Holidays in Wilderswil
Bernese Oberland , Switzerland
The sleepy Bernese village of Wilderswil is a world away from its lively neighbour of Interlaken, but still shares its warm welcome and sense of adventure
- Lakeside walks
- Mountaintop trails of the Schynige Platte
- Wooden chalets & flower-bedecked inns
Interlaken/Wilderswil Guest Card included
Free use of local buses in Wilderswil, Interlaken and surrounding villages, plus free or discounted entry to some local attractions.
Swiss Half Fare Card included
Up to half price off various modes of transport, plus free travel to children from 6 to 15 years old, when accompanied by a parent with the Swiss Family Card.
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Walking in Wilderswil
Wilderswil at a glance
- German
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Birmingham Int. (BHX), Bristol (BRS), Edinburgh (EDI), London City (LCY), London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), London Luton (LTN), Manchester Int. (MAN)
- London St Pancras (QQS)
Travel included to Wilderswil
Depart on: any day except Tuesdays
Arrive into: Zurich, Geneva or Basel airports, or Interlaken Ost station
Transfer time: 2 hours 45 minutes - 3 hours
Included in your walking holiday to Wilderswil
- Free Interlaken/Wilderswil Guest Card with unlimited use of local buses and trains
- Half price rail, bus and boat travel with the Swiss Half Fare Card (worth over £100 per person)
- Swiss Family Card Included - free travel for children under 16 on mainline trains/buses/boats in Switzerland when accompanied by a parent
- On holiday support and tailored advice from our Destination Experts based in Switzerland
- Access to Inghams Digital Resort Guide with things to do, walks and useful information on holiday
- Flights or rail from the UK, transfers and accommodation
Walking in Wilderswil
Walks and hikes
- Walking Trails:
- 500km
- Terrain:
- Diverse terrain from flat valley floors and lakeside walks to towering 4000m peaks of the Jungfrau
Located just outside Interlaken, Wilderswil offers all the same access to incredible sights and experiences, but with a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere to return to after a day of adventure. Whether you’ve been trekking over mountain passes, meandering through alpine valleys, or strolling beside turquoise lakes, Wilderswil is the perfect base. Excellent train connections make it easy to explore nearby mountain villages such as Wengen, Grindelwald, and Mürren. Hikes will lead you to breathtaking viewpoints, past centuries-old buildings and castle ruins, through rich alpine flora and fauna, and into the heart of Switzerland’s natural beauty - including the famous 72 waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen.
Take in panoramic views over Lake Thun (Thunersee) as you hike to the Morgenberghorn, or cross the Rengglipass to reach Aeschi near Spiez. Head in the other direction to discover the Faulhorn, Schwarzhorn, or the serene Hinterburgseeli, with unforgettable views of Lake Brienz (Brienzersee) along the way. And if you prefer a more relaxed pace, much of the Bernese Oberland can be explored effortlessly by e-bike.
Our favourite self-guided walks in and around Wilderswil



Our accommodations in Wilderswil
Discover Wilderswil
- Take the cogwheel railway to Schynige Platte and wander through the Alpine Flower Garden
- Hire a kayak to explore the lakes or relax onboard a cruise
- Enjoy a lakeside walk to the impressive Giessbach Waterfalls and return by boat
The village of Wilderswil perches between the green Bödeli plain to the north and the mountains of the Bernese Oberland behind. The train station marks the start of the famed railway that zigzags through mountain meadows to the Alpine gardens and mountaintop trails of the Schynige Platte, home to one of the highest railway stations in Switzerland. Plus, Interlaken and the turquoise lakes of Brienz and Thun are just a few minutes' train journey away. The wooden chalets and flower-bedecked inns of Wilderswil are a great place to return to after a day’s walking.
For most people visiting Wilderswil, it’s a case of all eyes on the railway – but stay here, and you’ll realise why this sleepy village makes a great alternative to neighbouring Interlaken. Wooden chalets date back to the 17th century and old stübli restaurants serve mountain fare in cosy surroundings. Walking trails head in all directions from the village, wander to the edge of town to explore the ruins of the once-grand Unspunnun Castle, which peeks out from between the trees or head to the edge of Lake Brienz and follow the water-line to Iseltwald - here you can hop on a ferry back to Bönigen, or in the other direction to Giessbach where there's an impressive waterfall walk.
You could spend weeks exploring the rail routes of this region, and luckily, Wilderswil's location makes this really easy. Trains run between remote mountaintops, valleys, lakes and to cities like the riverside university city of Basel. We recommend putting the alpine villages of Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren at the top of your to-visit list, which connects you to some of the most scenic railways in the world, including the sky-high Jungfraujoch. The Brienzer Rothorn is a good one too – especially for the chance to try the sausages cooked on the steam engine.
