How to plan a Schilthorn excursion
For the ultimate 360-degree panoramic view of the Swiss Skyline, a Schilthorn excursion is a must. In fact, we highly recommend you include a Schilthorn day trip in your Swiss itinerary!
From the summit, which has an altitude of 2970 metres, visitors get an extraordinary panorama of the Jungfrau region with views of more than 200 mountain peaks including Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
The spectacular view has been nicknamed ‘the Swiss Skyline’ and it will take your breath away.
The Schilthorn mountain was has also been made famous due to it being the location for the 007 Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” back in 1969, and for this reason it is not to be missed by any Bond obsessed fans.
Even if you’re not a big Bond fan, a day trip to the Schilthorn is still one of the best things to do in Switzerland.
Whether you visit in winter or summer, have a full day or just a few hours, a visit to Schilthorn is well worth it and, armed with all the information in this guide, you will have a brilliant time.
[This post may contain compensated links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.]
What's in this Article
Quick summary of Schilthorn ticket prices
A regular return ticket via the Schilthorn cableway from Stechelberg to Schilthorn is CHF 108 per adult and CHF 54 per child (children under 6 travel free). > Click here to buy tickets now.
Should you prefer to travel from Lauterbrunnen via Grutschalp and Winteregg, the same fares apply.
Reductions apply on both routes if you hold one of the following transport passes: Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Half Fare Card, Jungfrau Travel Pass, Berner Oberland Pass and Eurail Global Pass.
| Pass type | Discounted Adult price | |
| Swiss Travel Pass Click for more info | CHF 42.80 | CLICK TO BUY |
| Swiss Half Fare Card Click for more info | CHF 54.00 | CLICK TO BUY |
| Berner Oberland Pass Click for more info | CHF 42.80 | CLICK TO BUY |
| Jungfrau Travel Pass Click for more info | CHF 85.60 | CLICK TO BUY |
| Eurail Global Pass Click for more info | CHF 81.00 | CLICK TO BUY |
It is also possible to book a Schilthorn day trip from Zurich – click here for prices, or a Schilthorn day trip from Geneva – click here for prices.
How to get to Schilthorn from Lauterbrunnen valley
GOOD TO KNOW: Work on the Schilthornbahn 20XX project is currently taking place. New cable cars will be introduced in 2024/25 which will make the journey from Stechelberg to Schilthorn faster.
The cable car from Birg to Schilthorn will not be operating from mid-October 2024 to mid-March 2025.
Watch our YouTube video here to learn more.
The journey to the summit via the Schilthorn cable car is perhaps the main attraction!
To reach the top you must take a series of cable cars along the Schilthorn cableway which will have you gliding past sheer rock faces and waterfalls, and taking in panoramic views of the numerous Swiss mountain peaks.
There are two different routes from the Lauterbrunnen valley that you can take to reach the summit. Both routes are extremely scenic and it’s certainly worth considering going up one way and down the other.
Regardless of which route you decide to take, you will first need to make your way to Lauterbrunnen either by train or car (details on this below) and then choose one of the following options to get from Lauterbrunnen to Schilthorn.
Option 1: Stechelberg to Schilthorn via Mürren
Itinerary:
- Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg by bus (or private car)
- Stechelberg to Schilthorn by cableway via Gimmelwald*, Mürren and Birg
*From 14 December, 2024, the new cableway will commence operations and will travel directly from Stechelberg to Mürren. This will be the world’s steepest cableway. The existing cableway will still operate between Stechelberg and Gimmelwald and Gimmelwald and Mürren.
For this route you will need to take the 141 bus which leaves from outside Lauterbrunnen train station to the Stechelberg cable car station. The bus journey from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg takes approximately 12 minutes.
Buses leave Lauterbrunnen 5 and 35 minutes past the hour. Alternatively, if you take this route in reverse, buses leave from Stechelberg 12 and 42 minutes past the hour. (Bus fares are free for holders of the Swiss Travel Pass or Regional Pass Berner Oberland.)
Once you reach Stechelberg, you’ll take the Stechelberg to Schilthorn cable car. The cable car leaves 25 and 55 minutes past the hour (Stechelberg to Schilthorn) or 3 and 33 minutes past the hour Schilthorn to Stechelberg.
The cable car to Schilthorn takes 32 minutes to reach the top and stops at Gimmelwald, Murren and Birg en route.
Note: The Schilthorn peak will not be reachable from mid-October 2024 to mid-March 2025 due to the construction of a new cableway. Travel as far as Birg will be possible during this period.
> Click here to purchase your Schilthorn tickets
Option 2: Lauterbrunnen to Schilthorn via Mürren
Itinerary:
- Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp by cableway
- Grütschalp to Mürren by train
- Mürren to Schilthorn by cableway
If you would like to spend some time exploring Mürren, this is a great route to take. From Lauterbrunnen you will take a cable car to Grütschalp and then from here take the train to Mürren.
The cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp (and vice versa) departs approximately every 15 minutes and takes 7 minutes.
You can find the Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp cable car station directly across the road from the Lauterbrunnen train station.
After disembarking the cable car at Grütschalp, you then join a train to Mürren. The train stops at Winteregg enroute, with this part of the journey taking just 14 minutes.
Train departures and arrivals are timed to connect with the Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp cable car. The cable car station and train station in Grütschalp are beside each other.
Once you arrive in Mürren, you then need to walk approximately 900 metres through the village to the Mürren Schilthorn cable car which takes you up to Schilthorn.
The cable car from Mürren to Schilthorn leaves 10 and 40 minutes past the hour or 33 and 3 minutes past the hour from Schilthorn to Mürren. The cable car ride takes 17 minutes to reach the top.
Note: The Schilthorn peak will not be reachable from mid-October 2024 to mid-March 2025 due to the construction of a new cableway. Travel as far as Birg will be possible during this period.
What is there to do at Schilthorn?
If the journey to the top of Schilthorn isn’t impressive enough, there are also plenty of things to do and see at the three different intermediate stations.
We prefer to go to the summit first and then stop at the intermediate stations on the return journey, but you can make the summit the final stop on your Schilthorn day trip if you prefer.
The good news is that there are no individual entry fees to any of the attractions as your Schilthorn ticket price (see below) includes your transportation and access to all attractions.
You can also stop off at any (or all) of the intermediate stations and hop on a later cable car or train to continue your journey.
Schilthorn Piz Gloria – the Summit
At 2970 metres above sea level, Piz Gloria Schilthorn is the very top of the mountain. Here you will get fantastic 360° views of the Swiss Skyline including views of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, as well as Lakes Thun and Brienz.
As mentioned earlier, Schilthorn was the location where the 1960’s 007 Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was filmed. As such you will find many Schilthorn James Bond inspired attractions at Piz Gloria.
Below are the various things you can see and do at Piz Gloria.
Observation Deck
Here at 2970 metres high you will have fantastic views of over 200 mountain peaks from the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is the perfect spot to view the peaks of the Swiss Alps particularly the spectacular Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
On a clear day you can even see as far as Mont Blanc in France and the Black Forest in Germany.
Spy World
Spy World, sometimes also referred to as Bond World Schilthorn, is a lot of fun for both Bond fans and others who may never have heard of the name Bond, James Bond that is.
The Schilthorn Bond World is an interactive exhibition which has a range of displays relating to the 1960s film.
At this James Bond Schilthorn attraction you can take a phone call intended for James Bond and hear his instructions for this next case.
You can also fly a helicopter simulator, chase after the bad guys on a bobsleigh whilst ducking gun shots, as well as check out a range of other Bond memorabilia.
007 Walk of Fame
On the Walk of Fame you’ll find different display boards featuring the various cast and crew members from the 007 Schilthorn film.
These display boards contain a photo, signature, handprint and information about each person involved in the movie.
The display boards form a DIY tour you can take from the summit building to the viewing platform – for more spectacular views – and back again.
Listen to our podcast for more great tips on visiting the Schilthorn. Click the green button to play.
Bond Cinema
At the Bond cinema you can watch scenes from the Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.
Whether you’re a Bond tragic or have never seen a movie before, now is your chance to watch scenes in the very location the movie was made in 1969.
360 Degree Restaurant
360 Degree Restaurant is the world’s first revolving mountain restaurant and is also themed around James Bond. One revolution takes around 45 minutes and during this time you get fantastic views of the beautiful Swiss Alps.
The Schilthorn restaurant, which was called the Piz Gloria restaurant in the Bond film, serves up a range of great Bond-themed dishes including the popular 007 Burger (now called the Piz Gloria Burger).
If you would like to secure a window seat for your lunch reservation it is recommended that you book ahead.
You can also indulge in a delicious Schilthorn Brunch (previously called the James Bond Brunch) which is available daily from 8am to 2pm. A reservation includes a 90-minute sitting to enjoy the wide range of food on drink on offer.
The Schilthorn Brunch costs CHF 37 and reservations should be made in advance. Click here to make your Brunch reservation.
Find out more about the Schilthorn Brunch here >>
Skyline Top Shop and Skyline Take Away
You’ll also find a souvenir shop and a take away restaurant, which sells light meals and snacks, at Schilthorn Piz Gloria.
Touch the Snow
With snow on the Schilthorn’s northern slopes 365 days a year, no matter when you visit you can touch the snow – and even make a snowball!
