The Schynige Platte ridge trail is an exciting hike with with big mountain views, rocky peaks, dramatic cliffs, and lush meadows filled with wildflowers. It's one of my all-time favorite hikes in Switzerland.

Trail info

The trail follows a narrow, dirt footpath, often with stairs and rocky, uneven terrain. Best down with sturdy hiking shoes with good tread and hiking sticks.

It has one steep-ish climb at the beginning with switchbacks. But otherwise, not too difficult. Children will need a little endurance, but I think a six year old with hiking experience will do quite well.

The trail is not particularly dangerous as the sections near the cliffs set away from the edge and have a modest fence.

Trail: moderate • 2h30 • 5.6 km loop • 150m up and down
See trail map.

Conditions: webcam • weather

More details in my Schynige Platte Ridge Trail article.

Where to eat

The hotel near the mountain train station has a restaurant with big panorama terrace and small playground. But we used to just picnic along the trail when the kids were smaller. Now that they are older, we finish the trail well before lunch. So we just grab snacks from the kiosk before riding the train down the mountain.

This area is not quite as popular as other Jungfrau region mountains, so the trail is a bit quieter.

How to get there

Location: Schynige Platte mountain railway - Wilderswil train station Hauptstrasse 10, 3812 Wilderswil

You reach the trail with a cogwheel train that leaves from Wilderswil (5 mins from Interlaken). It takes about 50 mins to reach the top at Schynige Platte.

A round trip ticket costs CHF 64. Free with Berner Oberland Pass and Jungfrau Travel Pass. Discounted with Swiss Travel Pass, SBB GA and Half-fare.