The small resort villages of Wilderswil and Gsteigwiler are situated in the immediate vicinity of Interlaken. They are the ideal starting points for excursions to the highlights of the Bernese Oberland.
Wilderswil lies on the southern periphery of the «Bödeli», the level between Lakes Thun and Brienz with the centre of Interlaken, at the entrance to the Lütschinen valleys in the direction of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. Gsteigwiler sits on a sunny terrace at the foot of the Schynige Platte. And the romantic mountain village of Saxeten lies six kilometres above Wilderswil at an altitude of 1100 metres. Together, they form a small, tranquil holiday region far removed from the hustle and bustle of the tourism metropolis of Interlaken, but don’t forsake any of the advantages of their central location for excursions, hiking tours, shopping and winter sports.
Summer
The «regional mountain» of the small holiday region is the Schynige Platte at 1967 m. Dating from the 19th century, the nostalgic cog railway is able to negotiate the 7.20-km long route and the 1400-metre altitude difference between Wilderswil and the Schynige Platte in 50 minutes. The excursion mountain with wonderful views across the Alps and lakes is the starting point for magnificent walks, e.g. over the Faulhorn to the First and to Grindelwald. This natural paradise is also renowned for its mountain hotels and a well-tended Alpine garden with 500 plant species.
Local attractions include the Unspunnen ruins, the «Rail and Nature» educational trail as well as a cultural trail. Hospitality awaits guests in the hotels, holiday apartments and the quietly-situated campsite. Wilderswil and Gsteigwiler lie en route on the Bernese Oberland railways which lead from Interlaken to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, starting points for mountain ascents to the undisputed superlatives of the region: the Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn.
The tranquil mountain village of Saxeten offers both pleasant walks as well as more strenuous hiking tours. The ramble to the Morgenberghorn and over the Renggli Pass to Aeschi near Spiez is very popular.
Winter
In winter, guests benefit from the central location near Interlaken and consequently the option of repeatedly selecting their favourites from the ski areas of the Jungfrau Top Ski Region (Mürren/Schilthorn, Kleine Scheidegg/Männlichen and First) and the Beatenberg ski area. Saxeten offers a sledge run in the winter.
Highlights
- Schynige Platte – a nostalgic rail journey, fascinating views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, an Alpine garden with around 500 plant species and a multitude of rambling opportunities.
- Mystery Park – the educational and experience park in Interlaken covers seven themed worlds which present the unsolved mysteries of this world.
- Jungfraujoch – an ice palace and glacial air, but above all a stupendous panorama awaits visitors on the ‘Top of Europe’ at 3454 metres.
- Schilthorn – today, the panorama restaurant quietly revolves at 3000 metres where James Bond once brought excitement on Her Majesty's Secret Service to the Piz Gloria.
- Interlaken – the tourism centre of the Bernese Oberland between Lakes Thun and Brienz with beautiful promenades and many shopping opportunities.
Top Events
- Unspunnen Festival – so-to-speak the «Olympics of Swiss Folk Customs»; over several days strong men throw the Unspunnen stone, compete with one another in wrestling, joyful women, men and children dance in pretty traditional costumes, make music, sing and yodel. The highlight of the traditional costume and cowherd's festival is the large festival procession along the Höhematte in Interlaken (not all years).
- Tell-Open-Air Performances – amateur actors have now performed the heroic epic «Willhelm Tell» by Friedrich Schiller on the natural open-air stage in the Rugen forest for nearly a hundred years.
How to get there
Public Transport: Daily trains from neighboring countries to Interlaken West and Ost. Regular train connection from Interlaken Ost to Wilderswil. Regular bus connection from Interlaken West to Wilderswil - Village and to Gsteigwiler. Three daily bus connections Wilderswil - Saxeten. Taxi-Service from Interlaken West and Ost.
By car: Autobahn A8 (Interlaken - Lucerne) exit Wilderswil No. 25, 2 min. to the village center.
Other/Air: Zürich Kloten / all major airlines
Train: Distance via Bern 202 km / driving time 2 hours 55 min.
Road: Distance via Brünig 136 km, via Bern 179 km / driving time2 hours 10 min.
Geneva Cointrin/ all major airlines
Train: Distance 230 km / driving time 2 hours 40 min.
Road: Distance 216 km / driving time 2 hours 30 min.
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