Harderbahn Valley Station, Brienzstrasse 1, Interlaken
The gateway to Harder Kulm
The Harderbahn is the funicular railway that connects Interlaken with Harder Kulm, carrying visitors from the valley to the summit in around 10 minutes. Operating since 1908, it remains the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Harder Kulm viewpoint without tackling the steep 2 to 2.5-hour hike. The journey itself is scenic, climbing through forested slopes before opening up to views of Interlaken, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the surrounding Bernese Alps.
How to access the Harderbahn
The easiest way to reach Harder Kulm
Swap a 2 to 2.5-hour uphill hike for a 10-minute funicular ride through the Swiss Alps. The Harderbahn combines convenience with spectacular scenery, making it the most comfortable way to reach Interlaken's iconic viewpoint.
What to expect on your Harderbahn ride
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Before you board
The Harderbahn departs from Brienzstrasse 1, around a 5 to 10-minute walk from Interlaken Ost station. The station is wheelchair accessible, and the Harder Alpine Wildlife Park sits right next door if you have time before departure. Visitors arriving by car should use parking near Interlaken Ost, as there's no dedicated parking at the valley station.
Inside the panoramic carriages
The current Harderbahn carriages were introduced in 2008 during the railway's centenary celebrations and are designed to make sightseeing part of the journey.
Onboard features include:
- Tiered seating for clearer forward views
- Large panoramic side windows
- Glass roof panels for overhead mountain views
- Comfortable seating throughout the journey
- Smooth, electric-powered operation
The funicular in motion
The Harderbahn is a rail-mounted funicular, not a cable car. Two carriages are connected by a cable and counterbalance each other as they travel along a single track, passing midway during the ascent.
The journey lasts about 10 minutes, climbing more than 735 metres through forested slopes and a short tunnel before opening up to panoramic views of Interlaken and the surrounding Alps.
At the summit
The funicular arrives just below Harder Kulm, from where it's an easy 5-minute walk to the Two Lakes Bridge viewpoint and Restaurant Harder Kulm. From the viewing platform, you can enjoy sweeping views of Interlaken, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the peaks of the Jungfrau region.
On a clear day, you can spot:
- Eiger (3,967 m)
- Mönch (4,107 m)
- Jungfrau (4,158 m)
Best experience to ride the Harderbahn
| Ticket type | Harderbahn ride | Best for | Price from | Recommended experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Harderbahn Round-Trip Tickets | Full-price round-trip ride | Visitors looking for a straightforward mountain excursion. | CHF 19 | Harderbahn round-trip tickets |
Discounted Harderbahn Tickets | 50% discounted round-trip ride | Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card holders who want to maximize savings. | CHF 19 | Discounted harderbahn round-trip tickets |
Save 50% on your Harderbahn ride!
Already travelling with a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card? Unlock half-price round-trip tickets to Harder Kulm and enjoy the same 10-minute scenic funicular ride, panoramic viewpoints, and summit attractions for less.
A brief history of the Harderbahn
- 1890 – The idea takes shape: Dr. Fritz Michel receives permission from the Swiss Federal Council to build an electric funicular connecting Interlaken with Harder Kulm.
- 1905 – Construction begins: After years of securing financial support, work finally starts on the railway. Engineers design the route to curve around the Hardermandli rock face, preserving the mountain's natural appearance when viewed from Interlaken.
- 1907 – The line reaches the summit: Construction of the railway is completed, with finishing work continuing on the summit facilities.
- 15 May 1908 – Official opening: The Harderbahn and the Harder Kulm restaurant officially open, giving visitors a comfortable alternative to the steep mountain hike.
- 1961–1997 – Modern upgrades: The railway receives a series of engineering improvements, including a new engine, replacement cable, and upgraded wire rope to ensure reliable operation.
- 2008 – A century of service: To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the Harderbahn introduces new panoramic carriages and modern control systems that continue to operate today.
Planning your Harderbahn ride
Frequently asked questions about Harderbahn ride
Yes. Tickets are available at the valley station, but during weekends and the peak summer season, booking online in advance is recommended to secure your preferred departure and avoid longer queues.
Yes. Dogs and other service animals are permitted on the Harderbahn. Check the latest fare conditions if you're travelling with a pet that requires a separate ticket.
Yes. The funicular is stroller-friendly, making it a convenient option for families travelling with young children.
No. The Harderbahn is a seasonal railway and generally operates from early April to late November. Exact opening and closing dates may vary each year.
The Harderbahn is a funicular railway, not a cable car. It runs on rails, with two cable-connected carriages that counterbalance each other as they travel up and down the mountainside.
Yes. Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card are eligible for 50% off Harder Kulm round-trip funicular tickets. Compare passes here.
Yes. Operating since 1908, the Harderbahn has been continuously modernized with upgraded cables, panoramic carriages, and advanced control systems, making it a reliable and safe way to reach Harder Kulm.
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