swiss travel pass for gornergrat

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Simply buy your ticket here for the breathtaking train ride to the incomparable Gornergrat – with no additional offers.

If you don't want to travel the entire route, you can buy the sections you want to travel by train individually as single sections. With a Half-Fare Card, General Abonnement and the Swiss Travel Pass you get a 50% discount on the ticket price.

Depending on the route, the Zermatt - Gornergrat return ticket may be cheaper than the individual legs. It's worth comparing!

Riding The Gornergrat Bahn: All The Info You Need To Know

The Gornergrat Bahn, also known as the Gornergrat Railway, is a historic mountain railway located in Zermatt, Switzerland.

Its rich history dates back to the late 19th century, making it one of the oldest cog railway systems in Switzerland and taking the Gornergrat train ride up to the Gornergrat summit station at 3,089 meters (10,135 ft) above sea level is a bit of a must when visiting Zermatt .

The journey on the Gornergrat railway is an adventure in itself. But then again, so is stopping at all the stations along the way!

What makes it so great and what are the details? That is what we are here to find out.

Join me as I run through everything you need to know about riding the Gornergrat cog railway from times and tickets to the history, each stop, things to do, and lots more.

Table of Contents

General Information

History of the gornergrat bahn.

The Gornergrat Bahn (the station) and the Gornergrat Railway (the actual train) were built in the late 1800s. Construction began in 1896 and the Gornergrat railway was then opened to the public on the 20th of August 1898.

It was built as a fully electrified cog railway and is to this date the second-highest railway in Europe after the Jungfrau. It is also the highest open-air railway and open-air cog railway in Europe, as it reaches an altitude of 3,089 m (10,135 ft) above sea level at the top station.

To begin with, the Gornergrat cogwheel train only operated in the summer. However, in 1929 year-round operation was extended to the lower section of the line and all the way to the summit in 1941.

What makes it special is that it is one of four railway lines in the world using three-phase electric power . This means it requires two overhead conductors, with the track forming the third. Over the years, the Gornergrat Railway has become one of the world’s most popular scenic train rides and it is no surprise with the stunning mountain panoramas and the glorious view of the Matterhorn that you get to see while riding it.

Related Reading

Best scenic train rides in switzerland (views to die for), route of the gornergrat bahn.

When riding the Gornergrat Bahn, here is what to expect. The total line is 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) and it takes you on a scenic safari through the Alps.

It starts at the main train station at Zermatt at an altitude of 1,620 meters (5,315ft) and goes all the way to the summit of Gornergrat at an altitude of 3,089 meters (10,135 feet).

Along the route, the Gornergrat train climbs 1,469 meters (4,820 feet) in just over 30 minutes while making several stops along the way.

You can hop on and off at each stop so you can explore the beautiful surroundings at each of the stations. Here is what to expect at each stop.

Initial Station: Zermatt

The journey begins at Zermatt Station. If you are riding the railway, chances are you will either be staying in the lovely alpine village that is Zermatt or visiting it on a day trip.

Zermatt is a busy car-free mountain town world-famous for its skiing and its lovely atmosphere. There are a lot of great things to do in Zermatt and between the great restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels it pretty much guarantees an amazing experience.

First Station: Findelbach

After departing from Zermatt, the train makes its first stop at Findelbach reaching an altitude of 1,770 m (5,810 ft).

At Findelbach you will see stunning views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Alps. This is also a great place to get off as there are lots of hiking trails, some of which lead to beautiful Mosjesee Lake.

Second Station: Riffelalp

Continuing the ascent, the Gornergrat Bahn then goes to its second station called Riffelalp Station at an altitude of 7,290 feet (2,222 meters).

This stop is full of beautiful alpine meadows and, again, awesome views of the surrounding peaks. You will also find some lovely hiking trails here as well as old churches, mountain huts, and hotels to stay in, plus some great restaurants to have lunch or a drink in.

Third Station: Riffelberg

As the train climbs higher, it reaches Riffelberg at 8,432 feet (2,570 meters) above sea level. This is a great station to get off at if you enjoy hikes and it is starting point for some of the top hiking trails in the area.

Fourth Station: Rotenboden

The next stop along the route is Rotenboden train station and at this higher altitude, you get some of the best views of glaciers, including the Gorner Glacier.

You can also access some excellent high-altitude hiking trails such as the hike to Riffelsee Lake where you can see the Matterhorn reflected in its waters on calm days.

Fifth Station: Gornergrat

The final station of the Gornergrat Bahn is the Gornergrat summit itself and it is the best stop without question.

You will see breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, including the iconic Matterhorn as soon as you get off the train and there is lots to do at the summit too.

Activities & Experiences at the Gornergrat Summit

The Gornergrat Summit is a special place to spend some time, so be sure to leave enough time to explore it thoroughly. Here is what to expect.

Panoramic Views

At an elevation of 10,135 feet (3,089 meters) above sea level you will get to see unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.

On a clear day, you can see 29 mountain peaks, including the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa Massif, and the Dufourspitze (4634 m), the highest peak in Switzerland. If that wasn’t good enough, you will also get to see lots of glaciers including the Gorner Glacier.

Hiking Trails

The Gornergrat area is excellent for hiking. There are lots of different hiking trails to match all fitness levels from short walks to serious hikes

The hike to Riffelsee is one to miss. You will hike down towards Rotenboden via the stunning and famous Lake Riffelsee with views of the Matterhorn along the way.

The Circular Glacier walk is a great one for families as it is only a 20-minute hike and it brings you closer to the Gorner Glacier for a better view.

Gorner Glacier Paradise

A visit to the Gornergrat Glacier Paradise is also a lovely thing to do at the summit. At this exhibition, you will learn all about glaciers, glacial formations, and a lot about the direct effects of climate change on the area.

Observatory

The Gornergrat Summit is home to an observatory that you simply have to see for yourself. It is not every day that you will be next to an observatory at such high altitudes and with quite clear skies. You will be able to see the stars and space like you never have before.

Alpine Cuisine

The summit is also home to a few restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy some Swiss culinary delights while looking over some of the best views a restaurant could have on this planet.

From traditional alpine dishes to international cuisine, there will be something to suit you on the menu – be sure to book a table on the terrace in advance so you do not miss out on the views.

Things To Do In Zermatt: Thrilling Adventures You Shouldn’t Miss

Tips for riding the gornergrat bahn.

Timings and Reservations

The last thing you want is to waste any time so be sure to check the schedules in advance and plan enough time to make the most of the train fare and the stunning area.

Reservations are not usually necessary but they can be handy during peak seasons to ensure you have a seat. It is also wise to book a reservation at the restaurants at Gornergrat also.

Dress Appropriately

The weather at higher altitudes can change very quickly and it is much colder than it will be in Zermatt. Dress in layers, wear appropriate footwear, and pack a waterproof/windproof jacket.

