A trip on the Gelmerbahn is an experience like no other, with a turquoise mountain lake awaiting you after the rattling 12-minute trip backwards up the mountain.
With a gradient of 106 percent, it is undoubtedly the steepest open passenger funicular railway in Europe. Originally built to transport building material weighing several tonnes, this technological masterpiece now offers an unforgettable rail experience. Once you have reached the top, we recommend a tour around the wild, romantic Lake Gelmer or a hike up to the Gelmerhütte.
Railway information
Opening times
7 June – 19 October 2025
June, September, October: 09.00 am – 04.00 pm (last ascent 03.48 pm, last descent 04.00 pm)
July, August: 09.00 am – 05.00 pm (last ascent 04.36 pm, last descent 04.48 pm)
Prices
Adult return CHF 40.– / single CHF 20.–
Children (aged 6 to 15) return CHF 20.– / single CHF 10.–
Tickets
Online booking in advance is strongly recommended as there may be long waiting times when purchasing tickets at the base station.
Please present your purchased ticket voucher to collect your timed tickets for your ascent and descent at the ticket office no later than 15 minutes before departure to ensure that your booked seats are held for you.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the Tourist Center Grimseltor in Innertkirchen and at the Gelmerbahn base station. These are valid for a single journey on the date and time specified at the time of purchase. Subsequent amendments, exchanges or refunds of the purchase price are not permitted.
There is no sales point at the top station of the Gelmerbahn. Please buy tickets for a possible descent online in advance, as the cable car is booked up quickly, especially in good weather.
Location and getting there
The base station and ticket office is a 5-minute walk from the Handeck, Gelmerbahn car park.
The Gelmerbahn can be reached by car or PostBus in 20 minutes from Innertkirchen.
Further information
Equipment
The Gelmerbahn takes you up to Lake Gelmer at an altitude of around 1,850 metres above sea level. Temperatures and weather conditions in the mountains can change rapidly.
We recommend sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing. The mountain trails require sure-footedness and a head for heights.
Physical Prerequisite
The Gelmerbahn is only accessible via stairs and is therefore not wheelchair accessible, not suitable for strollers, and also not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
The walk from the parking lot to the valley station can take up to 15 minutes.
Meals and Refreshments
There are no catering facilities at the Gelmerbahn’s top station, so ensure that you take sufficient food and drink with you.
The ascent to the Gelmerhütte takes 1 hour 45 minutes from the top station. The SAC alpine hut offers regional delicacies. You can plan a visit to the hut as a day trip or stay overnight.
Pre- and post-tour meals and refreshments are available at the Hotel Grimsel Hospiz and the Hotel and Nature Resort Handeck.
Capacity
24 passengers per journey
We strongly recommend to book your seats online early.
Dogs
Dogs are permitted on the Gelmerbahn. Small (lap)dogs travel free of charge, but dogs with a shoulder height of 30cm or above are charged at the child fare.