Great Hikes - Schynige Platte to Burglauenen
There are some amazing hiking opportunities to be found in Switzerland. This is a picturesque hiking route starting at Schynige Platte and finishing at the station of Burglauenen Read on to find out more. >> https://garethmate.com/blogs/great-hikes-schynige-platte-to-burglauenen
Over the last few hiking posts, I have tried to document some of the incredible hiking routes I discovered while in the mountains of Switzerland. Of course, in a week of adventure, I have only scratched the surface of what might be available for you to discover in this delightful country and mountainous region, but I hope it gives an impartial insight into this glorious place.
To offer my perspective on these things, I decided to gather my ‘thoughts and stories’ into written pieces that document what the hiking routes were like, what they meant to me and how you could enjoy them too.
As a result, I the hope that I can inspire you to get outside, make it a destination of choice and adventure on, just like I did.
In addition, I write because I love to write and don’t request much in return, but if it is informative you like it, or even disagree I would love to know in the comments below. This helps me more than you think, as I strive to make my content better each time.
Thanks for reading!
Background
Before arriving in the Jungfrau region, for a week of adventure. I had highlighted this hike as a potential route for me to tackle. Initially, I intended to hike up to the summit from the small village of Wilderswil, but after consulting maps and talking to one or two of the locals, it seemed not to be the best option, as it was not only a steep climb, through the woods. But, it would turn out to be a very long and strenuous day and after hiking the previous days, I didn’t want to push myself too far..
Now, I don’t mind a challenge and the challenges that mountain hikes bring, but to spend most of the day in the woods, climbing a steep route was not really in my mode of thinking especially, as I was to then walk down the other side of the valley into the small village of Burglauelen. An equally strenuous descent and as I was to find out, it included a very tricky and challenging section of the Ultra Eiger Trail.
So, to use my base in the town of Interlaken and to ultimately save time, I decided to catch the train up to the village of Wilderswil and then travel onwards using the Schynige Platte railway up to the summit. Wilderswil is only one stop from Interlaken Oost station and then very convenient for the ride up to the summit of Schynige Platte.
Setting out early would also allow me a full day of hiking, social distancing on the train and hopefully some fantastic views of the surrounding mount vista. So, I got the first train from Wilderswil, sat and the back and simply enjoyed the ride.
Schynige Platte railway
If you are lucky enough to travel to this area of Switzerland and fortunate enough to make the mountains your home for a view days, I do suggest you take a ride on this fabulous railway.
Thinking back to what I was thinking before, I do realise now I was making the right decision when taking the train up to the summit. It not only allowed me to save time on the whole day of walking. It was also an incredible experience and one that I will not forget in a hurry.
The historical Schynige Platte Railway is a picturesque mountain railway located in the beautiful Bernese Highlands area of Switzerland, and it connects the small town of Wilderswil, with the famous wildflower gardens of the Schynige Platte. Together with a vast network of walking routes that can be found on the summit and beyond.
Once aboard this beautiful railway, an impressive and varied natural landscape unfolds on the short journey, including thick, lush forests, Alpine pastures and views of the impressive landscape of the Bernese Oberland. Towards the top of the line, and the eventual summit of the Schynige Platte there are also views of the imposing peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. This view is quite something and certainly makes for a delightful panorama and some wonderful photography opportunities.
The train line opened, using steam traction, back in May 1893, and the line was then electrified in 1914. The trains and carriages are small and spacious, with windows that allow in a lot of fresh air and allow you to use your camera on the route. The line is owned and maintained by the Berner Oberland-Bahnen AG, a company that also owns the Berner Oberland-Bahn, which links many other destinations in the area like Lauterbrunnen and Grindlewald.
I was lucky enough to get the first train up the mountain on an incredibly beautiful early morning. After the previous nights thunderstorms, the weather was stunning, bright and the views were captivating. I loved taking the position at the back of the train and attempting to screenshot this wondrous landscape as it unfolded right before my eyes. Around each twist and turn, there was something beautiful to see, and the whole feeling of being in the right place at the right time was so prevalent. It was only a 55-minute trip, which seemed to go even quicker, but I tried to capture as much as possible, in the hope the memories would last even longer. I thoroughly enjoyed it and definitely did not want to end.
As with all these things, time goes so fast and soon enough the train climbed slowly to the top and we departed into a very quiet summit station. Being the first train there meant that we had the whole place to ourselves and the start of a new day was about to begin. It was impressive and a surreal moment as I looked out towards the mountain peaks and beyond. At this time in the morning, the cloud cover was not evident and the majestic peaks were visibly awe-inspiring. Something I don’t get to see every day! So, I revelled in the moment, gathered my thoughts and fired off a few more shots of the camera.
Trains pass through Wilderswil station and the start of the Schynige Platte route. Image: Wikipedia
The train engine.
Views from the train, climbing above the clouds.
