Episode 131: Experience the World’s Steepest Cable Car at the Schilthorn
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Most people think all cable cars in Switzerland offer the same experience. They don’t! The ride to the Schilthorn is one of a kind, both for its engineering and the views at the top and that’s what we’re going to talk about today.
In this episode, I’m joined once again by Alan Ramsay from Schilthorn Cableway Ltd to talk about the major upgrades to one of the most iconic mountain excursions in Switzerland, the Schilthorn cable car.
You’ve probably heard of Schilthorn, Switzerland, especially if you’re a James Bond fan. But there’s a lot more to this Bernese Oberland peak than just movie trivia.
From the upgraded cable cars – one of which is the steepest in the world – to the Skyline Walk, the cliff-hugging Thrill Walk Switzerland, and the revolving restaurant at Piz Gloria, there’s a lot more to experience at the Schilthorn.
We cover everything you need to know to plan your trip. You’ll learn how the upgraded cableway system works, what to expect at each stop along the route, and how to reach the summit from the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
We also talk about what it’s like to walk on the Skyline and Thrill Walks, how to reserve a table at the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, and what to do in Mürren and Birg along the way.
If you’re using a Swiss Travel Pass or a Bernese Oberland Pass, we explain how the pricing and discounts work. Alan also shares tips for anyone who might be nervous about riding in Swiss cable cars.
Planning a trip to Schilthorn, Switzerland? This episode has everything you need to know before you go.
Join us for the full episode and get a complete picture of what makes the Schilthorn worth the visit.
Click the green button below to listen:
Show Notes
In this episode you’ll learn about:
- The newly opened cableways to the Schilthorn, including the world’s steepest cableway from Stechelberg to Mürren
- Additional improvements currently under construction
- Things to do at the Schilthorn, Birg and Mürren
- Schilthorn ticket prices and discounts
Our Guest
Scottish born and bred, Alan Ramsay visited Mürren for a ski holiday 34 years ago – and he never left!
After managing a hotel in Mürren for a number of years, he then started working for Schilthorn Cableways.
Alan is now Head of Markets and is in charge of the markets in Southeast Asia , GCC, India, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
Places mentioned in this episode
>> Stechelberg – The valley station of the Schilthorn cableway is located in Stechelberg, at the end of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. From Stechelberg, the world’s steepest cable car ascends to Mürren in just four minutes.
>> Mürren – The beautiful Alpine village of Mürren sits on a sunny plateau above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Passengers can reach the Schilthorn summit (via Birg) in the brand new Funifor cable cars. The journey from Mürren to Birg takes just five minutes, as does the journey from Birg to Schilthorn.
>> Birg – At the intermediate cable car station, Birg, visitors can take in the stunning views, and test their nerve on the Skyline View platform and the Thrill Walk.
>> Schilthorn – The summit of the Schilthorn, at 2,970 metres above sea level, offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the Bernese Alps. Visitors can also enjoy a drink or meal in the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, which featured in the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.
>> Allmendhubel – A lower peak above Mürren, Allmendhubel is reached by a short funicular ride. Children love the adventure playground and adults can admire the views from the sunny restaurant terrace. There are numerous hiking trails accessible from Allmendhubel in summer, and it’s possible to sledge/toboggan to Mürren in winter.
>> Gimmelwald – This tiny village was formerly a stop on the cableway between Stechelberg and Mürren. With the new cableway, passengers do not need to go via Gimmelwald but the old cableway is still in operation so it is still possible to visit.
>> Lauterbrunnen Valley – Home to 72 waterfalls, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is framed by imposing cliff faces. Trümmelbach Falls and Staubbach Falls are the most well-known and are well worth visiting in combination with your Schilthorn excursion.
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Useful resources
Read more about Schilthorn in our article How to plan a Schilthorn excursion and Which mountain excursion is best – Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn?
Plan your visit with our many Interlaken and Jungfrau Region travel guides and visit the Schilthorn website for additional information.
Listen to Alan’s previous appearances on the podcast: Episode 7 – Planning your visit to the Schilthorn and Episode 93 – Visiting Schilthorn Piz Gloria for 360 degree views of the Swiss Skyline
Learn more about the Swiss Travel Pass and Berner Oberland Pass.
👉 Free guide 21 useful things to know before you visit Switzerland.
> You can read a full transcript of this episode here.
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