Photography

It would be a shame to be on one of the most scenic train rides in the world and forget your camera. There are pictures worth taking at every turn.

Exploring the Stations

Take the time to explore each station along the way up or back down – whether it is just a short walk or a longer hike, each stop is unique in its own way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i get to the gornergrat bahn station in zermatt.

You can walk to the  Gornergrat Bahn Station from pretty much anywhere in Zermatt or you can ask your hotel to book you a taxi It is a short walk from most hotels and is well signposted.

Am I allowed to disembark and reboard during my Gornergrat journey?

Yes, you are allowed to disembark and reboard at any of the stations along your Gornergrat journey using the same ticket for the day.

Is it possible to make seat reservations for the Gornergrat train journey?

Yes, it is possible to make seat reservations for the Gornergrat train journey. This is usually not needed but is recommended during peak tourist seasons, especially if you prefer a specific seat.

Is the Gornergrat Bahn worth it?

Yes, the Gornergrat Bahn is certainly worth it. It is not often you get to ride a train to pretty much as high as a train can go in Europe. Plus, between the views, the scenery, the hikes, and everything else on offer, it will be a train ride of a lifetime.

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Gornergrat Bahn Bahnhofplatz 7 3900 Brig Phone  +41 (0)84 864 24 42 gornergrat.ch

Surrounded by no fewer than 29 peaks above 4,000 meters, such as the majestic Matterhorn and the Dufourspitze as well as the third-longest glacier of the Alps, Gornergrat rewards visitors with unparalleled views.

Surrounded by no fewer than 29 peaks above 4,000 meters, such as the majestic Matterhorn  and the Dufourspitze  as well as the third-longest glacier of the Alps, Gornergrat  rewards visitors with unparalleled views. Adventure world In summer, marvel at the reflection of the Matterhorn on the surface of the Riffelsee and enjoy great hiking trails and cycling routes on this adventure mountain. In winter, the beautiful tobogganing run from Rotenboden to Riffelberg  is just one of the experiences on offer, with sunny pistes, a children’s ski park and snowball fights on the winter hiking trail  all sure to delight both young and old. 

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Gornergrat Bahn Bahnhofplatz 7 3900  Brig Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)84 864 24 42 Fax +41 (0)27 927 77 79 [email protected] gornergrat.ch Show Route

Gornergrat Bahn Bahnhofplatz 7 3900 Brig Phone  +41 (0)84 864 24 42 gornergrat.ch Show Route

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11 Top Things to Do in Gornergrat (Zermatt, Switzerland) +Visit Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2024

No trip to Zermatt in Switzerland would be complete without visiting Gornergrat and riding the famous Gornergrat Railway . But what exactly can you see and do at Gornergrat and how to plan your time? This guide should give you a good idea of what to expect and how to plan your time. Find out!

Gornergrat is a mountain ridge near Zermatt, with an altitude of 3,089 meters (10,132 ft) above sea level. From various viewing platforms at the top, you can see the Gorner Glacier, 29 mountain peaks above 4,000 meters including the famous Matterhorn, and countless other mountains – too many to count.

Gornergrat is one of the most popular mountain destinations in Switzerland , together with places such as Matterhorn Glacier Paradise , Jungfraujoch , Mt Titlis , Schilthorn James Bond World , Glacier 3000 , or Mt Pilatus . Most visitors come to Zermatt just to ride on the famous Gornergrat Railway and, of course, for the views and the Matterhorn.

However, there is more to do at Gornergrat than just riding the train and taking some pictures from the viewing platform at the top station. In this article, you can find an overview of what you can experience at Gornergrat. We also include a recommended itinerary and useful tips to get the most out of your visit. Take a look!

• Things to do at Gornergrat
• How to plan your time & itinerary
• Some practical tips
• Visiting with kids

Is Gornergrat worth it?

• Gornergrat in winter

Good to know: Gornergrat is accessible in any season, 365 days a year. Your experience, some activities, and the scenery will of course be different in summer than in winter, but it’s always worth a trip. The best way to explore the area is to get a day ticket that allows you to hop on and off the train as much as you like.

TIP: The Swiss Travel Pass includes trains to Zermatt and gives a 50% discount on all tickets for mountain excursions in Zermatt. You can find more info about this popular pass in our detailed guide to the Swiss Travel Pass .

TIP: If you are somewhat flexible, try to visit Gornergrat on a sunny day. While some clouds will make the scenery even more interesting, you won’t be able to see much when it’s really cloudy. Sometimes, you may get lucky on an overcast day as well and find that the top is above the clouds – this can be a unique experience as well.

Here are the best things to do at Gornergrat:

1. Gornergrat Railway (= best way to get to Gornergrat)

Built in 1898, the Gornergrat Railway (Gornergrat Bahn) is the highest open-air cog railway in Europe. The 9.4 km line connects Zermatt town (1,620m) to Gornergrat (3,089 m). The train ride takes 33 minutes and the steep climb is one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world.

Along the way, you can see some of the most beautiful mountain panoramas in the Swiss Alps. The Matterhorn is by your side during almost the entire ride as well, offering picture-perfect photo opportunities behind every corner.

The journey on the Gornergrat Railway is spectacular in itself. But this is also the best way to reach Gornergrat ridge and some really nice places along the way – Riffelsee Lake, Riffelberg, and more.

Good to know: Gornergrat Railway is one of the most popular excursions in Switzerland. Many people come here for a day, so it can get quite busy. For the best experience and fewer crowds, stay in Zermatt for at least two nights and take one of the first trains to Gornergrat in the morning (in summer, trains start running at 7 AM, then at 8 AM, and afterwards every 20 minutes). Here you can get a day ticket for the railway .

If you are really short on time, you can also visit Gornergrat (+ Zermatt and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) with a tour from some bigger cities in Switzerland. See also our suggested 1-day Zermatt itinerary .

TIP: Try to get a seat on the right side of the train (when going up, or on the left when going down). This is the side of the Matterhorn and has the best views. Or take one side on your way up and another side on your way down. Also, see if the windows next to your seat can be opened – it will be easier to take nice pictures that way.

2. Gorner Glacier

There are several different viewpoints at Gornergrat and if the weather is nice, we recommend that you do all of them – more info below.

The first and the easiest to visit is the viewing platform right at the railway station. You leave the train and immediately have the jaw-dropping view of the Gorner Glacier right in front of you. It looks like a giant frozen river trapped between the mountains. And because you are standing so high, you even look down at the glacier – it’s a really unique experience.

The first glimpse of the Gorner Glacier after you leave the train is immediately a real WOW moment! Afterwards, you get ‘used’ to this amazing view, but this first glimpse gave us goosebumps.

After so many years of travel and so many amazing destinations visited, these WOW moments are becoming quite scarce and it’s usually difficult to get really impressed by something. But this view here at Gornergrat was one of those moments that I won’t quickly forget. Absolutely dazzling!

