Winter escapade: panoramic meal at the summit of the Berneuse

Winter excursion: panoramic meal at the summit of the Berneuse

Have you always wanted to enjoy a meal at an altitude of 2048 metres while the landscape passes before your eyes? Make your dream come true with the Winter Escapade offer that we have tested for you. This package offered by Leysin Tourisme combines the return journey on the fascinating cogwheel railway from Aigle to Leysin, the ascent and descent on the gondola lift from Leysin to the summit of Berneuse and a meal in the revolving restaurant ‘Le Kuklos’, all against the magical winter backdrop of the Alpes Vaudoises. A perfect winter excursion from the flatlands to the mountains.

The cogwheel train from Aigle to Leysin

As we arrived too early in Aigle, we waited comfortably in the Buffet de la gare with a coffee. We then boarded the little cogwheel railway from platform 15 for the journey to Leysin. The little train crosses the old town of Aigle to make a short stop at the ‘depot’ before continuing its ascent to Leysin.

We are amazed by the panorama as we cross the vineyards of Aigle and admire the majestic Aigle Castle with the Dents-du-Midi in the background. After a short stop to let the departing train pass, we continue our ascent through the forest, where we even get to see some deer grazing not far from the tracks.

We arrive in Leysin and cross the village's impressive viaduct while enjoying the view of the Ormonts valley and the Diablerets massif. After a 30-minute journey, we arrive at Le Feydey railway station and get off the train.

To get to the ski lifts, we decide to go down on foot (about 10 minutes walk) via the old Rue du Commerce, which is still paved (beware, it can be slippery when it snows, so bring good shoes). If you don't feel like walking, you can take the free shuttle bus from Feydey station to the lifts.

Ascent to the Berneuse

With our Magic Pass in our pockets, we can skip the ticket offices and hop straight onto the Leysin-Berneuse gondola lift, which takes us to the revolving restaurant Le Kuklos at an altitude of 2048 metres in 12 minutes.

During the ride up, we have a marvellous view of the village of Leysin and the surrounding peaks of the Vaud Alps. At the very top, you can even see the majestic Mont Blanc, which shows its nose just behind the Dents-du-Midi. Next to the restaurant is a panorama with a breathtaking view.

Fondue moitié-moitié or traditional rösti at Kuklos

After taking a few photos and enjoying the view, we head into the restaurant. A lift takes us directly to the revolving part of the restaurant. We take a seat at a table by an expansive window front and set off to complete the circuit in an hour and a half while sitting comfortably.

We opt for a fondue moitié-moitié, a dish that tastes even better in company!  As we eat, we watch the landscape slowly pass us by, from the expanse of Lake Geneva to the surrounding peaks. The towers of Aï and Mayen, the Bernese, Vaudois and Valais Alps and finally the plain of Chablais, overlooked by the Dents-du-Midi and with Mont Blanc in the background, reveal themselves before our eyes as we savour the fondue.

After the meal, we take the cable car back down to the village.

One last drink before going home

Arriving in Leysin, we are greeted by music from the restaurant bar Le Bel Air, where we make one last stop to sample a local beer from the Les Vagabonds brewery in an après-ski atmosphere. Afterwards, it's time to get back on the train. To avoid the climb up to Feydey station, this time we take the free shuttle bus. Once we arrive at the station, we sit by the window on the train to admire the descent to Aigle. The fresh mountain air has given us a good breath of fresh air and we return from this wonderful excursion full of energy!