Kristīne
Sometimes, the journey is the destination. But when it comes to Mt. Schilthorn in the Bernese Alps, the destination is just as important.
I love taking trains during my travels. Watching the scenery go by while drifting away in my thoughts and simply being on the move make it pure relaxation. Especially if the picture behind the glass is as amazing as it can be in Switzerland...
Follow me to Mt. Schilthorn in the Bernese Alps!
The rolling film on the train from Bern to Lauterbrunnen shows me everything from green meadows, swirling rivers, and calm lakes to neck-breakingly high mountains.
My first stop is Lauterbrunnen in the valley that inspired Rivendell.
Lauterbrunnen is known for its majestic waterfalls. On a gloomy day like today, the valley has a special charm. No wonder it served as inspiration for J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle Earth in the "Hobbit" novel. Back in 1911, the author had traveled to Switzerland at the young age of 19 years. The beautiful, relentless nature of the Lauterbrunnen Valley undoubtedly impacted his vision of the Rivendell landscape.
Jungfraujoch vs. Mt. Schilthorn
From Lauterbrunnen, it is possible to visit the glacial landscape at Jungfraujoch. The aptly named Top of Europe should be on anyone's bucket list.
I like to recommend a visit Mt. Schilthorn as a less expensive yet still impressive alternative. The peak with an elevation of 2970 meters above sea is a one-of-a-kind place, armed with a rotating restaurant and splendid views featuring one of the most beloved mountain skylines in Switzerland: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
The James Bond Museum at the top is free of charge and will make the hearts of many secret agents and 007 fans beat faster.
This is my third time on Mt. Schilthorn, yet it never gets boring.
My latest find is the kickass James Bond 007 Burger at the Piz Gloria restaurant:
Check out this restroom mirror where James Bond suddenly appears and starts talking to you!
Needless to say, I spent a ridiculous amount of time in there just for the photoshoot...
The main reason why Mt. Schilthorn in the Bernese Alps will steal your heart? The spectacular scenery!
It is especially beautiful during moments when the clouds retreat and gently surround the mountains like fluffy scarves...
These days, it looks a bit naked without the snow. The remaining white patches on top of the dark ground create a fantastic pattern that reminds of stracciatella ice cream:
When is the best time to visit Mt. Schilthorn?
The best time to visit Mt. Schilthorn is during spring when all 72 waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley are in working order. Alternatively, time your visit during summer when the abundant colors of the contrasting greens are popping. During autumn, catch the rusty foliage in the valley. Or in winter, feel your adrenaline by skiing on the steepest slope in the Bernese Alps - at 75 percent!
As you can tell, Mt. Schilthorn is worth visiting any time of the year. Each season reveals another character and a different look. That is if the weather is in your favor.
Come to think of it, hundreds of thousands of people come to visit the Bernese Alps from the other side of the world. So there must be something about this place... Lucky us: Mt. Schilthorn is literally at our doorsteps, just a couple of hours on the train.
Dimitri Burkhard