3. Gornergrat Viewpoints

After visiting this viewing platform, walk in the direction of the 3100 Kulmhotel and take a winding walkway up. Soon, you’ll have another viewpoint, at the back of the hotel and looking in the other direction. Here, you can also see a small lake just below the hotel – Ruinsee.

Continuing further up, you’ll eventually reach the highest viewing platform at Gornergrat at 3,131 meters. Here, you have panoramic views with the most stunning scenery in all directions. It’s truly breathtaking – one of the very best views in the Swiss Alps!

Most people turn around afterward and go back the same way they came, but don’t rush back just yet – see below why!

4. 360° Scenic Loop at Gornergrat

At the far end of the highest viewing platform (with the glacier to your right and the hotel behind you), you’ll see a rather narrow hiking path. If you turn here, you quickly see the signs indicating a short Scenic Loop hike. The signs differ a bit along the way, some say ‘Gornergrat 360’, some – ‘Rundwanderweg’, and others ‘Hiking Loop’. But it’s quite self-explanatory and you can’t go wrong.

The whole 360° Scenic Loop at Gornergrat is just about 0.5 km long and takes about 20 minutes. But since you are already at the viewing platform when you start ‘the hike’, you are actually about halfway through the loop. So instead of walking back the same way you came, simply complete this circular loop.

At first, you take a short steep trail a bit downwards and then very quickly, the trail splits in two. The Scenic Trail loops back to the left in the direction of the hotel .

Here, you are walking on the other side of the peak and get other angles and somewhat different views than at the viewing platforms before. And before you know it, you are back at the Gornergrat Hotel where you started.

This is really such a short walk that you can’t even call it a hike. It’s absolutely worth a few extra minutes of your time. Yet, surprisingly enough, not many people seem to do it. Maybe because the indications aren’t very clear and people don’t realize that this walk is really short…

But now that you know that you can connect to this loop hike from the highest viewing platform, just locate the path at the far end of it and you can’t really go wrong from there.

5. Matterhorn Photo Point

At the Gornergrat Railway Station, behind the building and to the right, you can find the Matterhorn Photo Point . This is a place with a good view of the Matterhorn, a red ‘frame’, and a camera where you can take free pictures of yourself with the iconic Matterhorn mountain.

You can, of course, just use your own camera as well. But you can also scan your ticket at the photo point camera and have it take a picture of your entire family or group for you. You can afterwards download the pictures for free on the internet.

It’s all really straightforward and explained there too. Just don’t forget to keep your ticket because you’ll need the ticket number in order to find your pictures. We simply took a picture of our tickets with the smartphone so that we couldn’t forget it and we only downloaded the pictures long after we were back home.

The pictures aren’t of the best quality and have some publicity watermarks on them, but it’s a nice (and free) souvenir from your visit to Gornergrat.

Good to know: You’ll find several more of these photo points in Zermatt (e.g. with the ZERMATT sign at Schwarzsee) and you can take as many pictures as you want. We did this at a few different locations in Zermatt, but not at Gornergrat because it was quite busy at the photo point. So you might have to wait a bit as well.

6. Zooom the Matterhorn

Zooom the Matterhorn is a relatively new attraction at Gornergrat. It’s located in a small building on the hill behind the railway station and left from the hotel – you can’t really miss it. There will be an extra small cost for this experience, but you can just get a ticket there.

The most interesting attraction at Zooom the Matterhorn is the virtual reality ‘flying’ experience where you are gliding over the mountains around Gornergrat. You can choose from two different experiences – the scenic ride or the more thrilling ride, and it feels as if you are paragliding indeed. This is such a wonderful concept and it gives you such a unique opportunity to see the amazing scenery in a way that only very few people experience in real life.

However, when we visited, there were just 4 chairs with these VR glasses. So on a busy day, you might have to wait for a while. Furthermore, two out of the four VR glasses weren’t functioning well when we visited, which is really a pity because it’s such a wonderful experience. This was their first year, so maybe things weren’t yet functioning as they should. I really hope that they get the technical issues sorted and maybe even install more chairs so that more visitors can enjoy this unique experience.

In addition, there’s also a short movie inside, a mini-version of the Matterhorn for the kids to climb on, and a few other cool features. It’s well worth a short visit!

Our boys loved it so much that we had to go twice and try both rides. Of course, they liked the thrilling ride more than the scenic one.: 🙂

7. Gornergrat Chapel

Between the Gornergrat Hotel and the Zooom the Matterhorn experience stands a small chapel.

It’s officially called Bernhard van Aosta Chapel . It was built in 1950 and was originally dark grey. Its rather simple exterior didn’t attract much attention and most people seemed to just walk by without even noticing it. Maybe that’s why the chapel is now painted in white so that it’s more noticeable.

Apart from its unique location, the chapel itself is not really that special. But since you are here anyway, why not take a quick look inside or even light a candle.

Good to know: The chapel belongs to the municipality of Zermatt, is always open, and there’s no entrance fee.

8. Hiking & Biking

Many hiking trails start at Gornergrat and if you have the time, it’s well worth considering some of them.

However, if you are like most visitors, you’ll likely not have half a day or a full day for some of the longer hikes in the area. The good news is that even with limited time, you can explore the area on foot a bit more – the views are stunning everywhere you go.

TIP: If you have an hour to spare and want to do some hiking at Gornergrat, we highly recommend the Gornergrat Scenic Trail – hike nr. 15 to Riffelsee and Rotenboden . Together with the 360°Scenic Loop mentioned earlier, this hike is one of the best ways to enjoy the phenomenal views around Gornergrat.

Gornergrat is also a great place for mountain bikers and the trails looked spectacular. We met quite a lot of people biking at Gornergrat and some trails at the top are used by both – hikers and bikers. From what I saw, most people brought their bikes to the top by train and then biked down. So much fun!

READ ALSO: Best Hikes in Zermatt

9. Meet the Sheep

Another fun thing to do when visiting Gornergrat in summer is trying to spot the sheep . There’s a herd of blacknose sheep grazing in the area between June and September. This is a special breed of sheep from the Valais region and they are so cute!

Some of the sheep are equipped with GPS trackers . In the summer, when the sheep are in the area, you can use this website to see the exact location of the sheep, plus all the info about them (the name, age, weight, etc.).

However (and I think it’s a good thing), the GPS info has a few hours delay. So you have an idea of where the sheep could be, but not their precise location at that moment. This makes trying to find them a bit more exciting and also protects the sheep from too many tourists.

Of course, you may get lucky and just run into a couple of sheep when you are hiking in the area. And otherwise, you can always check the website and see if you can track them down.

