Hot spots of Alpine tourism in the Belle Époque: Schynige Platte and Grandhotel Giessbach

Schynige Platte
Copyright Jungfraubahn Holding AG

The excursion based on public transport will firstly lead to the Schynige Platte. A historical cog railway starting at Wilderswil near Interlaken in the Bernese Alps brings us up to an altitude of 1967 metres a.s.l. to provide the maybe most spectacular view of the Bernese Alps (Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau). It is a wonderful study site to examine Belle Époque tourism infrastructure. The historic Botanical Alpine Garden on top is a unique attraction displaying over 700 species of plants native to the Swiss Alps and growing in their natural environment. A one hour scenic walk will lead the more active participants to various spectacular viewpoints. The others may enjoy the view from the terrace of the restaurant on top of the Schynige Platte.

After a ship trip across Lake Brienz (presumably with a paddle steamer of 1914) and a short ride with the oldest still working funicular railway of Europe (1879) we will arrive at the Grandhotel Giessbach built in the 1870s close to the famous Giessbach waterfalls. This Grandhotel suffered difficult times until it has been rescued by a national initiative led by Swiss naturalist Franz Weber. It is today one of the most beautiful historic hotels in Switzerland with a protected landscape park around. The guided visit of the natural resort (one hour walking tour) and the historic hotel will be followed by a light Apéro included in the price. On the way back, we will take the ship across Lake Brienz again and return to Bern by train.

Please note that in case of very bad weather the trip to the top of the Schynige Platte will be replaced by a visit to Grindelwald, a tourist hot-spot formerly known as «the village beneath the glacier».

Duration:
26 August 2023, 08:00-19:30

Price:
Excursion, standard rate: 70 CHF
Excursion, SBB Halbtax holders: 50 CHF
Excursion, SBB GA and Swiss Travel Pass holders: 30 CHF
Add a vegetarian lunch package: 10 CHF

Mobility:
Good shoes required for the walking tours, not suitable for wheelchairs, walkers and prams.

Overnight stay:
Why not experiencing the spirit of the Belle Époque yourself? Feel free to book a two-nights stay at the Grandhotel Giessbach at a special conference rate.
Grandhotel Giessbach ESEH conference rate

Contact:
christian.rohr@unibe.ch

Copyright Christian Rohr
Copyright Grandhotel Giessbach