Seen from Lake Thun, the Niesen is a perfect pyramid. 450 years ago this striking mountain was already a source of fascination, standing as it does like a guard at the entrance to the Bernese Oberland.

In the19th century, tourists from all over the world conquered the Niesen – on foot, on horseback and by sedan chair, and enjoyed the glorious panorama stretching from the Jura across the lakes to the Alps. This was made even more convenient in 1856 by the new Hotel Niesen and in 1910 by a steep funicular railway which, after a construction period of 4 years, came into operation exactly one hundred years ago, taking passengers from Mülenen to the summit. In the series “Gastspiel im SAM” (Guest appearances at the SAM) the exhibition “Die AlpenPyramide” will present special stories about this mountain and its railway, about the spectacular construction period, the cable and the all-important brakes, about the dairymen (Sennen), the sportspeople and the attraction which the pyramid had for artists.

Or simply go there directly!? www.niesen.ch