Niesen – the Swiss Pyramid on Lake Thun

Enjoy the view of the Lake Thun region and the Bernese Alps

Take the historical funicular railway to the 360° panorama on the Niesen. Whether it’s hiking, fine dining, enjoying a refreshing drink with a fantastic view, listening to live music or climbing the longest stairway in the world with its 11'674 steps exclusive on the Niesenlauf, the pyramid-shaped mountain has plenty to offer. Children can look forward to a “Gschichtefahrt” (story trip) about the fox who lives on the Niesen and the Niesen Village playground.

Ascend to the 360° panorama

Take the 30-minute trip on the funicular railway to the summit. There are many ways to enjoy the view from the summit at 2362 m above sea level. On the info trail, for example, 12 boards supply interesting information about the Niesen, the funicular railway and the Berghaus. You might even see a paraglider take off from the summit and imagine that feeling of freedom.

Niesen Funicular Railway

Berghaus Niesen Kulm

Abendstimmung auf der Terrasse des Berghauses Niesen Kulm

The Berghaus Niesen Kulm’s spacious terrace is the perfect spot to relax. How about a “Niesen-Brunch” (brunch buffet) or a cool drink? Or how about wonderful views of the full moon and enjoying an unforgettable full-moon dinner on the Niesen? Enjoy a five-course surprise menu comprising seasonal and largely regional products. After sunset, the tables are illuminated by candlelight until the large full moon appears in the night sky. You can either stay overnight in the Berghaus Niesen Kulm or take the funicular railway back to the base station.

The Niesen – a children’s paradise

Kinder vergnügen sich auf dem Spielplatz Niesendörfli auf dem Gipfel des Niesens

On a leisurely «Gschichtefahrt» (storytelling trips), children are told the story of the fox cubs Fay and Finn, the magic millstone and the fox who lives on the Niesen. When they arrive at the summit, the children are served a delicious afternoon snack, after which they are free to romp around in the Niesen Village playground. Niesen Village is a lovingly designed wooden play village.

Wide-ranging cultural programme

The Niesen offers a varied cultural agenda called "up to culture". Some evenings are enlivened by the gentle sounds of guitars, while others feature absorbing readings and lectures. The 360° panorama from the viewing platform is particularly spectacular as the day draws to a close and the shadow of the pyramid-shaped Niesen is reflected on Lake Thun. Special celebrations take place on the Niesen on 1st August, Switzerland’s National Day. The day begins with a lavish brunch buffet. In the afternoon the festive event is accompanied by traditional music from Switzerland, courtesy of a Swiss accordion quartet. After a delicious meal to mark 1st August at the Berghaus Niesen Kulm, the National Day culminates with a bonfire on the summit of the Niesen.

Stay overnight on the Niesen, and enjoy the sunrise

Enjoy a unique mountain experience when you stay the night in the rustic Berghaus Niesen Kulm. The historic funicular railway takes you to the peak of the pyramid-like mountain. Once at the summit, savour a delicious three-course dinner or themed buffet, then spend the night in a comfortable double room complete with panoramic views. To round off the perfect mountain experience, select the sunrise package and enjoy a generous Niesen brunch as the sun comes up.

Hikes on the Niesen

Experience the beauty of nature on foot. Smell the mountain flowers and the fresh air and feel the ground beneath your hiking boots. Numerous hiking trails lead from the Niesen to other mountains or into the valley. For example, you can buy a hiking ticket and choose which three parts you wish to travel by train and which parts you’d like to cover on foot.

Niesen stair run on the world’s longest staircase

The unique Niesen Stairway Run takes place each summer. The running event on the 11'674 steps of the world’s longest staircase starts at 7.30h in the morning. Be part of this special experience! (Walking on the stairs is only permitted on the Niesen Stairway Run).

Storytelling trips to the Niesen

Alongside its regular programme for children, the Niesen Funicular Railway offers interesting and informative «Gschichtefahrte» (storytelling trips). Interested in sustainability? During this evocative climate and sustainability trip, the managing director Urs Wohler offers a highly personal account of how the project is going to be realised

Meetings and celebrations at the Berghaus Niesen Kulm mountain lodge

Der Seminarraum im Berghaus Niesen, mit spektakulärer Aussicht

Looking for an exclusive venue for your next meeting, or for a special celebration? You will find the ideal surroundings on the Niesen at 2,332 metres above sea level – complete with a modern, flexible infrastructure and unique panoramic views. The Berghaus makes a perfect event venue, far from the everyday world yet still within easy reach.

Your highlights at a glance

360° panorama from the viewing platform
Cultural programme at 2362 m above sea level
Longest staircase in the world with 11'674 steps
Berghaus Niesen Kulm with its sun terrace
Niesen Village – the children’s paradise

To ensure that your trip is perfect in every way, please note

Operating hours from 27 April 2024
8.00h to last regular scheduled descent at 17.00h
Evening trips until 22.00:
- Friday from 3.5. – 8.11.2024
- Saturday from 4.5. – 9.11.2024
- Wednesday from 3.7. – 30.10.2024
You need to be fit and wear good shoes to hike on the Niesen
Arrive by public transport: the base station is next to Mülenen railway station

Discover the range of experiences all round the Niesen:

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12,29 km

7,71 km