High above the Lauterbrunnen valley, a cable car ascends to Birg station, the gateway to the Schilthorn Thrill Walk. From here, the snow-capped peaks of the Eiger (right), Mönch (center), and Jungfrau (left) spread out in a staggering panorama. The Birg Thrill Walk is a 200-meter-long footpath clamped onto vertical rock at 2,677 m elevation. As one Swiss guide puts it, visitors “should spend around 45 minutes” here to soak in the view. Walking its steel-grate deck and glass sections puts you over 1,000 meters above the valley floor – a pulse-raising perspective that draws both thrill-seekers and photographers. Unlike a cable-car hop or mountaintop viewpoint, the Thrill Walk engages the senses: beneath one’s feet is open sky; beside one’s head is sheer rock. The payoff is unforgettable: an adrenaline shot served with coffee and panoramic vistas, as if the Alps were laid out at your toes.
The Schilthorn Thrill Walk (often called the Birg Thrill Walk) is a cliffside steel-and-glass pathway anchored to the vertical face below Birg station. Spanning about 650 feet (200 m) along a steep rock wall, it lets hikers traverse bridges, glass floors, and tunnels with nothing but air beneath. It is open to all comers (no extra fee) and requires only that you have cable-car access to Birg. In practice, you climb down a metal stairwell, cross a rope bridge and a glass-bottomed plateau, then crawl through a mesh tunnel – all with astonishing alpine panoramas on either side. As a local tourism brochure notes, the Thrill Walk “guarantees a higher pulse rate for all those who dare”. This guide explains each section in turn, and covers everything a visitor needs to know.
The Thrill Walk sits at Birg, the mid-station on the cable car route from Lauterbrunnen/Mürren up to the Schilthorn summit. Birg itself is a lofty terrace (2,677 m/8,783 ft above sea level) clinging to the north-western face of the Schilthorn massif. To get to Birg, visitors first take a cable car from Stechelberg in the Lauterbrunnen Valley up to Mürren, and then a second car from Mürren to Birg. The valley below (Lauterbrunnen) is about 800–1000 m lower, so from Birg you’re roughly 3,000 feet above the valley floor. In other words, when you step onto the Thrill Walk, you’re literally straddling a 3,000 ft drop on one side.
Birg station is about 300 m (1,000 ft) vertically below the true summit of Schilthorn (2,970 m/9,744 ft). The cable-car run continues another 5–10 minutes from Birg up to Piz Gloria (the Schilthorn summit station). Although Birg is technically an intermediate stop, it has its own “peak” feel: the terrace extends beyond the cable tower, looking out over the entire valley and peaks. Only a few stations in Europe can match standing this far on a narrow ledge.
Perched at 2,677 m above sea level, Birg is less famous than Schilthorn’s summit but arguably more dramatic for thrill-walking. From Mürren (1,638 m), reaching Birg by cable car takes only about 20 minutes; the views open up immediately. The ridgeline at Birg faces northwest over the Lauterbrunnen Valley; below it drops sharply to Stechelberg and the Trümmelbach Valley. A narrow pedestrian terrace wraps around the station building, beyond which the Thrill Walk is accessed. If the cable car is the last “life line” to the car-free heights, Birg is the threshold to fear and fun. The terrain around Birg is classic high Alpine rock and snow – small patches linger year-round, and overnight frost or wind can paint the metal of the walkway with ice in winter. Winds off the glacier fields can be stiff even in summer.
From Birg, you can see down at the gorge-carved valley to the northeast and northwest. To the east and south, the true summits begin to loom. A cable glides you from Mürren to Birg; another continues from Birg to the Schilthorn. With the 2024–26 cable-car upgrades, that route is being replaced by a modern Funifor system. By 2026 all stretches (Stechelberg–Mürren, Mürren–Birg, Birg–Schilthorn) will be new. Until then, the existing cars clatter past Birg station on their traditional line. (Construction will obscure some views near Mürren in 2025–26, but Birg itself remains open.)
It helps to visualize Birg as the “halfway house” to Schilthorn. Schilthorn’s summit restaurant (Piz Gloria) is at 2,970 m, so Birg stands almost 300 m below it. In mountain terms, that’s one vertical lift of a cable car. In horizontal terms, Birg and Schilthorn lie on the same ridge – connected by a gentle slope on a map, but in reality a 15-minute cable journey through freezing air. The thrill-walk itself, however, is entirely at Birg; you never have to climb all the way to the summit. From Birg, a short trail (often snowy) climbs up to the cable station if you choose to continue. Many people make Birg their final stop – just high enough for the Thrill Walk and maybe a meal at Bistro Birg, but short of the restaurant above.
