Niesen Mountain

The Niesen is a pyramid-shaped mountain on the shore of Lake Thun, in the Bernese Oberland, rising to 2,362 metres almost directly from the water, and it is among the most recognisable peaks of the region. Its neat, symmetrical shape is visible from Thun, Spiez and the whole lake shore, and it stands slightly apart from the main Alpine chain, with the Kander and Simme valleys on either side. Because of that isolation, the view from the summit is outstanding: it takes in the lake, the town of Thun, the broad plain of the Mittelland, and to the south the great peaks of the Bernese Alps, with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in one direction and the Blüemlisalp group in another.

The summit is reached by a funicular, the Niesenbahn, which was opened in 1910 and is considered one of the great mountain railways of Switzerland. It starts at Mülenen, near Reichenbach in the Kander valley, and climbs in two stages, with a change of cars at an intermediate station called Schwandegg, a total journey of about half an hour. The lower section is among the steepest funiculars in the world, with a maximum gradient of 68 percent, and the cars climb at an angle that is startling even to those who have ridden other mountain railways. The journey provides ever wider views of the valley and the lake, passing over steep slopes and through forest. At the summit, a station building and a hotel-restaurant with a glass-walled dining room stand at the top, and a terrace offers a 360-degree view.

A unique fact about the Niesen is its staircase. Alongside the funicular, a service staircase of 11,674 steps climbs the entire length of the line, and it is recorded as the longest staircase in the world. It is normally closed to the public, but once a year it is opened for the Niesenlauf, a famous mountain race in which runners race up the stairs, with the fastest completing the ascent in an hour or so, and many more taking a good deal longer. For most visitors, the staircase is simply an interesting piece of trivia, though a limited number of people can climb it on special occasions.

Walking is also possible. Paths lead up the mountain from several directions, including a well-known route from Mülenen and ridge walks that continue to neighbouring peaks, and the summit area has marked trails with information about the views. The terrain is steep in places and requires good boots, and snow may linger into early summer. The area is a good place to see alpine plants and, with luck, chamois and marmots. In winter, the funicular continues to run, and the summit is a viewpoint for snow-covered mountains, with winter walking routes and sledging in some seasons.

Timetables and prices vary, and the funicular closes for maintenance periods in spring and autumn, so check the operator's website before you go. Bring warm clothes, since it is cooler and windier at the top. The mountain suits families, walkers, photographers and rail enthusiasts. Allow half a day for the ride, the view and a meal. The best conditions are on clear days, preferably in the morning, when the view is sharpest.