Harder Kulm

For some unexplainable reason, I found the name ‘Harder Kulm’ extremely strange and funny when I asked a local about day-trips that I could take from Interlaken. However, Interlaken’s home mountain is akin to a paradise for hikers and those looking for arresting views of the Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau. And then you can also see the town tucked between the lakes Brienz and Thun. About 1322 m above sea level, taking a 10-minute long funicular on the Harder Railway from the Interlaken Ost station will get you to Harder Kulm. Apart from a revolving restaurant that serves delectable local fare, there is also a large playground replete with swings and slides in order to keep children and even some adults occupied. A round trip should cost you about 30 CHF. Go up to the mountain and spend a few good hours reading, watching people or simply doing nothing. You will not be disappointed. I sat on an almost broken wooden bench and carved my name on it, just the way several other travellers had. I was there and I would take that wonderful memory to my grave.