Wildflowers, ridge views, and family mischief above Interlaken at Schynige Platte
📅 July 14, 2025
🌍 The Journey
Monday morning, we headed out early through rain-drenched streets and cloudy skies. The train from Mürren to the cable car down to Lauterbrunnen was familiar by now, but today’s destination was new and unexpected.
We got off at Wilderswil, just outside Interlaken, and boarded a slow-moving cogwheel train that climbed 7,000 feet up to Schynige Platte in about 50 minutes. As the train chugged along, the views unfolded: Lakes Thun and Brienz stretched out like emerald jewels, and the surrounding Alps stood tall behind them.
At the summit, we made a beeline for the Botanischer Alpengarten Schynige Platte, a beautifully curated alpine flower garden. The trails wound gently upward, and we found a quiet bench with panoramic views over the Lauterbrunnen Valley — the perfect picnic spot.
After lunch, we wandered along the Eiger Ultra Trail route, spotting a bell hut and posing at the framed Edelweiss photo spot.
Jonas was in full adventure mode — playful, teasing, and leading the charge up the trail. His imagination ran wild, and his rock stacking at the summit gave us major Tolkien vibes. It really did feel like something out of The Two Towers.
The summit offered spectacular dual views of both alpine lakes — pictures couldn’t capture their true turquoise glow. We rested near a small shack while I quietly launched the drone for some quick aerial shots.
Our descent took us down the opposite ridge, giving us fresh angles on the valleys below. The trail ended at a mountain restaurant with a slide and a scenic overlook. After ice cream on the terrace, Alina spotted a small village above Lauterbrunnen and chatted with the waitress about it — maybe a future adventure.
Back down the mountain on a crowded cogwheel ride, we returned to Mürren just in time for dinner. We’d been sticking to our goal of eating in to offset Switzerland’s high costs, so dinner was leftovers: pizza, schnitzel, salad, fruit, and beer. Simple, satisfying.
As the day closed, we caught the last light reflecting off the peaks — a quiet pink glow outlining the mountains at 9:00 PM. A perfect ending to a full day.
🏙️ Highlights of the Day
Schynige Platte Cogwheel Ride – A slow scenic climb revealing the twin lakes and vast alpine range.
Alpine Flower Garden & Trail – Edelweiss, summit views, and Tolkien-like rock formations.
Panorama Playground – Slide, ice cream, and new ideas for future hikes.
🧳 Parenting & Perspective
We often balance what we want to see with what Jonas needs to feel joy. Today was a beautiful overlap — he felt like an explorer. He joked, led the hike, and kept spirits high even when we were tired. These are the travel days we treasure most — when nature and imagination meet.
🏛️ Travel Tips
- Transport: Train from Mürren > Lauterbrunnen > Interlaken Ost > Wilderswil > Cogwheel to Schynige Platte
- Passes: Fully covered by the Berner Oberland Pass
- Cost Estimate: CHF 0 (with passes), ice cream ~CHF 12, dinner at home
- Tip: Go early to avoid crowds on the cogwheel train. Bring layers — summit weather can change quickly.
✨ Favorite Quote or Moment
“Belly bop!” — Jonas, mid-jump on the summit trail, trying to bump our bellies with pure mountain joy.
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