If you are looking for the Swiss roller coaster you’ve seen on social media, you’re in the right place. The Gelmerbahn is a steep open-air funicular train that takes you up the mountain where you’ll find a bright blue alpine lake (called the Gelmersee).
While videos on social media make the Gelmerbahn look like a fast roller coaster ride, it actually moves quite slowly. Even so, it is still an exciting and slightly scary ride, a highlight of anyone’s trip to Switzerland.
We’ve visited the Gelmersee many times over the years, making treasured memories with our family and friends. We usually do the short hike around the lake, then settle in for a picnic, and pick wild blueberries.
Details on how to get there, trail map and photo story below.
Contents
Note: Tickets sell out so you should buy advanced tickets online. More info below.
Quick Info
| Region | Bernese Oberland, Switzerland |
| Starting point: | Gelmerbahn funicular station – Grimselstrasse, 3864 Guttannen |
| By car: | Metered parking short walk from funicular station From Interlaken 50 mins, Lucerne 1hr20, Zürich 1hr50 |
| By public transport: | Bus stop: Handegg, Gelmerbahn From Interlaken 1h20, Luzern 2h, Zürich 3hr |
| Trail: | 2 hours |
| Distance: | 4.5 km loop |
| Difficulty: | moderate • 100m up, 1146m down (variations below) |
| Path Type: | dirt footpath, rocky uneven terrain, exposed sections |
| Elevation: | lake at 1850m |
| Open: | 6 June – 25 Oct 2026 |
| Cost 2026: | funicular return CHF 40/adult, CHF 20/child 6-16 Get tickets |
| Discounts: | No discounts with travel passes or cards |
| Services: | no restaurants at lake, public toilet near dam, mountain hut above lake |
| More info: | www.grimselwelt.ch • webcam • trail status • weather |
Gallery
Overview
The Gelmersee lake is accessed by the Gelmerbahn funicular. You can drive or ride the bus near the base of the Gelmerbahn (1). From the top of the funicular, it’s a short walk to the lakeshore and dam (3), which has very views without a hike.
If you want to hike, follow the trail along the water, which loops around the whole lake. We typically hike counterclockwise so we can picnic at the rocky peninsula at #6, where there are lots of wild blueberry patches.
Hiking map
If you want to walk around the lake, the trail is a 4.5 km loop, which takes about about 2 hours walking time. The trail is a narrow dirt path with many rocks and uneven terrain. Definitely no strollers.
A few sections have a very steep slope on one side the trail. The trail is not suitable for small children or those with a fear of heights.
View interactive trail map, download GPX, and print map on Komoot • SchweizMobil • OutdoorActive
Trail conditions
The trail is a rocky path with lots uneven terrain and some sections with steep drop-offs to the side. Best for older children and adults with hiking experience.
Alternative for small children
I would not suggest doing this hike with children under 6. There are several sections that are very narrow and drop off steeply down to the lake. I’ve seen at least one family tied together with climbing ropes as they walked on the steep sections. I didn’t do that, but I was very nervous on these sections when my children were small.
With small children or anyone who is uncomfortable with risk, I suggest following the short trail to the dam. This part of the trail is safe and easy and you won’t compromise on the views.
How to get to the Gelmerbahn
The Gelmerbahn is located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, southeast of Interlaken (see on Google Maps). It is easily accessed by car, but a bit difficult by public transportation.
By car:
The Gelmerbahn funicular is located southeast of Interlaken, near the small village Guttannen. In your GPS, you can use the address Handegg 6, 3864 Guttannen, which is just past the Gelmerbahn. As you approach this address, look for a sign pointing left to the Gelmerbahn parking.
In summer 2026, due to construction, you must park in the further away lot and walk about 20 mins to the funicular on a path with steep stairs. You could also park at Meiringen Alpbach parking and arrive by bus.
After turning off the main road, there is a small parking lot. If that lot is full, keep driving along the small service road to your right to the overflow parking on a grassy field with plenty of spots (shown below). Then walk back the way you came, up the paved service road to the base of the funicular and ticket office.
By public transport:
Take a train to Meiringen train station, then a bus 161 to Handegg, Gelmerbahn. Then about a 10 min walk including the suspension bridge to the funicular station, as shown above.
This bus runs rather infrequently, so check the schedule carefully to schedule your arrival at least 25 mins before your funicular departure time.
Planning your day
Ticket prices
In 2026, tickets cost CHF 40/Adult, CHF 20/Child aged 6-16. Small dogs ride free. Dogs with shoulder height over 30cm same price as child.
No discount for Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card, Junior cards or other travel cards. Not included in the Bernese Oberland Pass.
It’s best to book tickets in advance as seats are limited and sell out quickly.
Plan to arrive at least 15 mins before your allotted time to give you time to walk from your car to the ticket booth, collect your tickets and get seated.
Bring your printed voucher from your online purchase, which is exchanged in the ticket booth for your timed ticket. The funicular leaves exactly at the time printed on your ticket.
How to buy tickets
Step 1: On the Gelmerbahn website, you should select a “Return” ticket, which is a ride up and down the funicular.
Step 2: Next you need to indicate how many tickets you need.
Step 3: Pick a date and time for your outward and return journey. Your ticket is not valid for any other time. This means you need to estimate how long you expect to stay at the top.
If you are doing a short walk and picnic, 2-3 hours is probably enough. If you plan to hike around the lake, I recommend 4 to 5 hours. Estimate longer than you expect. You don’t want to miss your return trip slot because you didn’t make it all the way around the lake in time.
If you can’t get funicular tickets for the day/time you want, you can hike up to the lake. I give instructions on that at the end of this post.
Sample timeline
This schedule is based on 2025 timetables. Verify times and connections as you plan your trip.
- Depart Interlaken Ost at 8:33 to Meiringen, then bus to Handegg, Gelmerbahn bus stop, arriving at 9:58.
- Ride the 10:12 Gelmerbahn up to the lake.
- Hike around the lake, about 2 hours + buffer time.
- Ride the 13:12 Gelmerbahn back down.
- Catch the 13:55 bus to Meiringen, then train to Interlaken Ost, arriving 15:24.
Opening hours
In 2026, the Gelmerbahn runs daily from 6 June to end of May to 25 October.
It runs daily every 24 minutes. In June, Sept, Oct, it runs from 9:00 – 16:00. In July, Aug, it runs 8:36 – 16:48.
The funicular only takes 24 people each ride, so tickets can sell out fast. Best to buy advanced tickets online, to avoid a long wait or disappointment. We typically buy tickets at least a week in advance to get the times we want.
What to wear
This hike requires hiking shoes with good tread. I’d recommend walking sticks to help with balance on the uneven terrain. This is a mountain hike, so weather and temperatures can change quickly.
Dress appropriate to the weather forecast, bringing layers like a fleece and windbreaker/rain jacket as needed. There are sometimes prickly bushes on the side of the trail, but shorts would be ok on a hot day.
I suggest bringing a minimum of 1 L of water per person and snacks. There are no mountain restaurants on this trail.
Photo story of trail
Gelmerbahn funicular ride to the Gelmersee
Before you ride up the funicular, make sure to walk across the suspension bridge below the funicular station.
Finally, it was our turn to ride up the super steep funicular ride! It’s safe, I guess, but still a little unnerving. Each fits four persons and you have to squeeze your backpack between your legs.
View from the front seat as you ride up the mountain.
View across the valley as you ride up the funicular.
From the funicular station, it’s a short walk to the lakeshore, as shown below.
Crossing the dam
If you are hiking around the lake, we prefer counterclockwise direction, starting by crossing the dam to your right.
If you are not hiking around the lake, you can cross the dam to get the nice views, then back the way you came.
As you approach the dam, you’ll pass a small hut which has public toilets.
View from the dam to the lake.
View from the dam across the valley.
At the far side of the dam, there is a sandy spot on the lakeshore. This is a great place to stop if you have very little kids and don’t feel safe on the alpine trail. Little kids can more safely wander around in this area and you can relax.
Hiking around the lake
After crossing the dam, just continue to walk along the south side of the lake as shown below. If you’ve gone early in the morning, this whole side is shady and can be cold even on a hot day. Make sure to bring layers.
At the start, there are some walkways built onto the side of the cliff. Be careful. We met one adult couple that turned back after seeing this, too scary for some with vertigo.
There are lots of rocky ups and downs on the south side, sometimes muddy and slippery. Hiking sticks are very useful on this part.
Waterfalls
About halfway around the lake, you’ll pass a bunch of cascading waterfalls.
There is a trail of rocks and some temporary footbridges crossing the falls, but it can be tricky to hop over the slippery rocks, so be prepared to help your kids.
