Swiss Highlights: Schilthorn - Piz Gloria

9 feelings you experience when you visit Schilthorn

Think of the Mürren-Schilthorn region as a year-round, all-natural playground for nature lovers of all ages. Hikers, bikers, photographers, James Bond fans, thrill-seekers and gourmets: Schilthorn has something for everyone. Those sights and activities will have you riding a wave of positive feelings – and a bit of spine-tingling adrenaline as well.

Keep reading to find out what you’ll feel as you explore this characteristically Swiss area.

1. Awe when you see the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau

Is there anything as humbling and majestic as the Swiss Alps on a clear day? Probably not. Standing atop the 2,970m Schilthorn summit, you can spend hours standing in awe of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks, flanked by the world-famous Bernese and Valais Alps. To one side, the enchanting blue waters of Lake Thun. On the other side, the pretty Swiss central plateau and the Jura mountain chain.

As you soak in that feeling of awe, make yourself comfortable in one of three View Lounges. These cosy wooden seating areas are sheltered from the wind and offer room for up to four people to enjoy the peace and wonder of Swiss nature at its finest.

2. Satisfaction with a view and a meal at Piz Gloria

The famous 007 Burger © Schilthorn Cableway Ltd.

A stunning view requires a good meal. Fortunately, the Schilthorn peak is topped by Piz Gloria and the Piz Gloria Restaurant. The building rotates around its axis in 45 minutes, so diners can enjoy the James Bond Brunch (served until 2 pm) or the special 007 Burger while the view gently glides by. The menu features simple snacks to regional dishes and a few highlights inspired by Schilthorn’s role on the silver screen.

3. Excitement as you go behind the scenes of James Bond

Follow in the footsteps of James Bond at Bond World © Schilthorn Cableway Ltd.

From the Piz Gloria observation deck, head to BOND WORLD and follow in the footsteps of Bond. James Bond.

From October 1968 to May 1969, the Schilthorn was the main filming location for “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. The revolving summit restaurant served as the headquarters of 007’s arch-nemesis Blofeld and was called “Piz Gloria” – does that sound familiar? The interactive BOND WORLD exhibition is dedicated to the movie and features seven key scenes as well as plenty of film-related trivia. Catch a glimpse of the original screenplay and try out your own secret-agent skills.

4. Adrenaline as you look down below

The Thrill Walk is a spine-tingling adventure © Schilthorn Cableway Ltd.

Nowhere else can you experience a rush of adrenaline while (safely!) taking in the rugged mountains like at the Birg station. Built as an extension of the spacious sun terrace, the Skyline Walk observation deck is suspended over the vertical abyss, with panoramic vistas and exhilarating views into the void.

At the opposite end of the terrace is the entrance to the Thrill Walk. The steel structure clings to the rock before swerving under the observation deck and cableway to end below the cable car station. Feel the adrenaline course through your veins and conquer your fear of heights as you stand on top of the world with a glass floor below your feet. 

5. Pride when you finish the hike

Gorgeous views on the Grauseeli, one of the beautiful hiking spots on Schilthorn © Schilthorn Cableway Ltd.

Autumn is the best time to strap on those hiking boots and hit the trails. Clear views and fiery colours distinguish the well-maintained hiking trail network, with easy and challenging paths that crisscross the Mürren-Schilthorn area. The 1,907m Allmendhubel is a popular starting point.

Experienced hikers will also find several more challenging route options in the Schilthorn area.  The routes from Schilthorn to Poganggen or from Birg via Grauseeli down into the picturesque Schilttal valley come highly recommended. They both start in a rugged alpine landscape far above the treeline and descend over alp meadows into the verdant, flower-carpeted valley pastures.

6. Wonder as you explore wildflowers on Allmendhubel

The Allmendhubel playground © Schilthorn Cableway Ltd.

Allmendhubel is Mürren’s local mountain and is home to a restaurant with a sun terrace, and the beautiful Flower Park. Explore the fascinating alpine environment and frolic through the meadows. This playground is a hit with children – they can discover a marmot burrow, fly with butterflies, milk cows and try their hand at cheesemaking. It’s as educational as it is wonderful. While children play outside, grown-ups can enjoy a delicious meal at the cosy panorama restaurant Allmendhubel.   

7. Chills as you hear the Trümmelbach falls

The thunderous Trümmelbach Waterfalls  © Schilthorn Cableway Ltd.

The Trümmelbach Waterfalls offer another refreshing experience in the summer. Take an underground funicular or stairs to witness Jungfrau-massif glacial water thunder through a mountain cave to the valley. The Trümmelbach Waterfalls are the only accessible souterrain glacier waterfalls in the world.

8. Comfort as you kick up your legs in Mürren

It isn’t hard to believe that one day in Schilthorn isn’t enough. If you want to extend your day trip to a weekend trip, you have two gorgeous hotel options in Mürren. Hotel Alpenruh and Hotel Blumental look postcard-perfect whether they’re topped with snow or with red geraniums growing below the windows. Inside, they are as comfortable and homey as they are attractive. Both come with a side of history and make a great base for activities in and around Mürren.

The charming Hotel Alpenruh is located next to the cableway station. The three-star hotel offers fantastic views, 26 bedrooms with Alpine-chic décor, and a delicious à-la-carte restaurant. Hotel Blumental is another three-star hotel that offers breath-taking views of the famous north faces of the Bernese Alps. As a bonus: both hotels offer the option of one breakfast in the 360° Restaurant Piz Gloria if you stay at least two nights.

9. Nostalgia while travelling through Mürren and Gimmelwald

While you’re in the Schilthorn area, do not miss a stroll through the traditional, car-free mountain villages of Mürren and Gimmelwald. They are both very well preserved and can only be accessed by aerial cableway.

Mürren is a former Valser-settlement and with its location 1650 metres above sea level, it is the highest village in the Canton of Bern. Mürren is known for its chalet houses and cosy atmosphere, as well as for being the cradle of alpine ski sports. In the summer, it’s the starting point for hiking routes.

Slightly lower at 1367 metres is Gimmelwald. The village’s population barely reaches 100 and those who do live there have close relationship with nature and animals. This bond has been strengthened over generations and it is mirrored in the village’s intricately designed chalets and cheese storehouses. 

Fun for the whole family

Schilthorn is open all year with different activities for every season. It is truly a Swiss wonderland for kids and grownups of all ages. Plan on spending between four to eight hours in the fresh mountain air – and if that’s not enough time to see and do everything on this list, take advantage of the Holiday Pass. Can you feel that? The mountains are calling!

See you at the top © Schilthornbahn AG

How to get to Schilthorn

To get to Schilthorn with public transportation, take the train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen, then continue by PostBus to the Stechelberg valley station. From Stechelberg, the journey is about 30 minutes by cable car and departs every half hour. If you’re driving, Stechelberg can be reached on good roads throughout the year. Take the Wilderswil / Interlaken motorway exit and travel via Lauterbrunnen (approx. 20 min).