Harder Kulm: The Crown of Interlaken
Why You Should Visit Harder Kulm?
- Harder Kulm Interlaken, located at 1,322 metres, offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
- The funicular ride from Interlaken to Harder Kulm takes only 10 minutes, making it a quick and convenient excursion.
- The Two Lakes Bridge offers a thrilling experience with its glass-bottomed section, providing breathtaking views from above.
- The Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant, designed like a fairytale castle, serves delicious Swiss cuisine with unbeatable views.
- The sunset from Harder Kulm is spectacular, casting a warm glow over the lakes and mountains, perfect for photography.
- Harder Kulm is an excellent spot for hiking, with several trails offering different levels of challenge and stunning scenery.
- The area is family-friendly, and accessible to all ages and abilities, making it a perfect outing for everyone.
- The excursion is relatively affordable, providing great value for unforgettable views and experiences.
Things To Do In Harder Kulm
The trek to Harder Kulm Switzerland is a famous day hike. The peak sits at 4334 feet (1321 meters) above the city and offers a fantastic view of Jungfrau, Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, and everything else in between. At Interlaken, the hike is a must-do adventure. During the hike, you will encounter heavily wooden forests beautiful snow-covered peak of Jungfrau in the background.
There are many spots during the trek where you can find benches to rest and enjoy the picturesque view. The Harder Kulm hike is very peaceful. You can also see paragliders flying overhead. You can also enjoy beautiful landscapes during the hike.
Begin your visit with a scenic funicular ride to Harder Kulm. This historic railway, over 100 years old, takes just 10 minutes to climb 735 metres. As you ascend, enjoy breathtaking views of lush forests and steep cliffs. The glass-enclosed cabins offer an immersive experience, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. The funicular operates every 30 minutes, ensuring you have ample time to explore.
Also Checkout: How to Get to Harder Kulm
Famous for its unhindered view of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, the two-lake bridge offers a perfect bird’s eye view of the majestic trioca of Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch mountains, surrounding town of Unterseen and Interlaken. A fantastic restaurant is also located at the two – lakes bridges which offers a vantage point from where you can take amazing Instagram pictures of the surrounding landscape. Lake Brienz is on the left and Lake Thun is on the right. You can enjoy a phenomenal view from the two–lake bridge. You can also enjoy the impressive sunset view from the bridge.
At the summit, the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant awaits. This fairy-tale castle-like structure offers delicious Swiss cuisine with stunning views. From the terrace, admire the breathtaking vistas of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. The Harder Kulm Switzerland experience is incomplete without a meal here, especially during sunset. Do not miss the special Sunday breakfast buffet for an extra treat.
You can enjoy beautiful hours in the middle of the original Swiss folklore for a fantastic combination of fun, music, good food, and a unique atmosphere. With traditional Swiss customs featuring yodeling, flag throwing, national costumes, alphorns, and cowbells, your visit will be an unforgettable experience. The restaurant showcases the history of the 12th century and is open and air – conditioner in the summertime. During the winter months, you can enjoy musical shows. Every evening is impressive as you can enjoy different musical performances of blues, jazz, pop, and rock. Various local bands are waiting to be discovered. Grab a special beer from the restaurant and enjoy the Swiss folklore show with delicious Swiss food.
.png?w=340&dpr=2)
Adjacent to the funicular station, the Alpine Wild Animal Park is perfect for families. This free-entry park features indigenous animals like marmots and mountain goats. Wander through the park’s trails and observe these creatures in their natural habitat. Informational displays provide insights into the animals’ lives, making it a wonderful educational experience, and adding a unique touch to your Harder Kulm visit.
Places to Visit Around Harder Kulm
Interlaken Ost railway station is among the prominent hub which connects major cities of Switzerland like Zurich, Geneva, etc. It is the only gateway to the Jungfrau region. Along with this, Interlaken Ost also offers quay and regional bus services. The Interlaken Ost also offers various train services for exploring the Bernese Oberland, which is popularly known for its unparalleled natural grandeur. All the services provide an excellent view of Swiss mountains, forests, lakes, and much more.
