Information
Landmark: SchilthornCity: Interlaken
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe
Schilthorn, Interlaken, Switzerland, Europe
Overview
High in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, the Schilthorn draws visitors with its sweeping, 360‑degree views and the glass‑walled Piz Gloria restaurant, made famous in the 1969 James Bond film *On Her Majesty’s Secret Service*.Rising 2,970 meters (9,744 feet) into the sky, the mountain draws tourists for its sweeping alpine views, heart-pounding adventures, and a brush with cinematic history.From the summit of the Schilthorn, you can see snow-dusted peaks stretching in every direction-among the finest 360‑degree views Switzerland has to offer.On a clear day, you can spot the Bernese Alps stretching for miles, with the sharp white crowns of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau standing out against the sky.From the summit, you can see the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching out below and, on a clear day, the shimmer of Lake Thun in the distance.It’s no wonder photographers, hikers, and anyone who loves wide-open alpine views flock here.At the peak sits Piz Gloria, the revolving James Bond restaurant made famous in the 1969 film *On Her Majesty’s Secret Service*.Piz Gloria slowly makes a full turn every hour, so while you’re tucking into lunch, the snow-dusted mountains and deep green valleys glide past your window without interruption.Inside, a James Bond exhibition showcases original props and gadgets, along with a multimedia display that traces the film’s creation and Schilthorn’s role in 007 history.It’s a must for movie lovers, Bond aficionados, or anyone craving a meal paired with some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking views.You can reach the summit easily via a chain of cable cars linking Stechelberg in the Lauterbrunnen Valley to the very top.The trip unfolds in stages: first a winding ride to Gimelwald, then a swaying cable car up to Mürren, and at last the climb to Schilthorn’s summit.All along the way, you’ll see sweeping views of mountains, valleys, and tiny alpine villages.The Schilthornbahn cable car glides past dark pine forests, bright green meadows, and rugged high-altitude slopes, making it one of the most breathtaking rides in the Swiss Alps.The last climb to Schilthorn carries you from Mürren up to its summit, where snowy peaks stretch to the horizon.From there, you can set out on trails that range from gentle walks to demanding treks.The region’s trails suit everyone, from easy strolls along wildflower meadows to steep alpine climbs that leave your legs burning.From Schilthorn, some favorite hikes include the easy trek from the summit down to Piz Gloria, where you can step onto the restaurant’s terrace and take in sweeping views of the Jungfrau massif and jagged peaks all around.For more of a challenge, start in the village of Mürren and climb through wildflower meadows, shadowed forests, and rugged rock toward Schilthorn, with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau keeping watch in the distance.You can also reach the famed Eiger Trail from nearby, a high-altitude route that’s pure alpine drama.Come winter, the mountain turns into a playground for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.In the Mürren-Schilthorn ski area, you’ll find runs for every skill level, from gentle pistes to steep, powdery slopes, plus easy links to nearby favorites like Wengen and Grindelwald.And if you’re after a jolt of adrenaline, step onto the Schilthorn Thrill Walk-a narrow path clinging to the cliff with the valley yawning below.Just below the summit, visitors step onto a suspended cliff walkway with clear glass underfoot, feeling the drop beneath them and taking in sweeping views of the valleys and jagged peaks far below.The Thrill Walk sits inside the sprawling Schilthorn adventure park, where visitors of all ages can tackle everything from glass-bottom walkways to cliffside paths.In winter, the mountain becomes part of the Jungfrau Ski Region, boasting more than 200 kilometers of gleaming slopes for skiers and snowboarders.The ski area welcomes everyone, from first-time skiers to seasoned experts, and offers plenty of snowy adventures.You can strap on snowshoes or follow a quiet, marked trail for a peaceful winter hike, hearing only the crunch of fresh powder underfoot.Beyond the renowned Piz Gloria restaurant, you’ll find plenty of places to eat at the Schilthorn and along the hiking paths.These restaurants serve classic Swiss alpine fare-think bubbling cheese fondues, crispy rösti, and local meats like sausages or tender game.If you want to pair your meal with a view, you’ll find alpine spots along the hiking trails and down in the villages below Schilthorn, many with outdoor tables where you can breathe in the crisp mountain air.Just below the peak lies Mürren, a charming, car-free village worth wandering before or after your trip up.In Mürren, wooden Swiss chalets line the slopes, the air smells of pine, and the mountains rise in breathtaking silence.It’s a great starting point for hikes and ski trips, with the nearby Lauterbrunnen Valley boasting dramatic waterfalls like the misty Staubbach and the roaring Trümmelbach.People often call the valley one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking spots, with sheer cliffs rising above bright green meadows dotted with wildflowers.Jungfraujoch, while separate from the Schilthorn, is another famed alpine destination you can reach by train from Grindelwald or Wengen.Nicknamed the “Top of Europe,” Jungfraujoch treats visitors to sweeping mountain views and plenty to do at the continent’s highest railway station.For Schilthorn, aim for summer-June through September-when the trails are open, the sun’s warm on your shoulders, and the air smells of alpine grass.The weather feels gentle, and the mountains stand sharp against the sky.From December to March, it’s prime time for skiing, snowboarding, and carving fresh tracks in the snow.Winter wraps the mountains in white, giving the air a crisp, almost magical feel.The easiest way to reach Schilthorn is to ride the series of cable cars that climb steadily toward its peak.Your trip begins in Stechelberg, a small village you can reach from Lauterbrunnen by bus, before climbing to the summit in several stages.If you’re taking the train, Lauterbrunnen station links smoothly to Switzerland’s main rail network and connects straight to the cable cars.Coming by car?You can drive to Lauterbrunnen or to Mürren, though the latter keeps its narrow streets free of most vehicles.
