Directly behind you is Gimmelwald station. It is the first stop on the way up to the Schilthorn peak with its recognizable revolving restaurant. The construction of the cable car marked an important step in the history of mechanised alpine tourism. It is an example of the construction of railways and cable cars in mountainous regions after WWII. WWII devastated Europe, but it also impeded large tourist projects in Switzerland. Indeed, large hotels and the facilities of the Jungfrau Railway stem rather from the beginning of the 20th century.
The construction of the cable car marked an important step in the history of mechanised alpine tourism. It is an example of the construction of railways and cable cars in mountainous regions after WWII. WWII devastated Europe, but it also impeded large tourist projects in Switzerland. Indeed, large hotels and the facilities of the Jungfrau Railway stem rather from the beginning of the 20th century. The construction of the Schilthorn cableway in the period after the hardships of the war had ended was therefore seen as a sign of progress. Decades earlier, important people like the German poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe and the composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy had already discovered paradise in the majestic world of the mountains. But it was hoped that with the construction of the cableway modernity would arrive, tourism would flourish and hiking and skiing could become a sport for the masses. Especially skiing had become popular, and Mürren eventually became a ski resort. The development of the Schilthorn as a viewing point promoted the village as well. In the 1960s, the Schilthorn cableway was a project of superlatives: It was the longest cable car in the world, it led to the first revolving restaurant at the top of a mountain, it provided one of the largest parking areas in Switzerland, and the construction costs amounted to almost CHF 30 million. This meant that construction was a lot more expensive than planned. James Bond was the savior not only in the film, but also here: It wasn’t until the Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" had been filmed on the Schilthorn that money came in and the project first became profitable. Take a look at the roof of the station and the wheels redirecting the continuous propulsion ropes and counter ropes. The two stretches from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald and from Gimmelwald to Mürren are at a sharp. They have practically the same length, and can therefore share their propulsion. At the time of construction this was a new concept in Switzerland. Before the first three sections of the Schilthornbahn were opened in 1965, it was only possible to reach Gimmelwald over a steep footpath from the bottom of the valley or on a narrow street from Mürren. Had you wanted to explore Gimmelwald one hundred years ago, you may well have asked the locals to haul you up the mountain on a mule or in a carrying chair - for payment of course. The ride from Mürren up to the Schilthorn by mule was about 12 Francs, plus 8 Francs for the guide. Before we start walking up the street, let's briefly talk about point 9 on the information board, the “via ferrata”, a secured climbing path. The Nepalese bridge, which you may have already spotted from the cable car, is not suitable for those suffering from vertigo, as it leads across a deep crevice. It is part of this ultimate adrenaline kick. Daring hikers or those who want to become such can climb from Mürren to Gimmelwald secured on a rope. The spectacular view to the highest summits of the Bernese Alps is included! Now follow the paved road, pass the Hotel-Restaurant Pension, the Mountain-Hostel and Esther's Guesthouse. A little further on the right you will see a stable with many bells hanging under the roof.
