Between the Simmen and Kander valleys, Niesen rises like a pyramid, providing visitors with a view of Spiez Bay, probably the most beautiful in Europe. In addition to being home to the world’s longest staircase (11,674 steps), a funicular covering 1,943 metres (6,375 ft) altitude difference leads to Niesen Kulm, including its mountain lodge, which was founded in 1856. From here it is only a short walk to the 2,362-metre-high summit platform (7,750 ft) with an impressive 360° panorama view, covering the Bernese Alps from lakes Thun and Brienz to the Jura.

Address:
Niesen Kulm, 3711 Mülenen

Parking:
Niesenbahn valley station. 140 available parking spots. Subject to a charge. CHF 5 (up to 5 hours), full day up to 24 h: CHF 8, season parking permit for CHF 60 per vehicle.

Ascent:
Every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening timetable: Wed (from July) /Fri/Sat, individual tickets, group tickets

Footpath: >10 minutes