Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm sits at about thirteen hundred metres directly above Interlaken, and its value is geometrical: from the ridge the flat alluvial strip that separates Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is laid out below with both lakes on either side and the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau closing the view south - the whole geography of the region legible in one glance, which is not possible from ground level. A funicular built in 1908 climbs in about eight minutes at gradients up to sixty-four per cent. The Zwei-Seen-Steg, a viewing platform, projects from the restaurant terrace over the drop. The mountain is also a wildlife park area, and ibex are sometimes seen on the slopes.

What you actually see

• Both lakes at once - Thun and Brienz either side of the Interlaken strip.
• The Jungfrau trio south - the high peaks closing the view.
• A 1908 funicular - eight minutes at up to 64 per cent.
• A projecting platform - the Zwei-Seen-Steg over the drop.

When to go

April to November. Two hours.

Honest expectations

Closed in winter and for maintenance. The viewing deck holds few people at a time and there is usually a wait for the rail. Haze often softens the peak view in summer. The restaurant is priced for a captive audience.

Nearby

Interlaken is directly below; both lakes are on either side.