Niesenbahn

Bernese Oberland

Niesen, Lake Thun, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland - Niesenbahn funicular

ABOVE: The Niesen is a massive pyramid that rises above Lake Thun and nearby grain fields.

The Bernese Alps are dotted with mountain railways, cable cars, and funiculars. Some, like the Jungfraujoch Railway and the Schilthorn cable car, are mentioned in every guidebook; others, like the Stockhornbahn, are unknown to most English-speaking tourists.

The Niesenbahn, a funicular on a 2,262m (7,749-ft) mountain overlooking Lake Thun, falls into the latter category even though it's been in operation since 1910. But make no mistake: the mountain offers spectacular views in all directions. Best of all, tickets are at least 50% cheaper than more famous excursions.

The Niesenbahn

The funicular is called the Niesenbahn, and it's open from mid-April through mid-November. Funiculars depart at regular intervals from the valley station between 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m, with additional evening departures on Wednesdays and Saturdays at certain times of the year. The funicular takes 28 minutes to reach the summit.

Options include fares to either of the two intermediate stations and a Wanderbillet or Hiking Ticket that lets you hike between any two stations on the way up or down. If you're ambitious, you can walk downhill from the summit to Frutigen (a popular resort in the Lötschberg region) in about four hours.

Berghaus

A mountain lodge built in 1856, the Berghaus Niesen Kulm, offers snacks, meals, and and eight hotel rooms with shared toilet facilities. For information on accommodations and meals, see the Niesenbahn's Web site (link below).

Advance tickets and reservations

To order funicular tickets, book an evening trip or "fullmoon dinner," or reserve an overnight hotel package, use the Niesenbahn's online booking form.

Reaching the Niesen

The Niesenbahn's lower station is in Mülenen, on the railway line that connects Thun, Spiez, Frutigen, and Kandersteg (schedule 301 in the Swiss Official Timetable). Local trains stop in Mülenen; the trip takes about 23 minutes from Thun and 7 minutes from Spiez.

For more advice on reaching the Niesen by public or private transportation, see the Niesenbahn's travel information page.

Suggested excursion

Take a lake steamer from Thun or Interlaken to Spiez, then ride the train to Mülenen for a trip up the Niesenbahn. (Or take the boat on the way back.)

From Interlaken to Spiez, the steamer takes about an hour; Thun to Spiez is just over 45 minutes.