Murren
Quaint, car-free, Swiss mountain ski village resort. Very traditional with loyal following
Murren resort guide - a general overview
Set high above the Lauterbrunnen valley floor Murren is only accessible by a cable car from Stechelberg, or railway from Lauterbrunnen. The village is small and quaint with paths and narrow lanes. It was in Murren where Sir Arnold Lunn first created the package ski holiday in 1922. He also invented the idea of a ski race set around a course of poles - thereby creating the slalom. The traffic-free resort is host to the restaurant 'Piz Gloria' which is a revolving restaurant made famous by the Bond film, 'On her Majesty's Secret Service' (1969). Taking an hour to make a full turn, it offers the chance to take in the surrounding views, and is definitely worth the visit.
The skiing in Murren isn't that extensive but with it being linked to the neighbouring resorts of Wengen and Grindelwald, which are reached by train, it opens up further options. However, there are plenty of free-ride options from the Schilthorn and experts should not overlook this resort. There are also several excellent heli-ski routes in the area.
If you want an active and lively night scene, then ski holidays in Murren are not for you but if you are after some friendly après ski, stunning scenery and a relaxed and tranquil holiday, then Murren is the perfect ski resort.
Resort stats
200km
1,650m - 2,970m
Level of skiing
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
Qualities
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Resort layout
- Fine dining
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- Bern
- 2hrs
- Zurich
- 3hrs 30mins
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Charming, traditional and traffic free resort.
- Fantastic scenery.
- Intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders.
Cons
- Local pistes slightly limited.
- Quiet and limited nightlife.
- Not ideal for beginners.
Restaurants
Murren Resort Restaurants
Like the village itself, the restaurants in Murren are small, quaint, lazy and cosy. The Stager Stubli is now famous for its outstanding Rosti dishes but it also serves up some beautiful Swiss meat and cheese specialities. The restaurant is very rustic and charming with a mostly wooden decor and the menu even offers full or half dishes, which are perfect for the families with children, however, the price doesn't actually differ much. Another favourite is the Eiger Guesthouse. The food is very tasty and reasonably priced, the Raclette, Wiener schnitzel, and Pesto Gnocci are extremely highly recommended. Best of all is the super friendly staff and warm and inviting atmosphere.
Murren Mountain Restaurants
You have to eat up on the mountain at least once whilst skiing in Murren. The absolute "must" is the Piz Gloria (famous for its appearance in one of the James Bond movies) which is located right at the top of the 2,970m Schilthorn. Not only is the food delicious here, the views have to be some of the best across the Alps. If you stay there for over an hour you will see a full 360 degrees worth of these breathtaking as the restaurant itself turns a full circle once every hour. For something a bit more understated and traditional head lower back down the mountain where there are many cosy little mountain restaurants worth a visit. The ones that come highly recommended are the Suppenalp and the Schilthornhutte, both serving hearty mountain cuisine in warm, welcoming restaurants.
Murren Apres Ski
Murren is actually quite calm for apres ski. Most of the hotels in Murren have their own traditional Swiss style bars where you can go and relax. Start at the Bellevue which is a very inviting bar located just off the side of the piste. After this head to the Tachi Bar which has its own DJ or the Inferno. The liveliest place later in the evening is the Biemli Challer which stays open until about 5am. Stager Stubli is also very popular amongst locals and has a reputation for being lots of fun. The Jungfrau Hotel sundeck and its Gondel Bar (converted from an old cable car) are also popular places to visit straight from the home slopes.
Murren Nightlife
None to speak of.
Funicular
Cable Car
Gondola
Chair lift
Drag lift
Property
