The Schilthorn Cable Car takes you from the Lauterbrunnen Valley to the 2,970-meter (9,744-foot) Schilthorn, home of Piz Gloria and one of the best-known mountain viewpoints in the Bernese Oberland. The journey has changed significantly in recent years: the new SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX system is now complete, giving visitors a faster and more direct route from Stechelberg through Mürren and Birg to the summit.
Quick Answer
The current Schilthorn cable car journey runs from Stechelberg directly to Mürren, then continues via Birg to the 2,970-meter Schilthorn summit. Cable-car travel from Stechelberg to the top takes about 24 minutes. At Birg, stop for Skyline Walk and Thrill Walk before continuing to Piz Gloria and the summit viewpoints.
Key Takeaways
- The completed route is Stechelberg → Mürren → Birg → Schilthorn, rather than the old four-stage route through Gimmelwald.
- The Stechelberg–Mürren section has a maximum gradient of 159.4% and is promoted by Schilthorn as the world’s steepest cableway.
- Cable-car travel from Stechelberg to the 2,970-meter summit takes about 24 minutes, although you should allow extra time for boarding and transfers.
- Thrill Walk and Skyline Walk are at Birg, while Piz Gloria, the main viewing terrace, Bond attractions, and summit facilities are higher up on Schilthorn.
- Weather changes quickly at this altitude, so check the official timetable, operating status, and webcam shortly before leaving.
At a Glance
| Cable-Car Travel Time | About 24 minutes from Stechelberg to Schilthorn, plus boarding and transfer time |
| Suggested Visit | About 3–5 hours for Birg, the summit, viewpoints, and a meal; longer if hiking |
| Difficulty | Easy by cable car; optional walks and hikes range from easy to challenging |
| What to Bring | Warm layer, weatherproof jacket, supportive shoes, sun protection, water, and camera or phone |
| Adult Return Fare | Currently CHF 115 from Stechelberg or CHF 91.40 from Mürren; always recheck before travel |
The original Schilthorn cableway dates to the 1960s, and the summit became accessible to the general public in 1967. The mountain later gained international fame through filming for the James Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, which took place in Mürren and on the Schilthorn beginning in 1968. The Bond connection remains an important part of the visitor experience today.
The modern journey is also an attraction in its own right. The new Stechelberg–Mürren cableway climbs directly from the valley with a maximum gradient of 159.4%, while Funifor cableways continue from Mürren to Birg and from Birg to Schilthorn. The final new cableway entered service on April 2, 2026, completing the SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX project.
How to Get to the Schilthorn Cable Car
Stechelberg is the main valley starting point for the direct journey to Schilthorn. If you are arriving by public transport from Interlaken, take a train to Lauterbrunnen and continue by bus from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg. There is no regular passenger train from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg.
If you are driving, follow the Lauterbrunnen Valley road beyond Lauterbrunnen toward Stechelberg. Parking is available near the Schilthorn cableway valley station. Because parking conditions and fees can change, check the official Schilthorn arrival information before driving.
Another option is to reach Mürren from Lauterbrunnen via Grütschalp and the mountain railway, then join the Schilthorn cableway at Mürren. This can be useful if you are staying in Mürren or want to combine the summit with time in the car-free village.
The Current Cable-Car Route
- Stechelberg → Mürren: the direct aerial cableway with a maximum gradient of 159.4%.
- Mürren → Birg: Funifor cableway to the 2,677-meter intermediate station.
- Birg → Schilthorn: Funifor cableway to the 2,970-meter summit.
Note: Older guides may still describe a summit journey that changes at Gimmelwald before reaching Mürren. That information reflects the previous cableway configuration. The new direct Stechelberg–Mürren connection is now the main route for the current Schilthorn ascent.
The 159.4% Stechelberg–Mürren cableway is the world’s steepest cableway, making the transport itself one of the highlights of a Schilthorn visit.