The Alpine Wildlife Park is located at the foot of the closest mountain of the Interlaken, i.e., the Harder. It is situated at the base station for the Harderbahn funicular railway. The park has various paddocks devoted to the majestic ibex, and you can also see the colony of marmots. You can get up close with the marmots and ibex at the Harder Alpine Wildlife Park. Enjoy a walk through the park. You can climb a few meters to reach Honbuhl Pavilion to showcase your strength. From here, you can enjoy the spell bounding view of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun along with the imposing mountain peaks.
The funky chocolate club is the meeting point of all chocolate lovers. You can visit the club for some fantastic experiences where you can taste and make your chocolates. After visiting the club, you will return home with some beautiful backgrounds and self–made chocolate creations. You can also taste the world-famous hot chocolate and can also learn how high-quality chocolates are produced. However, you need to make an online booking to get a time slot of your choice.
Stroll, relax and savor the mood at the foot of Jungfrau. Whether exploring the shops or watching the paragliders, the Hoheweg is the place not to be missed. The location is blessed with flower beds, restaurants, and cafes. It offers a picturesque view of Jungfrau. The avenue is spread in a Hohematte park of 14 hectares and is also popularly known as the iconic garden of friendship. It is the first garden to be established in Switzerland by Japan. The view of Jungfrau is relaxing and stunning.
The regional museum of tourism in Unterseen represents the development of travel for breaks and pleasure in the Jungfrau region. It is the first and only museum of its kind, exclusively and comprehensively dedicated to the history of tourism. You can explore the exciting journey, representing the 250-year-old stories of alpine tourism from the traveler's point of view. The Museum of tourism is located in the historic Untersee old town, which is just a few minute's walks on foot from the center of Hoheweg and Interlaken path.
The fantastic experience starts when you step into the open coaches of the nostalgic cog railway. Higher the train climb, the mountain view becomes more breathtaking and reveals a fantastic mesmerizing view. Schynige Platte is located at the heart of the Jungfrau region. You will feel carried back to the Belle Epoche. You can enjoy the wooden bench, the coaches of the fantastic train, and the vintage rolling stock from the 19th century. Schynige Platte exudes the flair of times and revives the spirit of the bygone era.
Famous for its wildlife and natural splendor, Niederhorn is among the most spectacular viewpoints in the Bernese Oberland. The place is quickly accessible from the Beatenberg (reach here via a short bus ride from Interlaken). You can get Niederhorn via funicular and a cable car from a halfway rail station. It is home to rare wildlife like marmots, golden eagles, ibex, etc. There are different wildlife tours which you can enjoy and explore the biodiversity between the beautiful mountains.
Curving its route via the Swiss Bern Canton, the Interlaken West railway station is close to the city center compared to the Interlaken Ost. Interlaken West is connected to the quay and regional bus services. It is one of the two central railway stations of the Interlaken. It is a tourist hub and features a massive range of stay options in its vicinity. You can take transport from Interlaken West to the major cities in the Swiss. Interlaken west is surrounded by the spell bounding Swiss Alps and offers an amazing picturesque view.
Jungfrau Park offers unlimited entertainment to families. It is a big event center in the region of Jungfrau. In the area of 100,000 square meters, you can explore various attractions for old and young. It has an extensive event area that can be designed and rented according to your requirements. The fantastic park has eight pavilions that are dedicated to various von Daniken hypotheses. Every pavilion has its unique theme. Orient Pavilion, MegaStone Pavilion, and Nazca Pavilion focus on the ancient alien contact, the Vimana, the Mayas, and flying places.
Just a short boat ride from Harder Kulm Interlaken, Lake Brienz is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush green forests, and towering mountains. Enjoy a relaxing boat tour to immerse yourself in its serene atmosphere fully. Cruise along tranquil waters, soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and charming lakeside villages like Iseltwald.
Plan Your Visit To Harder Kulm
Location: 3800, Interlaken, Bern Canton region, Parent range: Emmental Alps
Timings: From March 29th to December 1st 2024, Harder Kulm operates daily, with the first ascent starting at 09:10 a.m. Closing times vary: until 08:10 p.m. in April-May and September-October, until 08:40 p.m. in May-July and August-September, and earlier in November-December. On August 1st 2024, the last descent is at 11:10 p.m.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Harder Kulm Switzerland is from April to October, especially during spring and summer. Plan your visit on weekdays for fewer crowds, and early mornings or late afternoons. This is when you can enjoy the best light and visibility of Interlaken, Lakes Thun and Brienz, and the Bernese Alps.
Duration: You should plan to spend around 4 to 6 hours at Harder Kulm. This allows ample time to enjoy the funicular ride, dine at the Panorama Restaurant, take in the panoramic views, and explore the Alpine Wild Animal Park.
- By Funicular: Start at Interlaken Ost Train Station, which is well-connected to major Swiss cities. Cross the Aare bridge, a short 5-minute walk, to reach the Harderbahn valley station. The funicular ride to Harder Kulm takes approximately 10-15 minutes, offering stunning panoramic views.
- By Car: Harder Kulm is not accessible by car. If arriving by car, park at the P+R parking near Interlaken Ost railway station and proceed by funicular.
- By Bus: Take Bus Line 103 or direct Bus line 104 to Interlaken. From there, take the funicular ride to the summit.
- By Hiking: Experienced hikers can opt for a steep hike to Harder Kulm, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on fitness level.
- Check the weather forecast before visiting to ensure clear skies and the best views, as cloudy or rainy conditions can hinder the experience.
- Plan your visit on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid crowds, ensuring a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
- Purchase Harder Kulm Interlaken tickets online to skip the line and save time, making your visit more efficient and convenient.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing, including layers and a waterproof jacket, to stay comfortable in changing conditions.
- Explore the Hardergrat Ridge trail if you are up for a challenging hike, as it provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Dogs are allowed and can be transported for free on the Interlaken - Harder Kulm route, making it pet-friendly.
- Spring (April to June): Mild temperatures (highs around 10°C, lows near 5°C) with occasional rain showers and blossoming landscapes.
- Summer (July to August): Warmer temperatures (highs around 15°C, lows near 10°C), clear skies, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Fall (September to November): Cooling temperatures (highs around 10°C, lows near 5°C), vibrant foliage, occasional rain or early snow.
- Winter (December to March): Cold temperatures (highs around 5°C, lows near -1°C), snow-covered landscapes, limited accessibility.
- Weather-appropriate clothing: Dress in layers for varying temperatures and wind, while carrying a waterproof jacket or poncho for rain.
- Sun protection: Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against UV rays, especially at higher altitudes.
- Comfortable footwear: Wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for exploring trails.
- Water and food: Carry water and dry snacks like energy bars for hydration and energy during hikes.
- Personal medications: Bring necessary medications and first aid items for emergencies.
- Power bank and camera: Bring extra batteries and a power bank for devices and a camera to capture the stunning views.
.png?w=340&dpr=2)
- The Panorama Restaurant at Harder Kulm Switzerland offers warm Swiss and Italian cuisine, including a notable 650g cordon bleu.
- Located at Harderkulm, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland, it operates from 09:00 a.m. to 09:30 p.m.
- The restaurant features an 80-seat first floor, a 55-seat hall, and a 130-seat modern new building.
- It has a charming design with a red tiled roof a pointed turret, and a large sun terrace offering panoramic views.
- The menu includes a variety of Swiss and Italian dishes, featuring fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
- The menu also includes burgers and children's options, catering to various tastes.
- Additionally, guests can enjoy seasonal specialities and a selection of regional wines to complement their meals.
FAQ's
How long does it take to explore Harder Kulm?
You need around four hours to explore Harder Kulm. It can be reached by hiking or with the help of a funicular train. Both options offer a mesmerizing view of beautiful mountains, wildflowers, excellent trails, etc. You can enjoy the picturesque view of two lakes, snow-capped mountains, and the Interlaken.
What can I do at the Harder Kulm summit?
At the Harder Kulm summit, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Interlaken, Lakes Thun and Brienz, and the Bernese Alps. Dine at the Panorama Restaurant, explore the Two Lakes Bridge with its glass-bottomed section, and take stunning photos. For adventure enthusiasts, hiking trails and paragliding opportunities await, providing a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement.
