Walking in Wilderswil

Walking Trails:
500km

Terrain:
Diverse terrain from flat valley floors and lakeside walks to towering 4000m peaks of the Jungfrau

Wilderswil at a glance

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  • 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

  • Grade: Easy
  • Distance: 13.5km
  • Walking time: 2.5 – 3 hours
  • Terrain: Mainly gravel path, tarmac path

This scenic walk takes you along the banks of the Lutschine and Aare rivers, offering stunning views of both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. You’ll pass the Weissenau castle ruins and wander through the wildlife-rich Weissenau nature reserve. The route can be completed in sections or in one go. Enjoy a break at one of the riverside cafes along the Aare before reaching your final destination.

  • Grade: Easy
  • Distance: 4.6km
  • Walking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Terrain: Wide gravel path

Starting at the top of the Grütschalp cable car, this easy walk takes you through alpine meadows and forested paths with spectacular views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the towering Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Stop at Winteregg to purchase local cheese and yoghurt, or continue to Mürren to explore its quaint streets and stunning vistas. For more adventure take a detour to the Schilthorn to enjoy the panoramic views of the Alps.

  • Grade: Moderate – challenging
  • Distance: 5.9km
  • Walking time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Terrain: Tarmac road, gravel tracks, forest path

This moderate-to-challenging trail takes you through Saxetwald forest and offers breath-taking views over alpine meadows and Lake Brienz. The path descends steeply into the valley, with the chance to pause at the Saxetbach memorial park. From there, the gentle trail leads back to Wilderswil. Be sure to bring snacks and drinks with you, as there are no refreshment stops along the way.

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
On arrival into Interlaken Ost station, there will be a taxi to take you to your hotel.

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:

  1. London St. Pancras

  2. Gare du Nord

    Change

  3. Paris Gare du Lyon

    Change

  4. 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:

  1. Basel

    Travel to Basel by Train

  2. Gare du Lyon

    Change

  3. Gare du Nord

    Change

  4. London St. Pancras

Things to do in Wilderswil

Grindelwald First Mountain Carting

 

First Glider

 

Grindelwald-First is nicknamed Top of Adventure - so it's no surprise you'll find heaps of fun things to do here.

It's the starting point for some amazing walks, home to the exhilarating Cliff Walk and packs a punch when it comes to views. But if it's adrenaline you're looking for, you're definitely in for a treat here - there are plenty of activities that adventurous teens and adults will love.

First Flyer zip line

Whizz down the mountain on the zip lines - race your friends at up to 80 kilometres an hour down the First Flyer zip line - there are four, 800-metre-long zip lines next to each other perfect for an exciting race against friends.

First Glider zip line

Fly like an eagle on the First Glider which carries up to four people beneath a huge model eagle. 

Trottibikes

Make your mountain descent more exciting by hiring a Trottibike scooter. Trottibikes are like a cross between a mountain bike and a scooter - ride past flower meadows and pretty farm houses as you journey down from Bort back to Grindewald.

Mountain carts

Mountain carts are three-wheeled carts almost like a cross between a sled and a go-cart. The route follows a three-kilomtre track from Schreckfeld to Bort along a gravel road.

Book locally - Grindelwald First Adventure Package

First Flyer, Glider & Trottibike or Mountain Cart from CHF64 per person

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: (Copyright: Jungfraubahnen)

Grindelwald Jungfraujoch Ice Palace

Swiss engineering is as good as rumour has it, with trains and cable cars allowing wanderers to easily explore car-free. One of the most famous train journeys include the track that runs all the way up to the Jungfraujoch – not only the highest railway station in Europe but the Jungfrau-Aletsch area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a must-see for all visitors making it the ultimate rail journey through the Eiger and up to 3,454 metres, for breath-taking views including the 14km-long Aletsch glacier and the Ice Palace. 

Pre-book your Jungfraujoch ticket

As well as the incredible views, there's a lot to do at the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe. Head in to the Ice Palace to see the fascinating glacier from within and some impressive ice sculptures, try some Lindt chocolate in the highest Lindt shop in the world, or head out onto the snow fun park (snow activities payable locally).

This ticket includes travel from your resort - if you've pre-booked a Travel Pass some of your journey may be covered by it so we recommend checking the validity as it may be best to buy the Jungfraujoch supplement locally.

