Switzerland is all about soaking in the beauty of nature, train rides and mountain excursions (and of course chocolates). The Birg Thrill Walk is one such spectacular attraction located in the Swiss Alps, offering visitors a breathtaking experience unlike any other.
We indulged ourselves in experiencing the thrill during our stay in Grindelwald and it was so worth it! Our son enjoyed every bit of it. If you are exploring the Jungfrau region (Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken), then this is an activity I would recommend to add to your Swiss Itinerary.
The Thrill Walk promises to quicken the pulse of anyone who dares to cross it!
About Birg Thrill Walk, Switzerland
Birg, a summit of the Bernese Alps boasts a mesmerizing view of the valley of Lauterbrunnen.
Birg Thrill Walk is a high-wire suspended walkway built against a steep cliff and it that offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The walkway itself is narrow and made of metal grating, allowing visitors to see the sheer drop below. It is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who are brave enough to take on the challenge, the Birg Thrill Walk is an unforgettable experience. Along the walkway, visitors will encounter several viewing platforms, as well as a thrilling suspension bridge that spans a deep ravine.
How To Reach Birg
Birg Thrill walk (2666 m) is located in Birg, a summit in Swiss Alps above the mountain village of Murren. The village is only accessible by cable car or hiking trail. The cable car runs regularly throughout the day and is a scenic ride with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Birg was one of our intermediate destinations from Murren as we were going all up to Piz Gloria, Schilthorn, which is another cable car ride from Birg.
By car: If you are traveling by car, you will need to park your car at the base of the mountain and take the cable car up to the village.
By hiking: If you prefer to hike, several trails lead to Birg. The most popular trail is the Eiger Trail, which starts in the town of Grindelwald and takes approximately 2-3 hours to reach Birg. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
Tickets For Birg Thrill Walk
You do not need any ticket to enjoy the Thrill Walk. The experience is free of cost .
If you are holding a Swiss Travel Pass, then the cable car ride to reach up to Birg will be 50% discounted.
Birg Thrill Walk – The Experience
As soon as you get down from the Cable car from Murren, there is a panorama terrace that offers breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. There is a cozy restaurant here.
Follow the signboard and head on to the Thrill Walk section on the side of the viewing terrace.
Birg Thrill Walk : Different Sections
The Thrill Walk has different segments consisting of rope mesh, glass and railings. The structure closely hugging the mountain, passes underneath the observation deck and the cable car and ends below the station.
The reason it adds to the thrill is that as you walk through it, you can see vertical drops of the mountains and deep ravines below your feet.
Walk along Rope Walk
There is a 20 metres of glass floor, nine-metre long rope bridge with a safety net and a eight-metre crawling tunnel that complete the Thrill Walk.
A few minutes after walking along the metal bridge, the first Thrill section awaits you – the Rope Walk. As you carefully tread through it, the rope walk will dwindle increasing your heart beat!
Pause for a moment and take control of your heartbeats as you take a look around. The magnificence of Swiss Alps is right before your eyes! This section is amazing for a photo moment.
Walk Through The Glass Floor Section
Keep moving from rope walk section to the next one – the glass floor section. It might give a dizzy feeling when you look downwards. But don’t worry. It is absolutely safe!
With this, you will move the last section of the Birg Thrill Walk.
Crawl Through The Tunnel
This section is where you need to crawl through a tunnel. It is a good experience. The only tip I will have here is not to wear too heavy clothes as the crawling gets tougher because of that.
After you come out of the tunnel, there’s a short hike back to the viewing platform where you can relax for some time before taking the cable-car all the way up to Piz Gloria, Schilthorn.
Some Tips and Points to remember for Birg Thrill walk
- Visitors to the Birg Thrill Walk should be prepared to take on a physical challenge, as in the last portion, you will need to crawl through a tunnel. This requires a moderate level of fitness. However, for those who are up for the challenge, the Birg Thrill Walk is an incredible experience that is not to be missed.
- Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and gear for the mountain environment. The weather can be unpredictable, and temperatures can drop quickly at higher elevations. It is also important to stay hydrated and take breaks as needed to prevent altitude sickness. With proper preparation, reaching Birg can be a rewarding and memorable experience.
- One thing to consider is that the Birg Thrill Walk may not be suitable for those who are afraid of heights. It can be a bit nerve-wracking to walk on a glass pathway suspended over a cliff or a rope for that matter, so if you have a fear of heights, this may not be the activity for you. However, if you are up for the challenge, it can be an exhilarating and unique experience that you will never forget.
- The weather sometimes can play a bit dampener. If it rains or the weather is not supportive, the authorities close down the Thrill Walk. In that case, just take a short break at the Café on the Panorama terrace.
- If you are also planning to visit Piz Gloria for a lunch, I would suggest to take the Thrill Walk first.
Also Read : Experience Matterhorn in half a day | Things to do in Montreux Switzerland
Other Attractions At Birg Thrill Walk
Relax at the Viewing Terrace
Even if you do not plan to take the Birg Thrill Walk, you can still spend a good time at the spacious viewing terrace. This observation deck provides an uninterrupted view of the Swiss Alps and is an amazing waiting-lounge-with-a-view.
Grab A Cup Of Coffee at The Café
There’s a nice café right on the viewing terrace that offers some delicious. Perfect space cozy up and have a quick bite with coffee. If it is very cold outside, then certainly you will need to have some time within the café.
Enjoy the Photo Opportunities at Skyline Walk
There is a suspended glass deck as an extension to the viewing terrace. The best part of this is that the glass railing has names of the mountain peaks name like a mirror image so that you can identify the peaks.
This part of the terrace is specifically built for photo opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion : Birg Thrill Walk
Whether or not you should experience the Birg Thrill Walk depends on your personal preferences and comfort level with heights. But if you are looking for a thrilling adventure and enjoy breathtaking views, it may be worth checking out.
