Schynige Platte - Panorama WalkWalk 8005
Canton - Bern / Berne - Jungfrau Region
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 5.0 km / 3.1 miles
Ascent - 170 metres / 561 feet
Descent - nominal or unknown
Time - 2.50 hours
Grade - easy/moderate
Click thumbnails for larger images.
This is a short walk on well trodden paths that offers wonderful views in all directions. The immediate surroundings are dramatic with rocky outcrops adding to the landscape. There are a few sections where those suffering from vertigo might have difficulties although there are fences giving some psychological encouragement. Despite the relatively short distance it is recommended that strong footwear is worn as the paths used are quite rough in places and could be slippery after rain.
Click thumbnails for larger images.
Start & End - the railway station at Schynige Platte which has a regular train service from Wilderswil, where connections to Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and Interlaken are available. See Transport Map for the Jungfrau Region.
From the railway station walk southwest alongside the tracks towards the hotel. Clear signs directs you onto the Panorama path. At first the views over Interlaken and Lake Thun keep you occupied but as the path climbs and swings north you get your first views over Lake Brienz and the mountains rising from the Lake. The path then trends northeast with a dramatic drop on your left. You have the opportunity of visiting the summit of the Oberberghorn aided by some substantial ladders and this minor summit offers a 360 degree panorama with grand views south including the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch and many other peaks.
The path keeping to the edge offers the most exciting route although there are other paths running parallel. and these may be preferred by those without a head for heights. From the Oberberghorn the path descends gently with a ladder making an otherwise difficult descent very easy. Ahead lies the Loucherhorn and reaching the base of this at Louchera, you join the main direct path from Schynige Platte to the Faulhorn. Turn right and walk back through alpine meadows passing the alpine farm of Oberberg to the railway station.
Refreshments are available at Schynige Platte where there is an interesting Alpine Garden.
Suggested Maps
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW 5004 - Berner Oberland
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:25000 - Sheet SW 2520 - Jungfrau Region
Wanderkarte - Wengen, Mürren & Lauterbrunnental - 1:40000
Recommended Books
Tour of Mont Blanc
An essential guidebook for walking the Tour of Mont Blanc. The 170km route typically takes 11 days to trek around the Mont Blanc massif. The TMB is recognised as one of the world's classic treks. The book describes both anti-clockwise and clockwise directions, with variants and information about huts, refuges and facilities en route.
Alpine Flowers
A pocket field guidebook for identifying 230 of the most commonly found alpine flowers of the Alps. Categorised by colour for quick identification, each alpine flower has a photograph and description of its key features. Flower names are given in English, French, German, Italian and Latin, with notes on curious facts and origins of names.