Birg – the Middle Station
The Birg Schilthorn Station – the middle station on Schilthorn – is almost 2,700 metres above sea level and 1,000 metres above the village of Mürren. Below are the various things you can see and do at the Birg Station.
Skyline Observation Deck
From the Birg terrace, walk out on the Schilthorn skywalk observation deck which is constructed from steel and glass and has a grated floor.
The observation deck protrudes over the vertical abyss and provides more stunning views of the mountainous region.
Thrill Walk Birg
A great way to see the Swiss Alps from Schilthorn is by taking the Thrill Walk at Birg. The Birg Thrill Walk takes you along a 200 metre pathway which clings to the cliff face – and even passes under the cableway!
For those that dare, Schilthorn Thrill Walk offers a few heart racing obstacles along the way such as a tightrope, a crawl-through tunnel and a glass-bottomed floor.
Birg – Grausseeli – Birg Hiking Trail
This is an easy 2-hour Schilthorn hike from Birg which goes over the Seewlifuhre and down to Grauseeli, a small alpine lake. Make sure you make the most of the photo opportunity of the mountains reflecting in the lake.
Bistro Birg
Grab something to eat at Bistro Birg whilst enjoying the Swiss Skyline. During the warmer months you can even sit on the terrace.
Mürren
Make sure you allow enough time on your day trip to the Schilthorn to explore the village of Mürren.
There are numerous shops to browse and cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or a drink with spectacular views over the Lauterbrunnen valley.
There is also a good choice of hotels in Mürren should you wish to stay a night or two.
Allmendhubel
Just above Mürren is the mountain of Allmendhubel, and despite not being as high as the Schilthorn, it’s well worth a visit.
Here you’ll find a restaurant, a fantastic children’s playground and stunning views.
Allmendhubel can be reached by a short funicular ride from Mürren. Travel is free for holders of the Berner Oberland Pass and half price for holders of the Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card.
If you don’t have a rail pass, you can buy your Allmendhubel tickets here.
The funicular operates year round except on the following dates when scheduled maintenance will take place: 16 October to 8 December, 2023; 8 April to 7 June, 2024; and 21 October to 6 December, 2024. All dates are inclusive.
Flower Park
If you are visiting with children, a visit to Allmendhubel is a must.
The Flower Park adventure playground is one of the best in the Jungfrau Region and will keep the kids entertained for hours.
A new addition to the Flower Park is a water labyrinth, perfect for cooling off on warm summer days.
Mürren – Blumental – Allmendhubel Hike
A great way to reach Allmendhubel is on foot. The hike from Mürren via Blumental takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes and passes by gorgeous countryside and grazing cattle.
The Flower Trail
If you’re looking for an easy Schilthorn walk check out the Flower Trail at Allmendhubel. This is a short walk which circles the Allmendhubel in around 20 minutes.
This is one of the great hikes from Mürren to take during the summer as you will discover up to 150 different mountain flowers. This hike is suitable for all fitness levels and the path is even wide enough for a stroller.
Northface Hiking Trail
There are a few different Mürren hiking trails and the Northface trail is rated as a 2.5 medium difficulty hike.
Along this trail you will enjoy impressive views as well as the 12 informational panels along the trail which document the history of the mountains.
Villages to visit en route to Schilthorn
Gimmelwald
The tiny hamlet of Gimmelwald is (currently) the intermediate cable car station between the valley station at Stechelberg and Mürren but it can also be reached by foot from the latter.
A mostly paved path, which offers stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, connects Mürren and Gimmelwald. Allow around one hour for the walk.
In Gimmelwald you’ll find a couple of cafes/restaurants as well as an honesty shop where farm-grown products and handmade items are for sale.
Gimmelwald is also the starting point for a Via Ferrata, a white knuckle ‘iron path’ comprising metal rungs and steel ropes attached to the cliff face, and suspended over the valley floor hundreds of metres below.
Winteregg
The Winteregg mountain restaurant is the perfect place to break your journey, or reward yourself after the walk from Mürren.
Here you’ll also find a children’s playground and, during the summer months, a farm shop selling cheese and yoghurt.
Grütschalp
Aside from being the interchange station between the cable car and train for those travelling between Lauterbrunnen and Mürren, there’s nothing really of note to see in Grütschalp – except the beautiful scenery!
That amazing scenery can be admired from the terrace of the Grütschalp cafe which is located above the train station.
There’s a beautiful hiking trail from Grütschalp to Mürren, via Winteregg (allow around one hour). The trail follows the railway line for much of the way, and also crosses a small stream and passes through fields.
Our tip: walk from Grütschalp to Mürren and you’ll have the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in front of you most of the way.
How much do Schilthorn tickets cost?
As we mentioned at the start of this guide, the cost of a day trip to Schilthorn from Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg is CHF 108 per adult and CHF 54* per child (children under 6 travel free). > Click here to buy tickets now.
