Wilderswil: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Located not far from Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland, Wilderswil is considered a starting point for excursions in the Jungfrau region. The surrounding area attracts hikers with the Harder Kulm viewpoint offering panoramic views over Lake Thun, the Niederhorn, or the Schynige Platte. In winter, Wilderswil, situated in the Jungfrau ski area, is a magnet for skiers.
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Wilderswil - Must-see attractions
Schynige Platte Railway
The Schynige Platte Railway was put into operation in 1893. During the 53-minute journey, it covers 7.3 km and 1,420 meters in altitude. Along the way, you are offered a beautiful view of the mountain landscape as well as Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. From the mountain station, the trio "Mönch, Eiger, and Jungfrau" can be seen. A high-altitude hiking trail also starts here, leading over the Faulhorn and Bachalpsee to First. The gondola takes you down to Grindelwald.
Giessbach Falls
Amidst roaring noise, the masses of water from the Giessbach make their way down with their white spray on the forested slope above the lake. They fall steeply about 400 meters, overcoming more than a dozen cascades. One of the most beautiful ways to experience this natural spectacle is the circular hiking trail. It leads directly past the Giessbach Falls and is a refreshing pleasure in summer. A nice alternative is a boat trip on Lake Brienz past the waterfalls.
Harder Kulm
With its location at an altitude of 1,322 meters, Harder Kulm is destined for spectacular views. You can comfortably reach Interlaken's local mountain by cable car. From the top, the view sweeps over the deep blue of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. But the trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau also offers a breathtaking sight. Especially at sunset, visitors enjoy the 10-minute cable car ride from Interlaken to experience the mountain world bathed in atmospheric light. The panoramic restaurant takes care of your culinary needs.
Interlaken East Station
For train travelers, Interlaken Ost is a central starting point for a hiking vacation in the Jungfrau region around tourist hotspots like Wengen, Mürren, and Grindelwald. Interlaken itself, with its outstanding location between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, is also worth a visit. The history of Interlaken Ost station dates back to the late 19th century. The station opened in 1874 as Interlaken Zollhaus and developed into an important hub in rail traffic in the following years. The listed station building was constructed in 1917.
Höheweg
The loop of the high-altitude trail in Wilderswil and Interlaken can be covered both by bike and on foot. The total distance is about 17 kilometers, and you should plan for an ascent and descent of nearly 600 meters. The starting point is easily accessible by public transport. The journey begins at the train station in Wilderswil, and in summer, you can look forward to lush alpine meadows. From the higher elevations, you can see Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
Lake Thun
Not far from Lake Thun is the town of Thun with its castle and Schadau Park. On the southern shore between Thun and Merligen, the climate is mild, and the vegetation is partly even subtropical. On the northern shore lies Interlaken, the gateway to the neighboring holiday region of the same name. A panoramic hiking trail with numerous suspension bridges runs around Lake Thun. The lake is popular as a water sports area: you can sail, water ski, or windsurf here. In summer, beautiful lakeside baths attract visitors. A popular excursion destination is the Niesen.
Wilderswil - Secret spots
Giessbach Falls
The Giessbach Falls are an impressive natural spectacle near Wilderswil. They cascade down 14 levels over 500 meters into the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. Visitors can experience the impressive natural spectacle in various ways: either by taking a ride on the historic funicular from the Giessbach See landing stage, through a leisurely hike, or from the nearby parking lot.
The ruin of Grasburg
About an hour's drive from Swiss Wilderswil lies the Grasburg. The ruin, of which the forecourt and main castle as well as the courtyard are preserved, stands on a sandstone rock above the Sense Gorge. The castle was built in the 13th century before it fell into decay from the 16th century onwards.
Engstligen Waterfalls
The Engstligen waterfalls are about an hour's drive from Wilderswil in the Bernese Oberland. South of Adelboden, the streams of the Engstligenalp converge and plunge about 600 meters down in two stages. You can reach Switzerland's second largest waterfalls from the valley station of the cable cars in Adelboden in a ten-minute walk.
Aeschi near Spiez
About a 20-minute drive from Wilderswil in the Bernese Oberland lies Aeschi near Spiez. The village is nestled in a stunningly beautiful mountain setting and offers unique views over the mountains and the blue shimmering Lake Thun. In summer, you can take a hike to the Pochtenfall, while in winter, slopes and trails beckon.
Wilderswil - In 3 days
Day 1
Typical Swiss chalets in dark wooden construction line the streets of Wilderswil. On your first tour, you cross the wild waters of the Lütschine on the covered Gsteig Bridge, which has safely led people to the Gsteig Church since 1738. The interior of the 12th-century sacred building is adorned with remarkable wall paintings, some of which date back to the 14th century, and painted glass windows. At the Saxetenbach, the village museum opens the doors of the Old Mill from May to October each year. In addition to the mill facility, there is much to learn about life in the Middle Ages and alpine farming. After so much culture, you can loosen your muscles on the nearby Vitaparcours. Experienced climbers are drawn to the climbing garden. If you want even more history, start from the museum to the Unspunnen castle ruins. From the 12th-century fortress, wall remnants and the lower part of the round tower rise.
Day 2
Today you will drive to Lake Thun, located 5 km to the west. First, you will hike through the Neuhaus-Weissenau nature reserve along the Aare to the Weissenau ruins, which from the 13th century secured the harbor and the Aare estuary and controlled the flow of goods over the Alpine passes. From the viewing platform, the lake lies at your feet. In summer temperatures, you will hike along the southern shore of the lake to the Leissigen beach to enjoy a refreshing swim. In the afternoon, the children's paradise Mysty Land in the Jungfrau Park in Interlaken is open to you. It offers children up to 10 years old a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions such as climbing frames, giant slides, and pedal go-karts. With older children, you can visit the Botanical Alpine Garden Schynige Platte, about 8 km southeast of Wilderswil. Virtually in the shadow of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau at an altitude of 1,967 m, you will find blooming alpine plants and magnificent views. You can easily reach it by cogwheel train at the Schynige Platte station.
Day 3
Even if you have never paddled before – at the Hightide Kayak School on the western shore of Lake Brienz, you can learn it. You set off as a group on a guided kayak tour that takes you along the rocky shores of the lake – by the way, warmly wrapped up in winter. Then, rising water vapor sometimes creates an almost otherworldly peaceful atmosphere. Afterwards, you visit the traditional show dairy Alp Heubühlen 14 km north of Wilderswil. First, you drive to the village of Habkern, from where you hike 3.7 km along Traubach and Lammbach to the alp. Watch the family business as they make the spicy alpine cheese, and then make your own Mutschli. The semi-hard cheese, also called Tomme du Valais or Tummeli, gets a unique aroma from the addition of garlic, pepper, or herbs. Afterwards, enjoy Rösti, smoked sausages, and of course cheese, and take home delicacies from the shop.