Lausanne to Schilthorn: a James Bond Experience Review

So, planning a trip from Lausanne to the Schilthorn, and maybe, just maybe, you’re thinking about checking out the whole James Bond thing? I’m going to run through my experience, bits that are helpful, plus maybe, a few things you might not expect. Hopefully, that helps you get a great trip, with fewer surprises. Basically, the Schilthorn is pretty awesome, it has incredible views, and that 007 connection? Pretty fun. Let’s get to it, right?

Getting There from Lausanne: Making the Connection

Okay, first thing, the trip from Lausanne to Schilthorn involves a few different parts. Primarily, you’ll need to get to Interlaken first. That is often by train, it takes roughly two to three hours, very depending on the specific connection. Actually, that train ride itself? It is more or less gorgeous. The views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss countryside are truly stunning, so try and get a window seat if you can. From Interlaken, then you have a connection up into the mountains, to get to places like Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg. Stechelberg, in that case, is where the Schilthorn cable car begins its ascent.

Basically, think about getting a Swiss Travel Pass, mainly if you plan on doing a fair bit of traveling around Switzerland. Anyway, that pass often covers train, bus, and even boat rides, as well as sometimes, giving you discounted or sometimes even free access to various mountain railways and cable cars. Otherwise, I mean, you can purchase point-to-point tickets, although that may or may not end up being a little bit pricier overall. Too, remember to check the timetables in advance, mostly so you are not hanging around stations forever. That official Swiss Railways website, SBB, usually has up-to-date schedules and pretty handy connections.

Ascending to Piz Gloria: Cable Car Adventures

Alright, so from Stechelberg, then that is where the adventure begins! The cable car ride up to the Schilthorn is made up of four sections, via Gimmelwald, Mürren, and Birg. Honestly, each segment offers more panoramic views, and really gives you a moment to enjoy the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Very depending on the time of year, the landscape may or may not be covered in snow, transforming into a totally breathtaking winter wonderland. Obviously, during the summer months, you are going to get these vibrant, green meadows and rocky peaks that are almost equally spectacular.

Apparently, the cable cars run quite frequently, basically every 30 minutes or so, although checking the specific times beforehand is something I recommend. First, at the Birg station, there is the Thrill Walk, this is basically a steel and glass walkway clinging to the side of the mountain, something fun and a little bit heart-stopping for the thrill-seekers. I mean, you can step off at any of the stations on the way up if you would like to explore the little villages, but obviously, this adds more time to your travel.

The 007 Experience: Living the Bond Life

Ultimately, you reach Piz Gloria, that revolving restaurant on top of the Schilthorn. Very, very cool. It was featured in the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. That rotating restaurant provides, like, a 360-degree view of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. Now, the 007 Walk of Fame basically features cast and crew members who worked on the movie. And it is alright. I will be honest.

Meanwhile, that 007 Interactive Exhibition offers an interactive adventure with the world of James Bond. It is basically a fun and interesting experience that’s great, primarily if you are already a Bond fan. Also, just a little side note. You could sample a “Bond Martini” at the bar, because why not, right? Overall, that 007 stuff adds some flair to your trip, but is it worthwhile? Possibly. Does very depend on you, I mean. The view from the top is a star regardless.

Activities Beyond Bond: Exploring the Schilthorn Area

Beyond all that Bond stuff, there are, typically, all sorts of activities to experience around the Schilthorn. Arguably, that views alone are worth that trip, yet if you would like more activity, you have definitely got plenty of choices. Hiking, typically, is massive in that area, with loads of well-marked trails that appeal to all levels of hikers. You can choose from these relaxing valley trails to more strenuous alpine routes. Paragliding is pretty well-known. It gives you that once-in-a-lifetime perspective of those Swiss Alps from high up above. For example, booking through one of those local providers will get you started.

As a matter of fact, that little village of Mürren, that you pass through on your cable car ride, is car-free and completely worth spending some time wandering around. You will find traditional Swiss chalets, and small cafes, which makes for that wonderfully relaxing interlude. Sometimes, in the winter, snowboarding and skiing are, well, pretty obvious choices, with the Schilthorn offering all types of groomed slopes and off-piste opportunities.

Food and Drink: Mountain Dining with a View

Now, for foodies! Basically, Piz Gloria, revolving restaurant, serves a range of dishes. Maybe some traditional Swiss dishes to some well-known global fare. Anyway, that meals here can often come with those truly awesome views of all those mountains, adding some nice flavor to your dining experience. Obviously, rotating is also pretty fun too. Remember to book in advance to get a table, most especially at the height of the season. Too, in Mürren, and in the other villages around, there are some restaurants and cafes that provide more cozy, almost traditional Swiss fare.

Basically, there are often, so pretty small cafes and bakeries where you could get those snacks and light meals for much cheaper than at that top of the mountain. Mostly, stocking up beforehand will then often save some money, and give you something easy to enjoy as you travel or hike. Anyway, you are thinking of really indulging? I’m talking trying fondue while watching the sunset over those Alps? You have totally hit holiday gold right there.