Leisure activities

Scooter biking on the Niederhorn

What could be finer than riding down a mountain on a scooter bike? 

At the Vorsass intermediate station, you can hire a scooter bike and zoom down into the valley with Rocky the bold ibex or his friend Happy. Choose from the quick six-kilometre “Rocky Run” or the twelve-kilometre “Happy Trail”. The “Rocky Run” takes you directly to your destination, while the more gentle “Happy Trail” option passes through Bodenalp, Rischeren and Waldegg, through the extended village and back to the valley station. So whether you opt for the fast or the leisurely route, you’re sure to feel fantastic as you head downhill on the looping trails with the breeze in your face!

The Niederhorn is very easy to reach by public transport. Travel in comfort by train, bus or boat to Beatenbucht and onwards with the funicular and group gondola up to the summit.

The scooter-bike route

Riding times and distances

  • "Rocky's Run" 20–30 minutes, 6 km
  • "Happy's Trail" 40–60 minutes, 12 km

The six-kilometre “Rocky’s Run” leads from Vorsass on a direct route to Beatenberg Station on asphalt forest roads. This run is particularly suited to families and schools. 
“Happy’s Trail” is more leisurely but more challenging. The route is relatively flat and leads along asphalt forest roads and dirt tracks. It takes you down to Bodenalp and on through the forest into the Rischerental valley. On the last section, you travel along the main road through Beatenberg – Europe’s longest village – to Beatenberg station. Children will need a break now and then, as there are several small inclines to overcome. You will find numerous barbecue and picnic spots along the way. This route is suitable for company away days or older school groups.

Elevation difference

450 metres of elevation

Hire arrangements

Scooter bikes can be hired from the Vorsass intermediate station, with children’s scooters available for children of at least school age.

Alpine orienteering

For clever tacticians, nimble runners and savvy map readers

Combine your scooter bike ride with Alpine orienteering, a great alternative to hiking and unique in Switzerland. Search for the posts and explore the terrain as you do so. Four different routes with varying levels of difficulty are available and all lead from the Niederhorn mountain station to the Vorsass middle station.

  1. Rocky’s Path: This beginners’ path will familiarise you with orienteering symbols and how to use a map.
  2. Happy’s Path: Suitable even for the youngest with a low level of difficulty.
  3. Yummy’s Path: Medium difficulty, for children who already know the terrain quite well.
  4. Lenny’s Path: Difficult, for real orienteering specialists.

The map material is available at the mountain station free of charge.

Did you find all the posts? Then put your completed chart into the box at the Bärgrestaurant Vorsass or the Berghaus Niederhorn. At the end of the summer season, there will be a prize draw with attractive prizes.

Alpine playground

The playground offers fun for young and old. While adults enjoy the panorama, a coffee and the fresh mountain air on the benches, children can romp around on the attractions, such as the “Balance Trail” and a wobbly bridge. The ball run is particular fun, where children can watch their own wooden ball as it rolls merrily down the mountain.

Availability Today (Tuesday) open

Scooter bike

Available from 20 April to 10 November 2024 daily and
from 11 November to 1 December 2024 Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Niederhornbahn funicular

Available from 20 April to 10 November 2024 daily and
from 11 November to 1 December 2024 Friday, Saturday and Sunday


Subject to change without prior notice

Rates

Scooter bike

  • CHF 15.00 hire price per bike for up to 2 hours

The rental price includes hire of the helmet. Scooter-bike users are responsible for arranging their own insurance. The scooter bikes must be returned by 18.00 hours. For children accompanied by a parent, you pay only for the scooter bike hire for the first child, with the scooter bike hire free for any further children (aged between 6 and 16).

 

Prices per person in CHF incl. VAT / Prices subject to alteration.

Food & Drink

Berghaus Niederhorn

Why not finish your excursion to the Niederhorn with a visit to the Berghaus restaurant? The Berghaus also offers accommodation in small but perfectly formed rooms with a unique panorama over the Bernese Alps.

Vorsass Mountain Restaurant

Take time for a breather. Enjoy traditional and down-to-earth dishes on the sun terrace or in the cosy dining room.

Picnic

There are numerous beautiful places along the hiking trails for a good picnic. Several fire pits are also available for barbecuing. If you wish, you can hire a fondue backpack and enjoy a delicious fondue in the middle of the magnificent mountain landscape (by prior arrangement).

How to get there

Travel comfortably by train to Thun or Interlaken West. Then take the STI bus (from Thun) or the PostBus (from Interlaken) to "Beatenbucht" or "Beatenberg Station".

Or by boat from Interlaken West, Thun or another landing stage across Lake Thun to "Beatenbucht".

The funicular and group orbital railroad will then take you up to the Niederhorn.

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