Schilthorn

Schilthorn (2,970 m) is a summit in the Bernese Alps above the Lauterbrunnen valley in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. A cable car from Mürren carries visitors to the top, where the views take in the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and where the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant doubles as a James Bond landmark.

How do you get to the Schilthorn?

The Schilthornbahn starts at Stechelberg, at the head of the Lauterbrunnen valley, and runs in stages via Gimmelwald, Mürren and the Birg station (2,677 m) to the summit. The ride takes under 30 minutes. The section between Stechelberg and Mürren counts among the steepest cable car lines in the world. A bus links Lauterbrunnen with Stechelberg, and Mürren can also be reached from Lauterbrunnen via the Grütschalp cable car and a short mountain train.

What is there to see at the top?

• A 360-degree panorama – the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau on one side, Oberland valleys on the other, and on clear days far-off ranges.
• Piz Gloria – the revolving restaurant turns once roughly every 45 minutes, with a Bond-inspired menu.
• Bond World – an exhibition on On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), which used the summit building as Blofeld's headquarters. The producers paid to finish the half-built restaurant and a helipad in return for filming rights, and the building kept the Piz Gloria name afterwards.
• 007 Walk of Fame – nine panels along the ridge with signatures and handprints.
• Skyline Walk and Thrill Walk – a viewing platform over the drop at Birg and a roughly 200 m walkway along the rock face.

When should you go?

Pick a clear day: in cloud there is nothing to see. Early morning usually means fewer clouds and fewer people. The summit is easy to reach in summer and busy with skiers from the Mürren area in winter. Bring a warm jacket even in July, since it is much colder at nearly 3,000 m than in the valley. Check current operating hours, as they change by season.

Is it good for families and film fans?

Yes. Children enjoy the ride and the Thrill Walk, and Bond fans get one of the best-known film locations in the Alps. Anyone uneasy with heights can skip the Skyline Walk and enjoy the view from the terrace.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Schilthorn? 2,970 m above sea level. The intermediate Birg station sits at 2,677 m.

How long is the ride to the summit? The Schilthornbahn operator states under 30 minutes from Stechelberg.

Does Piz Gloria really rotate? Yes, it completes a full turn about every 45 minutes.

Is the Schilthorn the same as the Lauberhorn? No. The Lauberhorn is a different mountain, known for its World Cup ski race near Wengen, while the Schilthorn rises above Mürren and Lauterbrunnen.