Niesen
Ascend the 'Swiss Pyramid' via funicular or hike for unparalleled views of the Bernese Alps. A less crowded alternative to major peaks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer trails, fewer crowds
Niesen
Best Time
Clearer trails, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend the 'Swiss Pyramid' via funicular or hike for unparalleled views of the Bernese Alps. A less crowded alternative to major peaks.
"The Niesen offers a serene experience with majestic views, a true gem away from the crowds."
Check Snow Conditions First
Webcams are your best friend for checking snow on trails, especially in late spring. :camerawithflash:
Funicular Tickets Can Be Pricey
Consider a Gastkarte for discounts if available. Brunch deals can offer value. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Niesenbahn Funicular Ride
Mulenen Station
Ascend the 'Swiss Pyramid' via a historic funicular for breathtaking panoramic views.
The World's Longest Staircase
Alongside the Niesenbahn
Marvel at the 11,674 steps, a unique feat of engineering, though usually only accessible during the stair run event.
Summit Restaurant Views
Niesen Summit
Enjoy a meal with unparalleled vistas of the Bernese Alps and surrounding valleys.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Niesen Ascent
Funicular vs. Hiking Niesen
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Niesen: hiking downhill to Schwandegg?
Check Snow Conditions First
Webcams are your best friend for checking snow on trails, especially in late spring. :camerawithflash:
Funicular Tickets Can Be Pricey
Consider a Gastkarte for discounts if available. Brunch deals can offer value. :moneybag:
World's Longest Stair Race (Niesen Stairway Run, Switzerland): Lottery now open!
World's Longest Stairway Race! Niesen (Switzerland) -2024 lottery open now!
Hiking Niesen is Challenging
The uphill path is marked 'hard' but doable for fit individuals. Downhill routes are less used. :athletic_shoe:
Less Touristy Than Jungfraujoch
Enjoy a more serene experience compared to other major Swiss peaks. :peace_symbol:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Snow Conditions First
Webcams are your best friend for checking snow on trails, especially in late spring. :camerawithflash:
Funicular Tickets Can Be Pricey
Consider a Gastkarte for discounts if available. Brunch deals can offer value. :moneybag:
Hiking Niesen is Challenging
The uphill path is marked 'hard' but doable for fit individuals. Downhill routes are less used. :athletic_shoe:
Less Touristy Than Jungfraujoch
Enjoy a more serene experience compared to other major Swiss peaks. :peace_symbol:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Niesen's breathtaking panoramic views and the unique experience of the funicular ride up the 'Swiss Pyramid.' The summit restaurant is praised for its excellent food and spectacular setting. However, some find the funicular tickets to be quite expensive, and the famous staircase is rarely accessible to the public.
"I went up from Mulenen station. The trail panel says 5h, but it you are somewhat trained, it can take you way less (I needed 3h30). The path is well tracked and does not have technical passages. I hiked up on May 18th, and there was no snow. I came down on the other side, reaching Willmis. The trail is less used but still well tracked. Some patches of snow were there, but easy to cross. Very scenic hike!
Few notes: you can go up with a train from Mulenen. At the top, there is a restaurant with a spectacular view over the valleys. For snow conditions, check the webcams, there are plenty"
Luca Lanzilao
"Administratively, the summit is shared between the municipalities of Reichenbach im Kandertal to the southeast, and Wimmis to the west and north. Both municipalities are in the canton of Bern.
The summit can be reached easily by using the Niesenbahn funicular from Mülenen (near Reichenbach). The construction of the funicular was completed in 1910.
Alongside the funicular is the longest stairway in the world, with 11,674 steps. It is only open to the public once a year for a stair run event.
Originally the mountains name was Yesen. «An Yesen» transformed to Niesen. Yesen is yellow gentian and still flowers on the Niesen to this day. Because of its shape, the Niesen is often called the Swiss Pyramid.The Niesen may have influenced some modernist paintings by Paul Klee, in which an abstracted pyramidal form is seen."
World Tour
"Must visit
The step train ride is awesome. With 11,674 steps, the staircase train along the Niesen Funicular is, according to the Guinness Book of Records, the longest staircase train in the world."
Varad Chiney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common access point is Mulenen station, near Reichenbach im Kandertal. From there, you can take the Niesenbahn funicular or begin your hike. Public transport to Mulenen is readily available via train.
Limited parking is usually available at Mulenen station, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving by public transport is recommended.