How tall is the Harder Kulm hike?
The Harder Kulm hike ascends to a height of 1,322 metres (4,337 feet) above sea level. Starting from Interlaken, the trail climbs approximately 735 metres (2,411 feet) in elevation. This steep and challenging hike rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and the Bernese Alps at the summit.
How to reach the funicular to Harder Kulm?
To reach funicular to Harder Kulm, you must take a short walk from Interlaken Ost railway station to Harder railway valley station. After that, you can hop on the funicular and start climbing up the mountainside. From there, you can enjoy the stunning view of the mesmerizing landscape from the viewing platform located at an altitude of 1,322 meters.
What is the nearest station to Harder Kulm?
The nearest station to Harder Kulm is Interlaken Ost. From there, it is a short 5-minute walk across the Aare Bridge to the Harderbahn Valley station. This station serves as the starting point for the funicular ride that takes you up to the summit, offering a convenient and scenic route to Harder Kulm.
Can you walk up to Harder Kulm?
Yes, you can walk up to Harder Kulm. The hike is steep and challenging, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on your fitness level. The trail offers beautiful scenery and a rewarding experience for hikers. It is a great way to immerse yourself in nature, with panoramic views awaiting you at the summit.
Are there any restaurants or cafes at Harder Kulm?
Yes, there is a restaurant at Harder Kulm Switzerland, named Panorama Restaurant. It offers delicious Swiss and Italian cuisine with stunning views. It features a large sun terrace, a charming design, and seating for over 250 guests. The menu includes specialities like a 650g cordon bleu, burgers, and children's options, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all visitors.
How do you get to Harder Kulm from Interlaken West?
It can be reached by funicular from the Interlaken. The ride will take only 10 minutes. The valley station is near the railway station of Interlaken Ost, which can be easily reached with a quick walk of 5 minutes. The place offers a beautiful view of mountains covered with snow.
What is the height of Harder Kulm from the ground level?
Harder Kulm Switzerland is the nearest mountain to the Interlaken, with an overwhelming view of Jungfrau, Monch, Eiger, and the Interlaken peaks. The fantastic mountain is located at 1,322 meters from sea level. The summit offers beautiful landscape views, rivers, Interlaken, and more. However, you must dress comfortably as the temperature can go down due to its height.
How long does it take to reach the summit of Harder Kulm?
Reaching the summit of Harder Kulm Interlaken by funicular from Interlaken Ost takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The journey is swift and scenic, offering panoramic views as you ascend 735 metres. If you prefer hiking, the trek to the summit is steep and can take between 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on your fitness level.
Can I bring my children to Harder Kulm?
Yes, you can bring your children to Harder Kulm. The funicular ride is safe and enjoyable for all ages. At the summit, the Panorama Restaurant offers a children's menu, and the viewing platform has secure railings. The area is family-friendly, providing a great outing with scenic views and dining options that cater to young visitors.
Is there a cable car at Harder Kulm?
Yes, there is a cable car at Harder Kulm. The Harderbahn funicular railway transports visitors from Interlaken Ost to the summit. The ride takes approximately 10-15 minutes and offers stunning views as it ascends 735 metres. Operating from April to November, it runs every 30 minutes, making the summit easily accessible for all visitors.
Is Harder Kulm worth visiting?
Harder Kulm is 100% worth visiting, not because it is straightforward to reach there, but because you can experience exceptional scenic beauty via funicular and hiking. Funicular will take only 10 minutes to take you to the top; however, hiking will allow you to explore dense forests with wildflowers and impressive trees, mesmerizing landscapes, and snow-capped mountains. After reaching the top, you can see the picturesque view of Interlaken, two rivers, Jungfrau, etc.
Can we book Harder Kulm tickets online?
Yes, the tickets to Harder Kulm Switzerland can be quickly booked online. If you do not book tickets online, you may not get a set in a funicular at the time of your choice. Online booking will help you save time as long queues are on the counter at the valley station.
Travel Guide