In this video we'll be heading up to the Niesen peak on one of the world's longest scenic funiculars, climbing over 1'600 metres (5'250 ft.) alongside the world's longest staircase. The Niesen is the first of a range of mountains stretching from Spiez through to Adelboden in the Bernese Highlands. From Spiez, it almost has the appearance of a pyramid, earning it he nickname "Swiss Pyramid".

The top offers a breathtaking 360 degree panorama of the surrounding alps and lakes, especially on clear days like this one. The video also includes a walk around the top, with the views it has to offer.

The Niesen has been a popular spot for visitors for hundreds of years, leading to the opening of a hotel at the top in 1856. Around the same time, the feasibility of building a railway to the top was examined, however the plans were for a cog wheel railway from Wimmis (in the adjacent valley, on the otherside of the mountain). This was not perused due to it's high cost, but in all, 3 main attempts were made to realise the railway.

With the new Spiez Frutigen railway opening in 1901, the potential for a Niesen railway from the Kander valley grew more appealing. It was this variation that came to fruition, with the funicular proving to be much more cost effective to build and maintain. The line was opened in the summer of 1910.

We have already driven trains through both aforementioned valleys, namely passing Mülenen in the Kander valley on the Lötschberg railway in our video from Basel to Brig and in our journey from Spiez to Zweisimmen through the Simme valley (Simmental). The links are below:
Brig Basel:    • ★ 4K 2x Brig  Kandersteg  Basel ...  
Basel Brig:    • ★ 1x Lötschberg alpine crossing ca...  
Spiez Zweisimmen:    • ★ 4K  Spiez  Zweisimmen cab ride, ...  

More interesting details are included during the video. Have an enjoyable trip and we'd love to hear from you in the comments section!

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