Photos of Niesen
About Niesen
The Niesen is a steep pyramid of a mountain sitting high above Lake Thun, in the Bernese Oberland. A scenic funicular takes you up to Niesen Kulm and from there it is a short walk up to the summit. The observation platform's incredible goes all the way around with Lake Thun and Spiez sitting to the north, and Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau lined up to the east. Late afternoon into sunset is the best time to be up here, because that eastern view fills with warm light and the sun behind is you. During sunrise the peaks start as silhouettes and cloud usually sits down in the valleys, which will give your composition a completely different feel. On the way up the stairway running beside the track with 11,674 steps. It's closed to the public except for one race every June. Paragliders launch off the slopes below, so if you are lucky and have a long lens you might get to add them to your shots. Tickets for the funicular are sold at the valley station in Mülenen, and runs roughly mid April to mid November (depending on the when the snow melts/arrives each year). There's a hotel and restaurant at the top if you want to stay late for astrophotography or be there extra early for sunrise photography. Make sure to check the time of last departure down before you settle in for sunset since it can variety depending on the season and weather. (Reichenbach im Kandertal, Bern, Switzerland)