Below the waterfalls is a nice place for a picnic.
Dangerous section
Shortly after the waterfalls, there is a short section, where the trail skirts along the cliffs with a steep drop into the lake on one side. Make sure to wait for oncoming traffic to pass before starting out.
There is cable to hold onto but this section always makes me nervous. There are life preserver rings on the walls in case of emergency.
More waterfalls
After this scary section, you climb over lots of boulders, still following the red/white trail markers.
Then you cross a river flowing down the mountain and another area good for picnics and exploring.
Lots of people stop here on the lake shore to picnic and swim on hot days.
There are some switchbacks going up the mountain a bit. Then the trail forks. To the right, the trail goes up the mountain to the hut, as indicated by these signs.
You will turn left and continue along the lake.
A bit more danger
Most of this section is a trail cut into the rock wall.
Another look at the rock wall trail.
The rock peninsula area sticking out into the lake is where we like to stop for a picnic and pick blueberries.
Picnic area
Here’s a closer look at the picnic area. It’s very rocky and full of blueberry bushes, with some small grassy spots.
There are lots of places near the water to sit and build a fire if you brought wood. It can get really windy, so bring a jacket even if it’s a nice day.
Fantastic views from our picnic spot
There are tons of wild blueberry bushes here for picking. It’s slow work to fill a basket but fun. See my Picking Wild Blueberries post for some tips.
My kids like to jump around on the rocks that are partially submerged, then of course, they fall in. So bring extra clothes.
The water is icy cold, but on really hot days, we can’t resist jumping in. They don’t stay in long.
We spent a lot of time climbing rocks
Back to the start
Keep an eye on the clock. You don’t want to miss your funicular time back down or you’ll have to hike down. It’s not too far back to the start, but I like to give us about 40 mins to account for slow walkers, breaks, tantrums, whatever.
Stay away from the edge. One of the kids accidentally dropped a hiking stick in this area last time and there was no way anyone could climb down to get it.
Back at the top of the funicular. Going down is even scarier than going up. So we like to get there a little early, so we are at the front of the line and can sit in the front row. Worth it!
Video of Gelmersee lake hike
Watch a video of our Gelmersee hike in late September 2018.
FAQ
Can I get to the lake without the funicular?
If you can’t get tickets for the funicular, want to save money, or visit when the funicular is closed, you can hike up to the lake without the funicular. This trail is 1.5 km one way, gaining 250m of elevation. It’s a narrow mountain trail which requires steady footing and common sense. See trail map. Note that from October to May, this trail is likely to covered in snow.
To reach the trail head, drive or take the bus to Handegg, Kunzentännlein (46°35’52.4″N 8°19’29.4″E). There are a few parking spots on the side of the road for your car. The bus runs only mid-June through mid-October and only a few times per day. So check the schedule before heading out.
Can I take a dog on the Gelmerbahn?
You can bring dogs are permitted on the Gelmerbahn. Small dogs that can sit on your lap travel for free, but large dogs with a shoulder height of 30cm+ must have a ticket, same price as children. Dogs should be on the leash on this trail.
Is the Gelmerbahn accessibile for wheelchair or strollers?
Not, you must use stairs to board the Gelmerbahn funicular, so it is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. The hike around the Gelmsersee lake is not suitable for baby strollers.
Can I visit the Gelmersee in winter?
No. The Gelmerbahn does not run in winter and all trails leading to the lake are covered with snow.
39 responses
Your site is really helpful! I always collect information from here before heading to my destination.
Thanks!🙏🏽
With regards
Hi Tanya,
I am planning a trip with my family to the take the Gelmerbahn, and am wondering, if you want walk a bit of lake, say half way round and then turn back, would that work? We will be with a small child in a hiking backpack but I wouldn’t say we are experienced hikers, so would like to avoid the dangerous parts.
If this is not possible, how long do you think you need up there if you don’t walk around the lake? Trying to gauge how much time to plan/when to book the descent.
Thank you! Really enjoyed your writing on the hike and your website is just great.
Emma
The more dangerous parts are on the left side and far side of the lake, as you exit the funicular and face the lake. So if you wanted to walk along the right side of the lake and back, that would be ok. If you are just enjoying views from the dam, you probably don’t need more than 45-60 mins at the lake.
Hello.
If there only ascent tickets are available-is it to hard to take trail down on foot (with kids and toddler in a back carrier)?
