Harderkulm is a 1,321m high mountain in Interlaken, Switzerland and is an amazing mountain to hike. It's easy enough for amateur hikers yet still challenging for veterans. I've been up and down it several times over the years and I've hiked it in every season. This post will cover a hike up Harderkulm in later winter/early spring.
If you go in winter or early spring you'll be treated with some peace and quiet (but be sure to bring supplies because there won't be people around to assist if you're in need & the restaurant at the top will be closed). In the summer and early fall, you'll have to deal with a lot of other tourists but the views from the top will be spectacular. It's worth it in the winter but the views will be......very foggy.
Now, it's advised to TAKE A WATER CONTAINER, whether it be glass, plastic or collapsable plastic. The water in Interlaken is very clean and it comes straight from the alps. Don't waste your money buying water because all throughout the city, and as you walk up the mountain, there will be water spigots where you can fill your bottles and get a drink.
If you're smart, unlike my friend Rob and I were on this trip, you should bring some snacks. It's a good 3-4 hour hike (depending on your athletic level) and you're bound to get hungry. If for some reason you forget to bring food... don't fret...it's only another 2 hours to get down the mountain to the nearest grocery store. During the summer season the restaurant will be open at the top of the mountain where you can re-energize yourself with foods and drinks. This trip, the restaurant was closed and it was cold up there so....we just had to make our own fun on an empty stomach.
Some GOOD HIKING SHOES are in order as well as a GOOD HAT. It can get pretty cold and windy up there and the hike down is much worse than the hike up. If you don't watch your step or have proper shoes it can be very dangerous and no one wants to deal with sprained ankles or broken bones while on vacation.
If you're lucky enough to visit in the late summer or early autumn, you'll be able to pick some edible berries throughout your hike. That's a nice addition. All other times of the year, hey you won't have the berries...but you'll be graced with some amazing views.
Also, not that you'll have a hiking buddy as cool as my friend Rob here :) but it's never a bad thing to go hiking with a friend. Accidents can happen and it's always good to have someone there in case of emergency. Be sure to TAKE A FIRST AID KIT AND A WHISTLE (or some other noise making device). Cell phones and GPS systems can't be relied upon in every area because sometimes you won't have service. Or just write to my friend Rob....he'll probably go with you and he's a good dude.
If you're hiking in warm weather the descent down will be amazing because you will be short walk to a small beach where you can jump into the lake to cool off. The water is a beautiful blue and is very refreshing. In winter, it's just as nice but....maybe you'll only want to put your feet in as it's freezing cold.
Interlaken is an easy train ride from Zurich, Switzerland and there are plenty of hostels, BnB's and hotels to choose from. And oh yes....here's the most important tip of a hike to Harderkulm. Afterwards go GET A BEER at the local Irish pub THE 3 TELLS.
Thanks for reading & I hope you've enjoyed this little trek through Switzerland. I'll post some summer hiking pictures from Harderkulm in the future.
Upvote, follow & resteem. Have a great night.
-Joe
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