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Niesen

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Mountain
—°6
Niesen (Switzerland)

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The Niesen is a 2,362-meter-high mountain in the Bernese Alps, famous for its nearly first-rate pyramidal shape that resembles a giant Egyptian pyramid when viewed from Lake Thun. It marks the entrance to the Kandertal and Simmental valleys in the Bernese Oberland. Geologically, it belongs to the Niesen nappe, composed of thick layers of flysch, which gives the mountain its distinctive geometry and stability. Since 1910, the Niesenbahn funicular has transported passengers from Mülenen directly to the summit in two stages. Beside the tracks lies the world's longest staircase, featuring 11,674 steps; for safety reasons, it is only opened once a year for the annual Niesenlauf race. From the summit, visitors enjoy an overwhelming view of Lake Thun and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau massif. The mountain has long been a popular motif for artists, including Ferdinand Hodler and Paul Klee, who were fascinated by its sharp, geometric lines.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-6-5-148121413960-4
Rain mm8567848313012212513284878792

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The Niesen is most conveniently reached via the historic funicular railway from Mülenen, which ascends directly to the summit in two sections. Alternatively, hikers can use steep, marked trails starting from Mülenen or Schwandi, requiring good physical fitness.
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Best season
The peak season runs from May to November, coinciding with the funicular's operation and snow-free trails. In mid-summer, views over Lake Thun are often clearest, while autumn provides stable weather conditions for hiking.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain at the summit is alpine and rocky, while the slopes are characterized by steep grassy inclines and narrow switchback paths. The hiking trails are well-maintained but require sure-footedness and a head for heights near the ridges.
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What to bring
Sturdy hiking boots with profiled soles are essential for the ascent or descent, as is wind protection for the often breezy summit. Since weather in the Bernese Oberland can change quickly, a rain jacket should always be in your backpack.
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Parking
At the base station of the Niesenbahn in Mülenen, there are plenty of paid parking spaces available for day visitors. Arriving by train is also very convenient, as the railway station directly adjoins the cable car's valley station.
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Safety
Pay special attention to the steep grassy slopes, which can become extremely slippery when wet; therefore, stay strictly on the marked paths. Due to the mountain's exposed location, outdoor activities must end immediately if a storm is approaching.
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Time needed
A visit by train takes about 3 to 4 hours, including time spent on the viewing terrace. Those wishing to climb the mountain on foot should allow about 5 hours of pure hiking time for the ascent from Mülenen.

Geography

Coordinates
46.65000, 7.68000

Facts

  • The Niesen stands at 2,362 meters and is shaped like a pyramid.
  • It features the world's longest staircase with 11,674 individual steps.
  • The Niesenbahn funicular started its operations way back in 1910.
  • The mountain's geology is dominated by robust Flysch sediments.
  • It offers one of the best viewpoints over the Bernese Oberland and Lake Thun.
  • Paul Klee and Ferdinand Hodler both painted this mountain several times.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

SpiezSpiez4 km · NExplore →
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ThunThun12 km · NExplore →
SteffisburgSteffisburg14 km · NExplore →
InterlakenInterlaken15 km · EExplore →
HeimbergHeimberg16 km · NExplore →
SchilthornSchilthorn16 km · SEExplore →
KanderstegKandersteg17 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Niesen (6)

Reformierte Kirche Aeschi

The Reformed church of Aeschi with outbuildings is located in Aeschi near Spiez, canton of Bern.

Gedenktafel Präsidenten Niesenbahn

The commemorative plaque remembers the president of the Niesen railway.

Burgruine Mülenen🏰 castle

The castle ruin Mülenen is a hill without wall remains, castle mentioned in 1265, acquired by Bern in 1352.

Niesen

From the Niesen you have a view of the Bernese Oberland.

KP Heinrich

KP Heinrich is a location on the Niesen mountain.

Evangelisch-reformierte Kirche Reichenbach

The Evangelical Reformed church of Reichenbach stands in Reichenbach im Kandertal, canton of Bern.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Niesen called the 'pyramid'?
Because of its almost excellent, striking triangular shape.
What is special about the stairs on the Niesen?
With 11,674 steps, it is the longest staircase in the world (open only for the Niesen run).
How do you get to the summit?
By the historic funicular from Mülenen.
What can you see from the summit?
Lake Thun and the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
Can you stay overnight on the mountain?
Yes, there are guest rooms at the Niesen Kulm mountain house.
Niesen: where is it located?
Niesen is located in Switzerland.
Niesen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Reformierte Kirche Aeschi, Gedenktafel Präsidenten Niesenbahn, Burgruine Mülenen.
Niesen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Niesen: why is it worth visiting?
The Niesen is a 2,362-meter-high mountain in the Bernese Alps, famous for its nearly first-rate pyramidal shape that resembles a giant Egyptian pyramid when viewed from Lake Thun.
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