Independent guide, not the village siteSchilthorn cable car valley stationUpdated October 2026
The Schilthorn cable car valley station at Stechelberg

Parking at Stechelberg for the Schilthornbahn

The paid car park at the Schilthornbahn valley station is the one most visitors use. It is large, but summer mornings and clear weekends fill it, so have a plan B.

Photo: Jamesbell4, CC BY-SA 3.0

By Stechelberg.com editors · Updated

Parking at Stechelberg for the Schilthornbahn is simple: the valley road ends at the cable car station and the car park sits right beside it. The road beyond Lauterbrunnen is narrow, so expect slow traffic on sunny weekends.

How it works

Drive up the valley from Lauterbrunnen (about 5 km), pass the Trümmelbach Falls stop and follow the signs for Schilthornbahn. The car park is paid. Guides quote a capacity of well over 1,500 spaces, which is a lot, but the Schilthorn is one of the most visited summits in the region. Read the tariff board and pay at the machine or as shown on site.

When it fills up

  • Summer and clear weekends: arrive early morning, before the day-trip buses.
  • Weather change: a sunny forecast after rain sends everyone up at once.
  • Winter: quieter, but check the road and cable car status.

If it is full or you do not want to drive

The bus timetable is on sbb.ch. Frequency varies by season, so see how to get to Stechelberg for the details and the conflicts between sources.

Combine: park once at Stechelberg, ride the Schilthornbahn to Gimmelwald and Mürren, walk down, and add the Trümmelbach Falls on the way back.

Staying instead of day-parking

If you plan an early start for the summit, sleeping nearby avoids the parking question. Look at hotels in Stechelberg or the campsite.

Check hotel prices in Stechelberg

Frequently asked questions

Where do I park for the Schilthornbahn at Stechelberg?

At the paid car park next to the valley station at the end of the valley road. Follow the signs for Schilthornbahn once you pass Trümmelbach Falls.

Is parking at Stechelberg free?

No, the car park at the cable car station is paid. Fees and payment methods can change, so check the machine or the operator's site on the day. Carry some Swiss francs in case.

What if the Stechelberg car park is full?

Turn back to Lauterbrunnen, park there and take PostBus line 141 up the valley. Arriving before the first big buses in summer avoids most problems.

Can I leave my car overnight at Stechelberg?

Rules for overnight parking differ by car park and season. Ask your accommodation or the operator before you leave a car, and never park on the road shoulder or in field entrances.

Can I drive to Mürren or Gimmelwald?

No. Both villages are car-free. Park at Stechelberg and continue by cable car.

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