Zurich to Interlaken Day Trip & Harder Kulm Viewpoint

Summary

Small Group Swiss Alps Tour with Scenic Funicular Ride

This is your chance to ride from Zurich into the heart of Switzerland’s Alps, take in panoramic views from Harder Kulm’s platform, sample Swiss fondue at altitude, and stroll through Interlaken’s charming streets—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut. Expect moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we left Zurich that morning — just that I’d seen those photos of Interlaken with the mountains stacked up behind it, and I wanted to see if it actually looked like that in real life. Our driver-guide, Markus, kept pointing out little villages as we passed through Grindelwald (he grew up nearby and had stories about every bend in the road). The air changed as we got closer — colder, sharper, almost sweet? It’s hard to explain but you notice it when you step out of the van for the first time.

The funicular up to Harder Kulm is steeper than I thought — my ears popped halfway up and someone behind us laughed nervously. At the top, there’s this floating platform over nothing but green and blue. I tried to take a photo but honestly, my hands were shaking a bit (heights aren’t really my thing). There was a couple eating fondue at 11am — they offered us a bite and I said yes before thinking about it. The cheese was hot and salty and tasted better than anything I’ve had back home. You can see both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz from up there, plus those famous peaks: Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau. It’s strange how quiet it feels even with other people around.

Back down in Interlaken, we had free time to wander. There’s something about the way people greet each other here — not rushed, just a nod or a smile. I ended up buying chocolate from a shop where the owner let me try three kinds before deciding (I still think about that dark one with hazelnuts). The river Aare runs right through town; if you stand on one of the little bridges you can hear water rushing under your feet. We met back at the van later than planned because nobody wanted to leave yet — Markus just shrugged and said “It happens.” So yeah, if you’re thinking about a day trip from Zurich to Interlaken & Harder Kulm… don’t rush it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zurich to Interlaken and Harder Kulm

• Scenic drive from Zurich to Interlaken and Grindelwald
• Funicular ride and visit Harder Kulm viewpoint
• Free time to explore Interlaken
• Drive back to Zurich

Top questions

How long does the Zurich to Interlaken day trip take?

The full tour lasts around 11 hours including travel time between Zurich and Interlaken.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No set lunch is included, but you’ll have free time in Interlaken for food or snacks at Harder Kulm’s restaurant.

Is the Harder Kulm funicular ticket included?

Yes, your ticket for the funicular ride up to Harder Kulm is part of the tour package.

Can children join this small group tour?

Yes, families are welcome—infants can ride in strollers or prams during the trip.

Will there be free time in Interlaken?

You’ll have independent time to explore Interlaken’s shops and lakeside paths before heading back.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Zurich, scenic transport through Grindelwald village with an experienced local guide at the wheel, entry for the funicular ride up to Harder Kulm viewpoint (where there’s also a restaurant), plus plenty of free time in Interlaken before returning together in the evening.