hiking up Schilthorn in Switzerland

As long as you know you can handle 1300 meters of elevation gain ( around 4500 feet), ending at an altitude of almost 10,000 feet, you should be fine--- as long as the weather is good. We much prefer hiking uphill and riding down, and have wanted to do that hike, but the weather has never cooperated. I wouldn't go up if thunderstorms threaten, or in heavy fog.

Alex,

I'm not an avid hiker but have heard that the last part is steep, and if there's still snow on the ground it can be treacherous. After a strenuous hike to get up there, you'll probably be ready to take the Cable Car down as Lola mentioned. If you're really adventurous, you could hike up and Paraglide down. Somewhat expensive but a unique travel experience!

I love hiking but would prefer to ride up and hike down! This is not ordinary hiking, even for the fit.

I think you'd regret that preference the next day, Terri Lynn.

Here's another post, which has a lot of advice:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/switzerland/difficulty-of-a-murren-to-schilthorn-hike

Bets has a good point. Assuming a certain level of fitness, hiking uphill is much easier on the body (especially feet and knees) than hiking down. One reason we love hiking in Switzerland and the Dolomites is the opportunities these mountains afford to hike up and then ride a lift back down.

While I have when necessary hiked 4500 feet down a steep trail (for example, to the bottom of the Grand Canyon), I can't say I enjoyed it like I did the hike back up. And there is no way I would attempt the Schilthorn as a downhill hike, especially the steep rocky top part. Doesn't RS a recommend descent to Birg on the cablecar, and then walking down from there?