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Dining at Piz Gloria Restaurant, Schilthorn | First Revolving Restaurant in the Alps

What is the Piz Gloria?

Piz Gloria is a revolving restaurant located on the Schilthorn mountain in Switzerland. The restaurant, which was built in 1969 for the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, features a modern alpine design and serves a variety of local Swiss specialties, such as raclette, fondue, and rösti. Piz Gloria also has a large selection of Swiss wines and beers to complement the meals.

 In addition to its delicious food, the restaurant is also known for its unique revolving floor which slowly rotates to give diners a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains.

Location:  Schilthorn, 3825 Mürren, Switzerland

Cuisine: Swiss, International, European

Timing: 7:55 AM and 4:55 PM

Why Dine at Piz Gloria?

Piz Gloria - Panoramic Views
  • Panoramic Views: Located on the Schilthorn mountain in Switzerland, the restaurant has a reloving floor, which offers diners breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss Alps.
  • Deep Dive into the Bond World: Piz Gloria was built in 1969 for the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" which gives it a unique historical significance.
  • Local Swiss Specialties: The restaurant serves a variety of local Swiss specialties, such as raclette, fondue, and rösti, which are prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
  • Indulge in Swiss Wines and Beers: Piz Gloria also has a large selection of Swiss wines and beers that complement the meals.
  • Modern Alpine Ambience: The restaurant features a modern alpine design that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for diners.

Brief History of Piz Gloria 

Piz Gloria was built in 1969 for the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" and designed by the architect Rolf G. Kühn. In the film, the villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld, played by Telly Savalas, uses the restaurant as his base of operations, and the film's climax takes place there. 

After the film, the restaurant was opened to the public and has been operating as a tourist destination ever since. The restaurant also had an important role in the development of Schilthorn mountain as a tourist destination, as it was a major draw for visitors and helped establish the mountain as a popular ski resort.

Architecture of Piz Gloria 

Piz Gloria - restaurant

Piz Gloria is a revolving restaurant designed by Rolf G. Kühn, it features a modern alpine aesthetic with natural materials such as wood and stone. The large circular dining room is surrounded by glass walls for panoramic mountain views. The terrace offers outdoor seating. The decor is simple and elegant. The design elements blend modernity and traditional alpine style.

Other Dining Options at Schilthorn 

There are several dining options at Schilthorn in addition to Piz Gloria:

  • The Birg Restaurant offers light snacks, sandwiches, and drinks with terrace views.
  • The Allmendhubel serves traditional Swiss dishes and has a large sun terrace.
  • The Piz Gloria terrace is a great spot for drinks and light snacks with a view. The Murren restaurant serves traditional Swiss dishes with a terrace view of the Lauterbrunnen valley

Visitor Tips

  • Make a Reservation: Piz Gloria is a popular destination and can get quite busy, so it's a good idea to make a reservation in advance to ensure you get a table.
  • Follow the Dress Code: Piz Gloria has a semi-formal dress code, so it's best to dress nicely for your visit. It is also good to keep the weather in mind. Schilthorn mountain can be quite cold and windy, so make sure to dress warmly and bring a jacket, even if the weather is good in the valley.
  • Check Timings: Piz Gloria is open from mid-morning to late afternoon, and is closed in the evening. Make sure to check the opening hours before visiting.
  • Be Punctual: Keep in mind that your table will be held for a limited time, so it's important to arrive on time for your reservation.
  • Check the Menu Beforehand: Piz Gloria is a more upscale dining option and prices are accordingly. Make sure to check prices before visiting and keep in mind that the restaurant also offers an a la carte options as well as a set menu.

Frequently Asked Questions About Piz Gloria

Q. What is the Piz Gloria?

A. Aside from being a revolving restaurant and a tourist attraction, Piz Gloria is also known for its panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and its connection to the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. It is located on Schilthorn mountain, and it is also a popular spot for skiing and other winter sports.

Q. Where is Piz Gloria located?

A. Piz Gloria is located on the Schilthorn mountain in Switzerland. Specifically, it is situated in the Lauterbrunnen valley, in the Bernese Oberland region, which is known for its picturesque alpine landscapes and outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking.

Q. How far is Piz Gloria from the Schilthorn summit?

A. Piz Gloria is located on the Schilthorn summit, so it is not very far away from it. It sits on top of the Schilthorn peak, at an altitude of 2,970 meters (9,744 feet) above sea level. The restaurant can be reached by taking a cable car from the nearby village of Murren, which takes around 30 minutes.

Q. When was Piz Gloria built?

A. Piz Gloria was built in 1969 specifically for the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". After the film, the restaurant was opened to the public and has been operating as a tourist destination ever since.

Q. Can I visit the Piz Gloria with Schilthorn tickets?

A. Yes, you can visit Piz Gloria with Schilthorn tickets. The Schilthorn cable car takes visitors to the summit of the mountain, where Piz Gloria is located. The Schilthorn tickets include round-trip cable car rides, as well as access to the revolving restaurant, terrace, and other facilities on the mountaintop.

Q. What are the timings of Piz Gloria?

A. The timings of Piz Gloria may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. Typically, the restaurant opens in the mid-morning and closes in the late afternoon. It is closed in the evening. It's always best to check the timings on the day of your visit.

Q. Who built Piz Gloria?

A. Piz Gloria was built by the Schilthorn-Piz Gloria AG, a company that operates the Schilthorn mountain and its facilities. The architecture and design of Piz Gloria were done by Rolf G. Kühn, a Swiss architect, and designer.

Q. What is Piz Gloria famous for?

A. Piz Gloria is renowned for its picturesque location on the Schilthorn mountain in Switzerland, offering spectacular views of the Swiss Alps. It is also well-known for being the world's first revolving restaurant and for its connection to the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". Additionally, Piz Gloria is celebrated for its delicious Swiss specialties, and modern alpine design.

Q. Is there a dress code to enter Piz Gloria?

A. It is recommended to dress in semi-formal attire for your visit. Keep in mind that the weather on the mountain can be colder and windy, so it's a good idea to dress warmly and comfortably.

Q. How can I get to Piz Gloria?

A. There are several ways to get to Piz Gloria. You can take the cable car from the nearby village of Murren. This option will take you directly to the restaurant and offers beautiful views of the surrounding alpine landscape. Or, you can hike to Piz Gloria from Murren.

Q. What cuisine is served at Piz Gloria?

A. Piz Gloria serves a variety of Swiss and international cuisines. You can indulge in traditional Swiss dishes such as raclette, fondue, and rösti, as well as contemporary options, a great selection of local and international wines and beers. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options. The menu may change depending on the season.