Located at 1322 meters above the sea level, Harder Kulm is one of Interlaken’s greatest attractions. This mountain peak is the ideal destination for photographers, gourmets, hikers and nature lovers. From up here you’ll get the most breath-taking views of the entire Jungfrau region.
How to Get to the Harder Kulm Peak in Interlaken
Getting to Herder Kulm from Interlaken is quite easy. You can either hike to the top, or take the Harderbahn, a modern funicular that operates from the center of the town.
We arrived in Interlaken late afternoon and decided to take the funicular, which was just steps away from the Lindner Grand Beau Rivage Hotel, where we were staying.
The Harderbahn ride takes about ten minutes during which time you can enjoy the beautiful views of the valley from the rear window of the funicular.
On the way back, we took the trail down to Interlaken. If you are in a good physical shape, I would encourage you to skip the funicular and hike to the Harder Kulm Peak from Interlaken.
The trail is a bit over 4 km (2.54 miles) and it takes approximately two hours to hike to the summit. On the way up you will enjoy amazing views, water streams, and lots of vegetation.
What to Do on Harder Kulm
Although there is not a lot to do at the top of Harder Kulm, you could easily spend a few hours up here.
Have Lunch at the Herder Kulm Restaurant
From the upper station there is a five-minute walk that takes you to the Harder Klum Restaurant. It’s hard to miss this castle-like structure with red tile roof and a turret.
The restaurant’s sun terrace is a great place to unwind and enjoy some tasty Swiss food and a glass of Prosecco.
We tried the Swiss raclette and some local beer and loved it. Everything tastes better in this gorgeous setting!
Hike the Elfenweg Trail
While wandering around at the top of Harder Kulm, we discovered a short hiking trail called Elfenwe, from where you can see the village of Interlaken. The trail starts at the side of the restaurant and circles the Harder ridge, going mostly through the woods.
This is an easy hike that takes about an hour. The passes through green woods, but sometimes opens up to the valley offering fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. I highly recommend this beautiful walk if you have the time.
Enjoy the Panoramic Views
But the real reason people visit Interlaken’s Harder Kulm is neither the restaurant, nor the hike. It’s the views. The panorama over the entire Lütschine Valley is amazing! You can see Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the summits of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfraujoch from up here.
READ NEXT: How to Visit the Jungfraujoch
On a clear day you can see for miles around. However, I imagine that getting up here when the visibility is low may be very disappointing!
Stand on the Viewing Platform
In front of the restaurant there is a viewing platform that hangs over the mountain edge. Stepping over the glass-bottom platform makes you feel like you are on top of the world with the town of Interlaken below you, flanked by the two lakes of Thun and Brienz.
When we were there, there were a number of paragliders around that made the experience even more interesting.
Best Time of the Day to Visit Harder Kulm in Interlaken
The best time of the day to come to Harder Kulm is around sunset, when the sunlight shines at a lower angle reflecting shades of pink onto the white snowy peak of the Jungfrau range.
We were lucky to be here in May, about a month before the peak season in Switzerland starts. I imagine this place must be pretty crowded in summers.
Tips for Visiting Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s Local Mountain
• The restaurant and the funicular are closed in winter. They are open from April 25 till October 25.
• The funicular fee is 30 CHF round trip, but with the Swiss Pass you can get a 50% discount. You may choose to buy just a one-way ticket to the summit (15 CHF) and hike down (about 1.5 hours) on the way back.
• The Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. and on Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. It can also be reserved for weddings or special events.
• There is a small Animal Park near the entrance to the funicular that can be reached from the bottom station on a small trail with steps.
Planning a trip to Switzerland? You may find these posts useful:
10 Days in Switzerland – the Perfect Scenic Train Itinerary
Best Things to Do in Interlaken for Couples
Lucerne to Interlaken Via the Golden Pass
The Most Interesting Neighborhoods to Visit in Buenos Aires
Parnashree Devi
The first thing that came to mind after seeing the feature image is that it is going to be a picturesque location. Breathtaking landscape and what a great location to have a restaurant with a view like that. I would love to spend a few days there . I m putting this on my list.
Clarice
Wow! This place looks amazing! I agree with you that the sun terrace seems to be a nice place to hang out and unwind. I can imagine myself having some local beer while enjoying this beautiful view. Thank you for sharing this.
Raksha
I was there in Zurich last year for a few days. Unfortunately, I did not have much time to explore other places around and I wish I had stayed longer there to explore. Harder Kulm looks like a paradise and I will ensure I write it down so I can visit it the next time I am in Swiss.
Bolupe
I agree that the panoramic views of Lutschine Valley are the best reason to visit Harder Kulm. Thanks for the tips to visit between April and October. I think it will make a great family travel destination for the May half term holidays.
Jay Artale
It’s good that you have the option to buy a one way ticket, so you can take the easy route up and make a bit of an effort on the way down. At least then you feel like you’ve got a big of exercise for the day .. and you can have a guilt-free indulgence of raclette … yum. love cheese! 🙂
Subhashish Roy
Harder Kulm seems a place out of paradise. Wonderful views I imagine as you go up on the funicular. I love the travels on funiculars as they give a wonderful feel of the place. We missed out on Interlaken district the last time we were in Switzerland and you make me want to go.Imagining myself on the viewing platform on top and also sitting in the restaurant and enjoying with some coffee, a few bites and the views.
Dada
We have been to Harder Kulm before but only passing by as we were hiking up to Augstmathorn. But for those who just want to enjoy the beautiful view without any efforts , the view from the viewing platform is also incredible. Beautiful Switzerland!
Rhonda Albom
The views from the top look spectacular. I think I would do the same as you and take the funicular up and take a walk down from the summit. I don’t know if I’ve ever been on a modern funicular car; they always seem old and dated to me.
Anda
This one seemed very modern to me and at any rate, quite well maintained, lol.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, it definitely does look modern.
Shreya Saha
The view from the top is mind-blowing. I don’t remember being on a ride in a funicular. It seems to be very interesting. The views from it are spectacular. If I ever visit Interlaken, I am surely going to visit Harder Klum and will make also make sure that I walk down the summit to have a different kind of experience than funicular ride while going to the top.