This is such a fun thing to do when visiting Gornergrat with children! Our kids were so fascinated about the GPS-tracked sheep that they studied the website while we were on the train (there’s free Wi-Fi on Gornergrat Railway), read everything about them, and eagerly looked through the windows trying to spot them. When we finally found a couple of sheep, the kids were over the moon!

Good to know: In summer, when it’s very warm, the sheep will likely be around the Gornergrat – Rotenboden area. In late spring and early fall, they’ll likely be much lower on the mountain, around Riffelberg. If you simply check the GPS tracker on the day of your visit, you get a much better idea of where they could be.

10. 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat: Shopping & Dining

If you want to have unique access to the most spectacular views and other activities at Gornergrat, you can opt to spend a night at the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat .

Staying at the hotel, you’ll have early and late access to the most phenomenal scenery and will also be able to walk to the nearby Riffelsee for sunrise or sunset. And in winter, in addition to the views, you’ll have the best ski slopes right at your feet!

For day visitors , there is shopping and dining.

Panorama Self-Service Restaurant is usually open every day, from 9 AM to 5 PM. And there’s also a more upscale restaurant ‘ VIS-À-VIS ’ that serves both Italian and regional specialties. It’s open from 11 AM to 8 PM, but it’s best to reserve if you are planning to have dinner here.

Gornergrat prides itself on being home to Europe’s highest shopping mall . It’s located on the ground floor of the hotel and is open daily throughout the year except in November.

Now, I wouldn’t really call this a shopping mall, rather a few shops. But they do have all the typical Swiss shops that you usually find at all the tourist destinations in Switzerland. Swiss knives (you can get them engraved here too), watches, chocolates – you can find it all here. In addition, there’s a shop selling gin from the Matterhorn Distillers – something you won’t easily find elsewhere in Switzerland.

11. Stellarium & Star Gazing

At 3,100 meters altitude, Gornergrat is an incredible place for stargazing at night! It feels as if you can touch the Milky Way!

Stellarium is Gornergrat’s planetarium. It’s a research station and so normally not open to the public, with few exceptions. Group visits can be arranged and they also sometimes take hotel guests for a guided tour, but it’s not a place you can normally visit. Their website says that you can always try asking the hotel staff if there’s anyone who could show you around, but it’s never guaranteed.

In autumn and exclusively to the guests of the hotel, they are now offering lectures/guided tours of the Stellarium. However, at this moment it’s something they only offer for one week in mid-October, and it’s not very clear if it will be available in the future.

But while you can’t easily visit inside, you can see the round dome of the planetarium from the outside. And, if you stay at the hotel, you can go stargazing at Gornergrat as much as you like – just step outside.

How to plan your time: itinerary for visiting Gornergrat

It’s really easy to visit Gornergrat – you can just take a train to the top, walk around, and take the train back to Zermatt (or hike down to Rotenboden or Rffelberg and take a train from there). But we recommend that you plan your time a bit differently and explore more of the area.

The itinerary below might not look like the most logical way to do things, but if you want to see the reflections at Riffelsee or try to spot marmots, we recommend doing it this way.

Here’s our suggested itinerary for Gornergrat (summer only):

In the morning, take a train from Zermatt to Gornergrat and disembark at Rotenboden, one before the last station.

Just near Rotenboden lies a tiny mountain lake – Riffelsee . When the conditions are right, you can see the most beautiful reflections of the Matterhorn here.

The earlier in the morning you visit, the better your chances of seeing the reflections. Therefore, we recommend taking one of the first trains in the morning – at 7 AM or at the latest at 8 AM.

LEARN MORE: Riffelsee Lake

If you feel like hiking, you could take a short hike from Riffelsee to Riffelberg . On your way, you’ll pass another even smaller lake with equally stunning reflections. Also, when hiking here in the morning, you have a better chance of seeing marmots.

This hike takes about 1 hour and brings you back to the same train line, between Gornergrat and Zermatt.

LEARN MORE: Rotenboden – Riffelberg Hike

If you don’t feel like hiking, you can also just return to the Rotenboden train station and take the train to Gornergrat from there.

If you hike to Riffelberg, you can take the train up to Gornergrat from this station. It’s all located along the same railway line, just one stop higher or lower.

Then visit all the attractions at Gornergrat as described above: the viewpoints, the 360° Loop, Zooom the Matterhorn experience, and the hotel with shops and restaurants.

Once you are ready to go down, hike from Gornergrat to Rotenboden (trail nr. 15). As already mentioned, this is one of the best hikes in Zermatt, and the views are absolutely worth a small effort. It takes about 40 minutes.

LEARN MORE: Gornergrat – Rotenboden Hike (Zermatt Trail nr. 15)

From Rotenboden, you can take the train down to Zermatt and explore the town . You can also disembark at one of the other stations along the way and explore the area more or do some more hiking.

Alternatively, you could also take a cable car from Riffelberg to Furi, from where you can easily visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise on the same day. Although, if you do have time, we do recommend that you plan a separate day for this area. Zermatt is worth more than a day!

TIP: Here you can find a very detailed itinerary for one day in Zermatt including all these areas. Check it out!

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Zermatt

Practical Tips

At 3,089m, it’s usually quite chilly at Gornergrat. Even in summer, be sure to pack a warm sweater and a windproof rain jacket .

Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended, even if you are only visiting the viewpoints at the Gornergrat itself. Hiking shoes are a must if you plan to do any hiking.

Gornergrat with kids

Gornergrat is a wonderful destination for families – you can reach the top by train and the best views are easily accessible. If your kids can walk for 10-15 minutes at a time, you can see all the best viewpoints at Gornergrat with them and also visit Riffelsee Lake.

If your kids are at least 4-5 years old and good hikers, you could do the short hikes between Gornergrat and Rotenboden (a somewhat steeper hike) and/or from Rotenboden to Riffelberg (this one is easier).

In summer, you could even visit Gornergrat with a stroller – the viewing platform and the pathways to the upper viewpoints at Gornergrat should be doable. However, you won’t be able to do much else, such as visit Riffelsee Lake, for example. So I’d recommend leaving a stroller at the hotel and packing a baby-carrier instead.

These are our kids’ favorite things to do at Gornergrat: the train ride, the viewpoints and 360° loop at the top, Zooom the Matterhorn, and cuddling the blacknose sheep. They also enjoyed Riffelsee Lake and the hike to Riffelberg, mostly because we saw marmots along the way.

Good to know: Children under 6 can travel on Gornergrat Railway free of charge. Also kids between 6 and 16 (and when traveling with parents who have an adult ticket) are free with a  Junior Travelcard . You can get this card at all major railway stations in Switzerland (also for foreigners). It costs just 30 CHF for the entire year, and is free from the 3rd child. It’s a real bargain that will pay for itself after taking just one train ride. For Gornergrat, you’ll need to show the Junior Travel Card at the ticket desk in order to get a scannable day ticket. Swiss Travel Pass also gives big discounts for the entire family.