Thank you
Hi Anna, Yes there is a trail between the valley and the upper cable car station. I’ve added info about that to my post. It adds about 5mk and 490m of elevation ascent/descent depending on which way you hike it. There are trails on either side of the gorge, but the east side of the gorge is rated T2, safer than the T3 trail on the west side of the gorge. I wouldn’t recommend it. Better to plan ahead and get tix for the cable car.
Is the trail still closed ?
I’ve entered the website you mentioned and couldn’t find any indication regarding if the trail is open or closed
I don’t see the notice about the closed trail anymore on their website. I would call or send an email just in case though.
Hi Tanya! Thanks so much for your detailed and amazingly helpful posts! Would you mind clarifying where to look for updates on whether this lake loop trail is open? I can’t find any mention of it being closed, but I can’t actually find a specific page discussing current trail status at all. Only basic links to the possible hikes beneath the Gelmerbahn info. Thanks for your help!
Hi Alina, it looks like they have taken down the notice about the lake trail being closed. I’ll remove that notice from my post. If you want to make sure, just call ahead and ask.
Hi!
Love your site. Super helpful and informative. Just checking, my 2 year old would be safe for the ride? Is there a restaurant you recommend that is nearby?
Thanks!
Yes, it’s fine with a two year old. For restaurants, maybe best to go back to Meiringen where you have more choice.
Hi!
Thank you so so much for sharing your experience!
We’re heading there tomorrow; family of 4. Our 5 year old is used to hiking, but we will have our 9 month old with us, too, and I’m 20 weeks pregnant with twins. I can’t find any info whether or not we will be allowed (me specifically) to ride the gelmerbahn. Do you think it’ll be better to turn right or left on the loop for hiking?
Sorry I’m late in responding. You’ll definitely be allowed to ride the gelmerbahn, no restrictions on pregnant bellies as far as I know. I would turn right for the loop hike. Be very careful on those cliff bits with the five year old.
HI Tania. I just checked the tickets and we can go up with the Finicular around 14 but no tickets are available for the descent. Will be it be an easy walk to go down by walking with a 3 and 5 years old boys? how long could make it take?
Thanks. Super nice and useful blog…..I just discovered it thanks to a friend 😉
Sorry I’m late on my reply. Walking down would be quite long and stressful with such little ones. I would wait for another weekend when you can get up and down tix.
Hi Tanya,
How are you and your family? I really liked your post. I just wanted to ask, we have little kids and also seniors that will be with us on our visit. We’re only planning to stay here and have picnic. As you said above this is the safest part.
“At the far side of the dam, there is a sandy spot on the lakeshore. This is a great place to stop if you have very little kids and don’t feel safe on the alpine trail. Little kids can more safely wander around in this area and you can relax.”
What i want to ask is how can we reach that? After the funicular, how many minutes of walking to reach that part? And also, are we going to pass through the suspension bridge to reach that area?
Thank you so much!
This sandy area is a short walk from the top of the funicular. When you reach the lake (just a few meters from the funicular station), take the fork to the right. After a couple minutes you’ll see the dam. Just walk across the dam and there is the little sandy area I mentioned. It’s an easy walk and probably would take you about 10 mins. Hope you enjoy it!
Hi , very informative, could you please inform how to get back from the lake to the bus station ?
to return ?
also when we start our trip , the buss takes us to the top of the funicular ?
is it suitable to book the decending ticket and then walk around the lake and return to the bus station to get back to interlaken ?
I’m not sure I understand what you are asking. To reach the Gelmersee lake, you ride a funicular train up the mountain to the lake. You can reach the base of the funicular by car or bus, but the bus only runs 4 times a day, so you have to plan carefully. I’ve added a sample timeline using the bus to my post for your reference. If you have further questions, please post another comment.
This is the best Website I have found as I research our trip to Switzerland.
Thanks so much! That’s my goal and glad to know you think I’m doing a good job. Yay!
Hi Tanya
Do you know if is possible to get to the lake without using in funicular? In November it is closed and I really would like to visit this lake.
Thanks in advance,
Maicon.
Yes, there is a trail up to the lake, about 1.5 km with 250m elevation gain. Should take about 1hr to walk up. But it’s possible that both the trail and the road are closed due to snow. So be flexible. Here’s a link to the trail just in case: https://www.komoot.com/tour/101438310?ref=wtd Good luck!
Hi there. Thanks for a very informative post. Do you know whether the funicular has a minimum age limit? We are thinking to bring our 2 y.o up. Thanks.
