Harder Kulm is a mountain viewpoint above Interlaken at 1322m, easy to reach with the Harderbahn funicular train.
It’s an exciting ride up the steep tracks, ascending 775m (2,477ft) over 1.4 km (.89 mi) in just ten minutes.
From their panorama terrace, you’ll have a spectacular view across the big lakes near Interlaken to many mountain peaks including the Eiger and Jungfrau.
Many people come here to eat at the castle-like Panorama Restaurant, which serves traditional Swiss food with stunning views. If you have children, you’ll love the fun playground and picnic area with spectacular views.
A few hikes start here, but mostly for experienced hikers ready for a long day.
Keep reading for everything you need to know to plan your visit to Harder Kulm.
Contents
Quick Info
| Region | near Interlaken, Berner Oberland |
| Address: | Brienzstrasse near Interlaken Ost train station (see on map) |
| By car: | Parking lot near Untere Bönigstrasse 5, 3800 Interlaken 35 mins from Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, 50 mins from Bern, 1h50 from Zurich |
| By public transport: | Train station: Interlaken Ost 40 mins from Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, 1h from Bern, 2h from Zurich |
| Open: | April thru November |
| Cost 2026: | funicular CHF 44/adult ➡️ Book tickets here. |
| Discounts | Free with Jungfrau Travel Pass Discounts for Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card, Bernese Oberland Pass & GA |
| Services: | restaurant, playground, picnic area, hiking |
| More info: | website • webcam • forecast |
Overview
The Harder Kulm viewpoint is on the mountain directly above Interlaken. To reach the viewpoint, you ride the Harderbahn funicular train from Interlaken.
A funicular train has been running here since 1908. The current modern cars were added in 2008. More Harderbahn history on Wikipedia.
At the top, it’s a short walk to the viewing platform and restaurant (4). Just above the restaurant, there is a playground with picnic area (5).
Most visitors spend about 30-60 mins here, simply enjoying the view and taking pictures. Add another hour if you plan to eat at the restaurant.
If you want to hike, the easiest option is the 1 hour loop in the forest. Experienced hikers follow the challenging trail up the ridge the Augstmatthorn peak.
How to get to Harder Kulm
Harder Kulm is located in Interlaken, in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland.
The Harder Kulm funicular station is a short walk from the Interlaken OST train station, making it a convenient day trip from the Jungfrau Region. See location on Google Maps.
By train:
Take a train to Interlaken Ost. It’s a 5 min walk to the Harder Kulm funicular, on the other side of the river as shown below.
By car:
The closest parking is at the Interlaken Ost train station, near Untere Bönigstrasse 5, 3800 Interlaken. Then a 5 min walk to the Harder Kulm funicular station.
Planning your day
Tickets
You can purchase tickets online or in person at the ticket office. You cannot book a specific boarding time.
In 2026, a round trip funicular ticket costs CHF 44/adult.
This ticket is free with Jungfrau Travel Pass. Discount 50% for Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card, and Bernese Oberland Pass, GA, and kids age 6-15.
Free for kids with Swiss Family Card, SBB Junior card or under 6 years old.
See current prices and buy your tickets online.
Opening times
Harder Kulm is open for summer season from April to November.
The funicular run every 30 mins. On busy days, it usually runs every 15 mins. The first ride up is 9:10.
Last ride down varies by season. For example, in June and July, the last ride down is at 21:40. Check current opening times.
Accessibility
Harder Kulm is wheelchair accessible, but they don’t make it obvious or easy. Tali from Rollwithasmile.com has a helpful description of how to reach the accessible entry for the Harder Kulm car, which is up a small paved service road to the right of the station. But you need to purchase tickets online beforehand as the ticket office is not accessible.
Tali reports that the path to the viewing platform and restaurant are wheelchair accessible. Learn more about wheelchair access at Harder Kulm.
I read that strollers are not allowed on the funicular and wouldn’t be practical at the top anyway. Best to carry little ones on this one.
Where to eat
The Kulm restaurant is the second main attraction at Harder Kulm, with lots of outdoor tables on the panorama terrace. It’s particularly popular for a late afternoon apero, sunset dinners and special occasions.
Best to make a reservation well in advance and request an outdoor table. See Harder Kulm Restaurant website.
To make sure you are on time for your reservation, arrive well in advance at the Harder Kulm funicular in case there is a long line. Last time I went in early July, I was surprised to find a 90 min wait at around 17:00.
