Hiking Harder Kulm
Everything You Need to Know About the Top of Interlaken
Harder Kulm is the iconic mountain viewpoint towering over Interlaken, offering a panoramic view that truly lives up to its nickname, “The Top of Interlaken.” It’s a must-visit destination in the Bernese Oberland, and while many ride the funicular, the real adventure begins with the hike up from Interlaken.
The Trail – From the Bottom to the Top
Your starting point is the Harderbahn valley station, just a short walk from Interlaken Ost train station. From here, the trail shoots straight up into the forest. No gentle warm-up, this hike gets your legs working right away!
- Length & Duration: About 4 km one way, with 750 meters of elevation gain. Depending on fitness and photo stops, you’ll need 2 to 2.5 hours to reach the summit.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, mainly due to the steepness. The path is well marked, but bring good shoes - you’ll thank yourself.
The Sections of the Hike
The route splits into different moods:
The Forest Climb
The first half winds through dense woodland. It’s shaded and peaceful, with little windows opening now and then to reveal Lake Brienz glittering through the trees.
Photo Points
About halfway up, the forest opens in places, offering rewarding glimpses of Interlaken and the lakes below. Perfect excuse for a short pause and some photos.
The final Push
As you get closer to the top, the forest begins to thin and you’ll feel the air open up. The anticipation builds, you know the views are going to be spectacular.
The Viewpoint
Reaching the top feels like stepping onto a balcony over Interlaken. From the Harder Kulm viewing platform, you are rewarded with a sweeping panorama: Lake Thun stretches out to the west while Lake Brienz sparkles to the east, their turquoise waters framing the town that lies perfectly between them. Rising beyond it all are the true stars of the show, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, standing proudly in the distance. It’s a view that never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
Food & Refreshments
On top, you’ll find the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant, where you can reward yourself with a hearty Swiss meal or simply a cold drink.
- Local Tip: The terrace tables are some of the best in Switzerland for lingering over a beer with a view.
How to get back
You can either hike back down the same steep trail -faster than the ascent but hard on the knees or take the Harder funicular for an easy 10-minute ride. A one-way ticket costs about CHF 26 per adult, or around CHF 22 with the Interlaken Guest Card (usually included with local stays).
Sunset Magic
If you have the time, plan your hike so you catch the sunset from the summit. Watching the golden light fade over the lakes and the peaks glow pink is unforgettable. Best part? The Harderbahn runs late into the evening*, so you can hike up, enjoy the sunset, and ride back down under the stars. No need to stumble through the forest in the dark.
* Make sure to plan your descent carefully: during the busy summer months (from June to mid September), the last funicular ride down leaves around 9:40 PM, while in the shoulder seasons (like April–May and again from September to mid-October) it’s closer to 9:10 PM. It’s always best to check the official timetable on the day you hike.
Pro Tips for Your Hike
- Start early in summer to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Wear proper shoes - the trail can be slippery after rain.
- Start early in summer to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Bring enough water with you - there are no refill options
- Camera ready! The best photos often come from small clearings on the way up, not just from the official platform.
Don't get lost - a map for you
Click on the map for more details👇🏼
Got a Full Day for Hiking?
If you have a full day for hiking, consider doing the Augstmatthorn hike instead, which starts from Harder Kulm itself. This is one of the most beautiful ridge hikes in the region, offering stunning alpine scenery and a chance to explore beyond the classic viewpoint.