The Swiss Alps have welcomed a record-breaking engineering marvel: the world’s steepest cable car. Ascending from the valley village of Stechelberg to the mountain resort of Mürren, this innovative transport system boasts a staggering 159.4% gradient, conquering a 775-meter elevation gain in a mere four minutes. Spanning nearly 1,194 meters, the track features two spacious cars, each accommodating up to 85 passengers, suspended from an 11-meter arm designed to navigate the extreme incline. Embracing cutting-edge technology, the cable car operates autonomously, continuously monitored by a network of cameras and sensors, eliminating the need for on-board staff. Officially inaugurated on Friday, December 13th, 2024, with its first ascent, the cable car commenced regular passenger service the following day, ushering in a new era of alpine transportation.
This groundbreaking cable car forms a crucial part of the ambitious “Schilthornbahn 20XX” project, a comprehensive undertaking aimed at revolutionizing access to the iconic Schilthorn peak. The project envisions a three-section cableway system, seamlessly connecting Stechelberg, Mürren, and Birg, culminating at the summit of Schilthorn, renowned for its association with the James Bond film franchise. This ambitious upgrade promises to drastically reduce travel time to the summit from the current 32 minutes to a mere 18 minutes, significantly enhancing accessibility for visitors. The completion of the second section, connecting Mürren and Birg, coincided with the opening of the record-breaking Stechelberg-Mürren leg, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development.
The final phase of the “Schilthornbahn 20XX” project focuses on the construction of the Birg-Schilthorn section, slated for completion in March 2025. This final link will complete the modernized cableway system, with the entire project expected to conclude in the spring/summer of 2026. This crucial final segment has necessitated the temporary closure of the existing Birg-Schilthorn route since mid-October 2024, paving the way for its comprehensive modernization. Upon completion, the “Schilthornbahn 20XX” system will provide a seamless and efficient ascent to the summit of Schilthorn, enhancing the visitor experience and solidifying the region’s reputation as a premier alpine destination.
The Schilthorn, a prominent peak in the Bernese Oberland, is renowned for its panoramic vistas and its connection to cinematic history. Perched atop the summit is the iconic “Piz Gloria” revolving restaurant, featured prominently in the 1969 James Bond film, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” This architectural marvel, designed by Bernese architect Konrad Wolf, claims the distinction of being the world’s first revolving restaurant, offering breathtaking 360-degree views encompassing over 200 surrounding peaks. On a clear day, visitors can even catch a glimpse of the majestic Mont Blanc, adding to the allure of this unique dining experience.
The “Piz Gloria” restaurant’s association with the James Bond franchise adds a layer of intrigue to its already impressive credentials. The restaurant’s name, borrowed from Ian Fleming’s 1963 novel of the same name, designates the fictional mountaintop lair of the villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Serendipitously, the film’s production team discovered the restaurant during its construction phase and, recognizing its potential, contributed to its completion in exchange for exclusive filming rights. This collaboration cemented the “Piz Gloria’s” place in cinematic history, attracting Bond enthusiasts and admirers of stunning alpine scenery alike.
The “Schilthornbahn 20XX” project represents a significant investment in the future of sustainable mountain tourism. By modernizing the cableway infrastructure and optimizing travel times, the project aims to enhance accessibility while minimizing environmental impact. The efficient and autonomous operation of the new cable car, combined with the streamlined three-section route, will reduce transit durations, allowing visitors more time to explore the breathtaking alpine landscape and experience the unique attractions of the Schilthorn summit, including the iconic “Piz Gloria” restaurant. The project exemplifies a commitment to responsible development, preserving the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps while providing an enhanced and sustainable tourism experience for generations to come.
