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
Walking in the Bernese Oberland
This walking guidebook to the Bernese Oberland describes 113 day walks. Routes range from 2 to 24km and offer breathtaking scenery of the classic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, around Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Gsteig and Meiringen. There are routes suitable for all abilities from short flat walks to adventurous treks.
Across the Eastern Alps: E5
From Lake Constance in Germany, this guidebook describes walking the E5 trek that runs 600km through a remarkable kaleidoscope of landscapes and culture in Switzerland, Austria and Italy, to its destination at Verona. It traverses the Allgauer, Lechtaler and Ötztaler Alps. There is a good network of alpine refuges and guesthouses on the route.