Looking for that perfect mix of Alpine serenity and scenic adventure—without needing to scale a summit or join a tour group? Let me introduce you to Niederhorn, one of Switzerland’s most peaceful mountaintop escapes, just a short trip from Interlaken or Thun.
Perched high above Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland, Niederhorn offers exactly the kind of experience you crave: quiet trails, panoramic views that beg to be photographed, and a scenic restaurant with a terrace where you can enjoy a meal or drink—or, if you’ve packed your own, unwind on one of the lounge chairs with your picnic. It’s relaxed, beautiful, and—best of all—easy to get to.
If you’re in the mood to stretch your legs, a gentle cliffside path awaits, offering scenery that will truly stop you in your tracks. Craving something a little more playful? Rent a mountain scooter and glide downhill, with the stunning Alps as your backdrop (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds!). And for the serious hikers, Niederhorn offers a range of gorgeous paths just waiting to be explored.
This is the kind of place where you slow down and take it all in—no rush, no crowds, just you, the mountains, and a few joyful surprises along the way.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your peaceful half-day adventure to Niederhorn.
How to Get to Niederhorn
By Train and Bus
Hop on a train to Thun Railway Station, then catch the STI bus, line 21, heading towards “Beatenbucht.” Once you arrive, simply switch to the funicular railway and cable car to reach the top.
Alternatively, you can take a train to Interlaken West Railway Station, and then catch the PostAuto, line 101, to “Beatenberg” station. From there, transfer to the cable car that will take you up to Niederhorn. If you want to experience the funicular ride from “Beatenbucht” as well, you can take STI bus, line 21 to “Beatenbucht” and start your journey there. The bus ride from Interlaken to “Beatenbuch” takes about
By train and bus, the whole trip from Zurich to Beatenbucht takes about 2 hours.
By Car
Park your car in the multi-story car park at Beatenbucht. Remember to pay for parking (CHF 7.00 per day).
By Train and Boat
If you have some extra time, take the the train to Thun or Interlaken, followed by a picturesque boat ride from either destination to Beatenbucht. This serene journey offers a delightful and relaxing start to your day excursion to Niederhorn.
How to get from Beatenbucht to the summit of Niederhorn
Getting to the summit of Niederhorn isn’t just a journey—it’s an experience to remember! It all starts with a ten-minute ride on the funicular railway from Beatenbucht to Beatenberg.
Once in Beatenberg, the adventure continues with a scenic cable car ride to the summit. The ten-minute gondola journey is nothing short of magical, offering panoramic vistas that will leave you in awe.
Top Activities
There are a number of activities that you can do on Niederhorn. Here are some:
1. Walk along the Ridge Trail
Walk on the Niederhorn’s easy 600-meter ridge trail.
This fun and memorable walk takes you over steep rocks with safe handrails. Look down and see the amazing view of the Justistal Valley.
As you look far away, you’ll see a beautiful view of big mountains like Eiger, Moench, Jungfrau, the Blüemlisalp Massif, and the Niesen. On the way, you will find nine cool signs about plants and animals and modern boards that show you the great views.
2. Rent a Scooter Bike at the Middle Station
Get ready for an exhilarating ride down the mountain from Vorsass Middle Station to Beatenberg Station. It is an exciting journey not just for kids but also for adults.
You have two routes to choose from. Rocky’s Run is a speedy and exciting ride that takes you 6 km on paved roads to your destination in just 20-30 minutes. It’s a great option for families and schools who want to experience the thrill of riding down the mountain together.
If you prefer a more relaxed ride, try Happy’s Trail. This route is easier but still a bit of a challenge. You’ll ride on flat roads, through beautiful woods and valleys, and even pass through the longest village in Europe, Beatenberg.
The route takes you to the Bodenalp, then through the woods into the Rischerental Valley, and finally along the main road to Beatenberg station. There are many picnic areas along the way, and it’s perfect for groups and older kids who want to enjoy the scenery. The ride takes about 60-90 minutes, and you’ll need to take breaks to overcome the little hills.
With the Berner Oberland Pass, you can enjoy a 50% discount on scooter rentals at the Vorsass station. This means you’ll pay just CHF 7.50 per person instead of the regular CHF 15.00—a great deal for some added fun!
3. Observe Wildlife
From July to September, something amazing happens on the Niederhorn. Every Friday morning at 6:40 am, a local expert takes a group on a special tour to observe animals in their natural habitat.