READ ALSO: Swiss Travel Pass: What’s Included & Is It Worth It

With so many amazing mountain destinations in the Swiss Alps, a rather high price tag, and a long way to get to Zermatt, you might be wondering if Gornergrat is worth it.

A lot depends on the weather, of course. But if you are lucky to visit when the weather is nice and the views are open, yes, Gornergrat is absolutely worth visiting. It’s one of the most unique destinations in the Swiss mountains.

In addition, you’ll likely visit the nearby Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Zermatt town itself, and all this makes Gornergrat more than worth a trip.

Gornergrat in Winter

If you are visiting Gornergrat in winter , when the lakes are covered in snow and hiking trails have turned into ski slopes, your experience will obviously be very different. But it’s still worth it and the views on a clear day are amazing!

In winter, you can go skiing here and there are some snowshoeing trails as well.

Gornergrat Railway runs the whole year round and the hotel and restaurant at the top are also open. So yes, you can visit Gornergrat in winter as well.

So, this is our guide to visiting Gornergrat. I hope that this gives you a better idea of what to expect and how to plan your time.

Have a great time in Zermatt!

Gornergrat is a rocky mountain ridge at 3,089 meters at the Gorner Glacier near Zermatt in the Valais region in Switzerland. It’s famous for its Railway, the highest open-air cog railway in Europe, and for the fact that from here you can see 29 mountain peaks that are higher than 4000 meters.

Gornergrat Railway is open every day, the whole year round. Gornergrat Railway runs from early morning until sunset. In summer, the first train from Zermatt departs at 7 AM and the last train from Gornergrat leaves at around 8 PM.

The Gornergrat Railway train ride between Zermatt and Gornergrat is 9.4 km (5.85 mi) and takes 33 minutes. In just half an hour, Europe’s steepest open-air cogwheel train covers an altitude difference of 1,484 meters.

The best time to visit Gornergrat is on a sunny day when there are no clouds. That’s when you can enjoy the best views at the top. For the best light for photography and fewer crowds, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Gornergrat is a year-round destination and you can visit at any season.

Gornergat is a very popular day trip destination attracting big crowds. The busiest time to travel on Gornergrat Railway is in the morning, from around 9.30 AM to noon. If you can, try to avoid these peak times and take a train before 9 AM or later in the afternoon.

TIP: If you like hiking and want to explore the stunning scenery around Zermatt more, consider the Matterhorn Glacier Trail . It takes you to the foot of the Matterhorn and near a retreating glacier and is one of the best hikes in Zermatt ! Highly recommended if visiting in summer. For more information, see our detailed guide via the link below. Check it out!

LEARN MORE: Matterhorn Glacier Trail

More inspiration for your trip to Switzerland :

• Best of Zermatt
• Best of Lucerne
• Best of Geneva
• Best of Bern
• Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe
• Lucerne Day Trips
• Mt Pilatus from Lucerne
• Grindelwald-First
• Interlaken Day Trip
• Schynige Platte (a hidden gem!)

Summer hikes:

• Oeschinensee Lake (near Interlaken)
• 5 Lakes Hike in Zermatt
• Stoos Ridge Hike (near Lucerne)
• Bachalpsee Lake (in Grindelwald)
• Longest Suspension Bridge in the Alps (near Zermatt)

Winter travel:

• Jungfrau Region in Winter
• Skiing in Wengen
• Skiing in Engelberg
• Affordable Skiing in Switzerland

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

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Wednesday 21st of February 2024

Hi, I'm thinking of visiting Gornergrat in late April, will I be able to do the hike to Riffelsee Lake from Rotenboden?

Friday 23rd of February 2024

Hi, you can always walk to Riffelsee, but in April, you might be hiking in the snow and the lake will likely still be frozen as well.

Jos Peeters

Wednesday 7th of June 2023

Kan je ook tickets voor de gonnergratbahn kopen voor deeltrajecten, zo bv. enkel van Findelbach tot Riffelalp? En zo ja, waar? Dit omdat dit mooi in ons uitgestippelde wandeltraject past.

Hi Jos, yes, you can buy tickets for any part of the railway journey as well. You can get them at any of the gondola- or railway ticket desks in Zermatt. Just keep in mind that often it's much more expensive to pay for separate parts of the journey vs getting a day ticket. Multi-day tickets from 3 days and longer offer the best value. But if you are only doing this one train ride and are hiking all the other parts, then it makes sense. Have a great trip!

Wednesday 15th of March 2023

Would it be a wiser choise to take the 7am train, stop at Rotenboden, hurry to Riffelsee Lake and back, start the Gornergrat tour around 8am if possible, then hike down to Rotenboden and on to Riffelsee Lake again down to Riffelberg? Do Riffelsee and Gornergrat first and all the hiking next?

Friday 17th of March 2023

Hi Paulo, it all depends on when you start. But yes, if you want to try and see the reflections on Riffelsee, you have to go there first (ideally with the very first train) and then do the rest later. Take a look at the first part of our suggested 1-day Zermatt itinerary on how you could plan this. We also have itinerary suggestions in the other article where you asked other questions - Riffelsee Lake - it's all explained in detail in the section called 'How to Plan Your Time'. You don't have to do much hiking if you just want to see Riffelsee and then go to Gornergrat, and yes, you can do any of the hikes later after you visit Gornergrat. That being said, we like to do the hike between Riffelsee and Riffelberg before going to Gornergrat because you pass another small lake nearby and it has amazing reflections too. Plus, you have much bigger chance to see marmots here early in the morning. It's amazing to be on the mountain all alone. And at Gornergrat, it remains rather calm until +-10am when most day tourists just start to arrive.

Monday 11th of October 2021

Great info, Jurga. We're visiting Zermatt next week. Do you think we'll be able to do some hiking at Gornergrat or is it too late?

Hi Tom, from what I see on the Gornergrat webcam, there's already some snow at the top. So unless it melts, it might be difficult to do much hiking. On the other hand, you should still be able to easily explore the area around the Gornergrat Railway Station without much trouble (wear good shoes!). And you'll likely still be able to do some hiking at Riffelsee and at lower elevations. It's really hard to say - it seems that winter arrived quite early in the Alps this year, but it might still get warmer too. Have a great time and just make the most of whatever weather you get! Some snow makes the baren scenery at Gornergrat even more picturesque!

The Swiss Travel Pass & Zermatt: All You Need to Know

Switzerland can be an expensive country to travel round, but we are big fans of the ‘Swiss Travel Pass’ for visitors to Zermatt.

With one of the best rail networks in the world, it makes sense to travel by train to Zermatt and the ‘Swiss Travel Pass’ can help make it a bit more affordable.

In this article by Zermatt specialists, Matterhorn Chalets , we look at all the key questions you need to know about the Swiss Travel Pass.

