Last year, the Gelmerbahn (Gelmer Funicular) was super popular on all kinds of social media and considering it’s only open in the summer/autumn months, I decided to take it this year. What I can assure you of is that the ride is absolutely thrilling, and close to the summit station, there’s a gem for you to discover – the enchanting turquoise Gelmersee (Gelmer Lake).

1. Gelmerbahn

Timetable

Ticket prices

Important information

2. Gelmersee

2.1 Practical information

2.2 Highlights on the way

1. Gelmerbahn

If you are looking for an adventure, this is exactly where you should be. With an inclination of up to 106%, this funicular is the steepest open funicular of Europe. Originally built to transport the heavy construction materials for the Gelmer Dam, it is nowadays open for adventure-seeking hikers. In about 12 mins, the funicular makes its way to the Gelmer Valley 1,860 meters above sea level. Once at the top, you’ll soon be shocked again by the Gelmer Lake with its incredible color, but this time in a relaxing way.

Timetable (as of 2020):

The funicular is in operation from 6th June to 25th October and the train departs every 24 mins (normally).

Ticket prices (as of 2020):

Important information:

• The ticket can be purchased online, at the Grimseltor Tourist Centre in Innertkirchen or at the bottom station of the Gelmer Funicular. Considering the train has a capacity of 24 people, I strongly recommend you to book your ticket in advance online. Otherwise, on a sunny day, you plan could be totally destroyed because there are no more tickets available.
• The purchased ticket-voucher has to be exchanged at the ticket office of the funicular no later than 15 minutes prior to departure. In exchange for your voucher, you will be given a time card for the ride (ticket with specified time of departure). If you do not show up in time, your ticket will be made available for sale.
• If you want to take public transport to reach the lower station of the funicular, you should get off at the bus stop Handegg, Gelmerbahn.
• Sitting on the first row is a dream for many adventure-seekers. However, you can not reserve a seat on the first row and if you want that “privilege”, you have to be one of the first four visitors waiting in line.
• Located 3 mins away by foot from the bottom station of the Gelmer Funicular is the Handeck suspension bridge, which is 70 meters above the Handeck Gorge and offers a fantastic view of the Handeck Waterfall. It connects the Hotel Handeck to the Gelmer Funicular and is certainly worth visiting.
• Dogs with more than 30 cm shoulder height need a children’s ticket.
• Here’s a small tip from me: if you are afraid of height, I recommend you to sit at the back of the train. It’s still quite thrilling but much better than sitting in the front. By the way, for me personally, going up was “scarier” than going down. I guess that’s because when the train was going up, it was pulled up by the cable and felt a bit like a roller coaster.

2. Gelmersee

2.1 Practical information

One thing I like a lot about the Gelmersee is that no matter if you are an experienced hiker or not, you can admire the charming turquoise color of the lake and its surroundings without much hassle. Although the Gelmersee circular trail is categorised as a medium mountain trail, its southwestern section is actually almost flat and suitable for hikers with zero hiking experience. Its northeastern section, however, is rather spine-chilling, in particular the part directly to the northeast of the funicular summit station. After reading my following tips, you can decide if you want to or are ready or not to take the full circular trail.

(Distance: 4.5 km, ascent: 76 m, descent: 69 m, duration: 2 h)

Please note, this route is rated by the SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) as T3 (demanding mountain hike), which means

• the path is not necessarily visible everywhere in the terrain;
• the exposed sections might be fitted with ropes or chains;
• the use of the hands is required for balance;
• the route is marked as white-red-white;
• there are some exposed sections with fall hazard, scree and pathless jagged rocks.

As I mentioned above, I would rank the southwestern section as T1 (hiking trail) which means flat terrain or low steepness, no risks of fall, while the northeastern section certainly deserves a T3 rating.

If you want to finish the whole trail, here are some tips for you:

• This is a summer trail and is only open from mid-June to mid-October.
• You must have a head for heights and good surefootedness. Good mountain hiking shoes and walking sticks are strongly recommended.
• I recommend you to pack some lunch and have a picnic by the lake. The scenery is absolutely dreamlike. Remember to add the picnic time to your total hiking time when booking the funicular tickets.
• Take enough water (I didn’t see any water fountain on the way) and snacks.
• There are no restaurants (not even at the lower or upper funicular station) but there’s a toilet close to the Gelmer Dam.
• I hiked on a sunny day in July and was wearing a t-shirt and shorts. Sun screen, hat and sunglasses are a must because there’s not much shadow on the way.
• Because this is a circular trail, you can start the hike by turning right or left when you reach the lake from the summit funicular station. I recommend you to start from the right because that’s the easier section. I prefer starting with something easy and then the challenge gradually builds up. However, it’s totally up to you which way to start.
• If you are an enthusiastic mountain hiker, you can add the hike to the Gelmer Hut (duration (round trip): 3 h) to the Gelmer Lake circular trail. For more information about this trail, please click here.
• Close to the dam, there are some info boards introducing the Gelmer Dam, the Gelmer Lake and its surroundings.
• Unfortunately, I don’t think the whole trail is suitable for small kids.

2.2 Highlights on the way

About the Gelmer Dam:

• Construction: 1925 – 1929
• Height: 35 m
• Width: 22 m
• Length of crown: 370 m
• Storage volume: 13 million m³
• Concrete volume: 81,000 m³ = 10,800 trucks with each 7.5 m³ concrete
• Weight: 142,000 t = 800 jumbo jets (Boeing 747)