What is the Schilthorn?
The Schilthorn, also called 'Piz Gloria', can be reached by a spectacular cable car ride from Mürren. There's an amazing view of the Bernese Alps, that you can enjoy from the platform or the rotating restaurant. In addition, expect a James Bond exhibition and a thrilling mountain walk at mid-station Birg.
The trip to the Schilthorn by cable car is an attraction too: deep ravines are crossed and the view is stunning all the way up.
Schilthorn tickets, prices, and boarding passes explained
Schiltorn prices 2024: overview for return tickets Stechelberg-Mürren-Schilthorn
Price | More information | Ticket |
---|---|---|
CHF 42.80 | more info and prices | ticket with Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex or Berner Oberland Pass*: free travel for Stechelberg-Mürren-Stechelberg, 50% discount for Mürren-Schilthorn-Mürren - *) 2024 price for Berner Oberland Pass not confirmed yet |
CHF 54 | more info and prices | ticket with Swiss Half Fare Card: 50% discount for Stechelberg-Mürren-Schilthorn-Mürren-Stechelberg |
CHF 64.20* | more info and prices | ticket with Jungfrau Travel Pass: free travel to Mürren, 25% discount Mürren-Schilthorn-Mürren - *) 2024 price not confirmed yet |
CHF 108 | more info and prices | normal ticket |
CHF 5 | more info and prices | boarding pass to skip the queues (optional) |
Schilthorn price examples, with and without rail pass discounts
A normal return ticket Stechelberg-Schilthorn costs CHF 108, a normal return ticket Mürren-Schilthorn costs CHF 85.60.
With a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex, you only need a discounted return ticket Mürren-Schilthorn at CHF 42.80. The ride to Mürren is free.
A Swiss Half Fare Card allows you to buy a return ticket Stechelberg-Schilthorn at CHF 54, and a return ticket Mürren-Schilthorn at CHF 42.80.
We've listed a detailed overview of all rail pass discounts here.
Where to buy your tickets
Tickets to Schilthorn can be bought online or at the cable car stations.
Reservations and boarding passes
Reservations for the Schilthorn cable car are not required. But you can optionally buy an additional boarding pass, to skip the queue at a guaranteed boarding time. The price is CHF 5 per person. Boarding passes are free for children up to 5 years old.
Get your Schilthorn tickets
Find tickets with and without railpass discounts, or pick a tour that suits your needs.
Offered by Official SBB shop: swissrailways.com
- Official webshop of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), operated by Switzerland Travel Centre (STC)
- Instant delivery through e-mail in 5 minutes
- Free cancellation until 1 day before travel, if you choose the FLEX OPTION. No questions asked.
- Extra Support: MySwissAlps can answer most questions regarding your order as well.
Offered by Official SBB shop: swissrailways.com
- Official webshop of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), operated by Switzerland Travel Centre (STC)
- Instant delivery through e-mail in 5 minutes
- Free cancellation until 1 day before travel, if you choose the FLEX OPTION. No questions asked.
- Extra Support: MySwissAlps can answer most questions regarding your order as well.
Offered by Headout: www.headout.com
- Best price guarantee
- 24x7 help center
- No foreign currency conversion fee
Promotions
Apply promo code MYSWISSALPS5OFF for a 5% discount on all activities in Switzerland. That includes Glacier 3000, Grindelwald-First, Jungfraujoch, Matterhorn, Pilatus, Rhine Falls, Titlis, and much more.
- Exclusive offer to residents of the EU and UK.
- Only works for your first booking with Klook.
- The minimum booking value is GBP 80, or its equivalent in your local currency.
- The maximum discount is GBP 8, or its equivalent in your local currency.
Scenic rail journeys (with guaranteed seat reservations), self-drive holidays, journeys to famous mountain peaks, and more. Choose your preferred hotels, number of nights, and excursions in each town. Apply the promo code AFFMYSWISSALPS for a 5% discount.
Various multi-day packages for guided and self-guided trips to Switzerland. The offerings change regularly. Packages including surrounding countries are available too.
Cheaper Schilthorn tickets with your rail pass
Pass | Discount |
---|---|
Berner Oberland Pass |
Discount 50%:
Stechelberg to Mürren (cableway): free. Lauterbrunnen to Mürren (cableway + train): free. Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg (bus): free. |
Day Pass |
Discount 50%:
Stechelberg to Mürren (cableway): free. Lauterbrunnen to Mürren (cableway + train): free. Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg (bus): free. |
Eurail Global Pass |
Discount 25%:
Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp to Mürren (cableway + train): free. Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg (bus): no discount. |
Interrail Switzerland Pass |
Discount 25%:
Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp to Mürren (cableway + train): free. Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg (bus): no discount. |
Jungfrau Hiking and Sledging Pass |
Discount 50%:
Discount only applies to 3- to 7-day passes. Stechelberg to Mürren (cableway): free. Lauterbrunnen to Mürren (cableway + train): free. Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg (bus): free. |
Jungfrau Travel Pass |
Discount 25%:
This is a special offer that can be found here: https://schilthorn.ch/cmsfiles/tarif-flyer_2024.pdf. |
Saver Day Pass |
No discount:
Stechelberg to Mürren (cableway): free. Lauterbrunnen to Mürren (cableway + train): free. Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg (bus): free. |
Swiss Half Fare Card |
Discount 50%:
|
Swiss Travel Pass |
Discount 50%:
Stechelberg to Mürren (cableway): free. Lauterbrunnen to Mürren (cableway + train): free. Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg (bus): free. |
Swiss Travel Pass Flex |
Discount 50%:
Stechelberg to Mürren (cableway): free. Lauterbrunnen to Mürren (cableway + train): free. Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg (bus): free. |
How to reach Schilthorn: directions and map
The Schilthorn can be reached by cable car from Mürren only. There are 2 routes to reach Mürren.