Schilthorn Cable Car Tickets, Times, and 2026 Schedule
According to the currently published Schilthorn tariff, an adult return ticket from Stechelberg to Schilthorn costs CHF 115. From Mürren, the adult return fare is CHF 91.40. Holders of a Swiss Half Fare Card currently pay CHF 57.50 from Stechelberg or CHF 45.70 from Mürren.
| Ticket | Stechelberg–Schilthorn Return | Mürren–Schilthorn Return |
| Adult | CHF 115.00 | CHF 91.40 |
| Swiss Half Fare Card | CHF 57.50 | CHF 45.70 |
Children below their sixth birthday travel free according to the current tariff conditions, while child and family travel cards may provide additional reductions. Pass coverage varies, so check the conditions for your exact Swiss Travel Pass, GA travelcard, Half Fare Card, Junior Card, or regional pass rather than assuming the entire trip is included.
The currently published summit timetable lists cable-car journeys every 20 minutes from 09:00 to 17:00, with the final uphill and downhill journey at 17:00. A scheduled maintenance closure is listed for October 19 through December 11, 2026. Timetables, fares, and maintenance periods can change, so verify them on the official Schilthorn timetable and tariff page before your visit.
Pro Tip: Check the summit webcam and weather before buying around-the-day plans. On a clear day, the panorama is the main attraction. If the summit is completely inside cloud, spending some time in Mürren and checking conditions again can produce a much better experience.
What to Expect During the Cable Car Ride
The ascent starts dramatically between Stechelberg and Mürren. The new cableway rises directly from the Lauterbrunnen Valley, giving you changing views of steep cliffs, waterfalls, forests, alpine meadows, and the surrounding mountains.
At Mürren, you transfer for the higher sections of the journey. The landscape becomes increasingly alpine as you continue to Birg at 2,677 meters and then to Schilthorn at 2,970 meters. In good weather, the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and many other peaks dominate the horizon.
The official Schilthorn arrival information gives an approximate cable-car travel time of 24 minutes from Stechelberg to the summit. In practice, allow more time for walking through stations, boarding, transfers, photography, and a stop at Birg.
Weather can change quickly. A clear valley does not guarantee a clear summit, and clouds can move across the mountain within minutes. Temperatures at 2,970 meters can also be much lower than in Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken.
Activities and Attractions at Birg and the Schilthorn Summit
One important planning detail is that the attractions are spread between Birg and the Schilthorn summit. You do not need to rush through Birg simply because it is an intermediate cable-car station.
| Location | Main Attractions |
| Birg, 2,677 m | Skyline Walk, Thrill Walk, Bistro Birg, mountain views, and access to the Birg–Grauseeli hike |
| Schilthorn, 2,970 m | Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, Skyline View platform, Bond-themed attractions, Walk of Fame, viewing areas, and summit panorama |
Skyline Walk at Birg
Skyline Walk is a viewing platform built over the steep rock face at Birg. It creates a dramatic perspective across the surrounding high-alpine landscape and is an easy addition to your journey because it is beside the cable-car station.
Thrill Walk at Birg
Thrill Walk begins on the opposite side of the Birg station and follows the rock face below the station. The approximately 200-meter walkway includes optional adventurous elements such as a crawl-through tunnel. Admission to Thrill Walk is currently free. Conditions can be affected by snow, ice, wind, and maintenance, so check whether it is open before relying on it as the main reason for your visit.
Skyline View and the Schilthorn Summit
At the summit, viewing areas provide wide panoramas toward the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and numerous other Alpine peaks. Visibility is highly weather-dependent, which is why checking live conditions before ascending is worthwhile.
James Bond Attractions
The Schilthorn’s relationship with James Bond goes back to filming for On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Piz Gloria became closely associated with the movie, and Bond-themed displays and the 007 Walk of Fame remain part of the mountain’s identity. Film fans will recognize references to characters, filming locations, and scenes throughout the summit experience.
