Posted by The Schilthorn in the Bernese Oberland is one of Switzerland’s most famous mountains. With breathtaking views, exciting activities and a film history, it offers something for almost every visitor. Whether you’re an adventurer, a James Bond fan or just a lover of beautiful scenery, the Schilthorn has it all. In this article, you’ll learn how to make the most of your visit, including cable car rides, the Skyline Walk, Piz Gloria and the Thrill Walk.
Tickets from the valley to the Schilthorn with Thrill Walk etc. should be booked online in advance, unfortunately costing just over 100 euros: More info and booking
Getting to Schilthorn
The Schilthorn is located near the village of Mürren, which can be reached from major Swiss cities like Interlaken and Bern. The journey to the summit is an adventure in itself and requires train and cable car rides with breathtaking views along the way.
Interlaken is the gateway to the Jungfrau region, where the Schilthorn is located. You can reach Interlaken by train from major Swiss cities like Zurich, Bern and Geneva. After arriving in Interlaken, travel by train or car to the nearby Lauterbrunnen Valley, which serves as the starting point for your trip to the Schilthorn.
Lauterbrunnen to Mürren
From Lauterbrunnen, take the narrow-gauge railway or bus to Grütschalp station, where you can take the scenic cog railway to the charming, car-free mountain village of Mürren. Mürren is the starting point for exploring the Schilthorn.
Cable car ride to Schilthorn
The cable car ride to Schilthorn is a highlight in itself. It consists of several stages that offer increasingly spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Stage 1: Murren to Birg
The first stage of the cable car ride is from Murren to Birg. During the ride, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau come into view. It’s a gradual climb, but our excitement grew the higher we got.
Stage 2: Birg to Schilthorn
From Birg, you take the final cable car to the top of Schilthorn. This section is very scenic and offers panoramic views of the Bernese Alps. Have your camera ready – this is one of the most amazing sections of the tour.
Schilthorn summit and Piz Gloria
On the 2,970-meter-high summit of the Schilthorn is Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant made famous by the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. But there is more than just film history to discover here.
Tickets from the valley to the Schilthorn with Thrill Walk etc. should be booked online in advance, unfortunately costing just over 100 euros: More info and booking
Piz Gloria Restaurant
Piz Gloria is not only an iconic filming location, but also a culinary centerpiece. The restaurant rotates 360 degrees, a full rotation takes about an hour, and offers guests a panoramic view of the Alps. The menu is a mix of traditional Swiss and international dishes, with a special area dedicated to James Bond.
For a true Bond experience, try the ‘007 Breakfast Buffet’, served until 2pm and featuring a selection of pastries, cold cuts, cheeses and various hot dishes. The restaurant’s design and decor pay homage to the 1969 film, making it a must-see for Bond fans.
007 Hall of Fame
After your meal, you can take a stroll along the 007 Walk of Fame, an exhibition of plaques and handprints from the cast and crew of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The walk is a unique blend of film history and alpine scenery, offering an insight into the making of the film while enjoying breathtaking views.
Birg Skyline Walk
On the way back, stop at Birg Station to experience the Skyline Walk, an exciting viewing platform just steps from the cable car station. The glass Skyline Walk stretches to the edge of the cliff, giving you the feeling of floating above the valley.
Highlights of the Skyline Walk:
Glass Floor: The glass floor offers stunning views of the mountain – perfect for those looking for a little adrenaline rush.
Panoramic View: The platform offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Photos: The location is ideal for taking unforgettable photos against the dramatic backdrop of the Swiss Alps.
The Skyline Walk is a relatively short experience, but one that leaves a lasting impression!
Thrill Walk in Birg
For those craving even more adventure, the Thrill Walk in Birg is a must: this steel and glass walkway clings to the edge of a cliff and offers a series of exciting challenges along the way.
What to expect on the Thrill Walk
The Cliff Walk: The main attraction is the path along the cliffs that follows the rocky surface. The path is safe but gives you the feeling of floating in the air.
The Crawl Tunnel: For an extra challenge, you can crawl through a net tunnel that protrudes from the cliff and looks straight down into the valley.
Glass Bridge: Cross a glass bridge that gives the impression that you are floating in the air, with only a sheet of glass between you and the deep valley.
Tickets from the valley to the Schilthorn with Thrill Walk etc. should be booked online in advance, unfortunately costs a little over 100 euros: More info and booking
Adventure spot: The Thrill Walk also has sections that will test your balance and courage, including narrow poles and steep ladders.
The Thrill Walk is suitable for both adventurous families and thrill seekers, but is not recommended for people with a fear of heights. The entire hike takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how fast you walk and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.
Other highlights of a Schilthorn tour
Besides the main attractions, the Schilthorn and its surroundings offer a wide range of activities for visitors:
Hiking: Numerous hiking trails start in Mürren, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes. The North Face Trail and the Flower Trail are particularly popular, both of which offer magnificent views and the chance to observe alpine flora and fauna.
Paragliding: For the ultimate adrenaline rush, a paragliding flight for two from Mürren is a great option. Glide over the Lauterbrunnen Valley and enjoy the stunning scenery from above.
Skiing and snowboarding: The Schilthorn is part of the Jungfrau ski area, which offers a variety of slopes for beginners to professionals. The area is particularly famous for its off-piste runs and the challenging Inferno race course.
Mürren Village: Spend some time exploring the picturesque village of Mürren. With its traditional Swiss chalets, charming shops and cosy cafes, it is the perfect place to relax before or after your Schilthorn adventure.