Concierge Service If you book your accommodation in Zermatt with Matterhorn Chalets, we can book excursions and transfers for you through our concierge service .

What is the Swiss Travel Pass?

How much is the ‘swiss travel pass’.

• How much is the ‘Swiss Travel Pass Flex’?

Will I save money with the Swiss Travel Pass?

Are there any discounts for children or younger people, what’s included in the swiss travel pass, what does the swiss travel pass include in zermatt, where can i buy the swiss travel pass.

• Finding accommodation in Zermatt

A ‘ Swiss Travel Pass’ gives visitors to the country unlimited travel across the Swiss travel system for a continuous period of 3, 4, 8 or 15 days.

There is another variation, known as the ‘Swiss Travel Pass Flex’ which offers unlimited travel on flexible days (rather than on consecutive days).

It’s also available for either 3, 4, 8 or 15 travel days, but across an overall period of a month. 

A 3-day Swiss Travel Pass costs GBP211 and an 8-day pass GBP354 (as at March 2023). You can check all the current prices at their website

A second class return ticket from Zurich to Zermatt typically costs CHF118. From Geneva it’s slightly less at CHF98.

However, if you want to break your journey over several days and spend more time in Switzerland, or you plan to take advantage of the discounts offered in Zermatt (see below), then a Swiss Travel Pass is likely to be a better option.

The ‘Swiss Travel Pass Flex’ is typically a better choice than the regular ‘Swiss Travel Pass’ if you’re plan to stay put between journeys (say if you are coming to Zermatt for a week).

The Swiss Travel Pass Youth ticket means that young people under 26 can claim a 15% discount on the pass.

Children under 16 do not need a ticket at all, and travel for free as long as they are travelling with an adult who has a valid ticket.

One single ticket

The way the Swiss Travel Pass works is that you either download it to your phone, or with a physical copy, simply sign your ticket before starting your first journey.

You then have to show it the ticket inspector together with your passport or identity card when asked.

The obvious inclusions are that you qualify for unlimited free travel on all the train, bus and ferry routes around Switzerland.

If that wasn’t enough holders are also eligible for a 50% discount on other routes (shown in the map below as dotted red, yellow or black lines)

In addition, also included are discounts on certain mountain railways and lifts (see below for more Zermatt-specific info).

It can be useful for any stays in Switzerland as users are eligible for unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns and cities around this country, and free entry to more than 500 museums.

There are additional discounts for Swiss Travel Pass holders in Zermatt. These include a 50% reduction on the Gornergrat railway , Klein Matterhorn Glacier Paradise 3S lift , Sunegga funicular and Rothorn cable car.

Remember that all these lifts are included in a regular Zermatt lift pass, if you are buying one of these to go skiing, and that the bus service around Zermatt is already free for all lift pass holders.

Access to Zermatt’s excellent museum is also free for holders of the Swiss Travel Pass.

However, if you’re planning to come to Zermatt for a short trip, or for our many non-ski activities , then these discounts represent an extra bonus from the Swiss Travel Pass.

Please note that these discounts can change at any time. For the latest offers, please check the Swiss Travel Pass website .

You can buy the Swiss Travel Pass online at their website .

Accommodation in Zermatt

Matterhorn Chalets can help you find the right accommodation for you in Zermatt, whether you’re looking for  self-catered apartments ,  hotel  or a more  traditional chalet .

Concierge Service

Guests who have booked their accommodation in Zermatt with Matterhorn Chalets can use our concierge service to book their transfers, restaurants, lift passes and lessons. Simply  contact Ed or Suzanne  for more details on +41 79 247 15 88

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The Gornergrat Train – all you need to know when visiting

• Last updated: March 21, 2023
• Switzerland
• Swiss Travel Inspiration
• Haut Valais

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, when you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links. View disclosure .

The Gornergrat train in Zermatt is without a doubt one of Switzerland’s most scenic train journeys. 33 minutes of pure bliss and for photographers, influencers and anybody that loves beautiful landscapes, a ride on the Gornergrat railway is a must.

We have put together the most important things to know when riding the Gornergrat train in Zermatt. Furthermore, you will find out what there is to do at the Gornergrat summit station and where you can go off the train.

There are many things to do in Zermatt , but for sure, riding the Gornergrat Railway to the Gornergrat is a must when visiting Zermatt.

At the end of this blog, we will have tried to answer as many questions you may have regarding a visit with the Gornergrat railway to the Gornergrat. If you don’t have time now to read the whole article about the Gornergrat train, then jump straight to the Q&A.

Where to stay in Zermatt

As Zermatt is a destination that needs to be explored we suggest you stay at least one night. Below you will find some of our favourite Hotels in Zermatt :

Luxury pick

• Hotel Walliserhof Zermatt
• Suitenhotel Zurbriggen

Luxury family stay

• Hotel National Zermatt
• Resort La Ginabelle

Perfect Allrounder

• Mountain Paradise

What makes the Gornergrat Train so special?

The Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt is one of those train journeys in Switzerland you will remember forever.

Not only is the whole stretch super pretty it is also famous for several reasons.

One of the reasons, and probably the most important one is because it is electrified, which makes it eco-friendly.

Another great reason is the fact that the Gornergrat railway is the highest open-air cog railway in Europe.

In 33 minutes the train climbs 1469 metres over a distance of 9.4 kilometres, which we can all agree, is impressive.

A further reason why the Gornergrat train ride is so special, and probably the most important reason for tourism is because it is so scenic.

During the journey you will pass part of Zermatt village with great views of the Matterhorn, along the Matter Vispa River.

Followed by rocky landscapes, greenery and forests whilst the train is gaining altitude. Along most of the way, the mighty Matterhorn can be seen.

This makes the Gornergrat train ride such a special and a unique experience.

For 120 years tourists and locals have been visiting the Gornergrat and riding the Gornergrat train.

Get your Gornergrat train ticket

If you do not want to stand in a queue, get your Gornergrat train ticket online.

• A standard Gornergrat ticket cost Chf 88.- /  Chf 44.- with Swiss travel pass and 1/2 tax card
• Sledging ticket (winter only) Zermatt-Rotenboden-Zermatt Chf 78.- / Chf 58.- with Swiss travel pass and 1/2 tax card
• SnowFunPass – Sledging and Gornergrat Chf 98.- / Chf 68.- with Swiss travel pass and 1/2 tax card
• If you visit during the Ski season, then your normal Ski Pass Winter included the Gornergrat and is Chf 88.-

If you are planning on hiking in Zermatt at the Gornergrat you may not need a full ticket. For example you can just get a one way journey all the way up to the summit, and then hike to Riffelsee and maybe even further to Riffelalp. This way you can save quite a bit especially if you have SBB half-fare cards.

Each train station along the Gornergrat railway has a ticket office/ machine.

