Harder makes it easy to enjoy the views
June 29, 2021, 11 Comments
In an area with so many mighty peaks, it’s easy to overlook one which is only 1322m high. But that would be a mistake. Harder Kulm is a great excursion from Interlaken, practically in the town centre and with grandstand views. It’s one of my favourite short trips in the Bernese Oberland.
It’s known as Interlaken’s local mountain, and you can see why. A short walk across the River Aare and you’re at the base station of the funicular, which opened in 1908. Then a ten-minute ride in the sleek red carriage and you (almost) at the top. Another few minutes on foot takes you to the restaurant and viewing point. And what a view!
The skyline is dominated by the famous trio of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, visible here in all their glory and waiting for you to take that classic panorama shot. More than 750m down beneath your feet is Interlaken, with the Aare glistening in the sun and most likely some paragliders wafting down to the land on the Höhematte.
To your left is Lake Brienz, usually a milky turquoise colour from all the glacial deposits carried down by the rivers. To your right the clear blue waters of Lake Thun, framed by the pyramid mountain of Niesen. No wonder the viewing platform that juts out into thin air is called ‘Two Lakes Bridge’. If you’re scared of heights, don’t look down – part of the floor is made of glass!
The restaurant terrace shares those amazing views and I love having lunch there. The food’s good with fairly normal Swiss prices: 24 francs for my go-to mountain meal of Älplermakkaroni with apple sauce. Plenty of fuel if you’re one of those energetic types who likes to walk back down – or have walked up. That’s never me.
This is one of a series of articles about Interlaken and the Bernese Oberland. For more information on Interlaken, visit the tourist board’s website.
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11 Comments on "Harder makes it easy to enjoy the views"
I would absolutely love to go. Have not been there yet, and it is on my bucket list.
Habe letztes Jahr meine Ferien mit einer Tour de Suisse verbracht, aber leider hat es nicht dazu gereicht die Region um Interlaken zu besuchen. Aber Harder Kulm ist definitiv auf meiner Liste.
Älplermakkaroni is my favourite too. Not with apple sauce though, I’ll never understand that!
A perfect spot to have all of ones senses intoxicated and also a beautiful relaxing romantic lunch. Switzerland is such a beautiful country. ❤️
Switzerland is full of bucket list places <3 This one goes on the list!
Great article. I would love to visit!
I love reading everything you write! Thanks for giving us your best Switzerland tips!
We’re going to this area in a couple weeks. We’d love to win these tickets!
what an amazing gift 💝
Looks like lots of fun. Thanks for this series!
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