

Schynige Platte is a 1,967 metre ridge above Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, reached by a cogwheel railway that opened in 1893. The trains leave from Wilderswil, about 5 kilometres south of Interlaken, and take roughly 52 minutes to climb through forest and meadow on vintage-style carriages. At the top, the ridge faces the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau across the valley, with views down to Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. The Alpine Garden at the summit station displays about 700 species of mountain plants, grouped by habitat, with labelled paths that take around 30 to 45 minutes to walk. The site is also the start of the Panorama Trail, a high-level hiking route toward Faulhorn and First, which takes several hours and requires proper boots and weather checks. Shorter walks include a loop around the ridge and the path to the Daube lookout. A hotel and restaurant at the top serve meals and drinks. Most visitors spend a half day to a full day, depending on whether they hike. The railway runs daily from 13 June to 25 October 2026, with the first train from Wilderswil just after 8:00AM, and the return fare is about CHF 68. The Jungfrau Travel Pass covers it, and the Swiss Travel Pass, Berner Oberland Pass and Half Fare Card give 50% off. Children under 6 travel free. Mornings usually offer the clearest views before cloud builds on the peaks, and July is best for alpine flowers. The busiest period is midday in July and August. The summit is cooler and windier than the valley, so layers and sun protection are necessary.