|
Schilthorn/
Piz Gloria Introduction The Schilthorn, the longest aerial cableway in the Alps and the steep snowy slopes provided the perfect location for thrilling action scenes in the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". An incomparable setting, dramatic views of snow-covered mountain peaks and a modern aerial cableway gliding all the way to the mountain summit, led United Artists to choose the Schilthorn as a stage for their spectacular production. From October 1968 to April 1969, an army of helpers transformed the Schilthorn summit into the "Piz Gloria". A helicopter landing area was constructed, which also doubled as a curling rink in the film. What links James Bond (Special Agent 007) to the Schilthorn? In 1967, the aerial cableway had reached the top of the Schilthorn and work had started on building the revolving restaurant when the infant Schilthornbahn Company ran out of funds. It was not easy to find people willing to invest their money in the crazy idea of building a revolving restaurant at 3000 m altitude. During winter 1967/8 the British film company planning the next 007 spectacular “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, sent out a location scout. The film, based on a novel by Ian Fleming, called for a mountain-top location accessible only by private cable-car. The film-makers were to finish the building and furnish it according to their film needs before turning it into the revolving restaurant originally planned by the Schilthorn Aerial Cableway Company. And all paid for from the film budget! The film company was to have use of the aerial cableway for three months and the Schilthorn summit was exclusively theirs for filming. It seems hard to believe but no money ever changed hands. It was a fair exchange and no-one involved has ever regretted it! “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service“ became a very successful film, as much for the stunning scenery as the action. The film gave the Schilthorn immense worldwide publicity, far greater than would otherwise have been possible. Today’s visitors still recognise the Schilthorn as the 007 film location and are still fascinated by it. That’s why the Schilthorn is known as the 007 mountain. Vodka martini anyone?. Getting There Your journey to the Schilthorn: Riding along the precipitous rocks of the Lauterbrunnen valley you reach Gimmelwald, the traffic-free mountain village located 500 m above Stechelberg. From the cablecar, with a capacity of 100 people, you have a magnificent view of the Lauterbrunnen valley and its countless waterfalls. If you are extremely lucky you can watch the ibexes climbing on the rock faces. Arrived in Gimmelwald you change to the cablecar on the opposite side. Gimmelwald - Mürren (1650m): The next stage is less steep and leads past barns and forests to Mürren, the idyllic and traffic-free mountain village. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery, for example the Schwarzmönch peak and the Lauterbrunnen valley. Looking at the right you see the first section of the cablecar. In Mürren you just follow the signs to the third section: Mürren is a starting point for several exciting hiking tours or for a ride in the funicular to the Allmendhubel peak (1907 m). Take a rest and stroll around the idyllic little village, offering a wide range of accommodation facilities, comprising hotels and holiday apartments of all categories, and a high Alpine sports center. Rest and relaxation is guaranteed in this village full of contrasts! Mürren - Birg (2676m): In only 6 minutes the cablecar - with a capacity of 80 people - climbs more than 1,000 m. On the left you can admire the "flower valley" which is famous for the unique flora and the two mountain restaurants "Sonnenberg" and "Suppenalp", inviting you to take a rest after adventurous tours throughout the year. On the right the stunning scenery of the Bernese Alps and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountain peaks guarantee unforgettable views. Soon you reach the spectacular Birg top terminal, situated right above a steep rock face. A beautiful panoramic terrace and a self-service restaurant (open 7 months a year) are awaiting you there. Walk straight ahead to the last section. Birg - Schilthorn (2970m): From a distance you recognize the sagging cable of the gondola and the majestic "Piz Gloria" rotating restaurant on the Schilthorn peak. The cablecar with a capacity of 100 people, passes the Grauseeli area: you should not miss the breathtaking view over the impressive mountain ranges! Admire the Alpine mountain range between the Titlis peak and the Blümlisalp mountains, the Schwarzgrat saddle which offers a marvellous view of Switzerland's Mittelland and, in the background, the Jura mountains including the Chasseral peak. Feast your eyes on Thun, Lake Thun, the Vosges Mountains, the Black Forest, the Emmental valley and the inner Swiss mountains Pilatus and Rigi... in the meantime you have reached the Schilthorn peak Attractions
Please Note: Children under 6 are free. Children under 16: free with parent. Children (6-16) not accompanied by a parent: $26. Tickets are valid for six months from the date of issue. Available only in conjunction with a Swiss Pass, Swiss Flexipass, Swiss Saverpass or Swiss Saver Flexipass. Prices are in U.S. dollars and are subject to change. Please read the railpass terms and conditions. |
||||||||||||||||||
|