Schilthorn
Bern
Schilthorn is a prominent mountain in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, rising to 2,970 meters above sea level. It overlooks the Lauterbrunnen valley and is the highest peak north of the Sefinenfurgge Pass. The mountain is accessible via a series of cable cars, including the world's steepest cable car segment connecting Stechelberg to Mürren. At its summit stands the revolving restaurant Piz Gloria, renowned for its 360-degree panoramic views of iconic Alpine peaks such as the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch, as well as distant ranges like the Jura, Vosges, and Black Forest. Piz Gloria gained international fame as a filming location for the 1969 James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," adding cultural significance to the site. The mountain serves as the traditional start point for the Inferno ski race, the world's longest amateur downhill ski competition, held annually in winter. Hiking enthusiasts can also reach the summit via well-marked trails, with a typical ascent taking around five hours from nearby Gimmelwald. The cable car system underwent a major modernization beginning in 2024, including a new direct segment from Stechelberg to Mürren that holds the record for steepest gradient. Schilthorn combines natural beauty, alpine adventure, and cinematic history, making it a unique destination in the Bernese Oberland.
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Tip: The best time to visit Schilthorn is during late spring to early autumn for hiking and panoramic views, or winter for skiing events like the Inferno race. It is recommended to purchase cable car tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid queues. Visitors should note that the cable car system was upgraded recently, improving capacity and frequency. For hikers, the ascent from Gimmelwald takes about five hours and is suitable for fit walkers. Discounts may be available for families, seniors, and groups; check official sources before visiting. Consider arriving early to enjoy the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant without crowds.
Interesting facts
- •Schilthorn's cable car segment from Stechelberg to Mürren holds the world record for the steepest cable car with a maximum gradient of 159.4%.
- •The revolving restaurant Piz Gloria at the summit completes a full 360-degree rotation every 45 minutes.
- •Schilthorn was a filming location for the 1969 James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," which helped complete the revolving restaurant's construction.
- •The Inferno ski race, starting at Schilthorn, is the world's longest amateur downhill ski race, held annually since 1928.
- •The cable car passes over Grauseeli, a small mountain lake, on its way from Birg to the summit.
History
The Schilthorn cable car project began in the late 1950s, with construction starting in 1963 after the concession was granted in 1961.
The cable car system was built in multiple sections, originally connecting Stechelberg, Gimmelwald, Mürren, Birg, and finally the summit.
Since December 2024, a new cable car segment from Stechelberg directly to Mürren was opened, becoming the steepest cable car in the world with a maximum gradient of 159.4%.
The modernization project also enabled independent operation of cable cars between Mürren–Birg and Birg–Schilthorn, allowing year-round service.
Historically, the summit became internationally famous after the completion of the revolving restaurant Piz Gloria, which was featured in the 1969 James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." The mountain has long been a hub for alpine sports, including hosting the Inferno ski race since 1928, the largest amateur downhill ski race globally.
Place Guide
Piz Gloria Revolving Restaurant1969
A unique panoramic restaurant at the summit that revolves 360 degrees in 45 minutes, offering stunning views of the Bernese Alps and beyond. It gained fame as the main filming location for the 1969 James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."
Cable Car System2024
A multi-segment cable car system providing access from Stechelberg through Mürren and Birg to the Schilthorn summit. The newest segment from Stechelberg to Mürren opened in 2024 and is the steepest cable car in the world.
Inferno Ski Race Start Point1928
Schilthorn is the traditional starting point of the Inferno race, the world's longest amateur downhill ski race, attracting thousands of participants each winter since 1928.