How to travel to Mürren: the 2 options
All cable cars to the Schilthorn depart from the town of Mürren. There are 2 ways to get from Lauterbrunnen (down in the valley) to Mürren:
- by bus to Stechelberg and cable car to Mürren
- by cable car to Grütschalp and train to Mürren
Learn all details in our travel guide Lauterbrunnen-Mürren.
How to get from Mürren to Schilthorn
In Mürren, you'll first board a large cabin to mid-station Birg. At Birg, you'll switch to another cabin for the last section up to the top station.
Traveling times from Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Mürren
This is how long it takes to reach Schilthorn, depending on the route you pick:
- from Interlaken Ost: 1h20 to 1h50
- from Lauterbrunnen: 55 minutes to 1h10
- from Mürren: 17 minutes
Map with the routes to Schilthorn
Operation dates, schedules and timetable
Schilthorn cable car Stechelberg-Mürren - 2024 operation dates
The cable car from Stechelberg to Mürren operates daily, except for these timeframes:
- 20 November - 8 December 2023
- 22 April - 26 April 2024
- 11 November - 6 December 2024
Schilthorn cable car Mürren-Birg - 2024 operation dates
The cable car from Mürren to mid-station Birg operates daily, except for these timeframes:
- 13 November – 8 December 2023
- 22 April – 26 April 2024
- 11 November – 6 December 2024
Schilthorn cable car Mürren-Birg - 2024-2025 operation dates
The cable car from mid-station Birg to the top of the Schilthorn operates daily, except for these timeframes:
- 13 November – 8 December 2023
- 22 April – 26 April 2024
- 14 October 2024 - 15 March 2025. This long closure is caused by construction works for the new cable cars.
Lauterbrunnen-Grütschalp-Mürren - 2024 operation dates
Services on the route Lauterbrunnen-Grütschalp-Mürren are available daily, except for the below maintenance breaks:
- 2 October - 8 December 2023
- 6 May - 31 May 2024
- 21 October - 8 November 2024
You can use the bus to Stechelberg instead.
Planned closures during the construction of the new cable cars
An entirely new cable car route between Stechelberg, Mürren, Birg, and Schilthorn is being built. The first new section between Stechelberg and Mürren is scheduled to open on 8 November 2024. The entire project should be finished in 2026.
This "Schilthorn 20XX project" will lead to additional closures. Most important is that the Schilthorn will not be accessible during the entire winter season of 2024-2025 (see exact dates above). But after this period, you can reach the top on all days of the year!
For up-to-date information, check the general timetable for your travel date, and the Schilthorn 20XX project planning through the link here.
Planning your trip in the timetable
The links here will get you to the Schilthorn timetable. It's also possible to plan your trip in the general Swiss timetable. These names are used:
- "Schilthorn" for the top destination
- "Mürren (Schilthornbahn)" for the cable car station in Mürren
- "Interlaken Ost", "Interlaken West" and "Lauterbrunnen" for the main rail stations
- "Lauterbrunnen (Seilbahn)" for the valley station of the cable car to Grütschalp
- "Grütschalp" for the top station of the cable car from Lauterbrunnen
- "Mürren BLM" for the station in Mürren at which the train from Grütschalp arrives
- "Stechelberg, Schilthornbahn" for the bus stop close to the cable car valley station
- "Stechelberg (Schilthornbahn)" for the cable car valley station
- "Gimmelwald (Schilthornbahn)" for the mid-station between Stechelberg and Mürren
- "Birg (Schilthornbahn)" for the mid-station between Mürren and Schilthorn
Best months for a visit to Schilthorn
The best periods to travel to Schilthorn are early January to late February, early April to mid April, early May to early October and late December. Details:
- Late December, January, and February are suitable for a winter visit. There will be snow on the mountain peaks surrounding the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and possibly down in the valley too.
- April to September are best for a summer-like visit. This is when all travel routes to Mürren and the Schilthorn are available, so you can make a varied round trip. You'll see beautiful contrasts between the green valleys and the snow-capped mountains. The amount of snow on the peaks is usually best in spring: April to June.
- Late September and early October are the autumn season. With some luck, you'll see the onset of autumn colors down in the valley.
We think November, early and mid-December, and March are slightly less attractive. The vegetation in the valleys can look dull during these transition seasons. But if you're in Switzerland during these months and have the chance to visit Schilthorn, definitely do so! The views will still be amazing.
