🎢 The Gelmerbahn: Europe’s Steepest Funicular Experience
(in the beautiful town of Interlaken, Bernese
Oberland, Switzerland)
Located just a short journey from Interlaken, the
Gelmerbahn is far more than a transit link—it is a feat of engineering and a
"rollercoaster" of alpine proportions. Originally built to transport
heavy construction materials for the nearby dam, it now serves as a gateway for
adventurers.
📍 The
Ascent
- The
Gradient: Reaching a staggering maximum incline of 106%, this is
officially the steepest open-air funicular in Europe.
- The
View: As the carriage climbs backward toward the sky, you are treated to a
panoramic reveal of the Haslital Valley. It is an
"off-the-beaten-path" marvel that remains one of Switzerland's
best-kept secrets.
📍 Lake
Gelmer (Gelmersee)
Upon reaching the summit station at 1,860 meters, the
turquoise brilliance of Lake Gelmer awaits. This high-alpine reservoir is
encircled by rugged granite peaks, offering a stark, beautiful contrast to the
lush valleys below.
- The
Hike: A stunning circular trail leads you around the lake (approx. 2
hours), perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the silence of
the Alps.
📍 The
Backpack Fondue Experience
For a truly authentic Swiss moment, many hikers opt for the
Scenic Backpack Fondue. Imagine dipping artisanal bread into melted cheese
while perched on a glacier-carved boulder overlooking the crystalline water. It
is the definition of "dining with a view."
📍 The
Handeck Suspension Bridge
Before you depart, ensure you traverse the Handeckfall
Bridge. Hanging 70 meters above the Säterichbach waterfall, it offers a
dramatic perspective of the gorge and the roaring falls below—a perfect final
photo opportunity for your Swiss itinerary.
💡
Pro-Traveler Tips:
- Booking:
Tickets are timed and sell out rapidly during the summer months.
Pre-booking online is essential.
- Access:
Easily reachable from Interlaken via car or the Meiringen-Grimsel PostBus
line.
- Weather:
Even in peak summer, temperatures at the lake can be brisk. Pack a light
windbreaker.
Switzerland is often defined by its serenity, but the
Gelmerbahn reminds us that it is also a land of vertical extremes. Don't just
visit the Canton of Bern; conquer it.
#Gelmerbahn #SwissAlps #Interlaken
#VisitSwitzerland #HiddenGems #TravelLuxury #AlpineAdventure
No comments:
Post a Comment