The Gelmersee hike is another incredible hiking trail in Switzerland, located near the village of Handegg in Bernese Oberland.
I completed this hike when I was 32 weeks pregnant with César, during our babymoon in Switzerland. Compared to the other hikes that we did during these weeks such as the Oeschinensee hike or the Augstmatthorn hike, this circular trail was a walk in the park.
What actually draws in the most visitors is the Gelmerbahn, which is considered to be the steepest funicular in Europe, with a gradient of up to 106%.
A lot of people simply visit a small part of the Gelmersee and don’t even bother hiking around it. But that’s where they are missing out! The Gelmersee hike is one of those trails where you are rewarded with the most stunning views by only making a small effort in return.
So if you’re interested in hiking around the Gelmersee, then keep on reading! In this article I will share everything you need to know about one of the most beautiful hikes in Switzerland.
- Gelmersee Hiking Stats
- Interesting facts about the Gelmersee
- How to book tickets for the Gelmerbahn
- How to get to Gelmersee
- How to hike the Gelmersee Circular Trail – A step by step hiking guide
- How to score a front row seat on the Gelmerbahn
- When can you hike the Gelmersee Hiking Trail
- Frequently Asked Questions
Gelmersee Hiking Stats
Distance – 8.96km (5.56 miles)
Elevation – 199m (652 feet)
Duration – 2 hours
Route Type – Circular
Starting Point – Handegg, valley station Gelmerbahn. To reach the start of the Gelmersee circular trail you’ll have to take the iconic Gelmerbahn up and down. The funicular’s track with a length of 1,028 m has a maximum inclination of 106%.
End Point – Handegg
Level – Moderate
💡 TIP – Make sure to book your tickets for the Gelmerbahn at least 5 days in advance.
Interesting facts about the Gelmersee
One fascinating aspect of Gelmersee is its accessibility; the journey begins with a ride on the Gelmerbahn funicular, which is one of the steepest in Europe, offering an adrenaline-pumping start to your adventure.
The lake itself is a product of human ingenuity, created for hydroelectric power generation, yet it blends seamlessly into the natural landscape, showcasing the harmonious balance between technology and nature.
Surrounding the lake are trails that offer panoramic views and challenge hikers with their rugged terrain, making a trip to Gelmersee not just a visual feast but also an adventurer’s delight.
The combination of the lake’s serene beauty, the thrilling funicular ride, and the rewarding hiking trails make Gelmersee a unique destination in the Swiss Alps, attracting nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
How to book tickets for the Gelmerbahn
To book tickets for the Gelmerbahn, the funicular that takes you up to Gelmersee, follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Start by visiting the official website of the Grimselwelt, which manages the Gelmerbahn. The website provides the most current information on ticket prices, operating hours, and special conditions.
- Select Your Tickets: Choose the type of tickets you need based on the number of passengers, round-trip or one-way, and any concessions for children, seniors, or groups if applicable.
- Choose a Date and Time: Select your preferred date and time for the ride. Keep in mind that the Gelmerbahn operates seasonally, typically from June to October, and time slots can fill up quickly, especially in peak summer months.
- Provide Personal Details: Fill in the required personal information for the booking, including contact details.
- Make the Payment: Complete the booking process by paying for the tickets using the available online payment options.
- Receive Confirmation: After the payment is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your tickets and important details about your trip.
💡 TIP – It’s recommended to book your tickets well in advance, particularly during peak travel periods, to secure your spot. Also, check the website for any updates or changes to the operation schedule due to weather conditions or maintenance work. I booked our tickets for the Gelmerbahn about a week in advance.
How to get to Gelmersee
Start your adventure by heading to the town of Innertkirchen, located in the Bernese Oberland. From there, make your way to the Handegg – Hotel Handeck, where you’ll find the base station of the Gelmerbahn funicular.
This funicular, one of the steepest in Europe, will take you on a thrilling ride up to the Gelmer valley. Once you reach the top, a short walk leads you to the stunning Gelmersee.
Here are the average driving times and distances from nearby cities to Handegg, along with public transportation options:
- From Bern:
- Distance: Approximately 100 km (about 62 miles)
- Driving time: Around 1.5 hours
- Public transportation: Take a train from Bern to Meiringen, then switch to a PostBus that goes directly to Handegg.
- From Lucerne:
- Distance: Roughly 85 km (about 53 miles)
- Driving time: About 1.5 hours
- Public transportation: You can take a train from Lucerne to Meiringen, followed by a PostBus to Handegg.
- From Interlaken:
- Distance: Around 45 km (about 28 miles)
- Driving time: Approximately 1 hour
- Public transportation: The best option is to take a train to Meiringen, then continue with a PostBus to Handegg.
- From Zurich:
- Distance: About 150 km (93 miles)
- Driving time: Roughly 2 hours
- Public transportation: Catch a train to Meiringen from Zurich, and then transfer to a PostBus that heads to Handegg.
Public transportation to Handegg generally involves a combination of train and bus services, with Meiringen serving as a key transit point. It’s always a good idea to check the latest schedules and routes on the official Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) website or app for the most up-to-date travel information.
