High in the Swiss Alps, a trip to Schilthorn is a must for anyone visiting the Interlaken area. The views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau are simply breathtaking, and the mountain has a fun cinematic history as a James Bond filming location.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about planning your visit to Schilthorn. We’ll discuss how to get there, what to do once you’re at the top, and highlight unique features like the Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant made famous in the Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Plus, we’ll touch on how the Swiss Travel Pass can make your trip to Schilthorn and Interlaken more convenient and affordable.
Reaching Schilthorn: Two Scenic Routes from Interlaken
There are two equally gorgeous routes you can take from Interlaken to Schilthorn. Both involve a combination of trains, buses, and cable cars, making the journey part of the adventure.
Route 1: Via Lauterbrunnen and Mürren
First, you’ll hop on a train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen. The ride itself is a treat, winding through the lush Lütschine Valley, with views of the towering Jungfrau massif in the distance. From Lauterbrunnen, you have a couple of options to reach the car-free village of Mürren.
You can take a cable car up to Grütschalp, then connect to a small train that chugs along to Mürren. Alternatively, from Lauterbrunnen, you can take a bus to Stechelberg and then a cable car to Gimmelwald and then Mürren. Or, for a quicker ascent, you can take the Allmendhubel funicular directly from Mürren.
Once in Mürren, it’s time for the final push to Schilthorn. This involves riding the new Funifor cable car system, which can whisk up to 100 passengers to the summit in about 12 minutes. The views from this cable car are simply breathtaking.
Route 2: Via Stechelberg
The second option involves taking a bus from Interlaken to Stechelberg. From Stechelberg, you’ll board a cable car, but not just any cable car. This is the world’s steepest cableway, climbing at a maximum gradient of 159.4%! The ride to Gimmelwald and then Mürren only takes about four minutes, but it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. This cable car holds up to 85 passengers.
As with Route 1, once you arrive in Mürren, you’ll complete the journey to Schilthorn on the Funifor cable car, which takes about 12 minutes and can carry up to 100 passengers.
Experiencing Schilthorn: Panoramic Views and Thrilling Activities
Schilthorn isn’t just a mountain; it’s an experience. From the moment you start your ascent, you’re in for a treat. Here are a few highlights:
Piz Gloria Revolving Restaurant
Imagine dining while the world slowly turns around you. That’s the reality at Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant at the summit of Schilthorn. As you savor your meal, you’ll be treated to a complete 360-degree panorama of the Swiss Alps, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The restaurant offers a variety of culinary delights, including themed brunches that are incredibly popular. If you’re planning a visit, especially for brunch, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Bond World 007
For James Bond fans, Schilthorn is a must-visit. “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was filmed here, and Bond World 007 offers an interactive experience that immerses you in the world of the iconic spy. Explore exhibits, participate in activities, and learn about the cinematic history of Schilthorn. It’s a thrilling adventure for fans of all ages.
Skyline Walk and Thrill Walk at Birg
Before you reach the summit, make a stop at Birg, another vantage point offering breathtaking panoramic views. But Birg is more than just a pretty face. It’s also home to the Skyline Walk and the Thrill Walk. The Skyline Walk is a metal structure that juts out over the cliff, offering stunning views and a slightly unnerving sensation. For the truly adventurous, the Thrill Walk is a must-do. This walkway clings to the side of the mountain and features sections with glass floors, steel ropes, and even a crawl-through tunnel. It’s an exhilarating experience that will get your heart pumping and your adrenaline flowing.
Exploring the Surroundings: Mürren and Beyond
The Schilthorn is just one jewel in a crown of must-see sights in the Jungfrau Region. Here are some other villages and attractions you might want to explore.
Mürren: A Car-Free Village
Mürren is a charming village perched on a ledge high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Because it’s car-free, the air is crisp and clean, and the atmosphere is peaceful. The architecture is classically Swiss, and the views are out of this world. In the warmer months, you’ll find hiking trails galore, and in the winter, the skiing is superb.
Gimmelwald: A Traditional Swiss Village
A short distance from Mürren lies Gimmelwald, a smaller village that exudes an authentic Swiss atmosphere. You can reach Gimmelwald via cable car or by hiking, and the views from the village are truly spectacular. Gimmelwald is known for its traditional wooden chalets and its slower pace of life, providing a glimpse into Switzerland’s rural heritage.
Other Nearby Attractions
If you enjoy alpine flowers, consider a visit to the Allmendhubel Flower Park. Located just above Mürren, this park features over 150 different species of mountain flowers. The park offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Schilthorn Cableway Upgrades: The SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX Project
The Schilthorn is undergoing some major changes as part of the SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX project. The goal? To completely upgrade the cable car system and stations to offer an even better experience for visitors.
One of the biggest improvements is the new Funifor cable car system on the Mürren-Schilthorn route. This new system will dramatically increase capacity and improve efficiency, meaning less waiting and more time enjoying the views.
Another exciting addition is the implementation of AURO technology. While details are still emerging, this likely involves some cutting-edge advancements to enhance the overall operation and safety of the cableway.
The project is expected to be completed in 2026, so get ready for an even more spectacular trip to the Schilthorn!
The Swiss Travel Pass: Your Key to Savings and Convenience
If you’re planning to explore Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass can be a game-changer, saving you money and streamlining your travel experience. Here’s how it can help you experience Schilthorn and more.
Benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass
One of the biggest perks for Schilthorn visitors is the 50% discount on cable car rides up to the summit. Considering the cost of mountain transportation in Switzerland, this discount alone can make the pass worthwhile.
Beyond Schilthorn, the Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland. This means you can hop on and off public transportation without worrying about individual tickets, making it easy to explore the country’s stunning scenery.
The pass also grants free admission to over 500 Swiss museums, from art galleries to historical exhibits, offering a rich cultural experience alongside your outdoor adventures.
Types of Swiss Travel Passes
You have a couple of options when it comes to Swiss Travel Passes. The standard Swiss Travel Pass provides consecutive days of travel, while the Swiss Travel Pass Flex allows you to choose your travel days within a one-month period. Choose the one that best fits your travel style and itinerary.
Maximizing Your Swiss Travel Pass
To get the most out of your Swiss Travel Pass, plan your itinerary in advance. Consider combining your Schilthorn visit with other destinations accessible by train, bus, or boat. Cities like Lucerne, Zurich, and Bern are easily reachable and offer a variety of attractions. With a little planning, you can turn your Schilthorn adventure into an unforgettable Swiss journey.
Final Thoughts
Schilthorn is more than just a mountain; it’s an experience. From the breathtaking 360-degree views encompassing the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks to the adrenaline-pumping activities and the fascinating Bond World 007, a trip to Schilthorn is guaranteed to be unforgettable.
Making the journey even easier and more affordable, the Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland, including discounts on mountain excursions like Schilthorn. It’s a fantastic way to explore the country’s stunning landscapes without the stress of individual tickets.
So, are you ready to embark on your own Schilthorn adventure? With the recent upgrades to the cableway and the nearby world’s steepest cable car to consider, now is the perfect time to plan your visit. Imagine yourself standing atop the summit, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, breathing in the crisp mountain air.
Don’t just dream about the Swiss Alps – experience them! Pack your bags, grab your Swiss Travel Pass, and prepare to create memories that will last a lifetime. The mountains are calling, and Schilthorn is waiting to take your breath away.