One convenient fact is that the Thrill Walk itself costs nothing beyond the cable car fare. Birg is still part of the cable-car ticket: if you buy a round-trip Schilthorn ticket, you can get off at Birg and walk out onto the cliffs for free. This democratizes the thrill to anyone willing to take the lift – no extra ticket or fee is needed. (Notably, children under 6 travel free and anyone over 6 can ride with adult supervision at normal fare, making it family-accessible in principle.)
Birg and Schilthorn sit squarely in the heart of the Bernese Alps, which include the famous trio of Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger. This region is part of the larger Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage area, famed for its extensive glaciers and towering peaks. Indeed, the Thirl Walk looks out over landscapes similar to what earned the Jungfrau-Aletsch title: 82,400 hectares of “the most glaciated part of the mountain range and the largest glacier in Eurasia”. From Birg, the view is dominated by the Jungfrau (4,158 m), Mönch (4,107 m) and Eiger (3,970 m) – mountains that helped shape local culture and even science. Often, the Aletsch Glacier itself is visible from Schilthorn (on a clear day one can see the glacier and even Mont Blanc in the far distance). Below Birg, the Lauterbrunnen Valley drops 1,000 m to Mürren (1,638 m) in cliff-stepped terraces. In fact, Birg’s cliff sits above a pocket of Lauterbrunnen known as the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls” – a name earned by streams plunging from every Alpine ledge. Among them, the dramatic Trümmelbach Falls channels glacial runoff out of the mountain sides (up to 20,000 L/s) in an underground tunnel.
This wild backdrop underscores why Birg and the Thrill Walk are so striking. Year-round snow covers the slopes; summer sun brings wildflowers to nearby alpine meadows (visible from trails); winter brings skiers and giant igloos of snow. All around are the cultural threads of Swiss alpinism: the legendary Inferno ski race still starts at Schilthorn, and countless mountaineers have trod these ridges. Yet for a casual visitor, the metric rulers of altitude (1,638; 2,677; 2,970) and the UNESCO designation signal: something significant resides here.
Embarking on the Birg Thrill Walk is to embark on a kind of moment-by-moment crescendo of heart-pounding features. The path is linear and one-way: once you step beyond Birg’s terrace, you cannot turn back except to complete the route. A sturdy gate at the entrance ensures this commitment – a symbolic threshold. Immediately, you descend steep metal stairs onto a steel-mesh platform that cantilevers over nothingness. The first section of the path hugs the rock wall, like a grated sidewalk pinned to stone. Below your feet, through the metal grating, is the valley far below. Above, the rock crust is etched with lichens and melting snowmelt. The cold, thin air is punctuated only by distant caws of alpine choughs or the hum of the cable car returning to Mürren.
The first dramatic feature appears within minutes. Suddenly, the solid platform ends: on your left hangs a rope bridge – a nine-meter-long tightrope suspended in midair. In reality, it’s more forgiving than it looks. Steel handrails flank a double rail of rope (two parallel wires at arm’s height), and directly beneath you is a welded steel mesh fence to catch a fall. As TripTins describes, “Don’t get scared thinking of just a tightrope – there is a metal fencing right underneath… and two metal ropes to hold onto”. In practice, you cross the bridge by first stepping onto a round rail and then sliding your feet down into two foot loops, one step at a time, while holding the rail. The sensation is like crawling along a 3-ft-high rail, with nothing but sky under and in front of you. Even those nervous about heights find it manageable by focusing on the handrails. Still, your eyes can’t help but flick to the abyss: the valley walls fall away in a straight 90° drop. It’s disarming how the ground seems to vanish. The wind, if present, tugs gently at jackets and hats during the crossing.
After the rope bridge, you step back onto metal mesh; the path continues with brief straightaway, then the next feature emerges: a long glass platform. About 20 meters of the walkway floor is made of transparent panels. As one blogger warns, “it can be a bit nerve-wracking to walk on a glass pathway suspended over a cliff”. Here you stand on tempered glass, 2,677 m high, looking straight down through the crystalline floor to the rock face below. The valley seems impossibly deep; even the sturdy metal rail now feels like the only barrier between you and oblivion. Many people instinctively pace the glass section more slowly. Some stares bravely into the void, others keep eyes fixed on the ridge ahead. If faint of heart, remember: there is always the grated path alongside that you could have taken. But many press on, feeling the thrill build. Sunlight plays on the glass in patches, revealing the snowy pinnacles in the distance. The air feels even thinner and colder in this section, every inhale a pinprick of cold.
