Gelmersee, lake in Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
Gelmersee is a mountain reservoir in the Swiss Alps near Grimselpass, surrounded by rocky terrain at high elevation. The water displays a bright blue-green color against steep mountain slopes over 10,000 feet (3000 meters) tall with no significant development nearby.
The reservoir was created in the early 20th century as part of a hydroelectric project to harness mountain water for power generation. The Gelmerbahn funicular railway was built to transport workers up the steep incline and remains one of Europe's steepest mountain railways.
The name Gelmersee reflects the area's connection to water and mountain resources that shaped regional life. Today, visitors experience the lake mainly through hiking and spending time in the open landscape.
The easiest access is via the Gelmerbahn funicular, which takes about eight minutes to climb, after which you can walk around the lake or do longer hikes. The best time to visit is from late spring through early autumn when weather is mild and trails are open; parking fills quickly during peak season so arriving early helps.
The Gelmerbahn funicular railway features slopes exceeding 100 percent in some sections, making it one of Europe's steepest, and offers spectacular views of waterfalls during the eight-minute ascent. The small cabins carrying only 24 passengers each move along twin tracks, creating an unexpectedly thrilling ride.
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