Niesen
A pyramid-shaped peak on the south shore of Lake Thun. Beside its cable car is the world's longest staircase, with 11,674 steps, and the summit overlooks Lake Thun.
Niesen stands at 2,362 m and rises on the south shore of Lake Thun in a near-perfect pyramid shape. It was a favorite subject of the painter Paul Klee. From Mülenen, take the funicular opened in 1910, changing trains midway. The summit is reached in about 30 minutes, with views over Lake Thun, the direction of Lake Brienz and the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Beside the cable car is a maintenance staircase with 11,674 steps, certified by Guinness as the world's longest staircase. It is normally closed to the public, and a stair race is held only once a year. The summit has a hotel and restaurant, so you can stay overnight and watch the sunrise. Return fare is about CHF 60. Getting there: take a train from Spiez to Mülenen station, about 7 minutes.
Opening hours
Approx. mid-Apr–mid-Nov 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Spiez Castle
- Lake Thun
- Oberhofen Castle
- Blausee
- Thun Castle & Old Town
- St. Beatus Caves
- Niederhorn
- Oeschinen Lake