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The Schilthorn is known for two reasons; its incredible views and James Bond. The site was made famous in the 1969 James Bond film ‘Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ and there are still signs left today from the film. But it still has lots to offer if you are not a movie buff. The views are some of the best in Switzerland with snow-capped peaks, mountain trails and a revolving restaurant.

HOW TO GET TO THE SCHILTHORN SWITZERLAND

The journey has a few steps and may look daunting but it actually comes together quite smoothly, and with very little wait time between legs. From Interlaken take the train to Lauterbrunnen. Once there cross the road to the cable car station and take the cable car up to Grutschlap. Here you will either need to change to a small train which will take you to Murren or you can hike there via the reasonably flat trail which takes about an hour.

Once in Murren walk to the other side of town on the main street (follow the signs) to the Schilthorn cable way. From here you can take the cable car up to Birg where you will need to swap cable cars and then catch the final cable car up to the Schilthorn.

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The final cable car up to the Schilthorn takes you up above the clouds.

All of these journeys are included under the Berner Oberland Regional Travel Pass with the exception of the final cable car from Murren to the Schilthorn. Tickets for this final leg can be purchased on site at the cable car terminal.

THINGS TO DO AT THE SCHILTHORN SWITZERLAND

Piz Gloria Revolving Restaurant

The Piz Gloria revolving restaurant offers 360 degree views of the surrounding snow capped mountain tops. It takes 45 mins for the restaurant to complete a full circle and it is worth eating slowly to get the full experience. While food is not cheap it could be worse and you can chose to order off the ala carte menu for something small. They also offer a good value brunch buffet for 33 CHF which includes prosecco. The best seats go quick so try to get there before 12pm for a good view.

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The 007 Burger hits the spot

Explore outside

Head outside for unblocked views over the surrounding mountains and feel the chill of the mountain air. The views make the cold worth it! There is a reasonable area to explore including a second viewing point on the far side. Here you can take a selfie with the Schilthorn in the background using a provided camera. Your photo is loaded up to a website where you can later download it. Other photo opportunities include bond themed cut outs and a tunnel spiral. For the hikers there are a few small trails available, don’t stray off the marked trails though as the mountain side is steep and dangerous.

There are a number of short trails around the Schilthorn

James Bond Museum

There is a museum dedicated to the James Bond movie that was filmed here in 1969. You can watch clips from the movie, sit in a model helicopter and star in your own scene while sliding down a mountain on a sled. There are posters from all the James Bond movies ever made and interesting facts about the 1969 film spread around the museum. It is quite a fascinating exhibition so make time for it before you go. It is somewhat hidden on the bottom floor.

Go to the Bathroom

While this may seem like an odd suggestion you will see why when you get there! (think Bond theme)

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The Schilthorn is entirely themed on the James Bond 1969 Film ‘Her Majesty’s Secret Service’.

Birg Cliff Walk

The Birg Cliff Walk is for the adventurers. The walk consists of series of metal grated platforms attached to the cliff face surrounding the Birg cable car station. There are a number of challenges that cliff walkers can choose to participate in including a tightrope, a glass floor and a mesh tunnel. While not technically dangerous, these are not for the faint hearted! The Cliff Walk can be reached by leaving the cable car at the Birg Station on the way up or down from the Schilthorn towards Murren.

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The tunnel challenge is one of the hair raising activities on the Birg Cliff Walk

Explore Murren

Once you have completed your journey make sure to spend some time in the pretty little town of Murren before you head back to your hotel. It has beautiful views over the valley and there are a number of cute little cafes and shops to explore.

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A Swiss chalet above Murren

OTHER DAY TRIPS IN THE BERNER OBERLAND REGION

Have you considered these other day trips in the Bernese Oberland Region?