Gelmersee Lake
High alpine reservoir reached by steep funicular railway
High‑alpine reservoir in Canton Bern reached by the steep Gelmerbahn funicular. Day‑hikers come for the dam, short trails and clear turquoise water ringed by rocky slopes.
Gelmersee at a Glance#
Address: Gelmersee / Gelmerbahn, Handegg / Innertkirchen region, Canton of Bern, Switzerland
Hours: Gelmerbahn typically operates seasonally (usually June-October); check local listings for exact daily hours.
Admission: CHF 15-25 (funicular return ticket, seasonal)
About Gelmersee#
Gelmersee is an alpine reservoir in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland known for its vivid water colour and alpine setting. The lake is accessed by a steep open-air funicular and by hiking trails.
A dam forms the lake basin and the area is used for hydropower and recreation. The vintage-style Gelmerbahn funicular climbs the rock face to the lake and is a popular part of the visitor experience.
Hiking circuits around the lake and routes that connect to higher alpine trails are common in summer months, and the site is used for sightseeing, short walks and day excursions rather than extensive alpine climbing.
Gelmersee sits above the valley near Innertkirchen in the Canton of Bern in a high-mountain environment in the Bernese Alps.
- Steep funicular: The funicular access is famous for its steep incline - the line has a maximum gradient of roughly 106 percent - and attracts visitors as part of the journey to the lake.
What to See#
- Gelmerbahn funicular: A steep open-air funicular that runs up to the lake and is noted for its very steep maximum gradient; it is a common means of reaching the lake from the road below during the summer season.
- Reservoir and dam: The dam and reservoir area where the alpine lake collects melt and runoff behind an engineering structure used for local hydropower and water management.
How to Get to Gelmersee#
Gelmersee is accessed from the Handegg/Innertkirchen area in Canton Bern. By car, follow the Grimselstrasse (Grimsel Pass road) and take the turn toward Gelmerbahn near Handegg; parking is available but limited. From Meiringen and Innertkirchen regional buses and tourist shuttles operate in summer. The Gelmerbahn itself runs from the lower station up to the dam and lake; check seasonal timetables before setting out.
Tips for Visiting Gelmersee#
- Book the Gelmerbahn funicular in advance in high summer-the line is short and runs on a first-come basis on busy days.
- Sit on the right-hand side of the funicular going up for the best views of the lake and the dam.
- There is a roughly 1-2 hour walking loop above the lake; bring a light windbreaker as weather changes quickly at altitude.
Best Time to Visit Gelmersee#
Summer months are best for riding the steep Gelmerbahn and walking around the alpine reservoir.
Weather & Climate near Gelmersee#
Gelmersee's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -8°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1365 mm/year), wettest in June, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -8° - -1° | -10° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 4.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 8.9h |
| February | Poor | -8° - -1° | -10° | 87 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 4.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| March | Poor | -6° - 0° | -9° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 4.3 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -4° - 2° | -6° | 119 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.3 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.4h |
| May | Poor | 1° - 7° | 0° | 127 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.8h |
| June | Poor | 4° - 11° | 5° | 132 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.6h |
| July | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 10° | 127 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.2h |
| August | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 10° | 127 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.0h |
| September | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 5° | 115 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.0 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | 0° - 7° | 0° | 124 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 4.2 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 2° | -6° | 114 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 4.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| December | Poor | -6° - 0° | -9° | 100 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 4.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
