Harder Kulm
The 'back mountain' viewpoint above Interlaken. A 10-minute funicular carries you to 1,322 meters, where Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the three peaks of the Jungfrau region are all visible at once.
Harder Kulm is a local hilltop viewpoint above Interlaken at 1,322 meters. From Interlaken Ost, it is a five-minute walk to the Harder funicular station. The steep funicular, which opened in 1908, takes about 10 minutes to the top. The Zwei-Seen-Steg (Two Lakes Bridge) viewing platform juts out from the mountain, with Lake Thun on the left, Lake Brienz on the right, and the town of Interlaken in between. In the distance, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau line up side by side. This is the only vantage point for the classic 'between two lakes' composition. The summit is home to a castle-style panoramic restaurant built in 1908, which hosts Swiss folk performances on summer Friday evenings. Its terrace is a popular spot at sunset. A round-trip ticket costs CHF 44 for adults, with a 50% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass and free admission with the Jungfrau Travel Pass. A single ride costs about CHF 22. In peak summer, the funicular runs until after 21:30. It suits a daytime visit to the Jungfrau or Schilthorn followed by sunset and night views from here. You can also hike up from Interlaken in about 2 hours, though it is steep. The platform gets crowded, so expect to queue for photos. The summit is 5 to 8°C cooler than the town, so bring a jacket. Opening dates change slightly each year, so check the official website.
Opening hours
Approx. Apr–Nov 09:00–21:30 (extended in summer; closed in winter)
Nearby sights
- Interlaken Town & Höheweg
- Schynige Platte
- St. Beatus Caves
- Niederhorn
- Lake Brienz
- Lauterbrunnen
- Iseltwald
- Wengen