schilthorn gondola ride costs?

[sheisaeval]

Just wondering what one day from gimmelwald to schilthorn (or vice versa) costs? What if you have a swiss pass (it's part of a selectpass)? What if you just want to get from murren to gimmelwald (or vice versa)?

[jennifer]

Hi there!
I was there in 2003 so I don't quite remember the exact prices.

Murren is walkable, a light walk up. I'm lazy and I did it
If not I think it's 14 Francs or something...there and back

As for Schilthorn, what a view! It cost me about 60 Francs if I remember right, but I had my railpass. I think you could probably find a website with the exact prices!

Good luck!

[madamtrashheap]

Aahhh, the Murren Loop! I walked it once too, then decided that taking a mountain bike up on the cog rail and cycling across and back down to the Valley was a better option. ;D

Not sure that your Select Pass will work on private railways, but check on the www.sbb.ch website for the terms and conditions or Rail Europe www.raileurope.com/us/rail/passes/switzerland_index.htm

Eagle would be your best bet for info as he was just in that region late last year.

[Eagle]

sheisaeval, a few comments and answers to your questions......

I can't recall the cost for the Cable Car ride from Gimmelwald to the Schilthorn, but I believe it was a bit pricey. I'll try to get some information on that for you. A bit of clarification though. The Cable Car from Gimmelwald to the to of the Schilthorn (Piz Gloria) is not a single trip, it involves three separate rides, changing cars each time (four, if you include the trip from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald).

Departing from Gimmelwald, the first car stops at Murren. The next car stops at Birg (kind of an "intermediate" stop, there's not much there except for a restaurant and ski station - nice view from the patio though!) and the final car ends at Piz Gloria. If you decide to visit the Schilthorn, you will of course have to check out the James Bond Bar & Souvenir shop (have your Vodka Martini shaken, not stirred!) and of course the revolving restaurant (the world's first, I believe). There's a short movie available downstairs covering the filming of "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". It's all automated - push the button on the centre pillar and the blinds will lower and the movie will play.

Depending on the time of year you'll be there (and how much money you have), you could try a somewhat different method to travel down to the bottom. The local Paraglide firms were offering departure from the Schilthorn to Stechelberg (about a one hour trip). It's a "tandem" ride, so the passenger is strapped to the Pilot. This does provide a VERY memorable experience and a fantastic view of the Berner Oberland!!!

I believe the Schilthornbahn also offers a discount for the first trip of the day, but again I'd have to check to confirm that. Also, a discount is offered for those with a rail pass that includes Switzerland.

With regard to getting from Murren to Gimmelwald, that's easy! You can hike down in about half an hour. The "trail" is actually a paved (albeit narrow) road. As you might appreciate, the trip from Gimmelwald to Murren takes a bit longer as it's uphill! Murren is a slightly larger and more "touristy" community, so if you need an ATM or whatever, that's where it will be.

If you need specific information on how to travel to Gimmelwald or lodging options, post another note. Once you know the details, it's easy to get there!

Happy travels!!!

[Eagle]

sheisaeval, et al, here's the information on the current Schilthornbahn rates (subject to change, of course):

www.schilthorn.ch/index.php?uid=12

Be sure to download the PDF file if you want the complete details on discounts with passes, etc.

From what I recall, it's possible to get "variable rates" depending on which legs of the trips you'll be travelling. For example, if you're going to travel to the Schilthorn from Murren and then hike down from Birg (or whatever?) the rates will be adjusted accordingly. I believe each leg is priced separately? You'll need to specify exactly what you want at the time you buy the ticket.

Finally, I can't remember exactly when you'll be travelling but AFAIK the Schilthornbahn will be out of service for maintenance from April 23-27.

Cheers!!!

[Eagle]

sheisaeval, just came across this interesting (albeit somewhat "dated") site regarding travels in the Gimmelwald and Interlaken areas. Thought you might be interested....

www.bug.co.uk/forums/printthread.php?t=304

Cheers!!!