Take in the stunning views along the 7.2-kilometre scenic journey on the cog railway up to Schynige Platte alpine garden, where you'll find around 500 different plant species (mountain railway starts from 14 Jun). From here you will unlock a world of wonderful walks, such as over the Faulhorn to the First Gondola in Grindelwald - quite a long walk, but you'll enjoy rewarding views the whole way.
See that splash of scarlet against the emerald foothills? That’s the 19th-century cog railway that creeps up to the Schynige Platte mountain ridge in just under an hour, all the while offering some of the best views across the mountains of Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch. At Schynige Platte, you can wander rocky paths to the chime of cowbells and meander around the petite plants of the high-altitude botanical garden. There’s also a restaurant, where you can settle down on the suntrap terrace with a strudel or glass of Riesling. If you fancy a longer hike, the route from Schynige Platte to the top of the First gondola in Grindelwald is one of the best - catch the gondola down into Grindelwald and then return by train.
Take a stroll to the ruins of Unspunnen Castle in Wilderswil, where you'll find a stunning observation point offering panoramic views of the Jungfrau. It’s an easy stop along a village walk, or you can venture further along the scenic castle path that also leads to the ruins of Rothenfluh.
From June to August, don’t miss the open-air performance of William Tell - a spectacular show featuring a cast of 250 actors and live animals. You can stay right in Wilderswil, or nearby in Interlaken, Matten, or Unterseen, where traditional music and folk song performances are held regularly. And be sure to watch for the legendary Alphorn - a massive, wooden instrument that stretches longer than the musician playing it.
To dive deeper into the local history, visit the 'Old Mill' village museum in Wilderswil. It offers fascinating exhibits and an impressive Alpine diorama. Set beside the Saxetbach stream, the museum and its still-operational mill create a charming and picturesque scene. Admission is free during opening hours, though donations are welcome to help support this unique attraction.
Wilderswil and the surrounding Jungfrau region has a great network of public transport and lifts that make getting around the area really easy.
Trains
Wilderswil train station is only a short five-minute ride away from Interlaken Ost, one of the main train stations which is great for onward journeys. The Wilderswil village station also leads towards Zweilütschinen and into the Lauterbrunnen Valley, providing more hiking possibilities from its stops and bus connections along the way, plus train services to Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren.
There are also many mountain railways to discover nearby - these include:
- Harder Kulm Railway from Interlaken
- Schynige Platte Railway
- Lauterbrunnen to Mürren railway
- Wengeneralp Railway
- Jungfrau Railway
Routes and timetables are available locally. The best way to enjoy the trains is to pre-book a travel pass - see the "Cards & passes" tab for more information (supplements may apply locally for some routes).
Lifts
You can use the regions selection of gondolas and cableways to unlock a new world of hiking routes, creating almost endless possibilities for any keen hiker. Or, if your looking for a gentle walk, these lifts are also perfect for reaching peaceful and traditional areas.
In Wengen:
- Männlichen
In Mürren:
- Stechelberg
- Schilthorn
In Grindelwald:
- Grindelwald First
- Männlichen
- Eiger Express
- Pfingstegg
Buses
Explore the nearby area on buses within zones one and three with your included Interlaken / Wilderswil Guest Card, provided to you by your hotel on arrival. Take a trip to Interlaken and the two lakes - Thun and Brienz. Journeys outside this area require an additional ticket, in which PostBuses and SBB routes qualify for 50% off when using your included Swiss Half Fare Card.
Routes and timetables are available locally.
Boats
Being close to the two lakes, Brienz and Thun, means you can check out the hiking trails, alpine meadows and many forests that surround them both. There are plenty of piers and ports to stop at around the lakes, meaning you can either walk from one to another along the lake, or complete a more challenging route each day before catching the ferry back. On both lakes there is a total fleet of 14 boats, including two paddle steamers.
Use your included Swiss Half Fare Card to receive up to 50% discount on most rides.
Cards & passes
The Swiss transport network is an excellent combination of trains, mountain railways, cable cars, boats, and buses that make it a pleasure to get around and explore at your own pace.
The Swiss Half Fare Card is included in the price of your holiday and is sent to you as part of your rail transfer tickets. This card can be used around Switzerland for up to 50% discount on various modes of transport - so make sure you keep it with you. It also gives free travel to children from 6 to under 16 years old, accompanied by a parent with the Family Card.
Subject to change.
The free 'Wilderswil/Interlaken Guest Card' is provided by your hotel on arrival and gives you:
- Free use of local buses in Wilderswil, Interlaken, and surrounding villages such as Iseltwald and Beatenbucht
- Free entrance to the casino in Interlaken
- Free travel on some nearby trains. See the map for valid routes
- Free entrance to village museum and guided weekly walks in Bönigen
Switzerland's excellent public transport network of mountain railways, cable cars, steamboats, and buses makes it a pleasure to explore the sights, at your own pace.
