Are you looking for unique scenic trains in Switzerland? Then, discover the Schynige Platte railway, a hidden gem in Switzerland.
This post may contain affiliate links. So, if you make a purchase I get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Switzerland is definitely not short of scenic train routes, and the vintage train ride to Schynige Platte in the Bernese Oberland is a memorable experience. Get ready to board a cute cogwheel train and reach one of the most breathtaking mountain sceneries in the Swiss Alps.
Schynige Platte: How to Plan Your Trip
Getting there: The easiest way to get to Schynige Platte is from Interlaken. The scenic train travels from/to Wilderswil, a 5-minute train ride from Interlaken. Wilderswil is also well connected with other lovely towns in the Jungfrau region, like Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald.
Best time to go: The Schynige Platte Railway is open from mid-June to mid-October. If you visit Switzerland in summer, you can take the Schynige Platte excursion in addition to the train ride to Jungfraujoch Top of Europe.
Fares: There are many ticket options, including special offers for children. In case you plan to spend a few days to explore the region, a good option is the Jungfraubahn Travel Pass. You get three consecutive days of unlimited travel on a vaste railway network. Beware, however, that the ride from Eigergletscher to Jungraujoch Top of Europe is not included, but with the pass you can buy it at a 50% discount.
Where to stay: To ride the Schynige Platte train and visit this beautiful area, the best place to stay is Interlaken. From there, you can easily explore the region by train, boat, cable car, and bus.
- Switzerland is pricey. Therefore, if you’re looking for a budget accommodation, the Adventure Hostel is an excellent solution. You can book a double room at reasonable prices, and stay within walking distance from Interlaken Ost train station.
- Hotel Post Hardermannli features a quintessential Swiss architecture. It has a perfect location, in the center of the town, and features moderately-priced rooms.
- Looking for a more exclusive accommodation in Interlaken? Have a look at the 4-star Hey Hotel. It features modern a stylish decor and the location is excellent.
Schynige Platte: One of the Most Panoramic train Routes in Switzerland
Leaving Wilderswil, a small town near Interlaken, the train slowly climbs steep tracks across beautiful forests, green fields dotted with flowers in Summer, and glimpses of the surrounding peaks. It takes many twists and turns and 52 minutes to ride 7.26 km (4.51 mi) until it reaches its destination: Schynige Platte, the plateau offering magnificent views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau as well as over Lake Brienz.
The slow journey to Schynige Platte along the cog railway is pure bliss. As I sat in the vintage open carriages, lulled by the rhythm of the climbing train, my thoughts quickly flew away to an imaginary world mixing memories from the past and present emotions.
I felt like I could experience the journey with all my senses: not only the stunning views but also the smell of the forest, the sound of the wind (and of the climbing train, of course), the taste of fresh air, and so much beauty.
As soon as I stepped out of the train, I was overwhelmed by the stunning mountain scenery: green meadows, rocks carved by erosion, and, a little farther, glittering white glaciers. It was as if an imaginary board welcomed me, telling me, ‘ Welcome to Paradise.’
Schynige Platte is the starting point for several hiking trails of various lengths and difficulty. Although I didn’t have enough time for a long walk, I headed towards one of the shorter paths to enjoy a little physical exercise and admire more of the stunning landscape surrounding me.
On the way back, I stopped to have a look at the alpine garden, which collects over 600 species, before heading to the panoramic restaurant for one of my favorite typical Swiss dishes: Rösti (for those who have never tasted it, it’s made of fried grated potatoes often including bacon and in some cases with a fried egg on top), washed down with a glass of cold beer.
Whether you’re a mountain lover or passionate about scenic train routes, the Schynige Platte vintage train is a must-do in Switzerland. Aside from Jungfrau Top of Europe, offering magnificent views of the glaciers, and the Gornergrat in Zermatt, overlooking the Matterhorn and its perfect shape like a pyramid, Schynige Platte has the advantage of being lesser known but beautiful.
Furthermore, the ride to Schynige Platte is suitable to all. Families with children, couples looking for a romantic gateway, elderly keen to spend a day out in nature without having to worry too much about the altitude or hikers keen to walk along lovely and lesser crowded trails.
Which are the most scenic train journeys you have experienced?
_______
Note: I was kindly invited by the Jungfrau Mountain Railways to experience this incredible train journey. As always, opinions are mine and mine only.
Pin for later!
Switzerland may be expensive, but views like that make the expense well worth it … great post!
Simon, Doing anything in the Swiss Alps just makes you giddy with beauty and taking a train sounds so relaxing. Beautiful photos as always!
This really does look like paradise! To be surrounded by such natural beauty is so refreshing. It must have been a great experience, especially to drink it all in on your way up there by train. How fun!
WOW! great photos! Love travelling on trains 🙂
Regreads
This are some spectacular pics of Switzerland. I have only been once and was only there for a short period of time. I went to go see my parents before they went on one of these train train journeys. Looking at your pics reminds of the pics my parents took as well. Thing is I am not sure they were on the Schynige Platte train journey as the Matterhorn was in a lot of their pics.
SWITZERLAND is one of the most beautiful country in the world. it is like a dreamland to me. I think every travelers must go there at least one time. Thanks.
Absolutely love your photos – Switzerland is such a gorgeous country. My favourite areas are the villages around Zermatt!
Switzerland is definitely on my radar. Nice to see such striking pictures!
I just love travelling on trains. It’s leisurely, allows for a lot of leg room to move and you get to see a panoramic view of the countryside. As you talk about this scenic train routes going to Schynige Platte in Switzerland, along with the stunning photos, I’m left spellbound!
It is worth the cost visiting Switzerland. Having beauty like these would make you come back again! 🙂
Awesome…great photos and extraordinary views! Such a landscape, wow. Thanks for sharing, I heard a lot about Switzerland being too expensive (not worth to visit), but sometimes you just have to see places like this no matter the costs 😉
Absolutely gorgeous! I have not been to Switzerland yet but am hoping to go partly because of views like these.
Wow! What an incredible train route. Would love to do this one day. 🙂
Just looking at your photos, I can say that it’s the very reason I feel like Europe is calling us home this summer…
Thank you for the inspiration! Love old trains 🙂
Looks amazing. I LOVE traveling by train.