In all cases, children under 9 with a Wolli Card and those with a Junior card travel free. 50% discount for SBB Half Fare Card, Swiss Travel Pass , GA and children aged 9 to 15 without Junior cards.

On the Gornergrat Railway route

You will be boarding the train right in the heart of Zermatt Village opposite the main train station and tourist office.

Make sure you get a right-hand seat and in a wagon where you can open the window.

This will allow you to make some amazing photographs of the Matterhorn with part of the Gornergrat train in the photo.

1st stop: Findelbach 1770m

The first stop at Findelbach is not one you want to get out yet. It is the start for some hiking trails in Zermatt and in the winter, people hike from here to go ice climbing.

If you like you could always exit the train here on your way back down to Zermatt and walk back to the village.

2nd Stop: Riffelalp 2222m

The second station on the Gornergrat railway is Riffelalp Station. If you have booked your room at the famous Riffelalp Resort 2222m, then this would be your exit station.

The area offers also some restaurants and many hiking trails start or finish here.

3rd Stop: Riffelberg 2582m

Riffelberg is one of the busier stations along the route.

During summer, hikers who have descended from the Gornergrat will be waiting for their train here to go back down to Zermatt. Or vice-versa; you could exit the Gornergrat train here and hike up to Riffelsee and Gornergrat.

If you are skiing in Zermatt then this is a popular train station where you can hop back on the Gornergrat train to go back up to the summit for another run.

Equally popular with families because there is a beginner’s ski area, installed by the ski school.

If you spend some winter days in Zermatt and have non-skiers in the family, the fantastic winter hike from Riffelsee finishes here as well.

Oh, and it is here where you have another fantastic view of the Matterhorn.

4th Stop: Rotenboden 2815m

Arriving at the famous Rotenboden station a very popular stop for photographers.

Why is this? It is because Riffelsee is only a short 10 minutes’ walk away and it is from there where one can get a great reflection on the lake from the Matterhorn during the summer months.

It is also a great sunrise spot, although not to be mixed up with Stellisee and its famous Matterhorn reflection photo.

If hiking is on your agenda, then this would be a great station to get out and walk either up to the Gornergrat (2km), or down to Riffelberg (2.8km)

5th Stop: Gornergrat 3089m

And here we are, after an amazing 33 minutes train ride you have now ridden the highest open-air cog railway in Europe. This is the final station and it is time to go and explore the Gornergrat and marvel at the 360° panoramic views.

Twenty-nine 4,000-metre peaks including the Monte Rosa massif and its Dufourspitze (4634 m), which is the highest peak in Switzerland are all standing in front of you.

But not only can you spot many mountain peaks, in addition you see many glaciers including the Gornerglacier as well.

What to do at the Gornergrat?

Apart from just simply being amazed by these incredible Swiss mountain views all around you, there are quite a few things to do at the Gornergrat.

You’ll find the 3100 Kulmhotel , a self-service and serviced restaurant, a viewing platform and plenty of space to walk around and enjoy the scenery here.

Visit the NEW Multi-media Zooom

A unique multi-media experience dedicated to the Matterhorn and the surrounding alpine world!

Visitors can experience three stages; first zoom the Matterhorn. Get closer to the ‘Horu’ (the locals’ name for the Matterhorn) with the periscopes.

The second stage is the immersive 3D cinema. With breathtaking photography and videos you have the sensation you are actually hiking the top path of the Matterhorn.

And last but not least the third station lets you fly with your “own” paraglider over the Matterhorn.  An absolutely incredible feeling and experience. For tickets check their website.

Circular Glacier walk

From the viewing terrace up at Gornergrat you can start a short 20minutes circular glacier walk. The trail will bring you closer to the Gornerglacier viewpoint.

Often it is also quieter on the path so you can click away some great photographs of the surrounding glaciers in Zermatt.

Hiking trail from the Gornergrat

There is no surprise that many beautiful hiking trails in Zermatt start from the Gornergrat.

Hike to Riffelsee

A popular and not too long hike is the downhill path to Rotenboden – Riffelsee.

Steep in some sections but as you will be hiking in constant sight of the Matterhorn, this is definitely a pretty hike to do.

Theme trail “Meet the sheep”

If this visit to the Gornergrat is during the summer months then you are in luck. Participate on the cutest theme trail where you will learn some interesting and fun facts about the famous Blacknose sheep of Zermatt.

Meet the sheep themed trail starts at the Gornergrat to Riffelberg. Follow the QR code signs and try to solve some questions.

Watch our Meet the Sheep YouTube video about our experience, and read how to Meet the sheep at Gornergrat. #bucketlistzermatt

Gornergrat Railway facts

Because this is such a fascinating train and it evolves a lot of history, we sought some facts about the technical side of the Gornergrat railway.

These numbers may not mean a lot for most of us, but I am sure if you are a train enthusiast or even a train spotter these numbers are impressive.

• Track Gauge – Meter
• Length – 9.339 km
• Number of Bridges – 2
• Number of Tunnels – 5 (longest 179m)
• Rolling Stock – 12 twin railcars, 4 single railcars, 2 rotary snow ploughs, 4 freight wagons
• Speed – 30km/h
• Number of passengers per hour – 1200
• Number of Stops – 5

Question & Answers about the Gornergrat Train in Zermatt

Can i use a swiss travel pass to gornergrat.

As the Gornergrat is a private organisation the Swiss Travel Pass is not accepted for the Gornergrat railway. However, holders of a Swiss Travel Pass, and other travel passes will receive a 50% discount on the normal ticket price. If you visit Zermatt during winter and go skiing , the ski ticket will include the Gornergrat railway.

Is Zermatt included in SwissPass?

Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover Zermatt? Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass covers the journey to Zermatt Village. But not the lift systems and the Gornergrat.

Any visits to the Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise are granted with a 50% discount with a Swiss Travel Pass.

Children up to 9 years old will enjoy all transportation in Zermatt free of charge with the Wolli card.

Where do I catch the Gornergrat train?

The Gornergrat train station is opposite the Zermatt train station and tourism office.

Is the Gornergrat Bahn worth it?

Visiting Gornergrat should be on any Swiss travel Itinerary.

Therefore, yes, it’s worth it . To get the most out of your visit, ensure the weather is great and spend at least half a day at the Gornergrat.

How long is the Gornergrat train ride?

The beautiful ride takes 33 minutes and climbs a vertical distance of 1469 meters.

Which side to sit on the Gornergrat train for the best view?

Sit on the right-hand side for the best views of the Matterhorn. And if possible, by a window that you can open up for great photography.

Does a Zermatt ski pass include the Gornergrat train?

When skiing in  Zermatt with the general ski pass you get unlimited use of all Zermatt Bergbahnen AG lifts and the Gornergrat railway.

You also have the option to upgrade to the international ticket and add skiing in Italy. (Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche (IT))

Can you see the Matterhorn from Gornergrat?