The tour starts at Beatenbucht and lasts for about 6 hours. You’ll walk for 4 hours and will finish at the Vorsass Mid-Station. This adventure costs CHF 61 for adults, and that includes the trip up the mountain and the expert guide.
4. Hike from Niederhorn Down to Beatenberg via Flösch, Vorsass, Bodenalp and Riedboden
This is one of the most favorite and popular Niederhorn trail among hikers. It starts above the trees, offering stunning views of Lake Thun and the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
Before embarking on the trail, I suggest you take a 5-minute detour at the start of the Berghaus station to visit the viewing platform for a breathtaking view of the lake, Alps, and Justistal Valley.
From the alp, the trail goes through a thin forest, and soon, you’ll see the Vorsass restaurant. Then, the trail will zigzag through the forest and alpine pastures towards Bodenalp. As you hike, you’ll start to see the houses of Beatenberg. It will take you about 2 hours to complete this 5.3 km long trail.
5. Make Your Niederhorn Trip More Fun by Visiting the St. Beatus Caves
If you want to combine your Niederhorn visit with another adventure close by, we recommend visiting the St. Beatus Caves. You need to take the bus No. 21 from Beatenberg to go to Beatushöhlen.
6. Combine your Niederhorn Visit with a Thrilling Boat Tour on Lake Thun
If you want to visit Niederhorn and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Thun, take a boat from Thun or Interlaken to Beatenbucht.
But please keep in mind that the boat doesn’t go as frequently as the bus. So, if you really want to enjoy a cruise ride on Lake Thun, check the times and plan before starting your journey.
However, the good news is if you have a GA card or Swiss Travel Pass, the boat ride will be completely free.
How Much Does it Cost to Go Up to Niederhorn
A return ticket from Beatenbucht to Niederhorn costs CHF 59 for adults and CHF 29.50 for children between 6 and 15 years of age.
You will get a discount if you have a Swiss Travel Pass, GA, or SBB Half-fare card. For adults, a return ticket will cost CHF 29.50.
Another good news is if you have a Berner Oberland Pass and a Junior Card, it will be free for children under 6.
However, if you are only going hiking, then you can get a cheaper “Wanderbillet” ticket. Just tell from where you want to start hiking, and they’ll give you the right ticket.
Best Time to Visit Niederhorn
The funicular railway to Beatenberg operates throughout the year, ensuring access no matter when you visit. However, the cable car to Niederhorn runs seasonally:
- Summer Season: Mid-April to mid-November, with daily service during this time.
- Autumn Magic: If autumn’s golden hues linger, special trips are offered on select dates from November to December.
- Winter Wonderland: The winter season kicks off just before Christmas.
For exact operating times and schedules, check the Niederhornbahn’s official website before planning your trip.
Where to Eat
Here are some popular places where you can find good options to eat:
Berghaus Niederhorn
This restaurant serves local dishes, including soups and traditional Swiss food like Bernese Rösti, Bratwurst, and Suure Mocke. And don’t forget their delicious cakes. You will also find a nice playground for kids.
Bergrestaurant Vorsass
In this restaurant, you can enjoy homemade dishes like Flammkuchen, cheese specialties, Rösti, hamburgers, fresh salads, homemade cakes, and more.
Seerestaurant Beatenbucht
This restaurant combines Swiss flavors with Italian flair. You can also try their crispy Fornarine, pizzas, perch fillets, Cordon Bleu, and more.
Where to Stay
Here are some places where you can stay:
Berghaus Niederhorn
With stunning views of Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps, this hotel offers traditional Swiss cuisine and a warm welcome. You can relax and spend the night in one of their 47 beds, with double, single, twin, and family room options. For more info, visit their website.
All rooms come with a shared bathroom and free WiFi, and some even have a mountain view.
Conclusion
Visiting Mount Niederhorn near Interlaken is an unforgettable experience that blends stunning alpine views, outdoor adventures, and serene moments in nature. Whether you’re captivated by the breathtaking panoramas of Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps, eager to explore the countless hiking trails, or thrilled by a downhill scooter ride, Niederhorn has plenty to offer.
For an even more memorable day, consider combining your visit with a trip to the mystical St. Beatus Caves or a leisurely scenic boat ride on Lake Thun. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and charm of the Bernese Oberland.
Whatever you choose, Mount Niederhorn promises an adventure filled with awe-inspiring sights, fresh mountain air, and moments that will stay with you long after you leave.