Yes, you can drive to Mulenen station, where the Niesenbahn funicular starts. However, parking is limited, so consider public transport for a more relaxed experience.
Navigate to Mulenen, which is easily accessible via the main roads in the Kandertal valley. The Niesenbahn station is well-signposted from the village.
Absolutely! The Niesenbahn funicular is located at Mulenen station, which is served by regular train services, making it very accessible via public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Funicular tickets can be quite expensive, but the experience is often considered worth it. Look into potential discounts like a 'Gastkarte' from your accommodation for around 20% off. Brunch packages including the ride are also available.
It's advisable to check the official Niesenbahn website for the most up-to-date information on ticket purchases and operating hours. Online booking might be available.
Yes, some accommodations offer a 'Gastkarte' which can provide a discount on the funicular ride. Special packages like brunch deals also exist.
The 11,674-step staircase alongside the funicular is typically only open to the public once a year for a special stair run event. It's not generally accessible for hiking.
The Niesenbahn operates seasonally. It's crucial to check their official website for current operating hours and dates, as these can vary.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
You can either take the scenic Niesenbahn funicular up for stunning views or hike the challenging but rewarding trails. Both offer unique perspectives of the 'Swiss Pyramid'.
The hike up from Mulenen is considered 'hard' and takes around 3.5 to 5 hours depending on fitness. The trails are well-tracked but steep. Descending routes are less used.
At the summit, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views, dine at the restaurant, and explore the surrounding area. It's a great spot for photography and relaxation.
Yes, you can hike down from Niesen. One popular route is towards Willmis, though these trails can be less maintained and may have snow patches.
The Niesen is nicknamed the 'Swiss Pyramid' due to its distinctive, symmetrical shape, which has even inspired artists like Paul Klee.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an excellent restaurant at the Niesen summit offering delicious food and spectacular views over the valleys and the Alps. It's a must-visit for many.
The restaurant typically serves traditional Swiss cuisine and regional specialties. It's a great place to refuel after a hike or a funicular ride.
While the summit restaurant can be pricey, consider looking for brunch deals or bringing your own snacks for a picnic with a view. The funicular ride itself is a significant cost.
Yes, you can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic at various scenic spots around Niesen, especially if you're hiking. The summit also offers incredible views for a packed lunch.
The Niesenbahn offers packages that can include the funicular ride and a meal, such as a brunch deal for two, which can offer good value.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers panoramic views of the Bernese Alps and the surrounding valleys. The Niesenbahn funicular itself, the staircase, and the distinctive pyramid shape are also iconic photo subjects.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be bright, but the clear mountain air provides excellent visibility for wide shots.
While the staircase is usually closed, you can photograph its impressive length running alongside the funicular tracks. Capturing its scale is a popular photographic challenge.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating mountain peaks. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
While specific photography tours might be rare, the accessibility via funicular and well-marked trails make it easy for photographers to explore independently and find their own unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking the Niesen Trails
Key Hiking Tips:
* Wear sturdy hiking boots: Essential for the steep and sometimes uneven terrain.
* Carry plenty of water and snacks: Especially if you plan to hike the full ascent and descent.
* Check weather forecasts: Mountain weather can change rapidly.
* Inform someone of your hiking plans: For safety, especially if hiking solo.
Remember that the Niesen is nicknamed the 'Swiss Pyramid' for its striking symmetrical shape, and the hike provides unparalleled views of this unique mountain and the surrounding Bernese Alps.
The Niesenbahn Funicular Experience
Alongside the funicular runs the world's longest staircase, featuring an astonishing 11,674 steps. While this staircase is a remarkable feat of engineering, it's typically only accessible to the public during the annual Niesen stair run event. For most visitors, the funicular is the primary means of reaching the summit without strenuous effort.
Funicular Ride Highlights:
* Spectacular Views: Enjoy unobstructed vistas throughout the ascent.
* Historic Engineering: Experience a piece of Swiss railway history.
* Accessibility: A comfortable option for all visitors, regardless of fitness level.
Culinary Delights at the Summit
While the summit restaurant can be a bit of a splurge, many visitors find the combination of the incredible views and quality food to be well worth the cost. Some reviews mention brunch deals that can offer good value, especially when bundled with the funicular ride. For those on a tighter budget, consider packing your own picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic viewpoints around the summit, making the most of the breathtaking scenery without the restaurant prices.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit