Interlaken lies in the Bernese Oberland on an alluvial plain, between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The vacation destination, which is presided over by the three mighty mountains, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, is the starting point for numerous activities especially in winter.
Travel
Berner Oberland regional pass - easy access with our passes.
We travelled by bus from Faulensee Am See to Interlaken West. From there the funicular (Harder Bahn), which is only 5 mins walk from Interlaken OST, to Harder Kulm.
Harder Kulm is located over 1,300 metres above sea level, and is perched above the Swiss resort of Interlaken. Once you’ve taken the Harder Kulm cable car trip up to the top, you can see Lakes Thun and Brienz glittering beneath your feet from the Two Lakes Bridge.
There are also panoramic views over famous Swiss peaks like the Mönch, the Jungfrau and the Eiger. In fact the ten-minute trip alone is worthwhile, as the large windows and glass roof give tourists stunning views over the Interlaken area as the funicular move up or down.
The funicular departs for Harder Kulm about twice per hour from mid April to late November. You can check the latest timetables and tickets here.
Hiking to Harder Kulm
If you don’t mind an uphill descent, you can also hike from Interlaken to Harder Kulm. This panoramic hike is admittedly steep, but it’s also short. There are fantastic views to swoon over en route and it’s rarely super busy.
You can access the three mile (five kilometre) route via Interlaken Ost station, near the base of Harder Kulm.
Things to do at Harder Kulm
There are three main things to do once you reach Harder Kulm. A visit to the viewpoint is of course obligatory, and you may also like to book a table at the restaurant for lunch or dinner. You could also drop in for a drink or snack before or after a walk or hike around the area.
Two Lakes Bridge viewing platform
You might want to take a deep breath before taking a walk on the Two Lakes Bridge at Harder Kulm. Suspended above Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, you have a lake to each side to admire.
Look forward and you can also spot the Jungfrau, the Eiger and the Mönch. Standing there, it was pretty difficult to believe that we were in central Interlaken only minutes ago.
Harder Kulm restaurant
The Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant looks something like a hybrid between a castle and a traditional Swiss mountain chalet. With an expansive outdoor deck and an indoor dining area with full length windows, it would make a stunning setting for a meal or coffee break.
Harder Kulm weather & webcam
It’s worth checking the Harder Kulm webcam as well as the weather forecast when you’re heading to Harder Kulm, as this will give you some idea of what to expect.
Summer highs can reach up to 20°C in July, while in April or October a maximum of 10°C is usual. Lows during the day may reach zero on the coldest days, but should not dip below this during the visitor season.
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