Rising almost 3,000 metres (9,842 feet) above sea level is the Schilthorn summit of Switzerland. It is situated in the Bernese Alps region above the mountain village of Mürren. The highlight of this peak is the breathtaking views that it affords in every direction. Most notably, visitors are treated to panoramic vistas of the famous, snow-covered peaks of Jungfrau, Eiger, Titlis and Mönch. On very clear days, you might even be treated to fabulous views of the Black Forest and Mont Blanc peak. As the highest mountain in the Bernese Alps, Schilthorn also looks over the Lauterbrunnen valley. Easily accessible by a series of cable cars from various points in the region, the summit is open year-round and offers a range of attractions and activities. There is a ‘Bond World’ exhibition, viewing platforms offering the best lookouts, snowboarding, skiing, and hiking activities. To have the best time, come and take a look at our guide to Schilthorn, Interlaken.
Things to do / Highlights
Take in the amazing views
Since it is situated 2,970 metres (9,744 feet) above sea level in the Bernese Alps, Schilthorn is in an ideal position to offer unbelievable 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. The endless snowy mountain ranges from here include peaks like Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger that can be seen from the Skyline viewing platform. It is said that you can see about 200 mountain peaks from the platform atop Schilthorn, including the Mont Blanc range and the Black Forest on clear days. The journey to the top via a cable car also provides superb views.
Explore the world of James Bond
At the top of Schilthorn is a unique James Bond-themed exhibition called ‘Bond World’. The peak’s history has been intertwined with that of the famous British character since the movie 'On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ was shot here. At the 'Bond World’ interactive exhibition, visitors can know more about which key scenes from the movie were shot here, learn about the making of the movie and see the handprints of the actors at 007 Walk of Fame. The exhibit also includes Bond Cinema, where you can see amazing scenes from the movie. This attraction is a must-visit for all Bond fans.
Enjoy adventurous outdoor activities
Since it is open year-round, Schilthorn offers a range of winter and summer activities. In the winter, visitors can enjoy various outdoor adventure sports like snowboarding, skiing, sledge safaris and winter hiking. Schilthorn is known as Bernese Oberland’s highest skiing region and has a steep slope that is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. You can also take snowboarding or skiing lessons here. Hiking is another popular outdoor activity since there is an extensive and maintained network of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty available.
Travelers tips
Dress for the weather
Since it is situated at such a height, it is very important for visitors to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. It is advisable to dress in layers that can be donned or shed when required. It is often very windy and very sunny at the top, so wear sunscreen and protective clothing like cap, sunglasses, gloves, etc. Comfortable shoes are also highly recommended.
Don't miss the last cable car down
Cable cars are the only way to reach the top of Schilthorn, and they have specific run times. It is vital that you don’t miss the last cable car down, the timing of which varies by season. For winter, the last cable car down is at 4:55 pm. It is good practice to check the timetable before planning your trip because there are scheduled maintenance closures for the cable car service.
Check the weather forecast
The weather can differ day-to-day at Schilthorn. To avoid cloud cover, overcast, rainy or snowy days that can hinder your views, you are advised to check the weather forecast before planning your trip. Alternatively, you could also check the Schilthorn webcam that is available online.
How to get there
Public transport
The most convenient way to reach Schilthorn is by various modes of public transport. A series of cable cars are involved in the journey to the top. From Interlaken, you can take a train to Lauterbrunnen and a bus to the cable car station of Stechelberg that has a total journey time of about one and a half hours. Alternatively, from Lauterbrunnen, you could ride up in a cable to Grütschalp, then take a train to Mürren and then a cable car to Schilthorn.
You could also take a cable car from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald, transfer to Mürren, then take another cable car to Birg. From there, you would have to change again to reach Schilthorn. Generally, the ride time from Stechelberg to Schilthorn is about half an hour.
Private car
If you are driving your own car or a rental one, you can reach Stechelberg via Lauterbrunnen any time of the year by taking the Wilderswil/Interlaken motorway exit. After parking your car at Stechelberg, ride the series of cable cars to Schilthorn.
Parking information
For short stays, it is best to park your car at the large parking lot at Stechelberg. Parking rates start from 4.15 USD per hour, but the first hour is free of charge.
Hiking
If you are up for it, hiking is another great way to reach Schilthorn. Though a challenging hike, it is very rewarding in terms of views. The hike is about 13 km (8 miles) one way from Mürren, with an elevation gain of 1,700 meters (5,577 feet). Alternatively, you can skip the uphill hike and reach the top via cable cars, then hike down from Schilthorn to Mürren, which is quite steep, but also worth the view.
How to book tickets
The easiest way to book tickets for the cable car ride and other attractions at Schilthorn is online via their official ticket purchase link. Alternatively, you could also choose to buy tickets from third-party websites or at the cable car stations in Mürren and Stechelberg.
Though ticket prices start at 85.60 CHF (88.71 USD), discounted prices are available if you have a discount or affiliate pass. Discounted tickets are available for holders of certain passes like Swiss Half Fare Card, Swiss Travel Pass, and Eurail Pass.
Schilthorn information
Schilthorn
Address: 3825 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Opening hours: 7:55am - 3:55pm (daily)
Cost: from 88.71 USD
Department of tourism: Visit Switzerland
History
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