Do you have the nerve to ride Europe’s steepest funicular?
Often dubbed the “viral Swiss rollercoaster,” the Gelmerbahn is like a gravity-defying ride tucked into the scenic Haslital region. Originally constructed back in the 90s to haul heavy equipment up the mountain for the Gelmersee hydroelectric dam, it has since morphed into a world-famous attraction.
Today, it draws travellers from everywhere to experience the thrill of its staggering 106% gradient incline and witness yet another masterpiece of Swiss engineering.
Are you also planning a trip to Gelmerbahn? We have put together the only concise yet efficient Gelmerbahn Switzerland guide you’re gonna need to understand how to buy the tickets, getting in and around, and things to do.
Watch it here first.
Quick Navigation
- Is It Worth the Time?
- Operational Timings
- Tickets to Gelmerbahn
- Arriving at Gelmerbahn – How to Reach
- Things to do at Gelmerbahn
- Final Thoughts
Is It Worth the Time?
I will admit, like many others, even we got influenced to include Gelmerbahn in our itinerary after seeing all the viral reels doing rounds. While the decision was influenced, the experience was worth all the hype.
Surely, the funicular was no rollercoaster but the gradual pull upwards towards the top of the mountain offered a heart-pumping plunge perspective. Merely glimpsing at the massive drop beneath our feet was enough to make our hearts race wildly.
Although the funicular was thrilling, the alpine lake on the top stole the show. Even though we arrived at the top with no plans to hike, the shimmering Gelmersee invited us hike the perimeter. From walking the narrow trails to jumping over boulders to crossing glacier fed waterfalls, the hike rewarded us even more than the funicular ride experience.
So finally, is Gelmerbahn worth your time? YES! It is absolutely worth it and even better, if you snag the perfect front-row seats and include the time to hike around the lake or maybe to Gelmerhütte.
And in this Gelmerbahn Switzerland guide you’ll find exactly the information required to plan.
Operational Timings
The Gelmer funicular is only open to tourists from June – October.
June, September, October: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
July, August: 8:36 AM to 4:48 PM
Tickets to Gelmerbahn
The funicular is only built to accommodate 24 passengers per trip, which makes prior booking imperative. Click here to reserve your spot.
Or, head over to the official Grimselwelt website, select the Railways option and select Gelmerbahn. You’ll find the option of ‘Buy Tickets’ on the website.
💰Ticket prices: 40 CHF for return journey
Unlike before, there are also no on-the-spot tickets available for the descent and it is mostly packed on a good weather day. The staff highly encourages advance online return booking.
📍Tip: While I highly encourage you to book your return tickets to Gelmerbahn as soon as the itinerary is finalised, a few slots are available even up to 2-3 days.
Booking Tickets to Gelmerbahn
Because each funicular car only holds 24 passengers, planning your exact descent time when booking tickets online is crucial. To choose the right return slot, you first need to decide how much time would you like to spend at the top.
Jump to best things to do at Gelmerbahn.
Arriving at Gelmerbahn – How to Reach
Nestled near the Grimsel Pass, reaching the Handegg terminus of the line is rather straightforward:
From Meiringen
Take R71 train from Meiringen to Grimseltor and take bus 171 from Innertkirchen, Grimseltor to Handegg. It’s an easy 10-minute walk from there to the Gelmerbahn station. Alternatively, you can also take the direct bus 161 to Handegg but the earliest operation starts at 9:24 AM.
From Interlaken
Take LIX Luzern departing Interlaken Ost at 7:04 AM to Meiringen. Change into R71 train Innertkirchen Kraftwerk (Bahn) to alight at Grimseltor. From there take bus 161 to Handegg, Gelmerbahn. This connection will have you at the station by 8:30 AM, perfect to be among the first ones in the queue for the best seats in the front.
Arriving by Car
If you plan to arrive at the base station in a car, you can park your vehicle at Parking Handegg.
⚠️ Note: Once you arrive at the station, show your QR code to the staff in the booth who will then validate your ticket and let you in the waiting area.
Things to do at Gelmerbahn
Contrary to the viral clips only focussing on the funicular, there are a few things to do at the top of the mountain:
A Quick Stop at Gelmersee
Every traveler has their own pace, and there is no wrong way to enjoy the summit. If your travel style leans toward a brief scenic stop, you should book return tickets with a roughly 24-minute gap. Since the ride itself takes 12 minutes each way, this gives you a short window to take photos before heading down.
For the best lighting, plan to arrive on the first or second funicular of the day.
📍Pro Tip: If you want to secure the most desired front-row seats, arrive at least 12-15 minutes early for your ascent and descent journey. We planted ourselves near the entrance nearly 20 minutes before our scheduled descent.
Gelmersee Loop Trail
While the thrilling funicular ride often steals the spotlight, the turquoise glacial waters of Gelmersee are equally magnificent. Hiking along the lake’s perimeter reveals breathtaking angles you simply cannot see from the main viewing platform.
The entire loop is 4.45 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete with photo and snack breaks. The hike takes you through the impressive hydroelectric dam and traverse thrilling, rocky trail sections.
The entire trail is marked with red and white arrows to help you navigate the loop. Whenever in doubt, look for these markers and follow their direction.
📍Tip: Don’t forget to wear hiking shoes and active wear for the hike. Moreover, the massive granite boulders at the lake’s edge offer incredible resting spots. They are the perfect place to sit down, enjoy a protein-focused snack, and unwind.
⚠️ Note: If you’re planning to do the loop trail, start in counter-clockwise direction, i.e., start with the dam crossing. It involves a few ups-and-downs the boulders and best to get it out of the way first.
Gelmerhütte Hike
For those who love a challenging hike rewarded with great food and alpine hospitality, the trail to the Gelmerhütte is perfect. However, unlike a simple one-hour stroll, this hike requires a bit more effort and preparation.
It takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to reach the hut. This journey will require you to schedule your descent with a gap of at least 4 hours.
Suspension Bridge Crossing
Although there are hardly any easily accessible options for refreshments on the top of the mountain, the scenic suspension bridge, Handeckfallbrücke, at the base of the mountain leads to Hotel and Nature Resort Handegg for a rewarding meal. This 70 meter long bridge also unveils splendid view of the gorge and Handegg waterfall.
Final Thoughts
If I were planning your itinerary, I would definitely include a half-day trip to Gelmerbahn, Switzerland. While we only did a loop trail, I would guide intermediate hikers to also include Gelmerhütte hike for jaw-dropping views of the turquoise Gelmersee from a height.
If you found this Gelmerbahn, Switzerland guide helpful, don’t forget to check out our ultimate Switzerland 10-day itinerary to make the most of your Swiss adventure.
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