Course Niesen-Stairway-Run
The Niesen Stairway is the longest staircase in the world with 11,674 steps. The difference in altitude from the start to the finish on the summit platform is 1,669 metres.
The start is at the valley station in Mülenen at 693 metres above sea level. The 2.1 km long staircase of the lower section with 976 metres of altitude difference has to be completed in one hour. At the Schwandegg middle station at 1’669 m a.s.l. the route is changed and handed over to the second runner in the relay. The runners can fortify themselves for the second section with drinks, fruit and bars at the refreshment post in the middle station.
The second section is somewhat shorter, with just under 700 metres in altitude and 1.3 km. Anyone who passes the end of the Hegeren Tunnel too late (note the Last Passing Time) will be taken out of the race. Once you reach the top station, you cross the track and leave the stairs. The last metres lead along the tarred panoramic path to the finish on the summit platform at 2’362 m above sea level.
Route map
Timekeeping
The timing is done by: