Switzerland’s New Cable Car: A Steep Journey to James Bond’s Mountain Retreat

Introduction to the World’s Steepest Cable Car

Switzerland has recently introduced a remarkable engineering feat in the Bernese Alps: the world’s steepest cable car. This innovative transportation system connects the village of Stechelberg with Mürren, traversing a track with an astonishing gradient of 159.4 percent. The journey, which takes a mere four minutes, covers a vertical climb of 775 meters over a distance of nearly 1,194 meters. Each of the two cable cars is designed to accommodate up to 85 passengers, hanging from an 11-meter-long arm to manage the steep incline. The system operates autonomously, monitored by cameras and sensors, eliminating the need for onboard staff.

A Journey to the Iconic Piz Gloria

This new cable car is part of the ambitious ‘Schilthornbahn 20XX’ project, which aims to enhance the route from Stechelberg to the Schilthorn via Mürren and Birg. The project will significantly reduce travel time from 32 minutes to approximately 18 minutes. At the pinnacle of the Schilthorn lies the Piz Gloria restaurant, a revolving dining experience made famous by the 1969 James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Offering breathtaking 360-degree views of over 200 mountain peaks, including Montblanc on clear days, Piz Gloria is a must-visit for both film enthusiasts and nature lovers. The restaurant, designed by Bernese architect Konrad Wolf, claims the title of the world’s first revolving restaurant.

The James Bond Connection

The Piz Gloria’s connection to James Bond adds a layer of intrigue to the cable car experience. The restaurant’s name is derived from Ian Fleming’s 1963 novel, where it serves as the hideout for the villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld. During the production of the 1969 film, the movie team discovered the restaurant partially constructed and contributed to its completion in exchange for exclusive filming rights.

Future Developments and Accessibility

In addition to the steepest cable car, a new cableway between Mürren and Birg has also been inaugurated. The final segment from Birg to the Schilthorn is anticipated to open in March 2025, with the entire project expected to be completed by spring/summer 2026. This development promises to enhance accessibility to one of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain destinations, blending cutting-edge technology with cinematic history.