Harder Kulm

Interlaken

This one's set in the spectacular nation of Switzerland. Famed for many things such as its wealth, cheese, chocolates and the Alps. I chose Switzerland as my tourist destination mainly for its scenic mountain ranges. Before I reached the location of the topic of today: Harder Kulm, I had been spending my first day in the land of fine chocolate in the capital, Bern. After Bern, I grabbed a train and ended up in the city between two lakes: Interlaken.

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Once I got off the train, I was hit by the coolness of the region. I expected it to be warmer in the middle of summer, but I didn’t allow that to impede my good mood. I grabbed the bus and spent the next thirty minutes soaking in the view of the turquoise waters of one of the lakes as the bus made its way to my hostel.

From the ground level that the hostel is set on, you have a spectacular view of the rest of the lake and the mountains around. It was breathtaking. As the sun set down, I decided that I had to find the highest viewing platform in the city (that didn’t include having to make a three hour hike to reach it). I spent the rest of the evening admiring the view of the lake with a book. I called it a night, then left to the city first thing in the morning.

After a few activities, I finally decide to complete yesterday's declaration. After a quick search online, I discovered the viewing platform called Harder Kulm. Luckily the base of the platform was only fifteen minutes from the train station. Armed with my phone, a water bottle and a milky swiss chocolate bar, I marched on under a beautifully clear sky.

It wasn’t particularly difficult to find the base of Harder Kulm as there were a couple of dozen tourists bee-lining straight towards it. Sooner than expected I reached the little office dedicated to the viewpoint and made my way in.

Funicular

The lady at the counter told me I could take the hours long hike or the eight minute funicular ride up. That must’ve been the fastest decision of my life. I used my interrail ticket to secure a slight discount and made my way to the funicular.

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It had been the first time I entered that form of transportation, I was surrounded by tourists speaking in Mandarin, French, German and Spanish. A pretty international group I reckon. I drifted off into daydream listening to all the different languages. We were rising up steeply through the forest. As we rose, we were able to make out bits of the city far below us. I recall that the funicular we were in was scorching up in the summer sun.

After what felt like a surreal eternity, we finally made it to the end of our journey. I shot out of the box to feel some cool air on my overheating body. Not wasting time waiting around, I immediately start the five minute walk to the viewing platform.

On the way to the platform you could witness some spectacular views of the way below. I read earlier that the platform was rose 1. 3km into the heavens. Not for the faint at heart.

Harder Kulm

Finally, I reached the Harder Kulm area. The first thing I came into contact with was the large Swiss-styled restaurant between myself and the platform. It hadn’t gotten too full yet so I decided that I would grab a bite later on.

I kept making my way to the viewing platform until lo and behold, the view of a lifetime! It felt as though you were high above the heavens like a Greek God looking down at humanity and its accomplishments. From that spot you could see both lake Brienz and lake Thun that flank the city in between. From here you could also look to the opposite side of the city and witness the Jungfrau towering high above its surroundings.

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The day was especially clear which allowed an almost unblemished view from haze or fog. On the viewing platform there was a life-sized cow made of some metal. A faded gold colored bell hung from its ‘neck’. One of the children temporarily played with it, destroying my serenity.

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After soaking in the sun and the view for about ten minutes, I decide to head over back to the restaurant and grab a sun covered seat next to the view. I was more keen to read my book by the view than head off to my next destination, so I ordered a traditional Swiss soup and spent the next hour reading.

The restaurant provided many other types of traditional meals and a variety of different beers to refresh yourself on this hot day.

A path from the restaurant allowed you to go hiking into different parts of the mountain. However, I was sufficiently satisfied with my view and meal and decided to stick around rather than go adventuring. By lunchtime, the restaurant got substantially busy. That's when I decided to head off, one last ride down the furniculer.

If you find yourself in this region of Switzerland, I highly recommend you to take the time to check out Harder Kulm as Interlaken is a city of beauty with its surrounding mountain range, turquoise lakes and serenity. It isn't too expensive of a round trip to take, all things considered. I would also recommend that you go earlier in the morning, before 10 pm, to avoid the masses of tourists and guide tours that might take away a bit of the magic.

Happy adventuring!