Niesen

Niesen is a pyramidal mountain in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland with a summit elevation of 2,362 meters. It is well known locally for its sharply defined profile above Lake Thun.

The summit provides broad panoramic views over Lake Thun and the surrounding Bernese Alps and is reached by the historic Niesenbahn funicular, which opened in 1910. A distinctive external staircase of 11,674 steps runs alongside the mountain and is used for an annual uphill race but is not a regular public route.

The mountain has long been a landmark in the region; tourist access was substantially improved with construction of the Niesenbahn funicular in 1910. Since then the peak has been promoted as a viewpoint and recreational destination.

Niesen rises above the northern shore of Lake Thun in the Canton of Bern, with the valley station at Mülenen, and is within reach of Interlaken and other Bernese Oberland resort towns.

• Nickname: The mountain is locally nicknamed the "Swiss Pyramid" for its steep, triangular profile and clear summit silhouette.
• Access: A funicular railway provides the standard public ascent to the summit, running from the village of Mülenen to the top and operating on a seasonal schedule.

What to See #

• Summit (2,362 m): The summit of the mountain at 2,362 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views over Lake Thun, the Bernese Oberland, and the Lowlands to the north.
• Niesenbahn funicular (opened 1910): The Niesenbahn funicular route from Mülenen valley station to the summit, opened in 1910 and operating seasonally as the primary public access to the top.
• Niesen staircase (11,674 steps): The long external staircase running up the mountain with 11,674 steps, used publicly for a single annual timed race and not generally served as a daily path.