No age limit on the funicular. But I wouldn’t hike around the lake with the 2 year old unless you are carrying him/her and you are using hiking sticks.
Hi Tanya! Thank you so much for your detailed blog post and the pictures. We are planning to go to Grimselworld next year in June and do the Gelmer Funicular and the hole around the lake. We have a 7 year old kid and his 69 year old grandma will be coming with us too. I’m sort of worried about this if she would be able to handle the trail, or if she decides to just wait for us hiking, is there anywhere at the top (after arriving with the Funicular) where she could just sit and wait for us?
Cheers,
Tiara
Good choice! Yes, the trail could be tricky for your grandmother as there are lots of rocks to climb over as you hike. My 73 year old father did it, just very slowly with hiking sticks, and said it was one of his best hikes in Switzerland. He’s not a hiker but fairly active and enthusiastic. There isn’t a restaurant at the top. But she could wait at the “beaches” near the dam. There isn’t a bench or anything, so it’s not the best idea. You could bring a picnic and enjoy the views together from that area. Another alternative is to just hike the short portion to the “island” where I said we picnic. It’s maybe 15-20 mins walking slowly. It’s still tricky footing, but no rocks to climb over until you get to the island. You could try it with her for a bit and turn back if it’s not working. Oeschninensee might be a better option for her, much easier walking there. Hope you find a solution. Let me know what happens.
Hi Tanya, I loved the clip you made on this hike and also this post. Not only your posts are so well composed and presented, but you also take beautiful pictures! I want to ask you on what day and month was this trip that you describe here? It looks like fall based on the dry grasses, and bushes. We intend to do this hike on October 10, and wanted to see if we have chances that Grimsel pass could be open since we intend to visit Gelmersee on the day when we drive from Interlaken to Tasch.
Thanks so much! In the video, we were on the hike in late September. The Gelmersee funicular and the pass should be open on Oct 10, unless there is a big snowstorm. Good luck!
Thank you so much Tanya, I’m now more optimistic 🙂
You’re welcome!
Hi Tanya, just wanted to let you know that I just returned from my 17 day Swiss vacation and Gelmersee was my favorite place of all. The weather was perfect, the colors were incredible, the experience was unique, and thanks to your detailed and accurate information everything went smooth and just PERFECT! I love your blog and I will return often to check your new additions. Cheers, Maria
I’m so happy to hear this! Thanks for taking the time to come back here and comment. I agree, Gelmersee is so special. I’m glad you had a nice time there and a good vacation overall. Yay!
Hello Tanya,
You mentioned about having to book your ticket ahead of time, is this only for the summer months. We will be here at the beginning of October.
Just check the website a week before you go to see if tickets are starting to sell out for when you want to go. In Oct, you probably won’t have a problem but you don’t want disappointment either. So maybe book 1 or 2 days ahead when you know the weather forecast. The main problem is that the later time return tickets (doing down the mountain) sell out first. So even though you can buy a ticket up to the lake, you might have to turn around immediately and ride back down. When you book far enough ahead, you can book a return time of 15:00 or 16:00, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the lake.
Can you fish there?
I have seen a couple people fishing and a quick google search returned some forums discussing fishing there. This page says that fishing is allowed there but you need a permit. https://haslital.swiss/de/sommer/product/page/angeln-im-haslital-664/
Hi. Thanks for your kind comments. We went to the Gelmersee a couple weeks ago and it was just as great as I remember. We didn't hike all the way around, but now you've inspired me to do it next time. I haven't been to Monte Tamaro yet; it's been on my list for awhile. If you're interested in doing a guest post, let me know.
Hi Tanya,
I would like to thank you for your awesome blog. We have moved from SFO to Zurich for a year and every weekend I make it a point to check your blog for ideas for trips. I have 2 daughters, 5 and 7 years old. We did the Gelmersee hike y'day and managed to do the hike around the lake. My husband was worried about the rocky trail.. but since I saw your blog..was a bit more confident and we finished the whole trail in 2.5 hours !! It was an awesome hike that we all enjoyed. Thanks for your recommendations. Thanks for your detailed blog !!
I noticed that you had visited the Lugano area.. but did not have a posting about Mt.Tamarao.. wanted to tell you about it.. we went there a couple of weekends ago and is an awesome place for kids.:)
Thanks and keep the blog posts coming 🙂