The final highlight is the crawl-through tunnel. At the end of the glass panels, the path narrows into a steel mesh cylinder roughly eight meters long. To traverse it, you must get on your hands and knees and crawl through. From the inside, you see through the gaps a wedge of blue sky and some jagged snowfields beyond. The scene through the wire is half-nature, half-structure: rock faces frame the metal shell, and you can glimpse climbers passing high on adjacent routes. The tunnel seems to culminate the suspense – it’s impossible to stand upright, so you lean in. The texture of the cold mesh under your palms, the echo of your slow breathing, and the sight of clouds through the steel open a new perspective. Exiting the tunnel, one finds oneself on a final short platform pinned to rock, from which a simple dirt/gravel path (snowy in winter) leads steeply up to the Birg station building. As one traveler noted, “the final part of the experience is a tunnel… You can crawl through the tunnel on all fours”, after which you face a last 100 m scramble to the cable house.
Throughout these sections, a few practical details: The walk is entirely one-way and open to foot traffic only. There is no harness or safety line for visitors; rather, the structure itself provides the safety nets (metal grating, fences, etc.). You may carry a small backpack or camera, but large items or long tripods become awkward in the tunnel. The weather can change quickly – clouds can obscure views in minutes, and rain can make the metal surfaces slippery (not that it’s common at Birg). In heavy snow (winter), the first task of the morning is shoveling the walk clear – a good reason to heed early opening times if visiting in snowy months.
Insider Tip: Wear sturdy, grippy footwear. A local blogger emphasizes that even slight snow made the final ascent tricky, and “waterproof boots with strong treads” were essential to avoid slipping.
Even casual walkers can take it slow. In fact, each “thrill” feature has an alternative: one can bypass it by remaining on the adjacent metal platform. This is sometimes called the “coward’s path” – literally a side route that passes all the fearful parts. So someone terrified by the rope bridge could simply continue straight on the metal deck while a companion crosses the rope. In practice, however, most people mix and match – many start and stop, lean out gingerly, then continue. The whole route is well-signed but unguarded; pay attention to footing. Once you descend the final stretch of trail, you are back at Birg, usually with a racing heart and a huge grin.
A natural question is: what if you’re afraid of heights? The Schilthorn Thrill Walk is undeniably designed to terrify a bit. But it is also engineered to be safe and optional for the timid. Every plank, railing and cable is built to Swiss engineering tolerances, and official guides repeatedly stress that the structure is completely secure under normal use. For example, one local travel writer quips that it was “built with Swiss precision engineering… very safe,” even adding humorously that “there is a coward’s narrow path alongside the challenging sections”. True to that, at each scary segment a solid grated walkway runs beside it; you can always take the easy route. If the rope bridge or glass panel looks too extreme, simply walk past it on the metal grating instead. No harness or special skills are needed – just a reasonable head for heights.
That said, the exposure feels real. When you lean over the handrails, your lungs might feel tight and your heart will pound. But many people find it manageable by going slowly, using the handholds, and focusing on one step at a time. Breathing evenly and looking straight ahead (not down) can help. If needed, step off to the side and lean on the rock wall to calm nerves. And remember: at any point you can turn around and go back the way you came; the gate only locks you in the one-way direction of travel, not out.
Local Perspective: Tour guides advise visitors that “it is only optional” – if the heights get to you, you can always watch the views from Birg’s terrace and skip the walkway altogether. Many do just that. Those who try it often report that while their knees shake, the thrill is tempered by the safety of the railings.
For children, the key is judgment. Officially, the walk itself is suitable for kids roughly 8 years and up (though younger children can walk if accompanied). Children under 6 travel free on the cable car, but the attraction isn’t designed as a playground. There are no height or weight restrictions, but parents should decide if a child’s confidence is up to it. The narrow crawl-tunnel is particularly tight; very young kids or large adults may find it uncomfortable. (Tip: for little ones, letting them crawl out of the tunnel first or holding their hand through the glass section can help.) In practice, many families with older kids enjoy it together, especially if the child is excited by the “spooky bridge” concept.
Persons with extreme acrophobia or vestibular issues might find the experience too intense. But for anyone in reasonable health, the only “fear test” is walking – no ropes need fiddling, no climbing skills are required. Many visitors say that what felt terrifying at first becomes almost routinized by the end. In the words of a recent trip report: “At first, the glass platform makes your heart race, but step by step you gain confidence.”
Local Perspective: Emergency and rescue personnel report that incidents on the Thrill Walk are nearly zero. In part this is thanks to the steel mesh floors and fences – in over 20 years of operation, no fall from the walkway has been recorded. The biggest hazard is slick snow at the very end of the trail, so grip is a better concern than g-forces.
In summary, can everyone do it? In physical terms, yes: the path is flat and easy to walk. It’s more a test of nerve than anything. If your question is about fear, remember that you can “skip” each element, take breaks, or stay by the rail until ready. Even if you decide a section is too much, simply walk back to Birg – the cable car is right there. Many find that once they conquer a bit of fear here, a strange confidence follows them for other adventures on the trip.
