A once-secluded medieval village in the Swiss Alps is now directly accessible to travelers, thanks to the opening of the world’s steepest cable car. The Schilthornbahn, which began operations in December 2024, whisks passengers 775 meters up a near-vertical rock face, linking Mürren to the valley below in just four minutes.
A Historic Transformation
For centuries, Mürren, a 430-person village perched 1,638 meters above sea level in the Bernese Oberland, remained isolated. Without road access, residents relied on mules and later a narrow-gauge railway and cableways to connect to the outside world. However, with the completion of the Schilthornbahn, Mürren now offers an easier, more direct route for visitors and locals alike.
“I used to take a cable car to school every day,” said lifelong resident Michael Abegglen. “Now, with this new connection, it’s easier to reach the valley for things like doctor’s appointments, but the village still retains its unique charm.”
A Village Frozen in Time
Mürren, founded in the 13th century, retains its traditional Alpine character, with wooden chalets and cobblestone paths. It is entirely car-free, and its few streets are lined with cozy inns, rustic restaurants serving Swiss cheeses and sausages, and souvenir shops selling cuckoo clocks and chocolates.
The village’s most iconic hotel, the Mürren Palace, has been a retreat for high-profile visitors since 1874, including Hollywood stars like Rita Hayworth. Despite its historical appeal, Mürren has also been a hub for adventure seekers for more than a century.
Birthplace of Competitive Skiing
In the late 1800s, British tourists discovered Mürren’s spectacular slopes, transforming it into a major ski destination. The village became the birthplace of modern ski racing when Arnold Lunn organized the world’s first slalom race in 1922. Mürren later hosted the inaugural Alpine World Ski Championships in 1931 and remains a favorite among winter sports enthusiasts.
“My great-grandfather fell in love with Mürren’s beauty,” said Bernard Lunn, a local resident. “He brought British tourists here, and my grandfather went on to establish ski racing in this very village.”
Today, Mürren offers 54 kilometers of ski trails, with slopes stretching from the Schilthorn summit (2,970 meters) down to Lauterbrunnen valley. The village also hosts the International Inferno Ski Race, the world’s largest amateur ski competition.
More Than Just a Ski Destination
While winter sports define Mürren’s legacy, the village transforms in the summer into a paradise for hikers and paragliders. Visitors can explore flower-filled meadows, take in panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, or soar above turquoise lakes and waterfalls.
“The mountains here change with the seasons,” said Belinda Bühler, a trail runner and lifelong resident. “In winter, they’re covered in snow; in summer, they bloom with flowers. No matter the time of year, nature here is something to be experienced.”
Whether skiing down world-class slopes or hiking along scenic trails, Mürren offers visitors a rare blend of history, adventure, and breathtaking beauty—all now more accessible than ever.
