How to Get to the Gelmerbahn in Switzerland

In this blog post, we’ll explore how to get to the Gelmerbahn in Switzerland, how far it is from Interlaken, how much it costs, and whether or not it is worth the journey.

What Is the Gelmerbahn? The Gelmerbahn, often dubbed as one of the world's steepest funiculars, is a remarkable feat of engineering nestled within the pristine Swiss Alps. This extraordinary funicular railway offers an exhilarating ride up the mountainside and an adrenaline rush like no other.

I was introduced to the Gelmerbahn through a TikTok video that showcased its dramatic ascent and breathtaking vistas. Watching the funicular conquer the astonishingly steep incline while affording passengers panoramic views of the Alpine landscape inspired me to see how I could include this rollercoaster of sorts in my itinerary.

The morning of, I wasn't even sure if I'd be able to make the trek, as there was a 3-hour gap between the public buses available to this region. Having to reserve a second ascent time, as I wouldn't have made it in time for the first I had reserved weeks in advance, I was determined to make this happen. Thankfully, I made it there with plenty of time and am here to answer your questions about the Gelmerbahn.

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How Do I Get to the Gelmerbahn Ride?

Getting to the Gelmerbahn ride from Interlaken, or wherever you may be based, involves a combination of transportation modes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reach the Gelmerbahn:

Travel to Meiringen: Start by making your way to Meiringen, a charming town in the Swiss Alps. You can reach Meiringen by train from various Swiss cities like Interlaken, Bern, or Lucerne. The Swiss Travel Pass can be a convenient option for unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System network.
Bus to Handegg: From Meiringen, take a post bus to the village of Handegg. The bus journey offers scenic views of the surrounding landscapes and serves as a prelude to the adventure that awaits.
Hike to Gelmerbahn Station: At Handegg, the real adventure begins. You'll need to hike to the Gelmerbahn station. The hike takes about 10-20 minutes and is a relatively easy ascent.
Gelmerbahn Ride: Upon reaching the Gelmerbahn station, you'll be rewarded with the chance to ride the steepest funicular railway in the world. The Gelmerbahn funicular will take you on a thrilling journey up the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Alpine scenery.
Explore and Enjoy: At the top station of the Gelmerbahn, you'll find yourself surrounded by stunning landscapes, high peaks, and pristine lakes. Take your time to explore the area, take photographs, and soak in the natural beauty.
Return: After enjoying the views and the Gelmerbahn ride, you can retrace your steps – hike back down to Handegg, take the bus back to Meiringen, and continue your onward journey.

It's important to note that the Gelmerbahn operates during the summer months, typically from June to October, when the weather is more suitable for outdoor activities. As conditions can vary, it's a good idea to check the current operating status and trail conditions before embarking on your journey.

While reaching the Gelmerbahn requires a bit of effort, the experience of riding the steepest funicular and immersing yourself in the stunning Alpine landscapes makes it all worthwhile. I recommend checking the SBB Mobile App the night before your journey to ensure that there are no long gaps between buses so that you can ensure you are giving yourself plenty of time to get there in time for your ascent! Between the SBB Mobile App and Google Maps, navigating public transportation has never been easier. The trains and buses will be clearly marked for the destination they are heading it, making it easier for you to find your way around. If you’ve purchased the Berner Oberland Pass, your transportation on these buses and trains is included in the pass, so you won’t have to worry about purchasing extra tickets to show to the driver.

How Far Is Interlaken From Gelmerbahn?

The distance between Interlaken and the Gelmerbahn is approximately 60 to 70 kilometers (37 to 43 miles) by road. However, please note that the Gelmerbahn is not directly accessible by road, so the distance traveled by various modes of transportation will differ. If you’re wondering how to get to the Gelmerbahn in Switzerland, following the steps outlined above is your best bet.

For those taking the trains and buses as I did, you can expect the journey from Interlaken to the Gelmerbahn to take approximately two hours total. While it seems like a lengthy journey, it will go by quickly as you switch from train to bus, especially as you’ll have beautiful views the entire way. It might seem illogical to travel two hours in one direction to take a 10-minute ride on the Gelmerbahn, but I can promise that this was a highlight of my trip and a top recommendation I have for anyone visiting Switzerland.

How Much Is It to Ride the Gelmerbahn?

Typically, you can expect to pay a little over $30 for a round-trip ticket that includes both the funicular ride up and the ride back down. Special discounts might be available for children, seniors, and groups. Additionally, if you're planning to visit other attractions or use public transportation in the region, it's worth considering if there are any combination tickets or passes that could offer better value for your trip.

Remember to check the Gelmerbahn's official website or contact their customer service to confirm the current ticket prices, any available discounts, and the details of what's included in the ticket. This will help you plan your budget accurately for your Gelmerbahn adventure.

Is the Gelmerbahn Worth It?

This unique funicular ride is renowned for its stunning Alpine vistas and exhilarating ascent, making it a must for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. If you’re wondering how to get to the Gelmerbahn in Switzerland, it does involve a bit of time. But if you're willing to invest the time and effort, the reward of the breathtaking landscapes at the top definitely makes it worthwhile. However, it's important to consider your budget, alternative activities in the area, and the weather conditions, as clear skies enhance the experience. Ultimately, if you're drawn to unique transportation adventures and the allure of the Swiss Alps, the Gelmerbahn can certainly offer a memorable and rewarding experience during your Swiss journey.

Is the Gelmerbahn Covered By the Swiss Pass Or the Berner Oberland Pass?

The Gelmerbahn ride is not typically covered by the Swiss Travel Pass or the Berner Oberland Pass. These passes generally cover travel on the national rail network, buses, and boats. However, if you own either of these passes, it will cover the transportation to the Gelmerbahn!

I hope this post has answered your questions about how to get to the Gelmerbahn in Switzerland. Although it takes a bit of effort to get there, I think the experience will quickly make you forget about any troubles you might have had on the way. While in the area, consider walking across the Handeckfall Bridge or taking a nearby hike with any extra time you have. And most importantly, try your best to get a front-row seat on the Gelmerbahn!