Every Swiss tour needs an Alpine experience and my favourite is the Schilthorn! The Schilthorn’s views were long famous among mountaineers, but it wasn’t until 1967 – when the then world’s longest aerial cable car was installed – that others could enjoy them.
Olympic ski jumper Ernst Feuz was the man behind the group that opened up this spectacular 2,970m (9,744′) high location. He also planned one of the world’s first revolving restaurants so that visitors could make the most of the panorama once the cableway was completed. While there’s no longer a permanent resident in the building, in keeping with its remote location it’s left unlocked and lit at night as a refuge for any hikers lost on the mountain. Here’s what I love about a Schilthorn day trip.
Schilthornbahn
The cableway from the valley floor to the peak was built in 1967 as a four-stage journey. Since March 2025, it’s been reduced to three stages with a new cableway, the world’s steepest at time of opening. The state-of-the-art cars have the best wind stability for the smoothest and most comfortable ride through the spectacular scenery of the valley, sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls, opening to breathtaking Alpine peaks at the top.
Piz Gloria
Building of the revolving restaurant started in 1961, then stalled until a location scout for the James Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ arranged funding to complete it. In late 1968 it was used as Piz Gloria, the villain Blofeld’s Swiss hideout in the film. Then it was given that name when it opened as a restaurant in 1969 after filming was completed. It offers 360° views of Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and over 200 other Alpine peaks.
Bond World
As the setting for a number of scenes in ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’, it’s fitting that the Schilthorn houses an interactive museum with memorabilia from the filming. Visitors can watch film excerpts, get a Bond’s-eye view from the helicopter and bobsled, and pose for photos with life-sized James Bond replicas. The classic Bond martini – shaken not stirred – is available at the restaurant bar as well.
Gimmelwald
On the way back down, stop in the beautiful car-free village of Gimmelwald at 1,367m (4,485′). The steep mountains rise above it and there are great views down to the valley below. Traditional wooden farmhouses, decorated with cowbells won at annual shows, have fridges stocked with their Alpine cheese, dried sausages, eggs and milk and an ‘honesty box’ for shoppers to leave their money.
Hiking
While keen mountaineers hike the 350m (1,150′) steep Summit Ascent from Birg to Schilthorn, I prefer to take the cable car to Mürren then walk the 3km (2 mile) trail down to Gimmelwald with stunning views and fresh Alpine air. In Gimmelwald you can reward yourself with a local brew or snack at the rustic Mountain Hostel before catching the cable car down to the valley floor. There are many other hiking options to suit all energy levels.
Yes – a visit to the Schilthorn is definitely worth doing as a day trip when visiting Switzerland.
Spectacular views, good food and wine at the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, an amazing cable car experience (the world’s steepest and super smooth) and fun Bond World all add up to make the Schilthorn my favourite Alpine experience.
The Schilthorn is a more enjoyable day trip than the Jungfraujoch.
I’ve done both and while the Jungfraujoch is spectacular at the top – the journey up there in a crowded train where tourists push and shove for the limited seats, over 1½ hours from Interlaken and 2 train changes, isn’t fun!
In comparison, the cable car to Schilthorn takes about 30 minutes with 2 very easy, orderly changes and is an exciting part of the experience. The new cableway, launched in March 2025, includes the world’s steepest cable car, yet the ride in state-of-the-art cars is smooth and comfortable.
And the view at the top on a clear day is breathtaking with over 200 Alpine peaks to see – including the Jungfrau and its joch, alongside Eiger, Mönch and other legendary mountains.
Yes – lunch at Piz Gloria restaurant on the Schilthorn is definitely worth it.
Leave the ‘all-you-can-eat’ buffet to the tourists and order a platter of Swiss cheese and cold-cuts from the à la carte menu along with a bottle of delicious Heida wine – appropriate given it’s a traditional Swiss variety grown in Switzerland’s highest vineyards. Being Switzerland, even the bread and butter is delicious.
The views as the restaurant slowly revolves are unlike anything else – and the altitude puts an edge on your appetite.
To make the most of your time on the Schilthorn, go up as early as you can.
The first cable cars leave Stechelberg around 8am, and mornings usually bring the clearest views before clouds build up over the peaks later in the day. You can check the live summit webcam before you set out.
Piz Gloria serves brunch through the morning and hot meals from late morning, so you can enjoy the views and Bond World first, then settle in for a long lunch as the restaurant revolves. Booking a table is recommended.
At 2,970m (9,744′), the Schilthorn is high enough for some visitors to feel mild effects of altitude, especially as the cable car whisks you up from the valley in about 30 minutes – but thankfully serious symptoms are rare on day trips.
The most common signs are breathlessness, a mild headache, light-headedness and tiredness. If you feel any effects, take it slowly at the top, drink plenty of water and go easy on alcohol.
Symptoms usually ease once you’re back down, though many people feel a little tired after spending time at high altitudes, so save the big night out for another day.
