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.
Leaving from Wilderswil, a small town nearby Interlaken, the train slowly climbs up the steep tracks across beautiful forests, green fields dotted with flowers in Summer, glimpses on the surrounding peaks until it reaches its destination: Schynige Platte, the plateau offering magnificent views on the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau as well as over Lake Brienz.
Schynige Platte, one of the best scenic train routes in Switzerland and Europe
The slow journey along the cog railway is pure bliss and 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 that fresh air and so much beauty left in my mouth.
As soon as I stepped out the train, my eyes were caught by the breathtaking mountain scenery. Green meadows, rocks carved by erosion and. a little farther, the glittering white glaciers. I felt like an imaginary board was telling me: ‘Welcome in Paradise’.
Schynige Platte is the starting point for several hiking trails of various length and difficulty and despite 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 collecting over 600 species, before heading to the panoramic restaurant for one of my favorite typical Swiss dishes: Rösti (for those who 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 definitely a must-do in Switzerland, together with the Jungfrau Top of Europe offering magnificent views on the glaciers, and the Gornergrat in Zermatt, overlooking the Matterhorn and its perfect shape like a pyramid.
Most of all, it is suitable to all. Families with children, couples looking for a romantic gateway, elderly keen to spend a day out in nature or hikers keen to walk along beautiful trails.
Which are the most scenic train journeys you have experienced?
Practical information:
When to go: The Schynige Platte Railway is open from late May to mid-October
Getting there: Wilderswil is a 5 minutes train ride from Interlaken (see linked map). The town is also well connected with other lovely towns in the Jungfrau region like Wengen, Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald.
Fares: Many ticket options, including special offers for children. In case you plan a 3 days stay to explore the region, a good option is the Jungfraubahn VIP Pass (3 consecutive days unlimited travel on the railway network).
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Note: I was kindly invited by the Jungfrau Mountain Railways to experience this wonderful train journey. As always, opinions are mine and mine only.
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.