How to hike the Gelmersee Circular Trail – A step by step hiking guide
Handegg – Gelmersee
Once we parked our car at the parking lot in Handegg, we followed a paved road up to the base of the Gelmerbahn funicular. I had bought our tickets a week in advance, hoping the weather gods would be in our favor. They were not.
We arrived on a gloomy and grey morning where not a single mountain top was visible. But we had our tickets and I figured experiencing the Gelmerbahn funicular is a really fun experience on its own.
The ride up took about 10 minutes and on the way up I didn’t really bother with sitting in the front row. But the ride up was spectacular and the steep gradient of the funicular makes for a thrilling adventure.
Gelmerbahn to Gelmersee Trail Head
From the top of the funicular it’s only a short walk to the lakeshore and the dam. My advice would be to do the circular route clockwise as we did.
When we arrived to the top thick clouds were still covering most parts of the lake but we decided to start hiking anyway. I felt the sun trying to break through the clouds so we might still get lucky!
On the Gelmersee Trail
As I said before, we hiked the Gelmersee Trail clockwise so after arriving to the lake we took the left path. The trail is pretty rocky at times and has some drop offs so be mindful of your steps.
At times the inclination is on the steep side and because of the loose rocks and gravel I was happy that we made the decision to hike clockwise. Otherwise we had to descend this way which can be a lot trickier.
To our luck the sun had finally breached through the clouds once we neared the other end of the lake. The mountains were starting to show and the turquoise lake was glistening in the sunlight.
So far the hike was pretty easy and even in my condition I was still able to keep a steady pace without getting too much out of breath.
At the far end of the lake there is however a section that is pretty exposed and has a steep drop off. Fortunately there are steel cables etched in the rock wall, but I didn’t feel like needing them. It’s this section on the trail that makes the Gelmersee hike less suitable for people with a fear of heights or small children under the age of 6.
But once you’ve crossed this part of the hike it’s all smooth sailing from there. The trail becomes less technical, just a little more muddy thanks to the waterfalls cascading down into the lake.
When we visited in June this side of the lake was filled with beautiful wildflowers. The perfect moment to take some cute photos!
And before you know it you’ll find yourself back at the dam. There are a couple of toilets here as well so make sure to use them before or after the hike. It was time to head back down with the Gelmerbahn Funicular and this time we did score a front row seat! I’ll tell you exactly how in the section below.
💡 TIP – Don’t forget to visit the Handeckfallbrücke, which is located right behind the Gelmerbahn ticket office. The Handeckfall bridge was built in 2006. It connects the hotel Handeck with the bottom station of the Gelmerbahn funicular and crosses over a little waterfall of the Aare river.
How to score a front row seat on the Gelmerbahn
Almost everyone that takes the Gelmerbahn Funicaular up and down wants to sit in the front row. But the big question is how to time your visit so you can do just that?
When booking your tickets for the Gelmerbahn you have to select specific time slots. Keep in mind that if you want to hike the Gelmersee trail you have to calculate in at least 2 hours to be able to finish it. The Gelmerbahn Funicular runs every 20 minutes so I decided to keep our time slots 3 hours apart.
This would leave us ample amount of time to enjoy the hike and then wait for that first row spot. My advice is to go stand in line 20 minutes before your time slot. This way you’re pretty sure that you’ll be the first in line when it’s your time to ride down the mountain.
When can you hike the Gelmersee Hiking Trail
The Gelmersee Hiking Trail is typically accessible and best enjoyed from June to October. This window aligns with the operating months of the Gelmerbahn funicular, which provides access to the lake and trailhead.
During these months, the weather is more favorable for hiking, with warmer temperatures and reduced snow cover, allowing for safer and more enjoyable trail conditions. Always check the current weather and trail status before your hike, as conditions can vary, especially at higher altitudes.
It’s not possible to reach the Gelmersee lake in the winter. The funicular does not operate and the hiking trails leading up will be fully covered in snow.
The Gelmerbahn opening hours are as followed:
June, September, October: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (last ascent 3:48 p.m., last descent 4:00 p.m.)
July, August: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last ascent 4:36 p.m., last descent 4:48 p.m.)
June 1st – October 20th, 2024
Prices for the Gelmerbahn:
Adults return CHF 36.00 / one way CHF 18.00
Children 6–15 years return CHF 18.00 / one way CHF 9.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reach Gelmersee without using the Gelmerbahn?
Yes, you can reach Gelmersee without using the Gelmerbahn. For those who prefer an alternative route or a more challenging hike, there are footpaths leading to Gelmersee.
Starting from Handegg, hikers can take a marked trail that winds through the scenic Alpine landscape, eventually leading to the lake. The trail is 1.5km one way and gains 250m of elevation.
This approach requires a good level of fitness and proper hiking gear, as the terrain can be steep and rugged in places.
How fast is the Gelmerbahn?
The Gelmerbahn travels at a speed of up to 2 meters per second. This allows passengers to ascend the steep incline efficiently while providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Is the Gelmerbahn scary?
For those with a fear of heights or who are not accustomed to such steep transportation, the ride might be intimidating. However, the Gelmerbahn is designed with safety in mind and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes, which many find exhilarating and enjoyable. The experience can be a thrilling highlight of the trip to Gelmersee for adventure seekers and those who appreciate unique engineering feats.
If you have any questions about how to visit Bernese Oberland or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on Bernese Oberland
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
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