Time to hike
After departing the train and of course, admiring the views for a few minutes long, I decided to set out on the hike. It was always going to be a reasonably long day, so I needed to maximise my time and walk on as much as possible. From the top of the Schnige Platte, the views are not only superb, but the hiking options from here are also excellent.
The photo below adapted by FullSuitecase.com shows some of the main hiking routes at the top, and all these routes enable you to explore the top, with some splendid views of the mountains all around. Some of the walking trails are longer than others and some present more of a challenge than the next. So, plan and consider yur choice wisely and of course hike with the experience you have.
My walk down from the mountain top was slightly different as my final destination was to be located right at the bottom of the valley below, in the small village of Burglauenen. Here, I would eventually pick up the train and make my way back to my base in Interlaken. It is a steep-sided and beautiful valley and one that links the nearby popular centre of Interlaken to the attractive outdoor destinations of Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, which nestle perfectly at the foot of the spectacular Jungfrau mountain range.
The route starts off from the top and quickly begins weaving its way down winding farm tracks and through the alpine meadow that flanks the walking route on both sides. It is a good surface to walk on and perfect for all types of trail running shoes like I was wearing or a more conventional and sturdy hiking boot.
In parts, it was pretty steep, but the walking paths here are wide so you always have the feeling of being very comfortable walking on such terrain. After a while of enjoying the marvelous views and of course feeling the legs burn due the steeper parts of the descent you eventually start to move into a fairly technical section that forms part of the Ultra Eiger Trail. This is an Ultra Trail running route in the Jungfrau region, which takes you to the foot of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The Eiger Ultra Trail route runs around Grindelwald and surroundings.
Image: Ultra Eiger Trail https://www.eigerultratrail.ch/en/
Life at the top of the Schynige Platte.
I didn’t know this at the time, but once I was on this section, I had no real way of turning back, so I needed to stay focused and stay safe. The first part begins to weave its way through the woods. Some of this terrain is relatively steep and due to the unevenness of the woodland floor, tree routes and protruding rocks it can become slippy and a challenge underfoot, especially if there has been recent rain. I was ok, on this particular day, but if it has been raining, I can well imagine that this section may well become a challenge for some hikers of varied abilities.
Further on, the route starts to open up a little, until you begin to see exposed rocks. These rocks form part of the cliffs that traverse across the mountainside and are pretty exposed, with a series of sheer drops in parts. I wasn’t expecting this so I maintained focus, held onto the rope and did not look down. That is never a good thing to do and can lead to further complications, so keep your nerve, take your time and stay safe.
Once I had crossed a mountain river and waterfall, I knew that I was through the difficult section and thankfully on less challenging terrain. The views are equally as dramatic as the hike, and you can see the beautiful mountain vista laid out before you. Within this remarkable valley are beautiful farmsteads, mountain peaks and small villages dotted close to the roadside and train tracks.
Station stop at Burglauenen.
I like this terrain, as it allows you to not only admire the views, features in the landscape, but it is also good underfoot. Some of the scenery on this route is somewhat challenging in sections, but it is also pretty spectacular. On this particular day, the weather was in my favour and it was incredibly bright, clear and the sun was shining. These weather conditions led to some fantastic views of the landscape all around and obviously made it all the more appealing to be out in this wondrous location.
On route you will find many great places to take a photograph or two and as the valley begins to open up those shots are typical of alpine valley scenes, with cows grazing on the hillside and cattle sheds adding a nice feature to the landscape. At this point in the walk, the trails start to get wider and the terrain less steep. There is a fair amount of traversing across the landscape, and eventually, it leads you closer to the train station at Burglauenen.
Nestled at the bottom of the valley, the station is tiny, but it is situated conveniently for you to travel to Grindelwald or in my case back to Interlaken. If you wish you can cross the tracks and the road and head up the other side of the valley, where the hiking route will eventually link you up with Wengen, or you could walk down the valley into Zweilutchinen and maybe even on to Lauterbrunnen. Or you can go the other way and hike into Lauterbrunnen.
There are endless possibilities if you have time set aside to wander. During the other days of my stay, I decided to mountain bike the valley and cycled to both Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. It was an excellent cycle ride and it was all very well signposted, accessible and achievable. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to you.
Views from the top and 3 majestic peaks of the Jungfrau region.
Some fine views out on the trail.
More incredible views down the Lauterbrunnen valley in the distance.
There are some incredible hikes that start from the top of the Schynige Platte.
Through the woods and some of the challenging terrain that become part of the route.
Typical Swiss cattle sheds found throughout the valley.
Thank You
Once again, a big thank for reading my musings and my take on another fabulous alpine adventure.
This was another hike that lived up to all my expectations and even exceeded many of those. It was so great to be out and about in some fine summer weather, hardly see another soul and simply revelling in views and nature at its best.
Thank you for your support when reading this blog and if you would like to collaborate in the future please do not hesitate and get in touch. Also, any feedback, either good or bad is well received.
For my previous blog post on another great hike in Switzerland, you can read all about it through the following link: Great Hikes - Lauterbrunnen, Mürren and Gimmelwald.