At 1322 m above sea level, the Harder Kulm – the nearest mountain to Interlaken – promises overwhelming views of Interlaken and the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. If you have a head for heights, venture onto the overhanging Zwei-Seen-Steg (Two Lakes Bridge) for even more panoramic views.
A funicular railway more than 100 years old transports you up the Harder Kulm from Interlaken in just 10 minutes. Thanks to its central location and easy accessibility, Interlaken’s local mountain can be part of almost any itinerary. Up on the mountain, there are many ways to plan your time to suit your own preferences. The Harder Kulm is the ideal destination for gourmets, fans of great views, sportspeople, hikers and nature lovers. From the mountain station, an easy path leads to the inviting Panorama Restaurant in just five minutes: with its turret and red tiled roof, the building resembles a mini fairytale castle. The restaurant’s sun terrace is a great place to unwind.
The attractive Panorama Restaurant enjoys a peerless location high above Interlaken – and serves outstanding Swiss dishes. Savour the delicious fare as your gaze roams across the impressive natural landscape of the Holiday Region Interlaken. Enjoy typically Swiss specialities and attend a themed culinary evening. The panoramic view will make your lunch or dinner an experience to remember. Enquire about the attractively priced lunch ticket to enjoy a midday meal on the Harder Kulm. The Panorama Restaurant also makes an ideal venue for meetings, seminars and other events; the new building has a capacity of 130 diners. With the mountains of the Bernese Oberland in the background, creative ideas and target-oriented solutions can flourish.
Right next to the restaurant is the spectacular Zwei-Seen-Steg, or Two Lakes Bridge. The viewing platform with a glass section in the floor promises incomparable views across Interlaken, with a majestic panorama of mountain peaks all around. The world famous Three Peaks Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau dominate the view to the south, and the twin lakes make the picture simply perfect. Which shade of blue will you prefer – the turquoise of Lake Brienz to the left, or the deep blue of Lake Thun to your right? Take that perfect landscape photo from a lofty height, or pose with the specially placed cow statue.
Every evening, the Harderbahn funicular transports guests up the Harder Kulm in time for the sunset, and brings them back to Interlaken in less than 10 minutes. Speed of accessibility and the breathtaking twilight mood at 1322 m above sea level make an evening ride up Interlaken’s nearest mountain an experience unlike any other. From here, lakes Thun and Brienz and the surrounding mountain peaks are bathed in a warm glow. Whether pale pink or fiery red with an orange tinge, the sunsets are invariably beautiful. See for yourself – and combine your evening outing with the "Harder Kulm by Night" offer. This special ticket includes the train ride, an aperitif and a delicious evening meal at the Panorama Restaurant.
With its central location, the mountain with the wonderful outlook also makes an ideal start and finish point for panoramic hikes. One beautiful route takes you from the Harder Kulm, across the ridge and on to the spectacular Augstmatthorn via the "Suggiture". If you are looking for a sporting challenge, you can make the 750 m ascent of the Harder on foot from Interlaken. The ascent can be somewhat demanding and takes one to two hours, depending on your fitness level. Many local people use their nearby mountain as a training venue. If you would rather take things easy, though, a short, 12-stage circular path not far from the Panorama Restaurant covers part of the Hardergrat ridge. Along the way, you will learn more about the Harderbahn funicular. Either way, a visit to the Harder Kulm is a great way to experience the nature of the peaks.
Spectacular, glass surfaced Two Lakes Bridge
Views far and wide from 1322 m
Perfect place for landscape photos
Enjoy sunset excursions
Operating hours from mid-April to end of November
Check times of last return trip to Interlaken
Keep fit with a 10-minute walk from the mountain station to the Panorama Restaurant
Instead of taking the funicular, you can walk up and down the mountain; good footwear is essential