Weather forecast was not looking good today. After one full week of heatwave we could see temperature dropping and according to forecast, we would have cloudy days with rain until Thursday. Not looking good for mountain excursion and definitely crossed out Jungfraujoch for today. I didn’t want to pay the exorbitant fee going up and then saw nothing. Our Plan B was to go up to Schiltorn and visit Lauterbrunnen village.
There was no self service ticket machine in Grund, only a ticket office. The sales lady was very friendly and she showed us webcam live of Jungfraujoch which was not looking good and the forecast on that area. She also advised us the route to Schiltorn via Lauterbrunnen which would be cheaper.
How to get to Schiltorn from Lauterbrunnen
There are two ways to do it:
1. Bus to Stechelberg — cable ride to Murren — cable ride to Birg and continue to Schiltorn
2. Cable ride to Grutschalp — train ride to Murren — Walk to the next cable ride to Birg and Schiltorn.
We went with the second because the first ticket office we saw when we stepped out from the train in Lauterbrunnes was the ticket office to Grutschalp so we decided to just take the Grutschalp route 😅 Grutschalp route was more expensive but probably the fastest because of the cable car.
In total going up to Schiltorn requires three cable rides and we can stop at two interesting places: Murren and Birg. To me it was the journey to Schiltorn which made it even more interesting than just Schiltorn itself.
Step 1 – Cable ride to Gruschalp
Gruschalp is a small mountain village located in the Swiss Alps, near Murren and Lauterbrunnen. Here are some things to know about Gruschalp:
- Gruschalp is a small, car-free village that can be accessed by taking a cable car from Lauterbrunnen or by hiking from Murren.
- Gruschalp is a popular starting point for several hiking trails, including the popular Northface Trail and the Schilthorn Via Ferrata. Hiking in this area provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Gruschalp is also a popular destination for mountain bikers, with several trails available for all levels of bikers.
- Gruschalp is a small ski resort with a few ski runs available for intermediate and advanced skiers.
- Quiet and peaceful: Unlike Murren and other nearby villages, Gruschalp is a quiet and peaceful village with fewer tourists, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and relaxation.
- Nature: Gruschalp is located in a natural setting and is surrounded by forests and meadows. It’s an ideal place for nature lovers to explore the outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the Swiss Alps.
- Accommodation: There are a few hotels and chalets in Gruschalp, offering accommodation for visitors who want to stay in the village and explore the surrounding areas.
From Grutschalp we were taking the scenic train passing Winteregg to Murren.
Step 2 – walking thru Murren Village
Murren is a charming village with magnificent views and no traffic noise. It is perched on a shelf of Alpine pasture forming a balcony overlooking the steep cleft of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Murren is also a great place for hiking in summer and in winter there is skiing for all levels. Murren is the highest altitude ski resort in the Bernese Oberland and faces a series of giant peaks carved out of rock or ice: from left to right the view encompasses the Eiger, the Monch, the Jungfrau, the Breithorn and the Gspaltenhorn range.
This beautiful village is completely car free. From Murren a cable car takes its breathtaking ride up to the Mt. Schilthorn summit. We had to walk some more to reach the cable ride to Schiltorn. It was a nice walk to see more of Murren. We made many stops on the way to the cable car because the view around Murren was too beautiful. It started to rain as we reached the cable car so we had to hurry. I hope it would be more sunny when we got up there.
Here’s the top things to do in Murren
Hiking
Murren is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Alps. Some of the most popular ones include the Northface Trail, the Murren Panorama Trail, and the Schilthorn Via Ferrata.
Visit the Allmendhubel flower park
The Allmendhubel flower park features a large playground and is located above Murren, that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You can take a funicular railway to the top and enjoy a meal at the restaurant while taking in the views.
Visit the Schilthorn
From Murren, you can take a cable car to the top of the Schilthorn peak, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Visit the Lauterbrunnen Valley
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is a stunning valley located near Murren. You can take a cable car down to the valley and explore the waterfalls and hiking trails.
Enjoy the restaurants and cafes
Murren has several restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine and coffee while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Skiing
Murren is also a popular ski destination, with over 50 km of ski runs available for all levels of skiers.
Visit the James Bond museum
Murren is where the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was filmed. There’s a small museum in the village that showcases some of the film’s memorabilia.
Paragliding
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go paragliding over the mountains and valleys around Murren.
Step 3 – finally reaching Schiltorn, 2970m above ground
Schilthorn is a mountain peak located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland. It is also known as Piz Gloria, which was the name of the revolving restaurant and observation deck located at the summit. The Schilthorn peak stands at an elevation of 2,970 meters (9,744 feet) above sea level. In a clear day from Schiltorn, you can see Titlis, along Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau to Mont Blanc and into the Black Forest.
You can enjoy panoramic views by dining-in at the revolving restaurant, and visit the James Bond exhibition, which is housed in the Piz Gloria building. The Schilthorn gained worldwide fame as a location for the James Bond film “on Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” which was released in 1969. The Piz Gloria building was used as the villain’s hideout in the movie, and visitors can still see the film memorabilia and exhibits related to the movie.
Here’s the popular things to do in Schiltorn
Take the cable car to the top: The Schilthorn cable car is an experience in itself. It takes you up to the peak, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Visit the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant: The Piz Gloria restaurant is located at the top of the Schilthorn peak and offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. It’s also where the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was filmed.