*Children up to 16 years who have a Junior Card or Swiss Family Card, accompanied by a parent, travel for free.
However, there are various travel passes you can purchase that offer a discount on the Schilthorn price.These can be excellent value if you plan on doing other mountain excursions in the Jungfrau region.
I’ve listed some of these passes and the associated discounted prices below:
| Pass type | Discounted Adult price | |
| Swiss Travel Pass Click for more info | CHF 42.80 | CLICK TO BUY |
| Swiss Half Fare Card Click for more info | CHF 54.00 | CLICK TO BUY |
| Berner Oberland Pass Click for more info | CHF 42.80 | CLICK TO BUY |
| Jungfrau Travel Pass Click for more info | CHF 85.60 | CLICK TO BUY |
| Eurail Global Pass Click for more info | CHF 81.00 | CLICK TO BUY |
All prices are subject to change without notice.
To get a free copy of our Interlaken region rail pass comparison sheet, click here.
What is included in the Schilthorn ticket price?
Your Schilthorn ticket covers the various cable cars you’re required to take in order to reach the summit at Piz Gloria, as well as access to all the facilities mentioned above.
How do I validate my Schilthorn ticket?
If you have purchased your Schilthorn ticket online (click here to buy now), you should print out a copy of the voucher.
The voucher/ticket does not need to be validated but should be presented to the ticket office and exchanged for a ticket to pass through the turnstiles at each cable car station.
You need to scan your Schilthorn ticket at the turnstile each time your board a cable car so be sure to keep your ticket until you have returned to Stechelberg or Lauterbrunnen.
Do I need a reservation for the Schilthorn cable cars or train?
You do not need a reservation for any of the cable cars.
How long does it take to get from Lauterbrunnen to Schilthorn?
Both routes from Lauterbrunnen to Schilthorn (via Stechelberg or Grütschalp) take around 1 hour.
How many cable cars per day operate to Schilthorn?
Between Stechelberg and Schilthorn there are two cable cars per hour starting from 7.25 am (bus from Lauterbrunnen starts at 7.05am).
During the period 29 June to 18 August the last cable car from Stechelberg to Schilthorn departs at 5.25pm (bus from Lauterbrunnen departs at 5.05pm).
For the remainder of the year the last cable car for Schilthorn departs at 4.25pm (bus from Lauterbrunnen departs at 4.05pm).
For the return trip there are also two journeys per hour with the first departure from Schilthorn at 8.33am. Between the period 29 June to 18 August the last departure is 6.55pm whereas the remainder of the year the last departure is 5.55pm.
For the journey to Schilthorn via Grütschalp, there are also two cable car/train trips to Schilthorn per hour starting from 7.01am.
During the period 29 June to 18 August the last journey departs Lauterbrunnen at 4.53pm. For the remainder of the year the journey for Schilthorn departs at 3.53pm.
For the return trip there are also two journeys per hour with the first departure from Schilthorn at 8.33am.
Between the period 29 June to 18 August the last departure is 6.55pm whereas the remainder of the year the last departure is 5.55pm.
See the full timetable here >>
Do I have to start my trip to Schilthorn in Lauterbrunnen?
No. If it is more convenient, you can start your journey at any of the stations along the route including Stechelberg or Mürren.
Can I break my journey to Schilthorn?
Yes, it is possible to disembark at any of the stations along the way and re-join a later service on the same day.
All passengers are required to disembark at each station anyway, so you are welcome to go and explore the surrounding area or board the next cable car and carry on with your journey.
Should I do an excursion to Schilthorn or Jungfraujoch?
If you have limited time in Lauterbrunnen or the Jungfrau region and are wondering whether you should visit Schilthorn or Jungfraujoch, you should read this guide for more information on the excursion to Jungfraujoch to help you make your decision.
We have also compared both mountain excursions in detail in > this article.
Both mountains offer a unique experience and are highly recommended excursions.
More useful information for your Schilthorn visit
For details on how to get to Lauterbrunnen as well as things to do in Lauterbrunnen, read this article. You can also read my detailed guide on Lauterbrunnen accommodation.
The Schilthorn is open year round except for the periods 13 November to 8 December, 2023 and 22 April to 26 April, 2024 when scheduled maintenance will take place. Access to Birg will not be possible between 11 November and 6 December, 2024.
NOTE: From 14 October, 2024 the cableway between Birg and Schilthorn will cease operating. The new Funifor cableway will start operating on 15 March, 2025. (All dates are inclusive.) See this list of current closure dates.
Ready to purchase your Schilthorn tickets? > Click here to buy now!
🇨🇭To read our full guide to Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region, > click here.
PIN FOR LATER
