6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Harder Culm

A trip to Interlaken will be an unforgettable experience thanks to the magnificent views from 1322 metres above sea level. Harder Kulm attracts with its panoramic views, cosy restaurants and many walking trails. This place is definitely worth including on your must-see list in Interlaken, Switzerland. If you want to know more about Harder Kulm and get tips on how to visit this place, stay tuned.

Where is Harder Kulm, Switzerland?

Located in Interlaken, Harder Kulm is one of the important attractions in Bern Canton in Switzerland, situated at an altitude of 1322 metres above sea level.

If you are planning to visit Interlaken as part of a day trip from Lucerne or other places in Switzerland, a visit to Harder Kulm can be a great addition to your itinerary. Even on a cloudy day, the panoramic views from here leave an unforgettable impression. In addition, a short hike and a rest in a cosy restaurant can be a pleasant addition to your visit.

How to get to Harder Culm?

For those wondering how to get to Harder Kulm, there are some easy options:

Harder Culm Funicular

This local funicular can easily take you to the heights in just 10 minutes. From the centre of Interlaken, where shops and restaurants are located, the funicular is only a short walk away, depending on your location. This option is suitable for all ages.

The funicular ride itself is part of the adventure: you tackle a steep but straight uphill climb through the local forest. As you ascend, you'll be treated to stunning views of the lake and mountains in the distance, making the experience even more amazing.

Tickets for the cable car to the top of Harder Kulm are approx:

• CHF 38 - Adult ticket (from 16 years old) round trip / CHF 19.00 one way;
• CHF 19 - Children's ticket (6 to 15 years old) round trip / CHF 9.50 one way.

Every year the funicular closes for the winter period, and you can expect the funicular to be open from mid-March to the end of November each year.

Hike

Is it possible to climb Harder Culm on foot? Yes, you can.

If you want to hike, you can make the 750 metre ascent from Interlaken. This is quite a challenging route that takes one to two hours on average, depending on your fitness. Locals often choose this route for exercise.

What to do in Interlaken at the top of Harder Kulm

So, after you've bought your tickets and boarded the funicular to the summit, what to do once you reach the peak? Read on:

Restaurant

Located at an altitude of 1322 metres, the Harder Kulm restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy the view of the summit of Interlaken.

In autumn, you can enjoy the most delicious hot ghluwijn wine. A visit to the restaurant in the morning will allow you to enjoy its atmosphere without fuss; both inside and outside there will be plenty of empty seats. In summer, up to 80 people can gather here.

The Harder Kulm offers a varied menu: from the typical Swiss cheese fondue to soups, pastas, salads, raclette, meat and fish dishes as well as some Asian specialities. There is something for everyone here.

The restaurant also hosts various events throughout the year, such as whisky and rum evenings, adding even more interest and variety to the place.

Hiking routes down/up

From the top of the funicular railway, there are plenty of hiking routes for the day. You can use the local apps Swissmobility and Kamoot to find suitable routes. There are also signposts in the area to help you enjoy a nature walk.

One great route we recommend takes you from Harder Kulm over the ridge to the impressive Augstmatthorn via the "Suggitur".

For those who prefer an easier option, there is a short circular trail with 12 stages near the Panorama Restaurant. It covers part of the Hardergrat Ridge and is ideal for a day trip. In addition, you can learn more about the funicular railway along the way.

Views

The views from the top of Harder Kulm really are some of the best in the region: from here you can enjoy panoramic views of Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. There are also magnificent views of the surrounding mountains such as the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Wild Park - Interlaken Animal Park

Next to the funicular railway is a small zoo. Here you can see mountain goats and marmots living in their natural habitat. The zoo was established in the 19th century to restore the population of mountain goats, which were on the verge of extinction.

Admission to the zoo is free, but any donations are welcome and are used to support the animals and conservation programmes.

Summary

Your experience of the panoramic view from Harder Culm will be simply stunning. If you have the opportunity, be sure to visit this place and enjoy a great time out.

FAQ

Q: Where is Harder Culm located?
A: Harder Culm is located in Interlaken, Switzerland, at an altitude of 1322 metres above sea level.

Q: How do I get to Harder Culm?
A: Harder Kulm can be reached by cable car, which takes 10 minutes from the centre of Interlaken. You can also walk up the 750 metre route, which takes about 1-2 hours.

Q: How much does a cable car ticket cost?
A: A round trip ticket costs CHF 38 for adults and CHF 19 for children (6-15 years old).

Q: What to do on Harder Culm?
A:
 Visit the Harder Kulm restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious food and panoramic views.
 Take a walk on one of the many hiking trails, such as the Augstmatthorn or the circular trail.
 Enjoy views of Interlaken, the Thun and Brienz lakes as well as the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.
 Visit the Wild Park - Interlaken Animal Park, where you can see mountain goats and marmots.

Q: Is it worth visiting Harder Kulm?
A: Yes, Harder Kulm is a great place to visit if you want to see beautiful views of Interlaken and the surrounding mountains. This place is ideal for nature lovers, tourists and families with children.