Mount Niesen is not one of the best known mountains in the Berner Oberland.
If you don’t plan to do any hiking, it’s best to go up in the afternoon to admire what is said to be the best sunset in Switzerland. Even more spectacular is to choose a day with a full moon and see a true spectacle of nature.
A few facts about Mount Niesen
The funicular starts from Mülenen (693 m) very close to Lake Thun. It is one of the longest funiculars in the world (3,499 m), with a total gradient of 1,643 metres and a maximum gradient of 69%. But what is most striking is the service staircase that accompanies the entire route of the funicular. A total of 11,674 steps make it the longest staircase in the world. Incredible but true. It is so famous that the Niesenlauf race is held here. The record is to climb it in just 52 minutes.
A visit to Mount Niesen
If you want to see the sunset in August, seven o’clock is a good time to set off for the summit. It’s worth bearing in mind that the afternoon is less crowded and there is a 50% discount on the ticket after 15:30. The journey takes half an hour and there is an intermediate stop at Schwandegg (1,669 m) where you have to change funiculars.
As soon as you get off the funicular, a spectacular view of the Jungfrau, the Mönch and Eiger, Lake Thun and, above all, something that cannot be seen so clearly on other peaks, the shadow of the Niesen, which casts a perfect, slender shadow down into the valley, awaits you. The pyramid shape below the Big Three is unmistakably reminiscent of the Egyptian pyramids, and their shape and form are nothing to envy.
After admiring the first views, it is only a five-minute walk to the futuristic terrace of the Niesen. From the terrace of the restaurant you have a breathtaking view of Lake Thun.
On the other side of the terrace you can also climb to the summit (2,362 m). Just before the summit there is a small hut park, ideal for those of you with children. The view of the huts at sunset is magical.
The sun sets over Lake Thun and at the same time casts its rays over the Jungfrau and the rest of the mountains. But just as the sun emits its last ray before it sets for good, the full moon begins to appear timidly to the west of the Eiger.
The sight of the full moon on the Niesen is indescribable.
The terrace of the Niesen, built mainly of glass, is ideal for dining and admiring the sun go down. Luckily, by this time people are already back in their flats or hotels, so you can experience an unforgettable spectacle with hardly any people or crowds. It also has the advantage of allowing you to do other things during the morning, such as swimming at one of the beaches on Lake Thun or hiking in the Jungfrau region.