The funicular was originally constructed to haul construction materials for the Gelmer dam, which was completed in 1932.
The 106% gradient translates to a track angle of approximately 46.7 degrees at its steepest point.
The Gelmersee is a man-made reservoir held by a 35-meter-high dam wall.
The track covers a total length of 1,028 meters to reach the summit station at 1,860 meters above sea level.
The open-air carriage design was retained from its industrial roots to maximize transport capacity for supplies, now utilized for passenger visibility.
The Gelmerbahn is a steep funicular railway rising from the Handegg valley to the Gelmersee reservoir in the Bernese Oberland. It features a maximum gradient of 106%, making it one of the steepest passenger funiculars in Europe. Originally built in 1926 to transport heavy materials for the construction of the Gelmer dam, it was repurposed for passenger transport in 2001. The ride takes approximately 10 minutes to climb an altitude gain of 448 meters. At the summit, the track terminates at the edge of the Gelmersee, an alpine reservoir surrounded by granite peaks. The vehicle is an open-air flatbed carriage, providing unobstructed views of the surrounding mountainous terrain. It serves as a starting point for hiking trails, including the circuit around the reservoir and the path to the Gelmerhütte.
The very front row of the funicular carriage provides the most dramatic perspective of the steep incline.
Book your tickets online in advance, as capacity is limited and sell-outs are common during peak summer weekends.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes if you intend to walk the loop around the reservoir, as the terrain is rocky and uneven.
Bring a windproof jacket, as temperatures at the top are significantly lower than in the valley.
Do not attempt to walk down the steep service path alongside the tracks, as it is restricted and dangerous.
Operates only during the summer season, typically from June through October; closed during winter months due to heavy snow.
Remain seated with limbs inside the carriage at all times during the ascent and descent due to the steep gradient.