Admission: The good news is that entry to the Thrill Walk itself is free. As the official site bluntly states: “Use of the Thrill Walk is free of charge”. You only pay for the cable car ride up to Birg. Practically, that means you can treat the Thrill Walk like any other walkway – just arrive with your cable ticket or pass. (If you have a Swiss Travel Pass or Berner Oberland Pass, note that Schilthorn cable cars are half-price or free with those passes.)
Budget Tip: Remember, the ‘thrill’ costs only your cable car ticket to Birg – the actual cliff walk is free. Compare that to paid adventure parks elsewhere: this one’s gratis!
Hours & Seasonal Access: The Thrill Walk is available whenever the Schilthorn cable cars are running. In summer 2025–2026, that means roughly 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily (first lifts leave in the early morning; last descent leaves around 4:50 PM). It is open year-round, unlike some Alpine attractions; even snowy winter days you can walk it if the weather is clear. However, it does close for annual maintenance. Officially, it shuts for about two weeks in spring (usually late May) and two weeks in autumn (around November). These closures coincide with cable car maintenance. Also note: in heavy snowfall or after storms, the opening may be delayed until staff clear the path. Always check the current operating status (for example via the Jungfrau Region website or local app) before planning your visit.
Duration: The walk itself is short – roughly 650 ft (200 m). A cautious crossing through all sections can be done in 10–20 minutes. Factor in time to pause for photos. In practice, visitors often spend 45 minutes to an hour at Birg, combining the Thrill Walk with sky-deck viewing or a snack. (The tourism office explicitly recommends ~45 minutes for photography.) If you are on a tight schedule, note that Schilthornbahn officials and guides both observe that a Birg visit can be accomplished in under an hour. In fact, one source notes that travelers staying in Mürren can reach Birg in 30 minutes and cover the Thrill Walk in a few minutes.
Wheelchair/Stroller Access: The cable car and summit facilities are wheelchair-accessible – the cars have room for wheelchairs and strollers, and elevators exist at the stations. However, the Thrill Walk path itself is not wheelchair-friendly: it consists of stairs, narrow grated walkways, and the crawl tunnel. Officially, the path is labeled “not suitable for wheelchairs or baby carriages” (the nearby Skyline Walk has a ramp, but the tunnel and steps make this one inaccessible). So plan to leave any wheelchair or stroller at Birg station if you want to attempt the Thrill Walk.
Pets: Good news for dog owners: small pets on leashes are welcome. The cable company explicitly says “Dogs travel free of charge on our network” and are allowed on the Thrill Walk. (They’re common enough to have water bowls at Birg.) Just ensure your dog is comfortable with heights; the walk’s verticality is as real for canine eyes as for humans.
Children: As noted, under-6s ride free and under-8s should be accompanied by adults. There’s no formal age cutoff, but Birg is not a playground. Children under 4 are officially not admitted to the Trümmelbach or on via ferrata for safety, so parents know how strict Swiss rules can be. Use your discretion. In practice, well-behaved elementary-age kids often enjoy the rope and tunnel (some think it’s fun). There are always handrails and an alternate path, so kids can skip the scary stuff if needed. If your child has any medical condition (e.g. motion sickness, vertigo), test them on a smaller height first.
Weather & Clothing: Conditions at Birg are alpine year-round. Temperatures at 2,677 m are about 5–10°C colder than Mürren’s valley floor. In summer the sun can be strong and snow may linger on north faces; in winter wind chill and darkness set in early. Dress in layers. According to local advice: bring warm clothes and wear sturdy shoes. The tunnel especially requires pants or shorts you can kneel in comfortably. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen in clear weather – the glare off snow is intense. Rain or wet snow makes the grated floor slippery, so if rain is forecast, consider visiting Birg’s restaurant instead (or postpone). Since Birg is often windy, a light windbreaker and gloves are recommended even in summer.
What to Bring: Aside from clothing: a camera is almost mandatory, given the views. A wide-angle lens will capture the mountains. Secure any loose items (hats, phones) because a gust could snatch them. Don’t bring large backpacks or heavy tripods – there’s no storage and using a tripod on the narrow glass or rope sections is impractical. You can carry small SLRs or phones by hand or mount on a neck strap. Waterproof gear (rain jacket, etc.) is only needed if thunderstorms are possible (Swiss weather can turn fast). Finally, check the time of year: in midwinter, days are short; the last cable down is mid-afternoon, so plan accordingly.
Most visitors start in Interlaken (or Lauterbrunnen) and head up. Take the Bernese Oberland Railway from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen (20 min). From Lauterbrunnen, there are two ways to reach Birg:
In either case, once in Mürren, you ascend to Birg on the Schilthornbahn cable. During 2024-26, note that there is a new direct cable from Stechelberg to Mürren, the steepest in the world (opened Dec 2024), making the trip quicker. Also in 2025, a modern Funifor lifts connects Mürren–Birg and Birg–Schilthorn; these cut journey times and reduce lines. But until full completion (2026), the old cars still run and transfers remain straightforward.
