2025 Gundlischwand Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#summervacay - **Location**: Near Wilderswil (above Interlaken), Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. - **Elevation**: 1,967 meters (6,453 ft) above sea level. - **Features**: - Over **600 species** of alpine plants, including edelweiss, gentians, and rare orchids. - Panoramic views of the **Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau** peaks. - A scenic **1.5 km** circular trail through the garden (easy walk). --- ### 🚞 **How to Get There** 1. **From Interlaken**: - Take a train to **Wilderswil** (5 min from Interlaken OST). - Board the historic **Schynige Platte Railway** (1893!), a 50-min cogwheel train ride with epic views. 2. **Ticket Cost**: - Round-trip from Wilderswil: ~CHF 76 (half-fare with Swiss Travel Pass). --- ### ⏰ **Best Time to Visit** - **Season**: **June–September** (peak bloom for alpine flowers). - **Opening Hours**: - Alpine Garden: **8:30 AM–6:00 PM** (June–Oct). - Train: First ascent ~7:30 AM, last descent ~5:00 PM (varies by season). --- ### 🥾 **Things to Do** ✔ **Alpine Garden Walk**: Labeled trails with educational signs. ✔ **Panorama Trail**: A 6 km hike to **First** (for experienced hikers). ✔ **Photography**: Unmatched views of the Jungfrau region. ✔ **Historic Train Museum**: At the Schynige Platte station. --- ### 💡 **Tips for Your Visit** - **Weather**: Mountain conditions change fast—bring layers and sunscreen. - **Early Arrival**: Trains can get busy; arrive early for seats. - **Combine with**: A visit to **Lauterbrunnen** or **Grindelwald** on the same day. --- ### 📸 **Don’t Miss** - The iconic **"Jungfrau Panorama"** viewpoint near the garden. - The cheerful alpine blooms

Perched high above Interlaken, the **Schynige Platte Railway** and its enchanting **Alpine Garden** offer a nostalgic escape into Switzerland’s untamed beauty. This iconic duo—a century-old cogwheel train and a botanical paradise—promises breathtaking vistas, floral splendor, and a dash of old-world charm. Let’s embark on this alpine adventure! ### **The Schynige Platte Railway: A Ride Through Time** **History & Nostalgia** Since 1893, the Schynige Platte Railway has chugged up the mountainside from Wilderswil, its vintage wooden carriages and open-air platforms evoking the golden age of Swiss tourism. Built as a feat of engineering, the 7.6 km route climbs 1,423 meters, traversing meadows, cliffs, and forests with gradients up to 25%. Today, it remains one of Switzerland’s last remaining cogwheel trains with original carriages—a moving museum on rails. **The Scenic Journey** The 50-minute ride is as much a highlight as the destination. Passengers are treated to unfolding panoramas of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the iconic trio of **Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau** dominating the skyline. Keep your camera ready for wildflower-dotted slopes and the occasional cowbell symphony! ### **Schynige Platte Alpine Garden: A Botanical Masterpiece** **Flora of the Alps** At 1,967 meters, the **Alpine Garden** (Alpengarten) is one of Europe’s oldest high-altitude botanical gardens. Founded in 1928, it showcases over 600 species of alpine plants, meticulously curated across themed sections: - **Swiss Native Plants**: Edelweiss, gentians, and alpine roses burst into color from June to September. - **Rock Gardens**: Mimicking natural habitats, these displays highlight hardy blooms clinging to rugged terrain. - **Conservation Efforts**: Learn about efforts to protect endangered species like the glacier buttercup. **A Walk Among Blooms** Stroll the garden’s winding paths, where interpretive signs explain plant adaptations to harsh alpine climates. Don’t miss the “Blüemlisalp” section, named after the nearby glacial peak, or the fragrant herb garden. ### **Beyond the Garden: Hikes, Views & Swiss Traditions** 1. **Panorama Trail** A gentle 1.5-hour loop around Schynige Platte rewards hikers with 360° views of the Jungfrau region. Spot marmots, ibex, and even paragliders soaring above the Lütschine Valley. 2. **Classic Photo Spots** - The **viewing platform** near the mountain hotel offers postcard-perfect shots of the Jungfrau massif. - The iconic **“Schynige Platte” sign** with the Eiger in the background (a must for Instagram!). 3. **Traditional Mountain Culture** Visit the **museum** at the summit station to see historic railway artifacts or catch live alphorn performances on summer afternoons.

