The revolving restaurant located on the summit of the Schilthorn was featured in the 1969 Bond film âOn Her Majestyâs Secret Serviceâ, and offers panoramic views of the Bernese Alps of Switzerland.
In the wake of the unhappy passing of the supremely attractive late Diana Rigg it brings to thoughts the Bond movie she featured in On Her Majestyâs Service. The legendary actress performed the exquisitely seductive Countess Tracy di Vicenzo.
Like each different Bond story this one incorporates a masterly villain with ambitions of world domination, however few are so iconic as Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Most just lately portrayed by Christoph Waltz in Spectre, Blofeld has appeared in seven different Bond movies and is usually seen stroking his white Persian cat in evil contemplation.
One such look is in âOn Her Majestyâs Secret Serviceâ, one of many extra divisive Bond movies thanks to its main man, George Lazenby, who performed the function of 007 simply the as soon as. Although the 1969 movie obtained a lukewarm reception from critics, many take into account it to be among the finest in the collection, in half due to its spectacular surroundings.
The website of Blofeldâs secret lair, Piz Gloria, is atop the two,970m summit of the Schilthorn in Switzerlandâs Bernese Alps. This is likely one of the solely locations in the world the place the general public can expertise a Bond movie arrange shut and private.
We take a more in-depth look.
The story of Piz Gloria
While looking for the perfect movie location for Blofeldâs lair, the manufacturing crew got here throughout a partly constructed sports activities bar with a revolving flooring on the Schilthorn summit. Set towards a backdrop of dramatic, snow-topped mountains, which incorporates the indomitable Eiger, it appeared the proper setting for a villainous plot. The movieâs producer agreed to finance its completion in change for unique filming rights.
Since filming ended, the constructing has retained its Piz Gloria moniker, taking full benefit of the Bond connection. The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling home windows and revolves a full 360 levels in 55 minutes. The family-friendly menu contains the fan favorite â007 burgerâ full with a 007 stamped emblem on the bun.
As properly as a restaurant, there may be additionally a everlasting exhibition containing Bond memorabilia and movie clips on the decrease flooring. While this might appear slightly corny, the âBond Worldâ exhibition is definitely very properly offered, with a terrific collection of iconic Bond posters, a part of the helicopter used in the movie and varied interactive video games and leisure.
Outdoor adventures
As you exit the cable automotive on the prime of the Schilthorn, you’re instantly offered with some slightly spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the area. This contains the Jungfrau, Eiger and Jura Mountains. On a transparent day, you can even see Mont Blanc, the very best mountain in the Alps. There is a big, open space coated with tables and chairs, the place you may loosen up with a cocktail and benefit from the views.
If youâre feeling extra adventurous, you may participate in the âthrill walkâ, a 200m lengthy metal and glass walkway that hugs the rock and leads to the cable automotive station. Not one for vertigo victims, the walkway is each slender and excessive, however you’re rewarded with uninterrupted views of the valley of Lauterbrunnen. You may also channel your internal Bond and try to crawl although an (optionally available) eight-metre tunnel with clear views of the 250m drop beneath.
If you havenât had sufficient of 007 by now, there’s a new exhibition outdoors referred to as the â007 Walk of Fameâ: a collection of statues that includes handprints of the movieâs forged and crew and details about their time on set. The opening occasion in 2015 was attended by George Lazenby himself.
Getting there
The Schilthorn lies above the picturesque village of Mürren, and from right here you are taking the cable automotive to the highest of the Schilthorn â a full worth return grownup ticket (together with entrance to the indoor Bond exhibition and the âthrill walkâ) prices 82.60 CHF/£63. If you buy a Swiss Travel Pass in advance, the return ticket is free.
If you’re travelling from additional afield, you will have to take the Lauterbrunnen-Mürren mountain railway, earlier than taking the cable automotive to the summit.
Where to keep
If you resolve to keep in Mürren in a single day, the three* Hotel Jungfrau has snug rooms, pleasant service and a good buffet breakfast.
