Harder Kulm, also known as the Top of Interlaken is a must see and visit when you are in Interlaken. Already when you arrive in town by either car or train you can see a remarkable, spikey, pagoda like building on top of the mountain next to town. This is the Harder Kulm. Easily reached by a short 10 minute funicular ride, or a 50-80 minute hike the views are unbeatable from the top with direct views of both the lake of Thun, lake of Brienz and the snowcapped mountains Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau.
Ducksters hike up the Harder Kulm
As the ducksters love a good adventure they went for a hike to the Top of Interlaken taking the trail that starts next to the Funiculaire railway entrance. The hike up is 3.5km long and covers 700 vertical meters which take between 40 minutes (super fast) and 1.5 hour (normal pace with lots of picture taking moments). Do know that the speed record for fastest harder Kulm ascent is 29 minutes =)
The Ducksters took it easy and hiked up along the well signposted hiking trail. They took plenty of pictures especially on the Hardermandli viewpoint which you will encounter around 2/3 into the hike.
From the Hardermandli its another 20 minutes hiking uphil to the Hardermatte, a nice open meadow on the side of the Harder Kulm. There are a few benches and it makes for an excellent picnic spot along the way.
The last part to the top is full of sharp switchbacks that make for a fun ending. Finally at the top you are rewarded with magnificient views of Interlaken, the lakes and the snowcapped mountains. The spectacular viewing platform, with a deco Swiss cow to add to the experience, also makes for a great photo & picture taking spot. The Harder Kulm definitely makes the list as one of the most scenic spots in the Jungfrau region and its easy accessibility makes it a must visit!
There are some cool wooden statues as well that the Adventure Ducksters immediately befriended!