View James Bond “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” exhibition
Inside we have small theatre playing James bond movie featuring Schiltorn and there is also a special area dedicated for that movie.
Don’t miss checking out the ladies toilet. When you wash your hand you can hear James Bond whispering to you to get a nightcap in his room 🤣
Hiking
There are numerous hiking trails around Schilthorn that offer beautiful views of the Alps. Some of the most popular ones include the Schilthorn Via Ferrata, the Birg Thrill Walk, and the Northface Trail.
Skiing
Schilthorn is also a popular ski destination, with over 50 km of ski runs available for all levels of skiers.
Paragliding
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go paragliding over the mountains and valleys around Schilthorn.
Visit the Murren Village
Murren is a picturesque village located near Schilthorn. It’s car-free, so you can walk around and explore its beautiful streets and traditional Swiss architecture.
Take a scenic train ride
The Jungfrau railway is one of the most scenic train rides in the world and takes you through the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Visit the Trummelbach Falls
The Trummelbach Falls are a series of ten glacier waterfalls located near Schilthorn. They are the only glacier waterfalls in Europe that are accessible underground.
Step 4 – Stopping at Birg
We spent few hours in Schiltorn before finally descending down to Birg. Birg is a mountain station located in the Swiss Alps, one cable ride down from Schilthorn peak.
Here are some of the top things to do in Birg
Birg Thrill Walk
The Birg Thrill Walk is a unique experience that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The walkway is built on the side of the mountain and features glass panels that allow you to look down into the valley below.
Visit the Skyline Walk
The Skyline Walk is a suspension bridge that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It’s located near the Birg station and is accessible by cable car.
The glass walk in Birg was somewhat similar to the glass walk in Tianmen mountain China which I went last year, also with cable ride.
Hiking
There are numerous hiking trails around Birg that offer beautiful views of the Alps. Some of the most popular ones include the Schilthorn Via Ferrata, the Northface Trail, and the Murren Panorama Trail.
Enjoy the restaurants
There are several restaurants at the Birg station where you can enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine while taking in the stunning views.
Skiing
Birg is also a popular ski destination, with over 50 km of ski runs available for all levels of skiers.
Take a cable car to the Schilthorn
From Birg, you can take a cable car to the top of the Schilthorn peak, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Paragliding
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go paragliding over the mountains and valleys around Birg.
Visit the Murren Village
Murren is a picturesque village located near Birg. It’s car-free, so you can walk around and explore its beautiful streets and traditional Swiss architecture.
Step 5 – Stopping to stroll around Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is situated in one of the most impressive trough valleys in the Alps, between gigantic rock faces and mountain peaks. With its 72 thundering waterfalls, secluded valleys, colorful alpine meadows and lonely mountain inns, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the biggest nature conservation areas in Switzerland. It is also one of the most stunning regions in Switzerland with a picturesque valley and a quintessential Swiss-style village.
How to get to and around Lauterbrunnen
By train: The easiest and most common way to get to Lauterbrunnen is by train. The village has a train station that is connected to the Swiss railway network, and trains run frequently from major cities such as Bern, Zurich, and Geneva.
By car: You can also drive to Lauterbrunnen, but keep in mind that the village is located in a narrow valley with limited parking, so it’s not the most convenient option. If you do decide to drive, you can take the A6 and then the A8 highways to reach Lauterbrunnen.
By bus: There are also several bus services that connect Lauterbrunnen to nearby towns and cities. For example, the PostBus runs from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, and the Berner Oberland Bus runs from Meiringen to Lauterbrunnen.
By air: If you’re coming from further away, the closest international airports to Lauterbrunnen are in Zurich, Geneva, and Bern. From there, you can take a train or bus to Lauterbrunnen.
Once you arrive in Lauterbrunnen, you can easily explore the village and its surroundings on foot or by public transport. There are also several cable cars and funicular railways that can take you to nearby attractions and hiking trails.
Popular things to do in Lauterbrunnen
Visit the Waterfalls
Lauterbrunnen is known for its 72 waterfalls, including the famous Staubbach Falls. You can take a short hike to see these magnificent waterfalls up close.
Hiking
Lauterbrunnen is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Alps. Some of the most popular ones include the Northface Trail, the Murren Panorama Trail, and the Schilthorn Via Ferrata.
Trummelbach Falls
The Trummelbach Falls are a series of ten glacier waterfalls inside a mountain that you can explore by taking an elevator and walkway. It’s an impressive natural wonder that shouldn’t be missed.
Paragliding
You can go paragliding over the mountains and valleys around Lauterbrunnen for an unforgettable experience.
Visit the Schilthorn
From Lauterbrunnen, you can take a cable car to the top of the Schilthorn peak, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Visit the Alpine Garden
The Schynige Platte Alpine Garden is located near Lauterbrunnen and is home to over 600 plant species. It’s a beautiful place to take a walk and enjoy the flora and fauna.
Visit the Murren Village
Murren is a beautiful car-free village located near Lauterbrunnen. You can take a cable car to visit this picturesque village and explore its beautiful streets and traditional Swiss architecture.
Skiing
Lauterbrunnen is also a popular ski destination, with several ski resorts in the area offering ski runs for all levels of skiers.
Overall what impresses me about going to Schiltorn is the journey itself. We had a full day well spent going up to the top and passing thru beautiful villages and get to do some thrill walk in Birg. If you are planning to spend sometimes to Jungfrau region, going up to Schiltorn has to be in your must do list.
