Schilthorn day

What a fabulous day, thanks to advice from campsite man. Here's the view from the campsite... that's where we're going!

Early start after porridge saw us on bus at 0909, 12 min ride up the 'cleft' to Stechelberg. The direct cable to Murren was not running, so piled into very crowded cable car to Gimmelwald and there immediately transferred en masse to the next leg to Murren. Felt like cattle. Cables are the steepest in the world. Watched the vertical rock face slide by. L not huge fan of dangling in the air at the best of times, and looking out at the rock wall was the worst of times. Decided to keep going right to the top, and come down more slowly.

The density of people eased on the next legs but the density of helmets, suited skiers and snowboarders increased. Most got off at Birg, and we watched some setting off down the mountain. L reminisced about her skiing days. The last cable up to Piz Gloria at the Schilthorn peak was a double-WOW experience- a huge loop of cable across a snow field then a near vertical climb to the station.

We spent 4 hours at the top. There are 4 levels above the cableway. A lot of it seems to still be under construction,  despite being open for 50+ years. The cloud came down just as we arrived but we still had some wonderful views, plus coffee and a pastry.

The Eiger View platform was shut,  but more on that later. N felt very slightly light headed from the 3,000m altitude. We spent quite a while in the Spy World exhibition, an excellent story of the making of On Her Majesty's Service with George Lazenby as Bond, which bankrolled the completion of the Piz Gloria. Fabulous footage and explanations of camera techniques (skiing backwards) and stunts.

We went to the bar in the revolving restaurant and spent £30 on two drinks - L glass of Bolly and N an orange liquor coffee.  Once in a lifetime.

Watched paragliders going past the window.

The weather is wonderful with bright sun and little wind, apart from the cap of cloud. Repaired to a general seating area and ate our sandwiches! 

Went down one cable to Birg and dallied on the outside terrace there. The cloud had lifted and we had perfect view of all the mountain range, with the big three right in front of us: Eiger, Monch, Jungfrau. Sat for ages just drinking the view.

Next cable down took us to Murren. We strolled through this car-less village on a plateau halfway up the mountain.

Many places closed, perhaps it's between winter skiing and summer hiking seasons. Certainly the ski runs from the top are pretty short, running out way above Murren. Had our last sandwiches in a grassy area gazing still at the peaks.

Penultimate cable to Gimmelwald which was absolutely stuffed again, so we bailed at G. Too hot and hilly for strolling, N's hip still bothersome, so just waited for next one. Last cable past another rock wall and arrived just in time to push our way onto the bus. Back at the van by 4pm in time for tea, water, biscuit and more paracetamol for N. Finished off a very expensive day with a meal at campsite restaurant. Cheese featured.