Gelmerbahn: Alpine Thrill Ride
Haven’t experienced breathtaking adventures or enjoyed stunning nature in a while?
Then Jojo recommends visiting the Gelmerbahn in Switzerland. It’s an incredible combination of a slightly extreme ascent and the unreal beauty of the Swiss Alps.
The Gelmerbahn is a unique narrow-gauge railway in Switzerland, located in the canton of Bern, near the Grimsel Pass. It connects Gelmer Lake with the lower Haslital Valley and attracts many tourists with its distinctive design and picturesque views.
An Unforgettable Journey
The road to the Gelmerbahn is excellent, with a fairly large parking area on-site. Tickets for the ascent and descent should ideally be purchased in advance. Many visitors mention buying tickets upon arrival, but this is rare, especially during holidays or weekends. Typically, tickets for the descent are available in the morning, and tickets for the ascent after lunch (but often not for the descent).
If you’re not afraid of descending via mountain trails, it’s not a problem – you can safely take the ascent. Many tourists buy tickets for both the ascent and descent, leaving only an hour for a walk near the lake, which they later regret. I recommend setting aside at least three hours and bringing everything you need for a picnic.
I only had a ticket for the ascent, even though I purchased it two weeks before my trip. However, I didn’t regret not having a return ticket and descending the mountain trails instead. It took me nearly two hours, but it was worth it.
I walked around Gelmer Lake, enjoying the stunning views of the blue water, snow-capped mountain peaks, snow patches, crystal-clear waterfalls, and the beautiful blooming rhododendrons, which are in extraordinary abundance in June.
The relatively small number of tourists, the tranquility, and the fresh mountain air made my experience unforgettable.
Of course, after a long hike and descent on a less-than-ideal trail, I was utterly exhausted, but it was worth it!
A Few Interesting Facts About the Gelmerbahn:
The Gelmerbahn is the steepest open funicular railway in Europe. It has a gradient of up to 106%, comparable to an almost vertical climb, making the ride feel like an amusement park attraction.
The railway was built in 1926 to transport construction materials and workers involved in building the dam at Gelmer Lake, which is part of the region's hydroelectric power system.
Since 2001, the Gelmerbahn has been open to tourists. It is a popular destination for thrill-seekers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. The train ride takes about 10 minutes but leaves an unforgettable impression.
During the ride on the Gelmerbahn, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Alps, the Haslital Valley, and the blue Gelmer Lake, an artificial reservoir with crystal-clear water.
The Gelmerbahn operates only during the summer season, from June to October. In winter and spring, it is closed due to challenging weather conditions and avalanche risks.
The Gelmerbahn serves as the starting point for many hiking trails. One of the most popular routes is the walk around Gelmer Lake. From here, visitors can also explore other hydroelectric facilities and alpine paths.
The railway uses only one carriage, which accommodates about 24 passengers. This adds a special charm to the ride and creates a closer connection with nature.
The Gelmerbahn is closely tied to the use of renewable energy, as Gelmer Lake and the surrounding dams are part of the Kraftwerke Oberhasli (KWO) hydroelectric power plants.
The ride is recommended only for those who are not afraid of heights, as the cabin is open and the incline is extreme. However, this is what makes the trip so thrilling.
The Gelmerbahn is not just transportation; it is a true adventure that combines engineering brilliance with the breathtaking natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.
The Gelmerbahn is not just a mode of transportation but an adventure that combines engineering brilliance with the stunning natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Official website for tickets and more information:
Location:
Grimselstrasse, 3864 Guttannen
📍 46.61365774673463, 8.308536980233301
Jojo.is invites you to enjoy the breathtaking views during the ascent on the narrow-gauge railway and learn fascinating facts about the Gelmerbahn:
Don’t go to the Gelmerbahn on the off chance — buy your ticket online in advance and allow extra time for the walk up. Tickets sell out quickly, parking at the lower station is limited, and due to construction work, summer access is via steep steps and a temporary path, so you should plan for about a 20-minute walk from the parking area or bus stop.
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