Pre-booked tickets are available from Interlaken, Wilderswil, Grindelwald and Wengen. Tickets are bookable locally from Mürren.

Prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: (Copyright: Jungfraubahnen)

To The Schilthorn Mountain

A trip up the spectacular Schilthorn peak above Mürren, famous for being the set of the James Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. Visit the museum and enjoy the fantastic views of the surrounding snow-clad peaks. If you have a good head for heights, the 'Thrill Walk' at Birg is an exhilarating metal walkway that clings to the mountain edge, providing an exciting walk and some unbeatable photo opportunities.

Pre-book your Schilthorn ticket

This ticket includes travel from your resort - if you have a Travel Pass some or all of your journey may be covered by it so we recommend checking the validity as it may be best to buy the Schilthorn supplement locally if required.

Prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: (Copyright: BENEDETTA BARBANTI)

Ballenberg Open Museum

Interlaken is already a remarkable mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty - but even here, some experiences stand out. One of these is the Ballenberg open-air museum, Switzerland’s only museum of its kind. Set across 66 hectares, it’s a journey back in time, with centuries-old buildings and demonstrations of traditional crafts that bring rural Swiss life vividly to life.

Image: (Copyright: Ballenberg Freilichtmuseum Der Schweiz David Birri)

Take the charming cogwheel railway up to Schynige Platte at 2,000 metres and visit the wonderful Alpine garden with some 600 different Swiss alpine plants including Edelweiss and Enzian.

You'll need plenty of time to admire the view from the top of the Schynige Platte. In one direction, the peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger dominate the skyline, and in another, the bright blue waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz glisten in the sun. It's the starting point for many great walks, or if you're keen on a more relaxing visit, enjoy lunch in the panorama restaurant and a live Alphorn concert (daily between 11am - 2pm by the railway station). Children will love the playground and treasure hunt. 

Pre-book your Schynige Platte ticket

Ticket will include travel from your resort to Wilderswil and return travel on the cogwheel railway up to Schynige Platte.

Pre-booked tickets are available from Interlaken, Wilderswil and Wengen. Tickets are bookable locally from Grindelwald and Mürren.

Prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Harder Kulm viewing platform

A 15-minute funicular from Interlaken to the spectacular Harder Kulm viewing platform - a sight not to be missed - look down on Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Pre-book your Harder Kulm ticket

Pre-booked tickets are available from Interlaken and Wilderswil.

Prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

The thrill walk at Birg is a must-do if you take a trip to the Schilthorn. Metal walkways cling to the cliff beneath the lift station, with unique (optional) obstacles along the way, offering many perfect photo opportunities - just don't drop your phone!

Make your way up to the sun terrace for some al-fresco dining at the open-air café before zooming down on a 650-metre long toboggan ride through the Rugen forest. At the top you can explore the model railway exhibition as well as enjoy the views. Perfect for all ages from six and above, the total experience lasts around two hours, that's without a stop for lunch of course.

Spiez castle and Lake Thun

Interlaken lies just north of Wilderswil, between the luminous turquoise lakes of Lakes Thun and Brienz. It spreads itself over two sides of the glacier-cold river, with the old town square of Unterseen on one side and parks, railway stations, and ferry jetties on the other. 

This is where you can hop on cruises that smooth past vertiginous vineyards, mountains, and shoreline castles. Maybe you fancy a hop-on-hop-off day, seeing different parts of the lake. Or, perhaps you are wanting an on-board fine dining experience as you glide across the lake to the town of Thun – where you can get a quick train back after a day of sightseeing. Thunersee has a fleet of eight boats, with two being beautiful steamboats.

Adrenaline activities like rafting, canyoning, and paragliding are Interlaken’s speciality; it’s a rare day that you don’t see paragliders surfing the air currents above.

Image: (Copyright: Switzerland Tourism Ivo Scholz)

Brienz Rothorn mountain view

The Brienzer Rothorn steam train offers a nostalgic ride into the mountains from nearby Brienz. As the vintage locomotive chugs upward, you’re treated to views of alpine meadows, lush forests, and sweeping panoramas. A quirky favourite is the 'sausage train' where (on select departures) passengers can enjoy a sausage cooked in the engine’s steam - an experience as memorable as the ride itself.

Image: (Copyright: Switzerland Tourism Jan Geerk)

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