Dining Options at the Schilthorn Summit
Dining at Piz Gloria combines the summit panorama with one of the Schilthorn’s most famous features: the 360-degree revolving restaurant. Rather than staying fixed on one mountain view, the dining area slowly changes orientation as you eat.
Piz Gloria is more than a place to stop for food. The revolving restaurant is part of the Schilthorn experience and one of the features most closely associated with the mountain’s James Bond history.
The restaurant offers breakfast and brunch options earlier in the day and hot meals later. The current restaurant information lists Schilthorn Brunch until 14:00 and hot meals from 11:00 to 16:30. Table reservations are recommended, particularly when you want a full meal rather than a quick snack.
You can check current menus, dining hours, and reservations on the official Piz Gloria restaurant page. There are also quicker food options at the summit, and Bistro Birg provides another place to stop during the journey.
Hiking and Skiing Opportunities around the Schilthorn
The Schilthorn and Mürren area offers hiking in summer and extensive skiing in winter, but trail difficulty varies greatly. Do not assume that every route from a high cable-car station is suitable for casual walkers simply because it starts close to public transport.
Summer Hiking
For a defined outing near the upper cableway, the official Birg–Grauseeli route is described as a relatively easy hike from Birg station down toward the small Grauseeli mountain lake. The lake is known for its mountain reflections when conditions are calm.
Lower around Mürren and Allmendhubel, you can find additional walks through meadows and forests. The official hiking network includes routes of different lengths and difficulty levels, so choose according to weather, trail status, footwear, and your experience rather than relying only on distance.
Check current options on the official Schilthorn hiking page before setting out.
Winter Skiing
In winter, Mürren–Schilthorn forms part of the Jungfrau Ski Region. Schilthorn’s official information describes roughly 50 kilometers of prepared pistes in the Mürren–Schilthorn area, with terrain ranging from gentler sections to steep runs for experienced skiers.
Ski operations depend on snow, weather, avalanche management, and seasonal opening dates. A sightseeing ticket and a ski pass are also different products, so winter visitors should check the current ski-area operating information before travel.
Warning: Schilthorn reaches 2,970 meters. Some visitors may experience headache, dizziness, unusual fatigue, or nausea after a rapid ascent. If you feel unwell, avoid strenuous activity and do not continue higher. If symptoms worsen, descend and seek medical help. People with relevant heart or lung conditions should discuss high-altitude travel with a healthcare professional beforehand.
Tips for Visiting the Schilthorn Cable Car
Check Visibility Before You Go
The summit panorama is one of the main reasons to visit. Check the official weather information and webcam shortly before leaving. Forecasts are useful, but a live camera can tell you whether the summit is currently above, below, or inside the cloud layer.
Start Early When Possible
An early visit gives you more flexibility for Birg, the summit, lunch, and Mürren. It also leaves time to respond if visibility changes during the day.
Do Not Skip Birg
A common mistake is treating Birg only as a transfer station. If Skyline Walk and Thrill Walk are open, allow time to get off, explore, and then continue to Schilthorn on a later cable car.
Dress for the Summit, Not the Valley
Conditions at 2,970 meters can be cold or windy even when Lauterbrunnen feels warm. Bring layers and a weather-resistant outer layer. Supportive footwear is especially useful if you plan to use outdoor platforms or hike.
Allow More Than the Cable-Car Travel Time
The approximately 24-minute cable-car journey is only the transport portion of the outing. A relaxed visit that includes Birg, Piz Gloria, summit viewpoints, photographs, and food can easily take three to five hours from Stechelberg and back.
Check the Last Descent
Do not plan around an assumed evening departure. The currently published timetable lists the last summit ascent and descent at 17:00. Check the timetable again on your actual travel date because operating hours can change by season or during maintenance.
