Mürren: The Evolution of an Alpine Village

This car-free mountain village in the Jungfrau Region is now one of the most impressive destinations in the Swiss Alps. Surrounded by an imposing mountain backdrop and with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, Mürren combines nature, tradition, and a pioneering spirit like almost no other place.

But the journey to this point began centuries ago.

First mentioned in 1257 as “Uf dr Muren,” Mürren was long a small, secluded settlement. It was only with the rise of Alpine tourism in the 19th century that the village began to change.

With the construction of the first hotels, Mürren quickly developed into a popular retreat for wealthy guests from all over Europe. Artists, aristocrats, and scholars found peace, inspiration, and the impressive mountain scenery here.

• 1257: First mention of the village
• 1857: Construction of the Silberhorn Inn
• 1870: Opening of the Grand Hotel and Kurhaus
• 1879: First tourist boom

The decisive step toward international fame was improved access to Mürren. With the construction of the railway, Mürren was brought out of its isolation.

• 1891: Opening of the Mürrenbahn
• 1910: Year-round operation of the railway and the first spectacular Alpine crossing by balloon
• 1912: Commissioning of the Allmendhubelbahn
• 1965–1966: Construction of the Schilthornbahn to the summit
• 2006: New Lauterbrunnen-Grütschalp cable car

To this day, Mürren remains car-free, allowing visitors to enjoy the village in peace and quiet.

Mürren is not only a beautiful mountain village but also a place that has made winter sports history. British guests, in particular, brought new ideas to the Alps and laid the foundation for modern alpine skiing here.

• 1912: Founding of the Mürren Ski Club
• 1922: First slalom race organized by Sir Arnold Lunn
• 1924: Founding of international ski clubs
• 1928: Start of the legendary Inferno Race
• 1930: Switzerland’s first ski school
• 1931: First Alpine World Ski Championships
• 1937: First ski lift in the Bernese Oberland

Even today, the Inferno Race attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world to Mürren every year.

Mürren became known worldwide at the latest with the construction of the revolving restaurant on the Schilthorn. The James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service also made the region unforgettable in film history.

But Mürren has continued to evolve and today offers an exciting blend of tradition and modern experiences:

• 1969: Opening of the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant
• 1983: Construction of the Alpine Sports Center
• From the 1990s: Events such as the Inferno Half Marathon and Triathlon
• 2013: Creation of Bond World 007
• 2014–2016: Skyline Walk, Flower Park, and Thrill Walk

Those who wish to delve even deeper into history will find exciting insights into the last 150 years of Mürren in the book “Chandelier Before the Jungfrau”.
With historical images, personal stories, and anecdotes, it tells of the people who have shaped the village, from hoteliers and farmers to pioneers of tourism.

The book is available at the local tourist office

Mürren ist mehr als nur ein Ferienort. Es ist ein Ort, an dem Geschichte lebendig wird zwischen Tradition, Innovation und einer der eindrucksvollsten Bergkulissen der Schweiz.
Wer hier zu Besuch ist, erlebt nicht nur die Alpen, sondern auch ein Stück gelebte Geschichte.