Gelmer Funicular is one of the highlights of the Haslital region in Switzerland.
It starts off gradual but within minutes you find yourself seated not just perpendicular to the earth below you, but actually overhanging it at 106°!!!! I’m not afraid of heights and even I screeched out YIKES a couple of times!!!! The kids that were on it at the same time as we were loved it. I loved it!
Gelmer Funicular, is the steepest in Europe! Great fun for families and anyone who enjoys glacier-covered mountain views without the effort!
Once you’re at the top, you reach the beautiful Gelmer Lake. We walked around the lake which takes a bit less than 2 hours. While it is relatively flat, there are a few sections in which you walk across a narrow cliff above the lake. I love this kind of stuff, and it’s totally safe – there are cables, but you should be fore-warned if that’s not your cup of tea. Travel Tip: If you’re afraid of heights walk around the lake clock-wise since you can get about half-way before reaching one of these spots, and then just go back the same way. If you go counter-clock-wise you will encounter a tunnel and steep ledge within a few minutes (pictured below).
Gelmer Lake is a glacier fed lake and the trail offers fantastic glacier views.
One of two places on the hiking trail where you walk along a narrow ledge. It’s not that scary and there is a cable to hang on to, but you should be fore-warned.
The hiking trail offers spectacular mountain and lake views the entire time! Pictured is J.P. (my husband).
Me taking a moment to stop and enjoy the glaciers!
Looking over the lake. The trail to Gelmer Hut starts at the far end of the lake.
If you’re searching for a longer hike, go to Gelmer Hut. It’s a steep ascent taking ~ 2 1/2 hours from the lake. We just hiked around the lake since we were short on time, but I have no doubt the views from would be well worth it, giving you an eagle-eye view of all the surrounding glaciers.
The Haslital Region is not as well-known in Switzerland as other regions like the Jungfrau, but don’t let that stop you from thinking that it’s any less spectacular. I truly enjoyed it. My only mistake was only spending a day there!
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Know Before You Ride Gelmer Funicular and Hike Lake Gelmer:
- Return tickets for the Gelmer Funicular are CHF 27 for adults.
- Tickets can be purchased on the spot or one day in advance at the Tourist Center Grimseltor in Innertkirchen.
- The funicular runs from June 7th – October 19th in 2014 (check the site for exact dates for other years).
- The funicular may be closed due to poor weather.
- While it’s more convenient to reach it by car, the Handegg bus stop is located at the entrance.
- While you’re there also walk over the Handeck Suspension Bridge for a beautiful view of a waterfall.
- The Hotel and Natur Resort Handeck is just a few minutes walk from the entrance.
Note: Thank you to the Haslital Region for making my visit possible. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
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