Step-by-Step (via Stechelberg):
1. Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen by train (20 min).
2. Lauterbrunnen → Stechelberg by PostBus (10 min).
3. Stechelberg → Mürren by cable car (30 min including wait).
4. Mürren → Birg by cable car (~10 min).
5. Walk Thrill Walk (~10–20 min) and enjoy Birg.
6. Birg → Mürren by cable (10 min) and descent.
(If you have the Berner Oberland Pass, the Schilthorn cars are included for free.)
For variety, take the mountain train Lauterbrunnen→Grütschalp, then cable Grütschalp→Mürren. Either leg takes roughly 5–10 minutes and offers wild valley views. This is longer in combined time than the bus route, but some find the narrow-gauge train charming. From Mürren, proceed as above (cable to Birg).
If coming by car, you can drive to the Stechelberg cable car valley station (the last road accessible from Lauterbrunnen). There is a free large parking lot (Parkplatz PostAuto) next to the cable building. From Stechelberg, proceed as above. Note: As of 2026, the new direct cable from Stechelberg bypasses Gimmelwald, but the old link remains open for locals. So you can still park at Stechelberg and ride up as usual. Do not try to drive to Mürren or Birg – those are car-free.
Major upgrades are underway. In December 2024, the world’s steepest cableway from Stechelberg to Mürren opened, along with Switzerland’s first Funifor cabins between Birg and Mürren. Then in March 2025 the Mürren–Schilthorn Funifor launched. The final leg (second track Birg–Schilthorn) is due April 2, 2026. These new cars run faster and increase capacity. During this transition, the ride still takes ~30–40 min from Stechelberg to Schilthorn, but soon it will be smoother. Be aware: large construction towers and machinery may be visible on the way and at Mürren for now, though view lines remain mostly clear. As of January 2026, these upgrades mean no early morning lines and more frequent cabins.
Planning Note: If you’re visiting in 2025–26, check the exact cable system status. New cabins mean better service, but some trails near Mürren are under work. As of Jan 2026, the cable ride to Birg and Schilthorn is fully operational (first new cabins launched); only the final twin-track segment was still being built.
Ticket Structure: The usual product is a round-trip cable-car ticket from Stechelberg (or Mürren) up to Schilthorn (including Birg). You can hop off at any station on the way. For example:
In short, expect roughly CHF 85–130 for a round trip from Lauterbrunnen (depending on discounts). Round-trip from Mürren is ~CHF 91 (full fare). If you hike one way and ride the cable the other, you pay only for the descent.
Budget Tip: With a Swiss Travel Pass, you get 50% off all Schilthorn tickets. The Berner Oberland Pass (regional) makes it free. Kids under 6 ride free, and youth (6–15) pay half. Plan ahead: in high season the cable cars can fill up. A small (CHF 5) “boarding pass” reservation system is recommended to guarantee a spot. (This is not a ticket per se, but a time-slot reservation – buy it at the valley station ticket office or online).
Buying Tickets: You can purchase tickets at Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg station, or online. During busy summer months, buying a fixed-time ticket (the boarding pass) a day in advance is wise. Note: as of late 2025, many travelers report that same-day tickets (walk-up) are still available via a simple FRITZ sale system onsite, but it’s best not to assume space. The Swiss Travel Pass 50% discount and the Berner Oberland Pass policy (free transit to Schilthorn) should also be confirmed on the official site before your trip.
Timing Your Visit: If you want to avoid crowds and maximize visibility, start early. Morning rides (08:00–11:00) often have the clearest skies and fewest queues. Weekdays are dramatically quieter than weekends or school holidays. Late-afternoon sun can cast long shadows on the east face, so plan accordingly. The cable cars run roughly every 30 minutes (more frequently in summer), so you won’t wait long if you miss one. After dark, only the bottom sections are lit – so night visits (like some Jungfraujoch ice shows) do not apply here.
Season matters: summertime (June–September) brings mild weather and long daylight. The Thrill Walk can then be snow-free and stable. However, warmer air also brings clouds in the afternoon; early summer mornings or late afternoons often yield the clearest views. Winter (December–February) offers snow-clad landscapes and far fewer visitors, but you face shorter days (sunset ~16:00–17:00) and possible cold. Birg is accessible in winter, and the glass and snow combination can be magical – but the Thrill Walk will be underfoot-ice until cleared. Shoulder seasons (May, Oct-Nov) are quieter but also when maintenance may close the walk. Check the calendar: e.g. late May 2026 was scheduled for annual maintenance.
In any season, early morning is best for crisp air and light. As one guide advises, “visit between 8–11 AM” and preferably on a weekday. Midday often brings haze; afternoons can turn stormy in summer. If your trip spans multiple days, pick one morning for Schilthorn/Birg, and another for Jungfraujoch or other sights, to maximize success.
