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Schynige Platte near the railway station. Author Audrius Meskauskas.

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Schynige Platte

The Schynige Platte is a small Mountain ridge and a viewpoint in the Bernese Oberland of central Switzerland. It belongs to the Schwarzhorn group.

 The mountain range consists of three peaks: Gumihorn (2,099 m (6,886 ft)), Tuba (2,076 m (6,811 ft)), and Geiss (2,067 metres (6,781 ft)). The viewpoint lies at an altitude of about 2,000 metres (7,000 ft), at the western end of a prominent ridge of the Schwarzhorn group.

As part of the Jungfrau region, the peak can only be reached via the charming, 19th-century cogwheel train. The railway runs from Wilderswil. Connection is made with Bernese Oberland railway trains from Interlaken. The railway reaches a height of 1,967 metres at the terminus station, on the south-facing slopes of Geiss summit.

Schynige Platte is notable for its hotel. Furthermore, in good weather conditions, there are beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Additionally, the town of Interlaken and the two great lakes of Thun and Brienz are visible to the north. Several short loop trails extend north of the train station.

Schynige Platte is an incredibly scenic spot. It is often visited by nature lovers and hikers to enjoy the Schynige Platte panorama trail.

Let’s look at the Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Schynige Platte

1. The Peak can Only be Reached via the Charming, 19th-century Cogwheel Train

Schynige Platte. Author Martin Abegglen.

The steam locomotive was built in 1894. The Cogwheel train is not fast. It allows passengers to observe all the details like fitting on the coal car.

The trip runs from Wilderwil to Schynige Platte. Connection is made with Bernese Oberland railway trains from Interlaken.

 The railway reaches a height of 1,967 metres at the terminus station, on the south-facing slopes of Geiss summit. The steamed train can intake 40 heads at a time and moves at a comfortable pace.

2. Home to a Lovely Botanical Garden

Schynige Platte Botanical Alpine Garden.Author Murray Foubister.

Schynige Platte features a Botanical garden which is home to over 750 native Alpine species of flora. Notable plants growing in the garden include blue gentian, edelweiss, crocus, lily, rose, aster, thistle, orchid and more.

The garden is located almost 200 metres above sea level. It is an important scientific research site.

Additionally, June to August is the best time for visitors to see the flowers. This is because most species are blooming at that time.

There is a Schynige Platte webcam located at the Alpine garden. Visitors can take a sneak peek at the live weather situation before their visit.

3 . There’s Nothing Quite like Hearing the Sound of the Alphorn as the Schynige Platte

Alphorn as the Schynige Platte. Author Tom Key.

The alphorn or Alpine horn is a typical musical instrument from the Alps. It is played during traditional celebrations and local events in Switzerland. The alphorn can be up to four metres in length.

At Schynige Platte they employ alphorn players. Daily performances are held during the summer. They perform for visitors between 11 am and 2 pm.

There’s nothing quite like hearing the sound of the alphorn as the Schynige Platte. Performances are either held outside or inside the hotel, depending on the weather in Schynige Platte.

4. Hiking is One of the most Popular Things to do on the Mountain

Looking from Schynige Platte toward Brienz and Brienzer Rothorn. Author Tinelot Wittermans.

Hiking at Schynige Platte routes is well established. Hiking takes around six hours thus Visitors should be well prepared.

There are various beautiful things to discover along the route of Schynige Platte during your hiking. This includes Floral, mountains, wild landscapes and spackling Swiss lakes.

There are various trails for hiking. From Oberberghorn visitors can take the Loucherhorn panoramic trail. It takes another two to three hours

The Swiss flower and panoramic trail begin at the Schynige Platte Bahn station. This takes you past fragrant, colourful Alpine meadows where beautiful native flowers grow.

Other routes you can follow in the area include the Daube viewpoint hike of around an hour and the Oberberghorn panorama trail that continues the trek.

5. Explore the Nature Cinema of Schynige Platte

Above the Cogwheel railway station is the Schynige Platte nature cinema. It is open between May and October.

 On a circular route, you will come across columns of wooden frames and structures. Moreover, you will find wooden benches on the route.

Visitors can relax on benches and listen to the call of the mountains. The swishing of the pines and the cheerful birdsong of the creatures that inhabit the area.

6. Learn how to Pilot a Locomotive Engine

At Schynige Platte visitors get a chance to control the steering inside the driver’s cab of an SPB steam locomotive. Apart from that, Visitors learn and do a range of other activities like loading the coal, loading water, firing coal, and lubricating.

The trip lasts for one to three hours with a coffee break in between. At the end of all this, Visitors are awarded a cap, a certificate, an antique map of the Schynige Platte Railway, and a souvenir. This ride is available early in the morning and in the afternoon.

7. Lily’s Alpine Playground for Children

Schynige Platte has a playground for children. It is sponsored by local pop star March Trauffer.

 Lily’s playground is a fun point for children and adults alike. The playground is located next to the mountain hotel.

Children will enjoy the company of Lil, a wooden cow and her other companions. Adults can enjoy the mesmerizing panoramic view of the surroundings.

8. Relax in the Historic Schynige Platte Mountain Hotel

This is a great place to have lunch or stop for a relaxing drink after a hike. The hotel also features several shops and luxurious bathroom facilities.

With seating for 500, the eatery serves everything from coffee and cake to a full Swiss meal. As you might expect, the views are spectacular. The service is great and the food is authentic and of good quality.

9. Schynige Platte House Wide Variety of Flora

At Schynige Platte you will find a variety of flowers. Flowers of different shapes, colours, sizes and fragrances can be spotted here.

Visitors will enjoy the rich collection of flowers which are not found anywhere else in the Alps. The rich flora of Schynige Platte is found along the trails.

10. It is Rich in Treasure Hunt for children

Schynige Platte has a total of 9 treasure hunts posted along the hiking trail. For each item, children solve a riddle to get the right letter for the solution word.

Visitors can get the treasure map at the train station or in the Schynige Platte restaurant.