Murren Promotes 'The Ultimate Bond Pilgrimage'
The launch of the new Bond film, No Time To Die, on 12th November will be all the more poignant for the recent passing of Dame Diana Rigg who played Countess Tracy di Vicenzo – the only Mrs James Bond - to George Lazenby’s 007 in the 1969 classic, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Much of OHMSS was set in the spectacular Swiss Alpine resort of Mürren (www.muerren.swiss), whose mountaintop revolving restaurant at the Schilthorn - Blofeld’s research station in the film - became an instant pilgrimage for Bond fans. Often imitated, it remains top of the list of the world’s Bond locations.
The beautiful car-free village was already celebrated as the cradle of Alpine ski racing before it hosted the most exciting ski chase in cinema history. For a taste of 007 heaven, start at the Schilthorn (2970m) with a delicious Bond Brunch in the revolving Piz Gloria Restaurant, where some of the original film décor has been preserved. The 45-minute revolution provides awesome views with the Bernese Oberland’s magnificent trio of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks dominating the foreground. Allow half an hour for the 007 Walk of Fame, pausing to enjoy the tribute plaques to the film’s key characters, stunt artists and directors before an obligatory selfie on the viewing platform for a cool memory.
Bond World, housed on the floor below the restaurant, is a fascinating homage to the world’s most famous spy, with film highlights, interactive games, simulated bob-sled chase and helicopter flight, and a wealth of trivia about the making of the film. The Skyline Shop is the best place for Bond-themed mementos and gifts, and the award-winning Bond loos are worth a visit, whether or not you need to go.
Mürren’s mid-mountain cable-car station, Birg (2677m), offers a Bond-worthy adrenalin rush in the form of the Thrill Walk – an airy gangway pinned to the side of the cliff, with a 20m reinforced glass platform, 10m cattle grid, 8m Nepal rope-bridge and an 8m crawl-through tunnel - above a 250m void for a real test of nerve.
Mürren is a compelling year-round destination for Bond addicts, skiers and lovers of Swiss Alpine charm and mountain scenery at its finest.
Bond attractions are free of charge and open year-round (weather permitting). The Bond Brunch is CHF35 per adult and CHF20 per child aged from 6-16 yrs. A one-day return trip to the Schilthorn from Mürren is CHF85.60 per adult, for details: www.schilthorn.ch – all prices subject to availability; 50% discounts for children unless stated otherwise.
At 1650m, Mürren is the highest resort in the Bernese Oberland. Its blissfully uncrowded powder playground extends from the Schilthorn (2970m) to Lauterbrunnen (800m): dedicted nursery slopes for beginners, easy pistes from the Allmendhubel funicular, a mix of forgiving and more challenging slopes from Birg (2677m), a ski-cross trail at Winteregg, a vast Snowpark at high altitude with boxes, rails and kickers of all sizes. The magnificent black run from the Schilthorn summit is one of Europe’s top 10 must-ski pistes. Wide-ranging off-piste, ski touring and heli-skiing possibilities with a guide in the most beautiful surroundings.
