Niesenbahn

Name: Niesenbahn
Address: Heustrichstrasse 12, Muelenen, 3711, Muelenen, 3711, CH
Telephone: +41 33 676 77 11

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Cable cars & funiculars ·Muelenen ·Open now

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About

Niesenbahn is a funicular in Muelenen, Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, climbing to Niesen Kulm above Lake Thun.

Opening hours

Today08:00 – 17:00Show all

Monday08:00 – 17:00

Tuesday08:00 – 17:00

Wednesday08:00 – 17:00

Thursday08:00 – 17:00

Friday08:00 – 19:30

Saturday08:00 – 19:30

Sunday08:00 – 17:00

Shorts

Why go

The funicular climbs 1,643 metres over 3.5 km, with gradients reaching 68%.
Reach Niesen Kulm in 28 minutes.
The 11,674-step stairway follows the railway; public access is limited to Niesenlauf or advance request at certain times.

Season and conditions

The 2026 funicular season runs daily from 25 April to 8 November.

History

Avalanches repeatedly damaged the railway. Von Roll and Albert Buss & Cie. were among the companies involved in building its facilities.

1856An inn was built at Niesen-Kulm as mountain hiking gained popularity.
1886Johannes Brahms climbed the Niesen but disliked the hours-long effort.
1902Builder Johann Frutiger received a concession for a funicular from Mülenen to the Niesen.
1906–1908Construction began on 26 August 1906; the first section to Schwandegg was completed in 1908.
1909Up to 350 people worked on construction.

Show all

1910The full route was passable by 8 June. The railway opened on 15 July, carrying 150 guests in three trips.
2010Swiss Post marked the railway’s centenary with a stamp showing the railway and mountain panorama.

How to get there

TrainThe valley station is beside Mülenen BLS station on the Lötschberg railway line.
TrainChange trains at Schwandegg for the second section to Niesen Kulm.
ParkingThe railway subway has a stated clearance of 2.30 metres. Visitors with taller vehicles can park at Mülenen BLS station and continue about 200 metres through the station subway to the valley station.

Accessibility

Step-free entry Ramps serve the valley and middle stations. Each carriage can carry one or two wheelchairs per journey, depending on size. Electric-wheelchair travel is limited; users must be able to transfer to a non-electric wheelchair available on site. The railway recommends travelling with a companion and notifying it in advance to reserve a suitable train.
Lift Two lifts are at the top station.
Toilet Wheelchair-accessible toilets are at the valley station and Berghaus Niesen Kulm.
Mountain-station access A flat, paved route of about 200 metres connects the station to Berghaus Niesen Kulm. The Berghaus, terrace and pavilion are wheelchair accessible; its rooms are not.

Sources: Niesenbahn - Wikipedia · Niesen - The Swiss Pyramid · Ticket prices - Niesenbahn · Accessible - Niesenbahn · Niesenbahn - Wikipedia · checked 12 Oct 2026

Where

Heustrichstrasse 12, Muelenen, 3711

Website: niesen.ch/
Phone: +41 33 676 77 11

Plan from here: Evening walk →

Questions and answers

Does a disability companion travel free on Niesenbahn?

Yes. The disability companion card is valid on Niesenbahn, and the companion travels free.

How long does hiking up from Mülenen take?

Allow about five hours at a guideline pace of 400 metres of ascent per hour.

Who operates Niesenbahn?

Niesenbahn AG owns and operates the railway.

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