I don't know why so little people know about Schynige Platte. It is definitely one of the most underrated mountains in the Jungfrau region!

How to get to Schynige Platte:

From interlaken, take the train to Wilderswil. From there, transfer to the historic cogwheel train, which will take you an hour to reach the top.

Prices: Tickets to the Schynige Platte are included if you have the Jungfrau Travel Pass or Berner Oberland pass. Otherwise, a return-journey costs 64CHF for full-fare, and 32CHF (50% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare card.

What you can do at Schynige Platte:

• Historic Railway: The historic railway from Wilderswil and Schynige Platte has been in operation for more than 125 years! Originally, these were old steam locomotives, but have since been replaced by electric trains in 1914, meaning these trains are all at least a 100 years old.As you step into the wooden carriage, it certainly feels like taking a trip back in time! The journey up to the top of Schynige Platte takes 52 minutes, and it is a slow ascending ride, so you have plenty of time to look out the window and admire the jaw-dropping sceneries. And that's just a taste of what's to come!

• Jaw-dropping scenery: Once you reach Schynige Platte at 1967m, you can take the hiking route above the train station. Head to the Nature Cinemas, two giant wooden picture frame overlooking the majestic mountain peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

• Paranoma Trail: This ridge dirt-alpine trail is one of the best hikes to do in the Jungfrau region, and also easy for beginners as well! The 360 degree paranoma views will sweep you off your feet. On one side, you will witness the azure blue waters of Lake Brienz and Thun. On the other, you have the mountain peaks of the Jungfrau region, with green alpine pastures below It's like stepping into a giant painting and you don't know where to look! To go on this trail: Follow the signs to the alpine garden, then to Daube, following the ridge in direction Faulhorn. You will look back towards Schynige Platte after 1.5 hours.

• Botanical Alpine Garden: Even if you are not keen on a hike, then at the very least head to the alpine garden above the railway station. You can admire over 800 species of plants native to the Swiss Alps, including the Swiss national flower. the Eldelweiss growing in their natural communities. AND also because from the garden, you get a marvellous views of the mountain peaks in the Jungfrau region! Note: I visited here during late September and most of the plants have withered already, so this particular attraction is prettier during spring and summer, preferably between June to August.

• Alphorn: Don't miss the daily musical entertainment of Alphon blowers! If the weather is good. they play daily from 11am to 2pm. In the event of bad weather, they will still play the alphorn but indoors.

BONUS TIP: I highly recommend considering staying overnight at the mountain hotel if you are visiting Schyne Platte. as soon as the sun sets and the tourists crowds leave, you have the entire mountain to yourself, and it was actually here that I witnessed the most beautiful sunset I've seen in Switzerland! There is also a super good Dine and Sleep Offer that includes the cost of the train ticket, a 1 night hotel stay, with dinner and breakfast:

Exclusive Dine & Sleep offer (bookable between 01.07.-22.10.2024):
CHF 144.- instead of CHF 199.-

The offer includes the arrival and departure with the rack railroad from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte, a 4-course evening menu, the overnight stay and a rich breakfast buffet. (Return journey via First is possible).

Schynige Platte is open from end May to October. If you trip falls between summer-autumn season, I highly recommend this option if you would like a less touristy and definitely more unique experience of the Jungfrau region.