We had such a nice time in Thun and cruising on the Thunersee, that we kept going back to the area, trying out whatever else was on offer. Thus Niesen, the pyramid-shaped mountain on the southwest side of the Thunersee. You take two steep funiculars to the top, where you get an amazing 360 view of the Bernese alps, lakes and valleys.
There’s a short path to the top (stroller-friendly), where you’ll find a pretty good restaurant and a big playground. When our kids were older, we came back and did the hike to the middle station, which we really liked. But even if you aren’t hiking, Niesen is a good place to simply enjoy the views and perhaps a leisurely meal on the panorama terrace.
Contents
| Location: | Berner Oberland Switzerland |
| Address: | Niesen funicular: Heustrichstrasse 12, 3711 Mülenen CH |
| Car: | Parking adjacent to funicular (46°38’23.4″N 7°41’26.0″E) 25 mins from Interlaken, 1hr40 from Zurich |
| Train: | Closest train station: Mülenen 50 mins from Interlaken, 1hr50 from Zurich HB |
| Trail: | 300m to viewpoint |
| Condition: | paved path, stroller and wheelchair accessible |
| Difficulty: | easy |
| Open: | mid April to mid November |
| Prices 2024: | Adult full fare return CHF 59 SBB Halbtax and Junior Card accepted Included in Berner Oberland Regional Pass. |
| Services: | restaurant, playground |
| More info: | www.niesen.ch |
Overview
Mt Niesen is a mountain overlooking the Thunersee in the Berner Oberland.
Here is the hiking map for the Niesen area. When our kids were very little, we just enjoyed the playground and view from the top and ate lunch at the restaurant. When they were older (9 and 13), we went back and did the 5 km trail from the top to the middle station at Schwandegg, which we really enjoyed. See more about the trail here.
By car: Drive to Heustrichstrasse 12, 3711 Mülenen CH and park in the lot next to the funicular station.
By transit: Take a train/bus to Mülenen, Bahnhof. The funicular is a short walk from the bus stop.
Ticket Prices
Buy a return ticket to the top of Niesen. In 2023, this costs CHF 59. Discounts for SBB GA, Half-fare, and Day Passes. Included in Berner Oberland Regional Pass.
Operating Times
The funicular runs from late April through early November. If you plan to hike, note that the trails are not necessarily open in early spring or late fall. So check trail conditions and webcams and perhaps call before heading out.
The funicular runs every 30 mins starting at 8:00. The last ride down from the top at Niesen is 17:45. But check the current operating times to be sure.
At the top of Niesen
Here’s the funicular leaving the valley station. If you are hiking, buy the hiking ticket that saves a little on the round trip fare.
You’ll take two funiculars, changing over at the middle station. Here’s the track for the second one.
At the top, follow the short paved trail to the restaurant and farther up to the playground and observation terrace.
Observation Terrace
Lots of big views as you wander around the top. There is a short gravel path up to an observation area surrounded by a fence.
View of Thun on the far left.
Playground
There is a playground at the top, with a slide and some play houses. It’s best for smaller kids with some imagination. My 10 year old wasn’t interested at all.
Restaurant at the top
The restaurant has lots of outdoor seating with a fantastic view.
The food was pretty good, restaurant was packed the day we were there
Optional Hiking
There is a wonderful trail leading down the mountain to the middle station at Schwandegg, about 5km and 690m of descent. It’s a mountain trail that requires good shoes and steady footing. More details about this trail in this post.
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