Round trip to Lake Thun and Niesen
An excursion to experience unique panoramic views. See the Bernese Oberland from train, boat and from 2,362 metres above sea level on the Niesen.
Do you fancy sailing across Lake Thun with a view of the Niesen and later watching the boats on the lake from the Niesen itself? It can all be done in a short space of time – and it’s so easy. Travel by public transport with the Saver Day Pass or GA Travelcard - whether by train, bus or boat.
Program proposal
Morning and lunch
In the morning, enjoy the boat trip with a coffee as you travel from Thun to Spiez. As you do so, you’ll already have a wonderful view of the Niesen as well as the landscape around Lake Thun.
In Spiez the bus will take you conveniently to the train station, where you can connect to the RegioExpress to get to Mülenen (stop on request). There you can take the Niesenbahn funicular to the top of the mountain in 30 minutes.
At the Berghaus Niesen Kulm you can enjoy a delicious lunch on the terrace or in the glass pavilion. To help you digest it all, we recommend the walk to the summit, where you can marvel at the 360-degree panorama over Lake Thun and the surrounding area.
Afternoon and dinner
No plans for the afternoon or evening? We’ve got a suggestion for you: enjoy a boat trip on Lake Thun in the afternoon sun, and in the evening enjoy a fine three-course menu on the Niesen watching the sunset. The last train from Mülenen to Bern leaves at 11.09 p.m.
Discover the culinary offerings on the Niesen.
Timetable
Niesenbahn funicular operating times 29 April – 12 November 2023
By the way: from Mülenen station it is only a 200 m walk to the valley station of the Niesenbahn.
Our timetable recommendations:
Morning variant, Bern–Lake Thun–Niesen
| Bern | dep. | Train | 09.07 | |
| Thun | arr. | 09.25 | ||
| Thun | dep. | Ship | 09.40 | |
| 1) | ||||
| Spiez, Schiffstation | arr. | 10.24 | ||
| Spiez, Schiffstation | dep. | Bus or by feet | 10.55 | |
| Spiez Bahnhof | arr. | 11.03 | ||
| Spiez | dep. | Train | 11.12 | |
| Mülenen | arr. | 11.17 | ||
| Mülenen | dep. | Funicular | 11.30 | |
| Niesen Kulm | arr. | 12.00 |
1) via Gwatt, Einigen
Evening variant, Bern–Lake Thun–Niesen
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
| every wednesday (until 26.10.), Friday, Saturday | ||||
| Bern | dep. | Train | 15.07 | |
| Thun | arr. | 15.25 | ||
| Thun | dep. | Ship | 15.40 | |
| 1) | ||||
| Spiez, Schiffstation | arr. | 16.26 | ||
| Spiez, Schiffstation | dep. | Bus or on foot | 16.55 | |
| Spiez Bahnhof | arr. | 17.03 | ||
| Spiez | dep. | Train | 17.12 | |
| Mülenen | arr. | 17.17 | ||
| Mülenen | dep. | Funicular | 17.30 | |
| Niesen Kulm | arr. | 18.00 | ||
1) via Oberhofen
Rates
Price example Bern – Thun (train) – Lake Thun (boat) – Spiez – Mülenen (train) – Niesen (Niesenbahn) – return trip Mülenen – Bern (train)
- CHF 63.50 Half-Fare, 2nd cl.
- CHF 29.50 GA
Prices in CHF incl. VAT / Prices and products subject to alteration
Saving possibilities train & boat
Travel by public transport for one day with the Saver Day Pass. The earlier you buy, the lower the price.
Funicular
- GA/Half-Fare travelcard: Half price
- Junior and child tickets are valid
- Free train ride on your birthday (with valid ID)
- RailAway: 10% reduction on the mountain and valley trip from Mülenen to Niesen Kulm
