In December 2024, an impressive landmark was added to the already famous landscape of the Bernese Alps in Switzerland. The world’s steepest cable car, an ambitious engineering feat, was officially inaugurated and is set to transform the experience for visitors seeking to explore the vastness of the Swiss mountains. This innovative cable car not only redefines the way tourists can access the region’s dizzying heights but also offers a unique connection between nature, adventure sports, and cinematic history, as the area surrounding Mount Schilthorn is famous for having been the setting of one of the most iconic James Bond films.
With a gradient reaching 159.4%, the cable car that connects the village of Stechelberg to the Mürren station impresses both with its design and the boldness of its engineers. This technical achievement is not only a marvel of engineering but also a tribute to Switzerland’s spirit of innovation. The cable car has the capacity to carry up to 85 passengers per trip and can transport up to 6.8 tons of cargo. The journey, covering a distance of about 1.2 km in just four minutes, is one of the fastest and most exciting ways to traverse an area that is both challenging and stunning in its natural beauty.
When operating at full capacity, the cable car can transport up to 800 people per hour, facilitating a continuous flow of tourists eager to explore the mountains and enjoy the experiences the new transportation system provides. This kind of innovation not only places Switzerland at the forefront of mountain tourism but also makes the journey more accessible and less dependent on weather conditions, as the robustness of the new facilities and vehicles ensures safe and comfortable transport, even under the most challenging circumstances.
The new cable car directly connects the village of Stechelberg, located in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, to the Mürren station, which sits an impressive 1,650 meters above sea level. This route takes travelers through breathtaking landscapes, with panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, one of the largest and most iconic mountain ranges in the region. The scenery could not be more perfect for those seeking an authentic immersion in the Alpine nature.
The Mürren station, the main hub of the new cable car, is part of the Schilthorn ski area, one of the largest and most sought-after ski regions in Switzerland. The area is widely known for its ideal conditions for winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and other Alpine activities, making it a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world.
The cable car is part of the Schilthorn Cableway system, a network that connects the Lauterbrunnen Valley to the top of Schilthorn, at an altitude of 2,970 meters. Along the way, visitors can enjoy spectacular views, including panoramas of other mountains in the region, creating a unique visual experience that blends the grandeur of the mountains with the tranquility of the valleys below.
Additionally, the Mürren station connects to the Birg station, located at an intermediate altitude, offering another stop for visitors who wish to explore the Alpine environment at different elevations before heading to the summit. The Birg station also connects directly to the Schilthorn station, the region’s highest peak, where visitors can enjoy the Piz Gloria rotating restaurant, one of Switzerland’s most famous tourist attractions. Located nearly 3,000 meters above sea level, this restaurant offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the region, making the meal not only a culinary experience but also a visual one.
Schilthorn is also an iconic destination for James Bond fans, as the mountain was the setting for several scenes in the 1969 film “007 – On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” The film made the area internationally famous, and since then, Schilthorn has been a popular destination for tourists seeking to relive the adventures of cinema’s most famous spy. In honor of the film, the Schilthorn station houses 15 panels that form a “hall of fame” dedicated to the film’s cast and crew, allowing visitors to take a true trip back in time while exploring the mountain.
Although the new cable car has been a great success, it is part of an even more ambitious project aimed at transforming the experience at Schilthorn Mountain. Named Schilthornbahn 20XX, the project is underway and involves the construction of new facilities and improvements to the transportation system. The goal is to modernize the stations and cable cars even further, replacing the old cabins and optimizing travel time.
Currently, the summit of Schilthorn is closed for renovations, with the improvements expected to be completed by 2026. One of the most anticipated aspects of the project is the reduction in travel time between the base and the summit. The new cable car system will allow the full journey from Stechelberg station to the top of Schilthorn, which previously took about 32 minutes, to be shortened to just 22 minutes. This will allow tourists to enjoy the mountain’s attractions even more, making the most of their time on site.
One of the most eagerly awaited additions is the introduction of new Funifor cable cars, an innovative model described as “exceptionally wind-resistant,” already in operation between the Mürren and Birg stations. This cable car has the capacity to transport up to 100 passengers and was designed to ensure more efficient transport, especially in adverse weather conditions, which are common in the Alpine region. In 2025, a second Funifor cable car will be introduced on the same route, further increasing the system’s capacity.
Moreover, a new Funifor cable car will begin operation between the Birg and Schilthorn stations in March 2025, completing another phase of the modernization project. The second Funifor vehicle on this line is expected to go into operation in the spring of 2026. With these improvements, the Schilthornbahn infrastructure will become even more modern and capable of handling a higher volume of tourists, aligning with the increasing demand for the region, particularly during the winter season.
With these upgrades, Schilthorn will not only solidify its position as a premier destination for skiers and adventurers but also become a luxury tourism hub, attracting visitors seeking a combination of winter sports, fine dining, stunning landscapes, and history. At the same time, the renewal of facilities will ensure more comfort and safety for tourists while promoting sustainability through the modernization of existing infrastructure.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, Schilthorn will transform into one of Switzerland’s most complete and fascinating destinations, with new cable cars, more modern vehicles, and state-of-the-art infrastructure that will provide visitors with an unforgettable travel experience. This ambitious project reflects Switzerland’s ability to blend tradition and innovation, creating a destination that appeals to both nature and adventure lovers as well as fans of cinematic culture and history.
In summary, the world’s steepest cable car, combined with the ongoing development of Schilthorn, is set to become a global tourism icon, merging the thrill of the journey with the tranquility of the Alpine landscapes and the magic of one of cinema’s most memorable films.
