Mürren is far enough for the record cableway

The new direct Stechelberg–Mürren cableway is the first section of the Schilthorn system. You do not need to continue to the summit to ride the section with a maximum 159.4% gradient. It takes about four minutes and climbs 775 metres. An adult return just to Mürren costs CHF 23.60 in the tariff valid through 12 December 2026; the return to Schilthorn costs CHF 115. These are two different trips and tickets. Sources: Schilthornbahn’s technical page and official fares.

A 159.4% gradient is not a 159-degree angle

The operator gives approximately 58° as the maximum angle. Percentage expresses vertical rise relative to horizontal distance: 159.4 metres of rise for every 100 horizontal metres at the steepest point. It does not describe an overturning cabin or the average gradient of the entire route. The direct line opened for passengers on 14 December 2024. This is a current visitor guide, not an announcement of an opening today. Sources: technical page and opening release.

Separate three prices before buying

For Stechelberg–Mürren, adults pay CHF 11.80 one way or CHF 23.60 return. Half Fare prices are CHF 5.90 and CHF 11.80 respectively; GA and Swiss Travel Pass show CHF 0 for this section. Stechelberg–Schilthorn return instead costs CHF 115 normally, CHF 57.50 with Half Fare and CHF 45.70 with GA or Swiss Travel Pass. Holding a pass does not automatically make the summit free. These are published fares valid through 12 December 2026: check your specific ticket and its validity for the travel day. Source: the operator’s Fahrplan & Tarife page.

The useful comparison for two travellers

Worked example using ordinary published fares, not a booked quote: Two adults without discounts would pay CHF 47.20 return to Mürren versus CHF 230 to Schilthorn. The difference is CHF 182.80. This is not a discount on the same experience: choosing Mürren leaves out the summit. If your aim is the steep cableway and time in the village, the shorter trip may be enough. If you want the summit view, compare the cost of the entire outing. Travel to Stechelberg, meals and other purchases remain separate.

October: distinguish the Gimmelwald route from the direct line

The official notice lists maintenance on Stechelberg–Gimmelwald–Mürren from 19 to 30 October 2026. It provides for a replacement shuttle connection via Mürren between 08:00 and 18:00, with limited seats and possible waiting. It does not describe this closure as a closure of the new direct Stechelberg–Mürren line. Read the complete route name before changing plans. Mürren–Allmendhubel is also closed from 19 October to 11 December 2026. Bad weather and storms can lead the operator to reduce or suspend service. Source: current Fahrplan & Tarife notices.

Build the day around your actual destination

Choose your ticket destination first: Mürren or Schilthorn. Open Fahrplan & Tarife, check notices and descent times for the relevant line, then check your arrival connection. Separate time spent visiting from time travelling: Four minutes on the record section is not the duration of the whole outing. If considering a pass, check the applicable fare before the cost of the pass itself; buying one for a single ride is not automatically worthwhile. No seats have been reserved and no specific departure has been verified here.

The official photograph

The cover shows the actual Stechelberg–Mürren cabins in a winter landscape on 4 December 2024. Marco Zurschmiede / Schilthornbahn AG; Media Use for editorial reporting with attribution. The file was only resized and converted to WebP. Its snow and sunshine do not establish today’s conditions; this is not a firsthand account.

Sources & verification · Photography

Our automated desk prepared this article using the sources listed below. The analysis is not based on a visit. Our editorial method explains how we work.

Verified
October 24, 2026

Photography

Images adapted for format and compression. Full credits and licences are available through the links.