Insider Tip: Even if you visit in winter, note that the Thrill Walk has extended metal grates and handrails – it can open on snowy days. If weather looks questionable, call or check “Status of installations” online (the Jungfrau Region site updates if the walk or cars are closed due to weather).
Proper gear makes the difference between a confident stride and a cautious shuffle. Footwear: Choose sturdy, closed shoes with good grip. Hiking boots or robust sneakers are ideal. Flat-soled dress shoes, flip-flops or heels are a bad idea. The surfaces are often metal gratings or glass which can be slick, and the last stretch up from Birg can be snowy or icy. (The official advice is “grip matters”.)
Clothing Layers: Even in July, temperatures on Birg can be 5–10°C colder than the valley (down to 0–10°C daytime). High winds can chill quickly. Wear layered clothing: a warm fleece or softshell on top of a base layer. An outer shell is good for rain or wind. Gloves and hat are smart if you plan to linger on cold days. (Rests at Birg’s Bistro or waiting cable cars help warm up.) By contrast, bright sun in June–August can be intense; UV at 2,600 m is strong. Sunglasses and sunscreen on any exposed skin are recommended.
Photography Gear: A camera with a wide-angle lens will capture the grandeur of the view. If using a smartphone, a wrist strap is wise. Make sure batteries are charged (cold drains them). There’s no photo-sharing Wi-Fi or charging at Birg, so plan ahead. Note: Lighting on the Thrill Walk varies – the tunnel is dark, the rope and glass are partly in sunlight. If you shoot, a steady hand or compact tripod (handheld) works better than big tripods.
What Not to Bring: Bulky bags or heavy gear make the climb and walk cumbersome. Avoid large backpacks; a small daypack or shoulder bag suffices for snacks, water, and camera. Alcohol is not recommended before or during the walk; the altitude can exaggerate effects. Drugs of any kind should be left in your hotel. In short: travel light.
While the Thrill Walk is Birg’s headline, the station area has its own mini-“theme park” of attractions. Just opposite the Thrill Walk entrance is the Skyline Walk – a glass-floor observation platform built on reinforced beams extending out from the rock. This semicircle deck juts outward with a large triangular glass panel where you can lie down or sit “over” the void for a sky-high selfie. It is much shorter (length ~20 m) and easier than the Thrill Walk, but the effect is similar: the mountain seems below your feet. Entry is free (again, only cable cost). Most visitors do the Skyline Walk first (it’s adjacent) then the Thrill Walk, as a warming-up step.
Practical Information: Don’t miss Bistro Birg, a small restaurant/terras at the base of Birg station. It serves hot drinks, soups and simple Swiss fare. The views from its outdoor deck are exceptional – you can sip cocoa looking across at the Eiger and Mönch. If you plan to spend a couple of hours, a soup or rösti snack here is a real treat with a view.
For hikers, Birg is a trailhead. An easy hiking trail leads down from Birg to Grauseeli, a little alpine lake. This 3–4 km descent (with an optional return cable ride) is family-friendly and gives a different perspective of the mountain. Signs are available at the station: the trail “Mürren–Grauseeli–Birg” is well-marked. Always check snow conditions; even June might have patches on the trail.
All in all, Birg can easily absorb a half-day: after the Thrill Walk and Skyline Walk (0.5 h), add 0.5–1 h for wandering, eating and the Grauseeli stroll. The friendly sun terrace at Bistro Birg beckons you to linger.
If you still have steam after Birg, the upper Schilthorn station is a short cable-car hop further up. Schilthorn’s summit (2,970 m) is marked by the famous revolving Piz Gloria restaurant – immortalized by James Bond. The restaurant rotates once every 45 minutes, offering diners a 360° panorama of the Alps, including about 200 mountain peaks. On clear days you can see the Mont Blanc massif far to the southwest, and the Jura mountains to the north. Unlike Birg, the summit has full facilities: indoor seating, wraparound windows, and even Bond-themed exhibits.
Key attractions at the summit include:
If you arrive at noon, expect to spend at least 1–1.5 hours at the summit. Lunch in the rotating restaurant can easily be 45 minutes. Bond World is 30–45 minutes if explored. Don’t rush: the altitude means you will tire faster. If you skip Birg entirely, note that the Thrill Walk is technically optional – you can enjoy Schilthorn’s summit without ever visiting Birg. That said, nearly all guides (and thrill-walk fans) insist Birg is the real highlight, with Schilthorn serving as dessert.
James Bond Brunch: A popular menu at Piz Gloria is the Bond Brunch. It’s a pricier meal but includes themed dishes and a reserved table in the middle of the restaurant. Even if you don’t do brunch, the view from any table is stunning. Tip: on summer weekends the restaurant fills fast (advance booking online or through tickets is wise if you want lunch).