Next to the full service restaurant, there is a self-service kiosk serving snacks and light meals. This is a good option if you are short on time.
Note that no picnics are allowed at the restaurant tables or anywhere on the panorama terrace.
However, there is a small picnic area above the restaurant next to the playground. If you need picnic supplies, there is a Coop grocery at the Interlaken train station (see on map), very close to the Harder Kulm funicular station.
Photo story
1. Harderbahn station
The Harder Kulm funicular station is on the Aare river flowing through Interlaken. You walk across a bridge to reach this station.
At the station, follow the stairs to the right to the ticket office and entrance to funicular.
There are two parallel lines. On the left, those with tickets, Jungfrau Travel Pass or Bernese Oberland Pass. On the right, those who need to purchase tickets.
Here is the funicular car.
2. Riding up the mountain
The tracks ascend steeply from Interlaken. I prefer standing in the lowest compartment so I can get these views as we ride up.
If you stand in the first compartment, you watch the tracks as you ride up. Here we are passing the descending car.
The last part of the ride is through a tunnel, kinda exciting.
After 10 mins, we arrive at the top.
3. Viewing platform
From the funicular station, it’s a short walk on this paved path to the restaurant and viewing platform.
Looking back toward the funicular station.
Walk through the restaurant terrace to reach the viewpoint platform.
Walk through this cute arch onto the viewing platform. I went up on the first car of the day, so very few people were here. Later in the day, you can expect this platform to be full of people.
Looking towards Lake Thun.
More of Lake Thun and triangle-shaped Mt Niesen in the distance.
Looking down at Interlaken with the Eiger and Jungfrau peaks in view.
Behind the restaurant you have a view of the Niederhorn ridge, one of my favorite hikes in the region.
4. Restaurant & Kiosk
The restaurant is the main feature here. I took this picture from the playground above the restaurant.
Lots of outdoor seating, empty at breakfast time.
Here’s the kiosk selling drinks, snacks, light meals and souvenirs.
5. Harder Kulm Playground
Just above the restaurant, you’ll find this fun playground. We liked that some of the playground was in the shade but you still get the views.
Nicely sized for smaller kids.
Picnics allowed up here, with a nice table.
6. Hiking trails
Here are the hiking trails that start from Harder Kulm.
Hike 1: The Rundweg Harder is the short loop trail, about 50 min walking time (see trail map). I did this on my last visit for research purposes. I would say that it’s pretty pointless as the whole trail is in the forest with only an occasional view. If you want to simply stretch your legs, it’s fine but not particularly scenic.
Hike 2: The popular route here is the tough climb to the Augstmatthorn peak. Experienced hikers only as the trail becomes a narrow ridge as you approach the peak. This hike is usually done as a one-way route, ending in Lombachalp, where you can take a bus back to Interlaken.
Here are a few pictures from the short Rundweg trail. From the playground, it starts climbing steeply up through the forest.
At this trail sign, the trail forks.
Straight ahead is the Augstmatthorn trail. For the short loop, fork right and follow signs to Elfenweg.
The trail is sometimes a very narrow footpath through the tall grass as shown here.
One of the few views through the forest along the trail.
At the far end of the loop, go direction Elfenweg-Harderkulm to get back to the funicular station.
I ran the last part of the trail to catch the funicular, but just missed it. Fortunately, they were running it every 15 mins this day, so I didn’t have to wait too long.
Hope you enjoy your visit to Harder Kulm!
See our favorite hikes in the Interlaken region.
FAQ
Are dogs allowed at Harder Kulm?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the funicular and ride free of charge.
Is Harder Kulm open in winter?
No, Harder Kulm is closed from December through end of March
Can I skip the funicular and hike up to Harder Kulm?
Yes. There are a few trails leading up to Harder Kulm. But it takes about 2 hours on steep switchbacks, mostly in the forest. Your hiking time is better spent elsewhere. See our favorite hikes in the Interlaken region.
Is the Harderbahn funicular free with the Swiss Travel Pass?
No. The Harder Kulm funicular is discounted 50% with the Swiss Travel Pass, not free.
Is the Harder Kulm safe for children?
Yes, the Harder Kulm viewpoint is surrounded by fences for safety. But best to keep small children close so they don’t wander accidentally off the main areas.
