Imagine dining in a restaurant that revolves 360 degrees, offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps from every angle. Sounds too good to be true? Well, it’s a reality at Piz Gloria Schilthorn. Piz Gloria, the James Bond restaurant, offers more than just delectable cuisine – it offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience with stunning panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.
On our last day of stay at Grindelwald, we took a day trip to Schilthorn via Birg and had one of the finest dining experiences of our lives. Visiting Piz Gloria was a recommendation from a friend and glad that we added it to our Swiss itinerary.
Here’s how you can also indulge in this unique dining experience while appreciating the beauty of the Swiss Alps.
About Piz Gloria, Schilthorn
Piz Gloria is a revolving restaurant located on Schilthorn, a summit in Bernese Swiss Alps. It was constructed for the filming of the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” and has since become a popular tourist attraction.
In the movie, Schilthorn serves as the location for the villain’s lair, and the restaurant is where Bond has several key interactions with the character. The building itself is an impressive feat of engineering, as it was constructed at such a high altitude and required a unique design to withstand the harsh mountain weather.
At an elevation of 2970 m above sea level, Piz Gloria offers an unbeatable 360-degree view of the Swiss skyline.
How to Reach Piz Gloria Schilthorn
I simply love the way Switzerland has made the mountain peaks easily accessible through their state-of-art transportation system which speaks volume about Swiss Engineering.
Located in the heart of the Bernese Alps, Piz Gloria Schilthorn can be reached via cable car from the mountain village of Mürren.
The cable car takes you from Mürren to Birg station at 2677 m above sea level, where you have to change onto another cable car that takes you to Schilthorn’s Piz Gloria restaurant at 2970 m above sea level.
The cable car ride itself is an adventure, offering panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. Once you arrive at the summit, the restaurant is just a short walk away.
Keep in mind that the cable car operates on a schedule, so be sure to check the timetable in advance.
From whichever part of Switzerland you are coming from (eg: Interlaken) you will first need to reach Mürren to reach Piz Gloria.
Piz Gloria is also accessible from Stechelberg – you can take the cable car from Stechelberg that will go via Murren to reach Schilthorn
Things To Do At Piz Gloria, Schilthorn
1) Enjoy the view of mountain ranges from Swiss Skyline Viewing terrace
The viewing terrace is a perfect spot to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and soak in the stunning natural beauty of the region. The terrace is equipped with binoculars, which you can use to get a closer look at the stunning landscape.
There are several photo opportunities here – from milestone of Swiss Skyline to a cut-out of James Bond.
Take in the beauty of the mountain ranges from the viewing terrace’s vantage point. – more than 200 mountains including the UNESCO World Heritage site with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are visible from here.
2) Dine In At Piz Gloria Summit Restaurant!
The beauty of Piz Gloria’s location is not limited to its surroundings, as the interior of the restaurant itself is equally as inviting. With warm lighting and wooden accents, the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant will invite you to relax and enjoy not just the food, but also the ambiance.
The comfortable seating enhances the experience, allowing visitors to take in the awe-inspiring views while savouring their meals. The inner circle of the restaurant has the bar and you can find movie clippings being played on the display screens.
Piz Gloria’s menu boasts a diverse range of mouth-watering dishes. From traditional Swiss classics like raclette and fondue, to international flavors like Thai curry, Jeera Rice and Dal Makhni from India and vegetarian options like stuffed peppers, the menu is sure to satisfy any palate. And let’s not forget about the desserts – the homemade apple strudel and chocolate cake are just a few of the sweet treats that will leave you wanting more.
The presentation is equally impressive, with each dish artfully arranged on the plate to create a visual feast. And for those seeking a truly special experience, Pizz Gloria offers a gourmet five-course menu.
3) Settle Down For A Breathtaking View Of Swiss Alps
Just look outside the glass window while relishing your food! Isn’t it magnificent? The best part of the dining experience is the outside view from which you cannot take your eyes off. As you relish the moment, the upper floor revolves 360 degrees, completing a full rotation in an hour, allowing you to witness a diverse array of mountainous terrain with every passing second. It’s an experience that’s sure to leave you spellbound!
4) Explore Bond World
Once you finish your lunch, it is time to explore Bond World. Bond World, located inside the restaurant, is a permanent exhibit dedicated to the James Bond character and the making of the film. You can explore the world of Bond, from iconic cars and gadgets to the villains that 007 faced on-screen.
The exhibit is a fascinating look into the world of espionage and provides insight into the creation of one of the most successful movie franchises in history.
5) Enjoy the Bond Cinema
The Bond Cinema Schilthorn features a 12-meter-wide curved screen displaying scenes, stunts, and mountain shots from the James Bond classic “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. The footage is of exceptional quality, providing razor-sharp images and a breathtaking experience.
6) Explore the Gift Shop
The gift shop at Piz Gloria Schilthorn offers a wide range of souvenirs and gifts for visitors to take home with them. From traditional Swiss chocolates and cheeses to exclusive James Bond merchandise, there is something for everyone. In addition to the usual souvenirs, the gift shop also offers a variety of locally-made handicrafts and artwork that are unique to the region.
Whether you are looking for a gift for a loved one or a memento of your visit to Piz Gloria Schilthorn, the gift shop is definitely worth a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion : How to visit Piz Gloria, Schilthorn
If you swoon over the charisma of James Bond, have a love for snowy-capped mountains, and also are a food lover looking for unique experiences, then Piz Gloria in Schilthorn, Switzerland is the destination you will have to visit. This revolving restaurant with its breathtaking views, interactive exhibits, and exciting experiences for fans of the franchise and nature lovers alike.