Subject to change.
In addition to the Half Fare card you may wish to purchase other travel passes depending on your holiday plans, such as the Jungfrau Travel Pass - you can add this to your holiday at the time of booking.
Enjoy three to eight consecutive days of travel on trains, cable cars, gondolas, and boats within the Jungfrau region including free travel on:
- Interlaken - Harder Kulm
- Wilderswil - Schynige Platte
- Trains between Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Brienz and Interlaken Ost
- Grindelwald - First
- Grindelwald - Männlichen
- Wengen - Männlichen
- Grindelwald - Kleine Scheidegg
- Wengen - Kleine Scheidegg
- Kleine Scheidegg to Eigergletscher
- Lauterbrunnen - Grütschalp - Winteregg - Mürren
- Passes from 3 days validity onward include boats on Lakes Thun & Lake Brienz and trains between Interlaken Ost, Interlaken West, and Brienz allowing for round trips by boat and train on Lake Brienz.
A supplement applies for going up from Eigergletscher to the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe (discounted rate of CHF63/75 (low season/high season)). Please note that Family Cards are not valid with the Jungfrau Travel Pass and children must have the Jungfrau Junior Travel Card.
Pass inclusions are subject to change. Pre-book prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount. Please note that we act at all times as selling agent for the suppliers of travel passes.
The Bernese Oberland Pass is another great option and includes:
- Free travel on Männlichen gondola (Grindelwald Terminus - Männlichen and Wengen - Männlichen)
- Free travel on the Grindelwald - Pfingstegg cable car
- Free travel Lauterbrunnen - Stechelberg/Gimmelwald - Mürren
- Free travel Lauterbrunnen - Grütschalp/Winteregg - Mürren
- Free travel Stechelberg - Mürren
- Free travel Mürren - Schilthorn
- Free travel on the Brienzer Rothornbahn
- Free travel on the Montreux-Oberland-Bahn all the way to Montreux (seat reservations are strongly recommended - these are not included)
- Free travel on Oeschinen, Sünnbuel and Allmenalp lifts in Kandersteg
- Boat trips on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, discounts at various partner locations, and much more throughout the Bernese Oberland region...
Discounted travel on the following routes:
- Wilderswil - Schynige Platte (50% off)
- Interlaken - Harder Kulm (50% off)
- Grindelwald - First (50% off)
- Wengen - Kleine Scheidegg (25% off)*
- Grindelwald - Kleine Scheidegg (25% off)*
- Eiger Express from Grindelwald Terminus - Eigergletscher (25% off)*
- Eigergletscher - Jungfraujoch (25% off)*
* These routes are offered at 50 percent discount with your included Swiss Half Fare Card, so we always advise carrying both with you when travelling around so you can enjoy maximum discounts available to you.
Pass inclusions are subject to change. Pre-book prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount. Please note that we act at all times as selling agent for the suppliers of travel passes.
Travel to Wilderswil
Travel by air
Flights depart any day expect Tuesdays between 17 May - 25 Oct 25 & 16 May - 24 Oct 26.
Fly from:
- London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London City, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh.
Fly into:
- Geneva, Zurich or Basel airport
Transfer time:
- From Geneva: 3 hours 30 minutes by rail. Your journey involves two changes of trains
- From Zurich: 2 hours 40 minutes by rail. Your journey involves one or two changes of trains
- From Basel: 2 hours 45 minutes by rail. Your journey involves one to two changes of trains. There is a local bus from the airport to the Basel train station
Travel by train
We offer holidays by train to Wilderswil, which departs daily except on Tuesday. The journey takes around 14 hours from London St. Pancras and you'll be able to enjoy the change of scenery out of the train window as you journey through France and into the Alps of Switzerland.
The provisional outbound timings are:
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London St. Pancras
-
Gare du Nord
Change
-
Paris Gare du Lyon
Change
-
Basel
Change (Onward Travel by Train)
Onward travel from Basel: the transfer from Basel to Wilderswil will be by train until Interlaken Ost where you will change into a taxi to your hotel. The journey will take around two hours 15 minutes. There are some direct trains from Basel to Interlaken. If you're not on a direct train your journey will have one change of trains.
For your return journey, you will travel back to Basel on Saturday morning by train. The journey takes around two hours 15 minutes and will require one change of train.
The provisional inbound timings from Basel are:
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Basel
Travel to Basel by Train
-
Gare du Lyon
Change
-
Gare du Nord
Change
-
London St. Pancras
Things to do in Wilderswil









