Cable Cars

Mark, According to the "official" website, the Cable Cars to the Schilthorn will be out of service for maintenance from April 26-29, so these should be operating normally at the end of May. You might consider one of the Swiss Cards to reduce the cost of the lifts somewhat, as that's a "pricey" trip! Check the "Railpasses" section of this website for information on Swiss travel products. The trip from Murren to the Schilthorn is comprised of two "legs". The first leg from Murren stops at Birg, and the second goes to the Schilthorn and Piz Gloria. I don't have any information on the Lifts in Zermatt, but hopefully someone in the group here will be able to help. Happy travels!

There's two cable car lines, one goes to Murren and the other to Gimmewald. They never shut down both at the same time (barring an emergency). When one line is closed, they provide a complementary shuttle van between the two villages.

Thanks again for your help. I will check that web site. Just one more question please. We will be staying at the Alpina hotel in Murren and I am wondering if there is any transportation available from the train station as we do not have a car. Thank you

Thanks for the information. A vacation is always more enjoyable when you know the ins and outs of the transportation system. Regards Mark

Not sure if they still do it, but in 2003 we stayed at the Hotel Alpenruh in Mürren and they gave us the option of having breakfast at the top of the Schilthorn in "Piz Gloria" Restaurant for one of our days. It was used in the James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". We took the cable car both up and down from Mürren for breakfast, but we saw many people hiking down from the top. You would have to contact the hotel to see if they still offer that breakfast option. Web site for Hotel Alpenruh is - http://www.muerren.ch/alpenruh/seiten/frame-e.htm- Web site for Schilthorn, "Piz Gloria" is -http://www.schilthorn.ch/?uid=33

Yes, they still offer the breakfast at the Piz Gloria Restaurant. You have to buy the gondola ticket, but the breakfast is free. You can see it in writing at: http://www.muerren.ch/alpenruh/seiten/frame-e.htm and the click on the "Dining Room" link on the left hand side of the page. I really liked the Alpenruh's restaurant and their patio looking straight at the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Sometimes the workers can seem a bit cool and standoff-ish and the rooms are nice but not great. I usually stay at the Chalet Fontana, and I also think the Hotel Blumental may be a nice place worth investigating.

Regarding your last question, there is absolutely transportation available! When you arrive at Interlaken Ost, buy tickets to Murren. Take the small Berner Oberland train to Lauterbrunnen. When you arrive, walk across the street and board the Post Bus (it's bright yellow, you can't miss it). That will take you to the Cable Car station at Stechelberg. The first Cable Car will take you to Gimmelwald. Walk across the platform and board the next car. When you disembark from that, you'll be in Murren. The ticket that you purchase at Interlaken is good for all modes of transport. There's another route that you could use but this is about the easiest (IMO). Cheers!

Thanks for the help. The last thing that I am trying to find out about Murren is if there is any transportation (taxi) from the cable way station to our hotel in Murren(Hotel Alpina) or do we have to walk it with our suitcases? Thanks again Mark

I think Mark is asking if there is transport from the train station in Mürren to the Hotel Alpina. There is not any public transport beyond the train and cablecars, but it is possible the Hotel Alpina has a small vehicle to transport luggage for guests. You might email them and ask. It is actually a very easy walk along a level path.

Thanks for your reply. I did email the hotel about transportation to their hotel but I have not received an answer yet. Cheers Mark

Mark, Sorry, I misread your question (with the reference to the "station", I assumed you were referring to Interlaken). As I recall, Hotel Alpina is at the other end of town from the Cable Car station (closer to the small underground train station). As Lola mentioned, it's mostly flat so would be an easy walk (Murren is not that big!). As an alternative to the route I mentioned in my previous Post, you could also take the Berner Oberland train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen and then the Cable Car to Grütschalp and the small mountain railway to Mürren. That would put you slightly closer to the Hotel (there are a couple of larger Hotels at that end of town). Mürrren is theoretically a "car free village", although I've seen small SUV's used by the local Farmers there. I doubt that the Hotel would have a vehicle. Cheers!

There are two routes from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren. When you disembark from your train in Lauterbrunnen, walk across the street and catch: 1) Gondola to Grutschalp, tiny train from Grutschalp to Mürren 2) Post Bus to Stechelberg, Gondola to Gimmelwald connecting to Mürren. Each of the above will deliver you to Mürren but on the opposite ends of the village. The Alpina Hotel is located closer to 1). Keep in mind you can walk from one end of Mürren to the other end in about 15 minutes so this is really no big deal. If you arrive by 1) then here is the secret to handling your luggage...the train stops in Mürren station and you will have to climb a flight of stairs with luggage. Of course if you look very very closely you will see that walking AWAY from the stairs will take you outside of the station but there is a smooth ramp walkway where you can easily get yourself and your luggage up to the main level WITHOUT using the stairs. It's not readily apparent so many 1st time visitors will just drag their luggage up the steps.

Now I understand the layout of Murren and surrounding towns.
Thanks for all the help Mark