A marvel of belle epoque engineering, the Schynige Platte railway has been taking visitors up to the spectacular Alpine summit since 1893. The plateau is known for its myriad plants and wildflowers, the latter of which can be seen from May to October. Explore the Alpine Garden managed by the University of Bern, hike one of the trails, or simply enjoy the surroundings from the comfort of a table at the Schynige Platte restaurant.
The railway is very popular—be sure to book your train ticket in advance.
Entry to the garden is included with the purchase of a train ticket.
The Schynige Platte railway isn’t accessible to wheelchairs.
To get to Schynige Platte, take the cogwheel railway from the town of Wilderswil. Trains typically depart every 40 minutes, and the journey to the plateau takes just under an hour. Regular trains connect Wilderswil with Interlaken. The closest airports are Bern (about 45 minutes away) and Zurich International (around two hours away).
The railway and Alpine garden are open every day from late May to late October. The last train down from the summit usually leaves in the early evening.
Taste a different side of Switzerland at Interlaken’s Rugenbräu brewery, which has been making beer in the region since the 1860s. Rugenbräu also happens to be one of the few whiskey distilleries in the country. Take a guided tour of the premises—or just savor a glass of the local brew.