Schilthorn weather forecast and tips
The Schilthorn is at high altitude, which means it's much colder than down in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. We always prepare for this with additional layers of clothes. Solid shoes are recommended if you plan to leave the observation platform. There isn't much easy hiking at the top though.
Schilthorn is all about the beautiful views of the Jungfrau Region, so it's not worth going up if the top is covered by clouds. Check forecasts shortly before leaving.
It's also helpful to consult webcams displaying live views from the top: on several occasions, we've seen clouds and fog in the valley, but brilliant blue skies from the top!
If there are clouds in the valley, this doesn't necessarily mean that higher peaks are cloudy too. Low clouds can occur simultaneously with clear skies at higher altitudes, especially in autumn.
5-day weather forecast for Schilthorn
What to see and do at the Schilthorn
The main activities at the top
The viewing platform and the rotating restaurant allow you to enjoy the 360°C-mountain panorama. There is an interactive exhibition “Bond World”‘ at the top. The “Bond Cinema” shows movie scenes from a 12 m-wide screen.
What to see and do in winter
The wintry views from Schilthorn are amazing: you’ll see the snow-covered peaks of the Bernese Alps all around. In addition, the area between Mürren and Schilthorn is one of the main skiing areas of the Jungfrau Region. Experienced skiers can use the challenging slopes near the top. A snowpark and a very steep run with an 88-degree incline can be found here.
Sledding, winter hiking trails, and beginner runs are available near Mürren. Read more about winter in the Mürren area here.
What to expect at mid-station Birg
You can enjoy the views from a terrace that partly hangs over a precipice: the “Skyline Walk”. It’s very exciting! With 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. There’s also a bistro to have a drink or lunch.
In a short downhill hike, you’ll reach the Grauseeli, a small lake reflecting the mountain tops.
How to combine Schilthorn with other activities
These are good activities to do on the same day as your Schilthorn visit:
- the hike between Grütschalp and Mürren
- the hike between Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg
- the Trümmelbach Falls near Stechelberg
- Wengen and the Männlichen
- Kleine Scheidegg
We feel that visiting both Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch in one day would be a bit much. But it’s doable if you plan well and set off early.
New cable cars: the “Schilthorn 20XX” project
Between 2022 and 2026, a new cable car connection between Stechelberg, Mürren, Birg, and Schilthorn is being built. By the time it’s finished, these will be the main changes:
- There will be a new direct cable car between Mürren and Stechelberg. If all goes well it will start operating in November 2024. A change in Gimmelwald is no longer required then. This will even be the steepest cable car route in the world, with a maximum incline of over 159%!
- It will be easier to transport luggage on the cable cars between Stechelberg and Mürren. You can check in your luggage at the valley station, and pick it up at the cable car station in Mürren. For an additional fee, you can have it delivered directly to your hotel or holiday home in Mürren.
- The overall travel time between Stechelberg and Mürren will be reduced from 32 minutes to approximately 24 minutes.
- Between Mürren and Birg, new “Funifor” cable cars will operate from December 2024. The same type of cableway will be operational between Birg and Schilthorn from March 2024. They feature large windows that can be partially opened to take unobstructed pictures. The capacity will be about 100 passengers per cabin. Each cabin is attached to two parallel haul ropes, rather than one. This construction is more stable in (strong) wind.
- The passenger capacity will increase.
- Schilthorn will be accessible year-round.
Additional closures of the current cable cars will be kept to a minimum during the construction phase, but some are inevitable. Find more info in our section about Schilthorn operation dates.
This entire project may affect your overall Schilthorn experience in 2024. You’ll no doubt see the construction works while traveling up.
Schilthorn FAQ
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Why is Schilthorn called “the James Bond” mountain?
In 1969, the Schilthorn was 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 occasion. That’s still a name being used for the Schilthorn today.
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Is Schilthorn worth visiting?
Yes, Schilthorn is a top destination. The reasons are the thrilling cable car ride, the varied round trip you can make via Grütschalp and Stechelberg, the mountain panorama over the Bernese Alps, the unique revolving restaurant, and the activities at Birg.
An excursion to Schilthorn isn’t cheap. But you can get significant discounts with your rail pass. And it’s more affordable than a trip to Jungfraujoch. This is why some travelers prefer Schilthorn as a cheaper alternative.
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How long does a trip to Schilthorn take?
Allow at least an hour to visit the top of the Schilthorn. This does not include the time to get there. Depending on where you start your journey, an excursion to Schilthorn takes a couple of hours to half a day.
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Is altitude sickness a problem?
The Schilthorn is 2970 m high. Anyone can suffer from (light) altitude sickness from about 2000 m. It often 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, staying at such altitudes for just a few hours is no problem.
Other websites of interest
- www.schilthornbahn20xx.ch: the new Schilthorn cable cars
Schedules
- www.schilthorn.ch: Schilthorn timetable
Prices
- www.switzerlandtravelcentre.com: Schilthorn ticket prices
- www.schilthorn.ch: Schilthorn ticket prices