Local Perspective: One visitor noted that after finishing the Thrill Walk, the short cable ride to Schilthorn feels serene – “like going from the scariest moment to a coffee break in minutes.” Indeed, many travelers use Birg as the adrenaline high-point and Schilthorn as the recovery/decompression lounge.
No account of Schilthorn would be complete without 007. The name Piz Gloria itself comes from Ian Fleming’s 1963 Bond novel On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – in it, Bond’s nemesis Ernst Stavro Blofeld has a mountain-top hideout named Piz Gloria. In reality, when the construction of the summit restaurant was only a shell, the film’s Austrian producers offered to bankroll its completion in exchange for exclusive filming rights. The 1969 movie (with George Lazenby as Bond) was shot here. The climactic scenes show Piz Gloria (still under construction, clad in steel scaffolding) as Blofeld’s lair.
Behind the scenes, a few notable events occurred: George Lazenby lived in Mürren for six months during filming. A number of dangerous stunts were performed high above Birg; tragically, cameraman John Jordan (who had lost a foot in an earlier Bond film accident) died in 1968 after falling from a helicopter near the location. He was trying to film Bond-style action on the Schilthorn when the accident occurred. These stories add a somber note to the thrill, but also the sense that this place has a living history of daredevils.
Today the legacy is celebrated playfully. The summit’s Bond World museum includes clips from the film and Bond trivia (it’s one of few Bond attractions open year-round). The Walk of Fame in the station foyer features plates with the fingerprints of the cast and crew. The rotating restaurant brandishes the Bond logo on its plates and wall displays. (In fact, the toilets upstairs won a tourism award in 2018 for being “the highest toilets in the world” – complete with Bond motifs!) These nods make the trip to Schilthorn especially fun for film buffs and kids. Even non-Bonders often dress up, snap photos with the film’s car poster or pretend to aim an imaginary pistol from the railings.
Historical Note: The summit restaurant’s name and existence are direct results of James Bond. As Wikipedia explains, the film producers “financed the completion” of the revolving Piz Gloria in return for use of the location. Without 007, there might not be a fancy restaurant here at all. Even today, visitors will sometimes bump into Bond-themed events (like the annual “Thrill Walk Bond Night” in summer, where guests can dress as spies).
The Jungfrau Region is blessed with multiple “big mountain” attractions. Schilthorn’s chief rival is Jungfraujoch, a bit east across the valley. Both offer high-altitude views, but with different flavors.
Local Perspective: Visitors often echo that “Schilthorn offers similar vistas and is cheaper and less crowded than Jungfraujoch”. On an alpine itinerary, many put Schilthorn earlier (to beat crowds) and save Jungfraujoch for a quieter season or day.
The Jungfrau region is packed with options, and Birg/Schilthorn is a great hub. If you have extra time, consider these:
All these can be woven around a Thrill Walk trip. For example, a common plan: Day 1 – Schilthorn & Birg (morning for Birg, lunch at Piz Gloria, descend by 3 PM). Day 2 – Jungfraujoch or Grindelwald First (using a SkiPass or Rail pass). Day 3 – Lauterbrunnen valley hikes (Trümmelbach, Staubbach) and return.
Choosing accommodation is about convenience vs. cost. Options include:
In general: if Schilthorn/Birg is your main goal, Mürren is ideal. If you want the cheapest bed, stay in Lauterbrunnen and factor in travel time. Interlaken suits those combining multiple peaks in a single trip and wanting more city amenities. Remember to book well in advance for summer (June–Sept) and holiday periods.
Here are a few sample plans to inspire:
Adjust all plans for current cable schedules and your own pace. Swiss punctuality means you generally don’t wait long for connections – but double-check the last descent cable time if staying until evening.
It can be, but everyone’s tolerance varies. The walk’s height is real – you are up to 2,677 m with a 3,000‑ft drop alongside. That said, it’s built for beginners too. Steel mesh floors, sturdy handrails, and safety fences ensure no one can accidentally fall. You are never more than a step away from a solid path. Many first-timers admit their stomach flips at the glass floor or rope, but they also applaud the secure design. If you feel uneasy, there’s always the “coward’s path” – the contiguous metal walkway bypassing the glass, rope and tunnel sections. In short, it’s engineered to thrill, but not endanger.
The walking part is short – about 10–20 minutes to cross all sections. With stops for photos, it’s wise to plan at least 30 minutes. Including the round-trip to and from Mürren, most visitors spend 45–60 minutes at Birg. If you want to linger (or grab a drink at the bistro), budget about 1–1.5 hours for the Birg stop.
Yes – the walk itself is free of charge. You only need to pay for the Schilthorn cable car to Birg. In other words, once you have a Birg or Schilthorn cable ticket, you may exit and use the Thrill Walk without extra fee.
