At over 3.000 meters: “007 Elements” – All about James Bond

It takes a bit of courage, a compelling reason, or both, to offer a tourist attraction dedicated to the world's most famous secret agent, James Bond, at an altitude of over 3.000 meters on an Austrian mountain. Doesn't it exist? And yes, it does, and it's in Sölden in the state of Tyrol.

But how did anyone come up with the idea of erecting an exhibition so high that visitors could enjoy snowfall in midsummer 2025? The answer is quite simple: It's an original filming location for the 007 film "Spectre," starring Daniel Craig. The cable cars were already there, as was the infrastructure, such as Austria's highest-altitude gourmet restaurant—right next to "007 Elements." So why not? In winter, you can combine it with some turns, and in summer, for example, with a hike or a mountain bike tour. Or just take a look around where "Spectre" was filmed in Sölden.

While "Quantum of Solace" certainly caused amusement in the aviation community, as the 007 creators simply relocated the British Farnborough Airport to Bregenz, suggesting a "Bregenz Airport" that doesn't exist, the locations in Sölden are real and can be visited. Not all of the Sölden scenes were filmed in the area where "007 Elements" is set. Some can be explored on foot, as they are outdoors, for example, near a mountain road.

At the very top of the mountain, where James Bond and Blofeld once were

But what exactly awaits visitors? First, they take a monocable gondola to the mid-station. There, they transfer to a tricable gondola from Doppelmayr, taking them up to over 3.000 meters. It can be quite chilly there even in the hottest summer months, and occasionally it even snows or even lies on the ground. This isn't surprising, given that a glacier isn't that far away. Thus, a visit to "007 Elements" in midsummer is certainly a great way to cool off. In any case, you should dress considerably warmer than you would in the valley.

The Sölden cable cars operate the attraction themselves, so no third-party company is involved. This is certainly an advantage for tourists, as some guest cards include both cable car rides (up and down) and admission to 007 Elements. These can also be purchased separately or combined tickets, depending on your needs. Currently, admission without the cable car costs €25 and with the up and down ride, €62. Children and young people, for example, receive discounts. It is not possible to reach the attraction by car, as there is no road at the top and certainly no parking. Tickets can be purchased online or directly at the Sölden cable car ticket offices.

Everything about James Bond and Spectre at an original filming location

"007 Elements" is dedicated to the "James Bond" film franchise, one of the most successful of all time. Visitors will learn a great deal about its origins, its creator Ian Flemming, the "midwives" (producers) Albert R, Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, and the 007 actors Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. The focus of the exhibition, however, is clearly on the film "Spectre." A number of items from the film, mostly filmed at the Sölden location, are on display, and a few "making-of" clips can also be seen.

The rooms are designed with a distinctly modern design and offer both fans and complete 007 newcomers the opportunity to approach the film step by step, learning the most important facts about the history of the 007 series, as well as the filming locations. Self-explanatory: The focus is on Sölden, but other spectacular locations are also presented. Many props can be viewed, complete with multimedia explanations and, in some cases, even "hands-on" opportunities. Aviation fans will also get their money's worth, as the aircraft used in the famous scene, filmed on a nearby mountain road, is on display here. It will never be able to fly again, but that's already familiar from the film "Spectre."

007 Elements concludes – unsurprisingly – with a shop where fan merchandise can be purchased. Surprisingly, the prices are moderate and by no means overpriced, as is unfortunately the case with many other attractions. It's a shame that the option to get a personalized "James Bond ID" has been discontinued. Of course, these were fun, fantasy IDs, but they were originals in that they could perfectly round out the collections of hardcore 007 fans or provide a fun toy for children.

After leaving the 007 Elements, you can stop off at the "Ice Q" restaurant or its coffee house, located in the same building. If the weather is nice, you should definitely enjoy the magnificent view of the Tyrolean Alps and perhaps take a photo or two for friends and family.

Conclusion: Great attraction with expensive cable car ride

A visit to the 007 Elements is worthwhile not only for tourists and fans from abroad, but also for locals. You learn a great deal about the filming location, the James Bond franchise, and all of this at an altitude of over 3.000 meters. The "unusual" journey there, via two cable cars, alone makes it a fantastic experience. The entrance fee of €25 (assuming you already have a lift ticket) is standard for the industry, and it's worth considering that enormous effort has been and still is being put into offering this at such lofty heights. Tourist ticket holders should check carefully whether the ticket includes the ascent and descent, and possibly even admission, or whether it's at least discounted.

With 007 Elements, the Sölden cable cars have created a fantastic attraction that will definitely enhance the Ötztal Valley and will likely attract new target groups. However, it should be noted that the fare for the ascent and descent isn't particularly cheap. The combined ticket (cable car and 007 Elements) currently costs €62 per adult, making it rather expensive. This also includes a roughly 30-minute ride (each way) on two cable cars. Their construction and operation are anything but cost-effective and, along with artificial snow, are the main reasons why ski lift tickets have become increasingly expensive in winter. Put another way: How often do you visit attractions like 007 Elements? But you should definitely do it once.