#MarchTravelSupportEvent #2024WishEvent **Schynige Platte** is a hidden gem of a mountain in Switzerland! 🏔️✨ It's easy to get to from Interlaken, and the train ride to the top is amazing! 🚂💛 🌿 Panoramic view of the Alps - The view from the top is a work of art! You can see famous Alpine mountains such as Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger at a glance. 🏔️🌅

#europetrip #travel #switzerland #thingstodo #schynigeplatte #interlaken #hiking #grouptrip Schynige Platte offers one of the most breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, perfect for those seeking a more serene yet awe-inspiring adventure. Located above Wilderswil, this scenic mountain plateau is easily accessible by the charming Schynige Platte Railway, a historic cogwheel train that climbs through lush forests to reveal panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. Once you reach the top, you can explore well-marked hiking trails that take you through alpine meadows and pristine landscapes. The highlight for me was the Schynige Platte Botanical Alpine Garden, home to over 600 species of mountain plants. Whether you’re hiking, enjoying the views, or simply soaking in the alpine atmosphere, Schynige Platte is a must-see for nature lovers looking for a peaceful escape.

#europetrip #travel #daytrip #valley #thingstodo #naturalwonders #hiking #switzerland For an unforgettable Swiss experience, take a scenic journey up to Schynige Platte. A short ride on the historic cogwheel train from Wilderswil brings you to a stunning viewpoint, where you’re greeted with panoramic vistas of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. The air is crisp, the landscapes are jaw-dropping, and the alpine flower gardens add a burst of color to your hike. As I walked the trails, I marveled at the serene beauty of the mountains surrounding me. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or just after the perfect photo op, Schynige Platte offers an accessible way to immerse yourself in the majestic Swiss Alps. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a peaceful yet awe-inspiring escape.

#outdooradventure #thingstodo #interlaken #swiss #switzerland #europe #hiking #trekking Hiking around Interlaken felt like stepping into a storybook. The trails offered jaw-dropping views of sparkling lakes Thun and Brienz, with the majestic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks towering in the background. Whether trekking through wildflower-strewn meadows or along scenic ridges, every turn brought a new postcard-perfect scene. Practical tip: Try the Hardergrat Trail for a challenge or the panoramic hike to Schynige Platte for stunning vistas. Interlaken’s well-connected trails cater to all levels, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a destination where nature truly takes your breath away.

#outdooradventure #switzerland #swiss #europe #thingstodo #hiking #trekking #summer Hiking along the Schynige Platte was a surreal journey through some of the most stunning alpine scenery I’ve ever encountered. The panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks left me in awe, while the lush meadows bursting with wildflowers felt straight out of a fairytale. Practical tip: Take the historic cogwheel train from Wilderswil to reach the trailhead—it’s an experience in itself! The ridge hike to Faulhorn and Bachalpsee offers a perfect mix of adventure and serene beauty. For nature lovers and photographers, this is Switzerland at its best, a destination that promises unforgettable memories.

This is my second visit to Mount Schynige Platte. On June 29th, the weather was overcast. I took the train from Interlaken to Wilderswil, then transferred to a mountain train to Schynige Platte. I hiked on trail number 60 to reach Daube, with an altitude of 2076 meters. From the summit, you can look down upon Lake Brienz, whose blue waters are set like turquoise in the valley. Mount Schynige Platte also has an Alpine Garden. Inside the station, there is a small museum that introduces the cultivation of flowers and some botanical knowledge.