Harder Kulm Round Trip Funicular Tickets, Interlaken

Meeting Point: Interlaken Harderbahn, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland

Operational Timings: 9:10 AM - 9:10 PM

Activity Duration: 1 Day

About Funicular to Harder Kulm, Interlaken:

The Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm in Interlaken offers a scenic and convenient journey to the "Top of Interlaken." The funicular departs from the Harderbahn Valley station, ascending 1,322 meters to the Harder Kulm summit in just 10 minutes. The ride features panoramic windows, providing stunning views of Interlaken, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, and the surrounding lakes. At the summit, visitors can enjoy the Two Lakes Bridge viewing platform, a restaurant, and various hiking trails. Harder Kulm Tickets offers a funicular ride, an ideal way to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps.

About the Harder Kulm Funicular Tickets:

• Enjoy a picturesque 10-minute journey that ascends to Harder Kulm, offering panoramic views of Interlaken and the surrounding landscape.
• Ride the funicular to the top of Harder Kulm, effortlessly climbing to an altitude of 1,322 meters in just 10 minutes with Harder Kulm tickets.
• Marvel at the breathtaking vistas of Interlaken, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the majestic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks from the viewing platform.
• With Harder Kulm Funicular tickets, take stunning photos from the Two Lakes Bridge, a unique viewing platform with a glass floor extending over the edge of the mountain.
• Witness a magical sunset over the Swiss Alps, creating a picturesque and unforgettable experience.
• Grab your Harder Kulm Interlaken tickets and capture stunning photos of the dramatic alpine scenery, with numerous spots perfect for photography.
• Harder Kulm ticket price includes a scenic funicular ride through the Swiss Alps to the summit of Harder Kulm.

About Harder Kulm:

Harder Kulm rises to an altitude of 1,322 metres and overlooks the town of Interlaken in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland. Known locally as the “Top of Interlaken”, it provides views of the two lakes that frame Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, along with the mountain peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The site is reached by the Harderbahn, a funicular railway that has been operating for more than a century. A round-trip journey on this line is among the most straightforward mountain excursions in the region, combining an engineering landmark with access to an observation platform, walking trails, and a restaurant at the summit.

History of the Harderbahn:

The Harderbahn opened in 1908, at a time when funiculars and cogwheel railways were being built in several Alpine locations. Tourism in the Bernese Oberland was growing rapidly, and demand was high for transport links that allowed visitors to reach viewpoints without long climbs on foot.

The railway extends for 1.4 kilometres, climbing roughly 755 metres in height between the valley station in Interlaken and the summit station at Harder Kulm. With an average gradient of 64 per cent, it is among the steep mountain railways in Switzerland. Over the years, the line has been modernised several times. In the 1960s, new carriages were added. The most recent change was in 2008, when cabins were made to be safer with better visibility. Even with these changes, the funicular still runs on its original track and has kept a lot of its historic charm.

The Ascent

The lower station of the Harderbahn is located directly opposite Interlaken Ost railway station. This makes the funicular accessible to both regional travellers and those arriving from larger Swiss cities. The line runs on twin tracks with counterbalancing cars, as is typical for funicular systems.

The ride to the summit takes around ten minutes. The first section passes through a wooded slope. As the funicular climbs, the views gradually expand to include Interlaken and the two lakes. Lake Brienz lies to the east, distinguished by its turquoise colouring, while Lake Thun stretches westward. Behind the lakes rise the snow-covered peaks of the Bernese Alps. By the time the summit station is reached, the town below appears small and compact, enclosed between the lakes and forests.

Facilities and Viewpoints at the Summit

• The Two Lakes Bridge: The principal viewing platform is known as the Two Lakes Bridge. It projects outward from the hillside and includes a section with a glass floor. From this location, it is possible to see both lakes at once, along with the mountains to the south. The platform has become a recognisable symbol of Harder Kulm and is one of the most photographed points in the area.
• Panorama Restaurant: Near the summit station stands the Panorama Restaurant. Built in a style that recalls a small castle with a turret, it is a short walk from the arrival point. The restaurant has indoor seating as well as an outdoor terrace. Both areas face the mountains and the lakes. Visitors often combine the funicular journey with a meal or refreshments at this location. Seasonal events are also held here, including evening dining in summer when the funicular operates after sunset.
• Walking Paths: Harder Kulm is the start of several walking routes. A circular trail of about an hour to ninety minutes leads through surrounding woodland and past additional viewpoints. More demanding is the hike from Interlaken itself, which covers about 8 kilometres and climbs nearly the same height as the funicular. Many walkers choose to ascend on foot and descend by rail. The trails are well marked and suitable for those accustomed to mountain walking.

Seasonal and Practical Details

The Harderbahn operates seasonally, generally from mid-April until late November. Outside these months, the line is closed due to winter conditions. Services run every thirty minutes during the day, with extra evening departures in summer.

The travel time between valley and summit is approximately ten minutes. Round-trip tickets cost about CHF 38 for adults. Holders of Swiss rail passes, including the Swiss Travel Pass and the Half Fare Card, are entitled to discounts. Children’s fares are reduced.

The funicular accepts passengers of all ages, and pushchairs can be carried. Dogs are permitted free of charge. The short duration and ease of access make it a common choice for families and group excursions.

Views at Different Times of the Day

The summit can be reached at any time during the working hours, but many visitors plan their trips to happen at certain times of the day. Views are best at noon, especially when the weather is stable. The evening has particular appeal in summer, when extended services allow visitors to watch the sunset. At this hour, the lakes reflect warm colours, and the mountains take on softer tones. Dining at the Panorama Restaurant is often combined with this experience before returning to Interlaken after nightfall.

Why the Funicular is Significant

The Harderbahn is an important example of mountain transportation infrastructure from the early 1900s. It was built so that more people could get to access to the alpine viewpoints. As a whole, train and cable systems were being used more and more to let people see the scenery in the highlands at the time. Its continued operation into the present day demonstrates the sustained interest in direct access to elevated vantage points. Unlike extended mountain railways or multi-stage cable car systems, the Harderbahn offers a brief ascent requiring minimal preparation or scheduling. The funicular's lower station is located in close proximity to Interlaken's rail stations, making it readily accessible to both domestic and international travellers.

The main benefit of the funicular for guests is that it makes the ascent easier while still giving them quick access to the top. The route gets rid of what would have been a hard uphill trek, making it easy for individuals of all ages and physical levels to get to the viewpoint. Once you get to the top, you may see more than just one observation platform. The development of facilities such as the Panorama Restaurant and the upkeep of surrounding walking paths broaden the potential for the visit. Individuals can choose either a short stay focused on the lookout itself or extend their time with a meal and a walk through the designated trails.