Switzerland is a country known for gorgeous scenery and stunning viewpoints. One spot popular with tourists for the perfect combination of lakes, rivers, mountains, gorgeous architecture and scenery is the central town of Interlaken. And one of the top things to do in the quaint town is to head up the mountain and check out the viewing platform at Harder Kulm.
Sitting comfortably at 1322m above sea level, you just know that the panoramic views from Harder Kulm will make it worth a visit. From charming lakeside views to jaw-dropping alpine panoramas, this spot offers the best of nature and adventure. But it’s not just a panoramic viewing platform, there’s also a restaurant, cafe and hiking routes on offer. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Harder Kulm.
Where is Harder Kulm?
Switzerland, home of the stunning mountain views! Or, to be a little more precise, Harder Kulm sits on top of the Hardermatte mountain in the Bernese Alps, an area of the Swiss Alps. It’s easily accessible from the town of Interlaken, which itself has two train stations linking it to nearby towns like Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, as well as larger cities like Bern.
Harder Kulm Highlights
Harder Kulm Viewpoint
Perched on the edge of Hardermatte in the Bernese Overland region of the Swiss Alps, Harder Kulm’s viewing platform, known as Two Lakes Bridge, is the perfect photo spot. In one direction you can see Lake Brienz, in another direction is Lake Thun, and surrounding everything are the famous Swiss Alps mountain range. In the distance you can even see the jagged, often snow-topped tip of Jungfrau.
This is one of the prettiest and breathtaking viewpoints in the area, if not the whole of Switzerland. And just to make it even more fun, there’s a glass section in the middle of the viewing platform. Jelly legs anyone?
Restaurant
Is there any place more special to enjoy a meal than in a restaurant on top of a mountain? How about on the restaurant terrace, in the gorgeous sunshine*, overlooking the Swiss Alps and a couple of aqua blue lakes?
*gorgeous sunshine is not promised, sorry!
Harder Kulm restaurant is spread out over two floors inside, with a spacious terrace outside. You’ll find typical Swiss dishes on the menu while you enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains in the distance.
Cafe
If you’re after a light snack or coffee but don’t want the formality or price of the restaurant, there’s a cafe just next to Harder Kulm restaurant. The cafe seating area is more relaxed, outside, with benches as well as tables and chairs. You’re free to sit where you like, and some of the tables have access to the amazing views as you sit. The coffee isn’t the best I’ve ever had, but with the views that come with it, you can be a little bit forgiving!
Unfortunately there are no picnics allowed, so you’re not able to take your own food to enjoy in the terrace area, but the cafe has you covered for budget friendly snacks.
Opening Times
Harder Kulm isn’t open during the winter months, but from mid-April to November you can enjoy a visit to soak up the views or enjoy the facilities there. If you’ve bought tickets for the funicular, be sure to check what time the last one leaves as it’s quite a walk down otherwise!
How to Get to Harder Kulm from Interlaken
Harder Kulm Funicular
Harder Kulm isn’t accessible by car. Instead, you can jump on the Harder Kulm funicular or enjoy the hike up.
The funicular leaves from Harderbahn, where the glass-fronted carriage shuttles visitors up and down the mountainside in under 10 minutes. Tickets are available from the funicular station at the bottom of the mountain, or from Interlaken Ost train station ticket office.
The views from the funicular are impressive, but just wait until you get to the top for the real jaw-dropping views. From the station at the top of Harder Kulm funicular, there’s a short walk with a gentle incline to the hotel, restaurant and cafe. Benches are dotted along the way to stop and take a breather if needed, or just to sit and soak up the gorgeous views.
Harder Kulm Hikes
For the more active visitors, there are two Harder Kulm hiking routes. The most popular starts from the funicular station and the start is clearly signposted. It’s a steep 4.1km hike to the top, climbing over 750m. You can expect it to take about 2:30hrs, but your efforts will be greatly rewarded with the panoramic views of Interlaken on the way.
Is Harder Kulm Worth Visiting?
Harder Kulm is hands down one of the the best things to do in Interlaken. How can anyone resist those stunning panoramic mountain and lake views when they’re in Switzerland?
If it’s raining or bad weather in Interlaken then it possibly might not be worth heading up to Harder Kulm as low cloud could hinder the view from the viewing platform. However, there’s still the cafe and restaurant to check out while you’re up there.
How Long Do I Need at Harder Kulm?
If you’re just visiting for the views, an hour is plenty of time to get the funicular up, admire the view and head back down to Interlaken town centre. If you want to stop for a coffee or a meal in the restaurant, then factor in extra time.
Harder Kulm as a Solo Traveller
As a solo traveller, Harder Kulm is still enjoyable and worth a visit. Although the funicular ticket price may feel steep as a solo or budget traveller, there are certain things in life that are worth the price tag. Plus, if you’re already in Switzerland, chances are you’ll know that life there isn’t cheap. In my opinion, the price of the funicular is worth the views that you’ll be treated to at the top.
In terms of safety as a solo traveller, Switzerland feels very safe in general and as a solo female traveller I felt no concerns being in Interlaken or visiting Harder Kulm. I wouldn’t personally want to undertake the hikes in low light or at night, but that’s partly for fear of falling off a mountain…
If the weather isn’t great during your visit to Interlaken, then a trip to Harder Kulm may not be as worthwhile. Although there is a restaurant, hotel and cafe, plus routes to walk and enjoy the nature, the real winning factor is the panoramic view of Interlaken.
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