Schilthorn

The Schilthorn

The Schilthorn is one of the best places to view the Jungfrau massif. At an altitude of 2970 m, on a ridge, you can enjoy a 360° view of the Bernese Oberland.

What to expect at the Schilthorn?

The Schilthorn can be reached by a cable car from Mürren. Apart from the great view from the observation platform, you can also enjoy the revolving panoramic restaurant, which was the first in the world of its kind.

In 1969, the Schilthorn featured in the James Bond movie 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'. It was the hideout of Bond's enemy Blofeld, and the place was called Piz Gloria for that occassion. Today, that's still a name being used for the Schilthorn. There is an interactive exhibition 'Bond World 007' at the Schilthorn, showing movie scenes and information about how the film was shot. The Walk of Fame shows photos of the actors and crew, plus their hand print and a personal message.

The trip to the Schilthorn by cable car is an attraction too, as there are deep ravines being crossed and the view is amazing all the way up.

Be sure to explore the mid station Birg as well. Here's what to expect there:

• A viewing terrace that partly hangs over a precipice (the Skyline Walk). Very exciting!
• The Thrill Walk: you'll be able to explore places only mountaineers can go if it wasn't for this steel path pinned to the vertical rocks;
• A bistro to have a drink or lunch.

 

Preparation

Check the weather forecast as there's no point in going up if the Schilthorn is covered in clouds. Dress in multiple thinner layers so that you can adapt to the different temperatures throughout the day. Note that it can be windy at the top. Take along gloves, sun glasses and perhaps a winter sports hat. Solid shoes are recommended if you plan to leave to observation platform. There isn't much easy hiking at the top though.

Allow at least an hour to visit the top of the Schilthorn. This does not include the time to get there.

The Schilthorn is 2970 m high. Anyone can suffer from (light) altitude sickness from about 2000 m. Usually it helps to take things slow and sit down for a while. Special precautions apply to children under 2 years old, as well as people who are pregnant or in poor health: before visiting areas over 2500 m, you'd better consult your doctor. In most cases though, staying at such altitudes for just a few hours is no problem.