There’s something a bit special about the gorgeous ski resort of Sölden in Tirol Austria, and its name is…
Bond. James Bond.
This upscale winter holiday destination was one of the primary filming locations for the latest blockbuster from the British spy franchise ‘Spectre’.
When you get a glimpse of Sölden’s panoramic snowscapes, stark contemporary architecture and seductive night-time venues, it’s really not hard to see why the production team went for it.
The jaw-dropping locations you’ve seen in Spectre can be explored all around Sölden, on or off skis.
It really does add a hefty dose of excitement to your days on the slopes when you can ski straight to mountainside filming locations and hop off your skis to check them out.
*Spoiler Alert* Before we get started on the full lowdown of my time chasing James Bond mythology around Sölden, make sure you’ve seen the latest flick first! Otherwise this post is going to be a steady run of spoilers and I wouldn’t want to ruin it for you.
When you’re ready to follow in Daniel Craig’s footsteps…
Here are a few of the real 007 filming locations you can visit around Sölden:
Gaislachkogl Middle Station
The Gaislachkogl Mountain Gondala is more of a technological and architectural experience than just a way to ascend the mountain.
The gondola’s top speeds take you up to the transparent, futuristic beauty of the Middle Station in a matter of minutes – and you can take in this impressive Spectre filming location in your own time once you’re up there.
Combining stunning architecture with high-tech innovation, the panoramic gondolas transporting you from base station to 1200m high have some of the most spectacular views to be found in Tirol.
It’s hard not to feel like you’re in some kind of high tech spy film when you’re surrounded by cutting edge technology and these unbelievable structures way up in the mountains.
Glacier Road Tunnel
The Ötztal Glacier Road Tunnel was used as an iconic location for an action-packed ski chase scene in Spectre, but also it’s an incredibly useful transit road to get between Sölden and the Glacier Ski Area.
You can enjoy your very own thrilling ski (or drive) between the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers, and stage a secret agent ski chase down the side of the Glacier Road. All you need is your ski pass and a thrill-seeking attitude.
ice Q restaurant
This glass-walled restaurant is one of the most exclusive gourmet venues in Tirol, and also made a perfect futurist hospital set for ‘Spectre’ movie villain (played by Christoph Waltz) to pursue his nefarious plans.
The distinctive ice Q glass cube played an important role in the movie, and the glittering glass walls give the scenery an almost surreal beauty.
The peak of the Gaislachkogl mountain is one of the best photo opportunities in Sölden for lovers of Spectre and the bond franchise, and a dinner at ice Q gives you the perfect chance to get your snap.
Ice Q enjoyed a legendary status on the mountain before the production team ever set foot there – thanks to its ambitious purist architecture and dazzling kitchen standards.
With a haute cuisine menu to die for, Ice Q is a temple to gourmet food as well as a famous Bond film location.
007 Elements
This brand new James Bond cinematic installation opened to the public in the summer of 2018, and marks the pinnacle of your Spectre experience in Sölden.
Built inside the summit of the Gaislachkogl Mountain, the concept behind the 007 Elements exhibition takes you through a series of galleries that explore the signature elements that define any James Bond film.
The installation takes Spectre as its main focus, but also features other classic movies from the 24 film Bond franchise.
007 Elements is an immersive, interactive, and educational experience that places you right inside the world of 007.
Learn all about how this visually stunning film was made, all inside an architectural masterpiece 3050 metres above sea level.
The 1300 square metre building blends in seamlessly to the surrounding mountains revealed through a secret tunnel that unfolds into hidden areas and awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Tirol mountains.
This feat of engineering was designed by widely admired Tirolean architect Johann Obermoser who was charged with planning and building several of the dramatic structures featured in this article, including the ice Q restaurant and the Gaislachkogelbahn gondola stations.
For jaw-dropping locations made famous by the world’s favourite spy as well as a world-class ski resort, you can’t do better than spending your holiday being a secret agent on skis in Sölden.
Based on my own experience of zipping around the slopes and exploring some of the most futuristic architecture I’ve ever seen with my own eyes, it’s definitely a fun way to spend a ski holiday for lovers of action, adventure and film.
And check out our Winter Guide to the Otztal Valley: Solden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl
Travel tip shared by Dave for Travel Dudes.
