Best alpine trips in Switzerland: Reuti, Mägisalp, and Planplatten
Alpen Tower Restaurant, Planplatten, Switzerland
One of our favorite alpine trips in Switzerland took us to three gondola stops — Reuti, Mägisalp, and Planplatten.
Meiringen
We were based in Meiringen during our Untours apartment stay. The soaring mountain and base station for the gondola ride were right behind us.
Since we each had a Swiss Travel Pass the ride from Meiringen to the mountaintop was half price. On birthdays it is free.
gondola, Hasliberg
We rode through forests, past gushing waterfalls, over chalets on rolling hills and to the alpine summit terrain.
Mountaintop trails the Hasliberg mountainside are popular with hikers.
Reuti
Hike and Dine
The first cable car runs from Meiringen to Reuti. Lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants there come with a mountain view. But we were headed to an even more spectacular heights.
view from the terrace of the Hotel Reuti restaurant, Hasliberg
Reuti sign near gondola
Village of Reuti from the Hotel Panorama
Bergbahnen Meiringen-Hasliberg, the gondola railway, continues from there to Bidmi and Mägisalp.
Bidmi
Mägisalp
Family Fun
Families with small children disembarked at Mägisalp. Hands-on theme trails there run through woods and meadows.
Mägisalp, Switzerland
Sites follow the magical story world of Muggestutz, the oldest Hasli dwarf, and his friends.
Muggestutz gondola, Mägisalp
Muggestutz gondola stop, Mägisalp
There are playground and picnic areas, restaurants, adventure stations, and reminders of the stories like a swing bridge and cave.
restaurant, Mägisalp
restaurant, Mägisalp
Trotti Bikes, a kind of scooter, can be rented to ride from there downhill to Bidmi. The return is by gondola.
bike rentals, Mägisalp, Switzerland
Planplatten
Breathtaking views
However, we were headed higher and took the third gondola to Planplatten.
While we ascended to the summit the sound of cowbells serenaded us as we passed alpine huts and summer pastures.
Mägisalp, Switzerland
Soon we disembarked at the summit to take in the breathtaking view of over 400 peaks, the valley, and Lake Brienz.
view from gondola Mägisalp to Planplatten
Lunch came with a view at the panoramic Alpen Tower. This is also a popular spot for Sunday buffet breakfast.
Alpen Tower Restaurant, Planplatten, Switzerland
Muggestutz Winter World
As we entered the restaurant building we discovered a room of Muggestutz Winter World displays based one of the books.
Mugglestutz at the Winter Wonderland display, Alpen Tower, Switzerland
Mountain crystals
A display of mountain crystal was by the entrance to the restaurant. There was also a book by Kaspar Fahner told of the wonderful world pf crystals. His Wonder of Crystals exhibit at Fahner Sport in Hasliberg features one of Europe’s top mineral collections. Entry is free when the crystal shop is open.
crystal display at the Panorama Restaurant, Planplatten, Switzerland
The view
We were nearly 7400’ above sea level and had a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Bernese and Central Alps.
view from Planplatten, Switzerland
view from Planplatten, Switzerland
view from Planplatten, Switzerland
Low-lying wildflowers lined the easy highland paths. But don’t step on the tiny alpine bees!
wildflowers landed the alpine hiking trails
If you go, be sure to check the television broadcast of weather conditions at the summit before making the trip. Also be sure to note the time of the last gondola back down.
The Muggestutz books
Where to find them
Back in Meiringen, we found English versions of Muggestutz books for our granddaughter at the Jenny & Banholzer bookstore.
Muggestutz books on display at the Panorama Restaurant, Planplatten, Switzerland