Pro Tip: If you have enough time, combine Schilthorn with Mürren instead of treating the village only as a transfer point. A few hours in Mürren can turn a summit ride into a fuller Lauterbrunnen Valley day trip.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on the Schilthorn Cable Car
The Schilthorn Cable Car is both transportation and part of the attraction. The completed SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX system gives the journey a new centerpiece with the extremely steep direct ascent from Stechelberg to Mürren, followed by modern Funifor cableways to Birg and Schilthorn.
For the best visit, think of the mountain as two major stops. Explore Skyline Walk and Thrill Walk at Birg, then continue to the 2,970-meter summit for Piz Gloria, the Bond attractions, and the panoramic viewing areas. Checking current weather, operating status, fares, and the final descent before leaving will help you get far more from the trip.
If you also want to hike, ski, dine, or spend time in Mürren, build those activities into your schedule rather than trying to fit everything into the cable-car journey itself. On a clear day, the combination of high-alpine scenery, modern cableway engineering, and the distinctive Piz Gloria setting makes Schilthorn one of the most memorable mountain excursions in the Jungfrau Region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Schilthorn cable car?
The Schilthorn cableway system connects Stechelberg in the Lauterbrunnen Valley with Mürren, Birg, and the 2,970-meter Schilthorn summit. The modern SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX system includes the direct Stechelberg–Mürren cableway and Funifor cableways on the higher sections.
What is the current Schilthorn cable car route?
The main current ascent is Stechelberg → Mürren → Birg → Schilthorn. Older information describing Gimmelwald as an intermediate stop on the normal summit ascent refers to the previous cableway configuration.
How long does the cable car from Stechelberg to Schilthorn take?
Schilthorn’s current arrival information gives a cable-car travel time of about 24 minutes from Stechelberg to the 2,970-meter summit. Allow additional time for boarding, walking through stations, transfers, and sightseeing at Birg.
How much is the Schilthorn cable car in 2026?
The currently published adult return fare is CHF 115 from Stechelberg to Schilthorn and CHF 91.40 from Mürren. Swiss Half Fare Card holders currently pay CHF 57.50 from Stechelberg or CHF 45.70 from Mürren. Prices can change, so confirm the fare before purchasing.
Is the Stechelberg to Mürren cable car really the world’s steepest?
Yes. Schilthorn Cableway describes the direct Stechelberg–Mürren cableway as the world’s steepest cableway. Its maximum gradient is 159.4%.
Is Thrill Walk at the Schilthorn summit?
No. Thrill Walk and Skyline Walk are at Birg, the intermediate station at 2,677 meters. Piz Gloria, the main summit viewing areas, Bond-themed attractions, and Walk of Fame are at Schilthorn above Birg.
What are the main attractions at Schilthorn?
At the summit, highlights include the panoramic viewing areas, 360°-Restaurant Piz Gloria, James Bond-themed attractions, and the 007 Walk of Fame. At Birg, visitors can explore Skyline Walk and Thrill Walk when conditions permit.
How much time should I allow for Schilthorn?
Allow roughly three to five hours for a relaxed round trip from Stechelberg if you want to explore Birg, see the summit attractions, take photographs, and stop for food. Add more time for hiking or a visit to Mürren.
Does the Schilthorn cable car operate all year?
Operations are subject to seasonal schedules and maintenance closures. For 2026, the currently published timetable lists a closure from October 19 through December 11. Always check the official operating information for your exact date.
Sources
- Schilthorn Cableway: Timetable & Tariff — current operating schedule, maintenance dates, ticket prices, and travel-card reductions.
- Schilthorn Cableway: Arrival — access, parking, and approximate cable-car travel time to Schilthorn.
- Schilthorn Cableway: SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX completion announcement — confirms completion of the new cableway system on April 2, 2026.
- Schilthorn Cableway: Thrill Walk — location, experience, and admission information for the Birg attraction.
- Schilthorn Cableway: 360°-Restaurant Piz Gloria — dining hours, brunch, hot-meal service, and reservation information.
- CDC Yellow Book: High-Altitude Travel and Altitude Illness — high-altitude symptoms and safety guidance.