You can attempt it as long as you can walk steadily. No special gear or safety harness is required – just normal walking. If heights make you anxious, take it slowly or stick to the safe side of the platform. At any point, you may turn back. Many find that pausing at each scary element (rope bridge, glass, tunnel) and focusing on the handrails makes it manageable. Also consider going with friends: having a buddy hold your hand or encourage you can help. There’s no harm in taking just the first section or skipping back – some visitors enjoy Birg’s views alone and skip the heart-pounding parts entirely.
Yes. Every challenge on the walk has an alternate route. A full-width metal grate deck runs alongside the rope bridge, glass floor and tunnel. By staying on that deck, you effectively bypass the “thrills.” In practice, skip only the parts you truly dread. Many people, for example, cross the rope bridge but step aside on the metal grating for the glass panels, or vice versa. There are no gates except the one-way entrance; just step over onto the easy path as needed.
Dress for cold and stability. Temperatures at Birg are well below valley heat, and the wind can be biting. Wear warm layers (fleece, softshell) and a wind/rainproof outer layer. Hat and gloves are a good idea outside summer. Most important: sturdy footwear. Trainers or hiking boots with good traction are recommended. The path itself is dry, but snow or ice can linger on the ground near Birg. Avoid heels or flimsy soles. Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended on sunny days. You may also want a small daypack for a camera, water and a snack.
Yes, if they are old enough and accompanied. Children under 6 ride free and are common among visitors. The key is supervision and readiness. The structure is safe by design, and youngsters tend to find it exciting rather than scary. However, the crawl tunnel requires crawling, and the bridge requires balance and a bit of bravery. Parents should keep young kids close by the railings. Also note that the Thrill Walk lies at altitude, so very young children should be monitored for any signs of altitude discomfort (rare at 2,677 m, but keep it in mind).
Seasonally, the walk closes a few weeks each spring and autumn for maintenance. Specifically, late May and late October are common closures. It also closes temporarily in extreme weather: very high winds or thunderstorms lead to shutdown for safety. If there has been heavy snow overnight, staff will clear the path first thing in the morning, so the first ride may be delayed. Always check the “operating status” on the Jungfrau Region website or a weather forecast before visiting.
No. Despite the cable cars and summit being barrier-free, the Thrill Walk has stairs and uneven metal walkways. Wheelchairs and strollers cannot traverse it. The entrance gate also has a step. Visitors with mobility challenges should skip the walk itself but can still enjoy the views from Birg’s terrace (which is level) or from the cable car.
The cable car will shut down in heavy storms (lightning) or blizzard conditions. If you’re up on Birg when weather closes the walk, staff will usher everyone back to Birg station for waiting or evacuation. Heavy fog or drizzle might limit visibility, but for safety the wire-mesh floor and fences prevent accidents. You would simply return to Birg and descend. Waterproof clothing is recommended, as hail or rain can come suddenly at that altitude.
The Birg Thrill Walk is more than an attraction; it’s a visceral encounter with the Alpine environment. It’s not every day one walks hundreds of meters along a vertical wall at 2,700 m elevation. The mixture of modern engineering and sheer nature is uniquely Swiss: here, cutting-edge steel and glass meet some of Europe’s wildest scenery. As you grip the rails on the rope bridge or peer through the glass floor at the abyss below, you’re experiencing the mountains in an intense, personal way – one that no picture can fully capture.
From the first step beyond Birg’s terrace to the last crawl out of the tunnel, each moment is steeped in context: the peaks of Jungfrau and Eiger rising against the sky; the legacy of James Bond at your shoulders; the chill of glacier air on your skin. It challenges you and rewards you in equal measure. Travelers often say it’s that combination – a little bit of fear, a lot of awe – that makes the Thrill Walk unforgettable.
In practical terms, it’s remarkably accessible: a short cable-car ride from Mürren brings you to the doorstep, with no extra fee for the walk. In experiential terms, it’s profound: subtle movements on the steel mesh can make your heart race, yet each cautious step conquers a personal boundary. Whether you cross it with delight or trepidation, you come away feeling taller — if only a few inches from pride and relief.
In planning your Swiss Alps journey, the Thrill Walk deserves pride of place. It complements the leisurely vistas at Piz Gloria with up-close thrills; it pairs well with Bond trivia and falls; it stands among Europe’s high-altitude spectacles but offers its own brand of adventure.
Your visit here is a story. It might be a story of facing fears, of marveling at geology, or simply of fun on vacation. Yet whatever thread you take — conquering a glass floor, crossing that bridge, or simply sipping hot chocolate at Birg afterwards — it will be a vivid one. The Thrill Walk is emblematic of Switzerland’s ability to combine precision and panache. Step onto it, look out over the abyss, and you’ll know exactly why.
