Hiking the Hardergrat
The Hardergrat hike is really unique and stunning. It is one of the most difficult day hikes in Switzerland and also one of the most dangerous. Hiking up a mountain to the top, walking over the ridge to another mountaintop, with a big turquoise lake next to you and stunning views on snowed mountaintops in the distance. A must-do if you are here. The trail starts in Brienz and runs along the Brienzersee (Lake Brienz) to Harder Kulm station.
The Augstmatthorn hike is well worth mentioning—it's a shorter alternative to the more challenging Hardergrat trail, yet no less thrilling or breathtaking. With incredible views along the way, we highly recommend starting with this hike to build confidence and enjoy the adventure! Read here a complete article about the Augstmatthorn hike.
They don’t call it the Hardergrat Trail because it’s easy if you know what I mean... it’s ranked one of the best trail runs and day hikes in the world. It runs along the Brienz Lake all the way through to Interlaken in Switzerland with almost 20km of the trail on a narrow knife-edge run.
It takes about six hours for fit hikers to complete and there are lots of parts with very, very steep drops. This is for experienced hikers and to avoid wet days. The steep cliffs can be unforgiving. It is possible to take the train up to Brienz and then down from Harder Kulm, so you just have to walk along the ridge, but you will have to walk quickly and with determination because if you miss the last train, you will go down another 800 meters of slope.
The best route is to take the train as early as possible (half price) to Brienz, then walk along the ridge to Harder-Kulm station and make sure you catch the last train. Alternatively, if you are a hiker, you can hike up to Brienzer Rothorn, along the ridge to Harder Kulm Station, then down to Interlaken for a total of almost 30 kilometers and 3000m+ of elevation gain throughout. the day.
Preparing for the trail
This hike is mostly available from June to September. The Hardergrat offers the particularity of a 360-degree view over its entire route with Lake Brienz as its horizon. This trail is as aerial as it is technical. Subjects to vertigo refrain. Especially since once launched, there is so to speak no escape and no path of abandonment.
For the sake of mountains and the love of summits, what a wonderful peak to conquer. The Hardergrat is not for the faint of heart. Especially because there are parts of the hike that are exposed to hundred-meter drops, not a fun way to go. But to those who do dare brave this ridge, you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful sights in Switzerland, as well as all the Alps have to offer.
- Departure: the summit of the Rothorn Brienzer (locomotive to be taken from Brienz) at 2350m.
- Arrival: Harderkulm (restaurant and viewing platform) at 1322m. The descent to Interlaken is done by funicular. Or on foot of course if you still have some in your legs.
It is also possible to do the route in the other direction. - To take into account: there is no water point on this trail, it is, therefore, necessary to provide enough. This trail is only suitable in perfectly dry (including the days preceding the outing) and clear weather.
- Level: very difficult
- Time: it takes an average of 10h to complete
The Hardergrat is not just a trail. It's an adventure where you will have 3000m of vert and plenty of ups and downs in more ways than you can imagine.
