This stunning lookout point features the towns of Interlaken and Unterseen, featuring both Lake Brienz & Lake Thun and the mountains of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
If you’re visiting the Bernese Highlands region of Switzerland, then plan to start off here!
Getting There:
Located about 1300+ meters overhead, Harder Kulm is easily accessible either by hiking or taking a cable car (available between early spring to early winter each year). To get to the lookout point you’ll first need to take a train or drive directly to the town of Interlaken. If you’re taking the train, prepare to get off at the Interlaken Ost stop and head right (West) for about 10 minutes following the river. The walk will lead you on the edge of downtown Interlaken, which we certainly recommended visiting after. If you’re coming from Zurich, then the train will take about 2 hours with one changeover and will cost around $30 one way, depending on the time of day you go.
We highly recommend the train option, as either direction you come in you’ll get to pass by some of the lakes and mountains that are truly unforgettable.
Once you’ve reached the cable car platform, you’ll buy your tickets to go up. The roundtrip ticket costs around $32USD and basically covers your trip up and down the mountain. The cable car ride is an experience in itself if you’re a wee bit afraid of heights. While the ride itself is smooth and takes only 8 minutes, the view of climbing up the side of a mountain can be a bit overwhelming.
If you decide to skip the cable car and would prefer to hike then plan to spend about two and half hours to reach the top viewing platform. There is a pre-marked trail that will zigzag you all the way up the mountain and is a great option if you have the time experience it.
Top of the Mountain:
Once the cable car reaches the top of the mountain you’ll have about a 5 minute walk up a slightly inclined hill to the look out point. A platform jets out from the side of the mountain where you’ll have a completely unobstructed view of the region below.
Eat, Drink & Relax:
Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant
The top of the mountain features a full dining restaurant, the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant, where you can either grab a full meal or just a few snacks. Located on the back of the restaurant is an outside area where you can actually take a glass of wine or beer and pick your own spot to hang out and take in the views. We grabbed a few glasses of wine and sat mountainside watching people hang glide off the side mountain to the region below.
If you took the cable car option to get up the mountain but are still interested in doing some hiking, then don’t fret as there are more hiking trails marked at the top as well.
What do you think of the views from up here? Leave your comments below.
