The Steepest in the World: Is It Too Crazy?

Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Mürren has long been a haven for travelers seeking breathtaking views and unparalleled Swissness.

Now, this charming car-free village has added a new feather to its cap: the world’s steepest gondola.

A Record-Breaking Feat of Engineering

The new gondola to Mürren, officially part of the new Schilthorn Bahn, offers an exhilarating ride.

With a gradient of 159.4 percent, it replaces the aging cableway connecting Stechelberg to Mürren (via Gimmelwald), en route to the iconic Schilthorn summit.

The new Schilthorn Project – 20xx

The gondola is a joy to watch, ascending 775 meters (2500 ft) in under four minutes. And it can carry a total of 85 people at a time!

The gondola is part of a larger project to modernize the region’s lift infrastructure, ensuring both sustainability and comfort for visitors.

But we get the bonus of a faster, more comfortable ride chock full of steepness!

Overall route to the top of Schilthorn

An Experience to Remember

As you ascend above Lauterbrunnen’s vertical cliffs, you are treated to jaw-dropping views of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland, UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, and cascading waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley below.

The brand-spanking new panoramic gondola cabins are designed to maximize visibility, so every angle of the ride feels like a postcard comes to life.

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And at the end, you arrive in the picturesque car-free town of Mürren! What more could you ask for?

Eco-Friendly Innovation

In true Swiss fashion, the project focuses on environmental responsibility.

The gondola features energy-efficient technology and minimizes its footprint by repurposing existing infrastructure wherever possible. Its quiet operation also preserves the tranquility of Mürren, a hallmark of this quiet mountain retreat.

A Gateway to Adventure

Beyond the thrill of the ride itself, the new gondola is a gateway to some of the most exciting alpine activities. Skiers and snowboarders flock to the slopes surrounding Mürren in winter, while summer brings hikers, climbers, and paragliders.

The gondola also provides easier access to the Schilthorn, famous for its role in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

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Plan Your Visit

Currently the other new gondolas to Birg and Schilthorn are closed. They are also being replaced and are in the final phase of construction.

They will re-open with two more new gondolas in March 15, 2025.

So, although you can only go to Mürren for now, it is well worth the visit to top off the day in the Lauterbrunnen Valley!

Written by Ashley Faulkes
As a twenty-year resident of Switzerland, I am passionate about exploring every nook and cranny of this beautiful country, I spend my days deep in the great Swiss outdoors, and love to share these experiences and insights with fellow travel enthusiasts.

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