Switzerland - Schynige Platte

26 May 2022 was the first day of the official summer season in Switzerland. This means that trails and attractions open!

One of these attractions is called Schynige Platte. To get there, you need to board a special cogwheel train at Wilderswil, which is located between Interlaken and Grindelwald. 

To check the opening dates and general information, visit https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/schynige-platte/

The cogwheel train fare is not covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, but you do receive a 50% discount once more. It costs 32CHF after the discount. 

We had to queue up especially since it was the first day that this area was reopening, and were the last (lucky) ones to get on board the train which comes every 40min-1h or so. The train is wooden looking and the railway hails from the 19th century. We get a slow, peaceful ascent up the mountains. The 1 hour train ride was scenic and lovely.

We were the last ones to get on the train before it left, and had to share a row with some kind Swiss uncles and aunties. They were dressed in shorts and t-shirts, and one of the uncles even had a straw hat. They were very jolly and friendly, encouraging us to take photos of the 'See', which at first we were baffled because we thought they meant 'sea'. 

'See' means lake. We copped beautiful views of both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.

Lake Thun is strong and blue...

while Lake Brienz is a gorgeous turquoise. 

Everyone squealed as the mountains came into view. These are the famous mountain peaks of Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch. 

I chuckled to myself days later when I spotted these two musicians again on a travel advertisement. 

We took our photos and started our hike! We went for the Schynige Platte Panorama Ridge Walk which was supposed to be 2.5h for 5.6km with 150m ascent and 150m descent. As usual we consulted the Swiss Family Fun blog for this. I love their useful info and guides.

We have been choosing family friendly hikes or easy/beginner hikes due to our inexperience.

Hike routes are usually marked in yellow or sometimes white and red paint. 

Had to climb up some wooden ladders and steps for this view at Oberberghorn... Hmm, I thought it was  not worth my jelly legs as there were plenty of other easier vantage points. (I was tired and aching from our ambitious 5h hike on our first day.)

Onward!