The Gornergrat is one of the best places to see the Matterhorn . Together with Sunnegga the mighty Toblerone mountain is right in front of you. A clear view of the Matterhorn, as well the impressive Gornerglacier and over 29 other 4000 metre peaks.

How much time do I need at the Gornergrat?

The train ride on Europe’s highest open-air cog railway will last 33 minutes. Spend at least one hour at the top, which gives you a two hours window.

Your Guide to Zermatt

• Best things to do in Zermatt
• Meet the Sheep at the Gornergrat
• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – An Epic Family Experience
• Zermatt – A Family Day trip to Zermatt
• Best Hotels in Zermatt

I hope that the information provided here will prove useful when you are planning to ride the Gornergrat Train in Zermatt

If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.

Thanks for sharing it!

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15 thoughts on “The Gornergrat Train – all you need to know when visiting”

Thank you for your wonderful information. We are planning to go visit Zermatt and take the train in late June this year. Two questions: 1) what do you think is the best time of the day to take the train up? 2) for my dad who has some health concerns, can he ride the train up, and without getting off the train, just ride the train back to Zermatt? Does everyone need to get off at the top regardless? Does the train turn back straight away? Thank you!

Hi Elin Thanks for your nice comment on our post. Any time is great to ride the train. If you are a photographer maybe better early before midday, or for the golden hours after 6.30 pm. Not sure in June when this would be.

YOu don’t have to get out of the train. It will stop at the top for a while before heading back down to Zermatt. I hope you both will enjoy it.

have fun in Zermatt Corina

Thank you for all of your great information! We will be visiting Zermatt at the end of June for 2 days. Does the Gornergrat Railway ever sell out?

Hi Sally Great choice to visit zermatt. I never heard of it selling out. You should be good. Enjoy the trip!

Thank you! We are SO excited!

Thank you for this very helpful information and local insights! We are planning to stay at Riffelalp Resort for one night in mid August and had a few questions:

– I understand you can get off and on during the stops. Is there a time limit on when you need to resume your journey? For instance, would you know if I can ride the train from Zermatt to Riffelalp and the stay the night and resume the journey to Gornergrat the next day? Or would this count as two separate trips?

– We’re debating if we should visit Gornergrat on the day we arrive (afternoon) or early morning the next day. What time would you recommend for the best scenery in mid August?

– Separately, we are thinking about buying the 3 day Swiss pass but don’t think we would be able to take advantage of its full use as our itinerary is (fly in the night before) *Day 1* Geneva – Zermatt – *Day 2* Grindelwald – *Day 3*Lucerne – Zurich (fly out). For this itinerary, I think buying individual tickets may be more cost effective but would passengers be tied to the train times that they book for? In other words, is there a grace period for pre booked train tickets? Or would it be safer to purchase a Swiss Pass?

This is our first time in Switzerland and we are so excited! Thank you again for your post and would really appreciate your thoughts on the above. Thank you!!!

Dear Christine You will love Zermatt. The Gornergrat Ticket is for one day.So staying ovrnight at Riffelberg would require a 2nd ticket. I believe there is an all day ticket where you can ride the Gornergrat per day as many times as you wish or just a simple up and down.

You can get out as long as you wish but not overnight.

You don’t really need to prebook the train tickets. You can buy it on the day and spot. If ou get the Swiss travel pass you can just hop on any public transport at any time whiteout thinking of getting a ticket first.I think the Gornergrat is 50% with it, but you would have to check this. you can use the boats in Lucerne as well. To see if it is Wirth the money check on the SBB app your route and price it up.

You will enjoy Switzerland hope this has helped Corina

Hi , I will be visiting Switzerland in the mid of November 2023. My question is.. If we get down at the mid stops , of Gornergrat train route, how much time can we stay at the mid stops , considering we have to catch the train for further journey!!

Hi Archana If I understand your question right, you like to know if you get off Riffelberg how long to stay there before getting back on the train to go either up or down? First make sure you do have a ticket that allows you the hop on and off activity. After this is totally up to you. the trains are pretty frequently, you can get off the Gornergrat at Riffelberg, walk around and take the next train passing to carry on your journey. Hope this helps Have fun in Zermatt Corina

Hi We are planning to visit in the middle of june. Is the railway fully open at this time and can you do the sheep tour in the middle of June ?

HI Jo, nice to hear zermatt Is on your Swiss Travel plans. The Gornergrat is always open and running. What the sheep concerns, I don’t think in June they will already be up on the mountains. Best ask Zermatt Tourisem just before you go. It all depends really on the weather and snow conditions.Hope this helps Take care Corina

Hello, I am glad I found your site. There is a lot of usefull information here. We are going to Zermatt in mid-February 2024. We will only have one day there as we will be based in Basel for the duration of our visit. What kind of weather/temperatures can we expect?

Hi Jim What a great trip ahead of you! Sorry but I am not the weather woman 😉. It all depends if it is windy, sunny rainy snowy you name it. Layer up is always the best. Especially if you are going up the Gornergrat! Enjoy Zermatt Take care Corina

When I read this “For example you can just get a one way journey all the way up to the summit, and then hike to Riffelsee and maybe even further to Riffelalp. This way you can save quite a bit[…]” I started searching for prices. On this website ( https://www.gornergrat.ch/en/pages/prices-gornergrat-bahn ) it’s possibile to see the list of prices. I don’t think it’s possible to buy individual tickets between stations online there. One full ticket ZermattGornergrat is CHF57 (with SwissTravelPass). But since I want to get off on Rotenboden and do the hike to Riffelberg, I then calculated Zermatt->Gornergrat (CHF28.50) + Gornergrat->Rotenboden (CHF9.50) + Riffelberg->Zermatt (CHF20) and the result is that it is more expensive (CHF58) than the full ticket. Is that correct? If so, if I just buy the full ticket, can I get on and off or do I must stay on the train?

Dear Filipe

So, you did the research and you may be right that if you have the Swiss Travel pass, it is not cheaper. I was always in the belief it is. next time I am there I will ask as it is difficult to find the answer on their site. however to answer your question regarding going on and off the train, this is what they say:

May I get off and on again during my journey? “Yes. You may use your ticket to get off at every way station and then get on again later and continue your journey. However, each section may only be travelled once per direction.”

Hope this helps. So, your idea is totally possible. Kindest Corina

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Hi, my name is Corina, a mum of twins, a wife and founder of Packed Again – a Swiss Family Travel & Adventure Blog. We live in the most amazing mountain valley in Switzerland, the Valais.

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How to visit Gornergrat

Taking a trip on the Gornergratbahn is a quintessential experience for many visitors to Switzerland. If you want to see the famous Gornergrat panorama with your own eyes or are try to decide whether to go to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or Gornergrat, then this is the article for you. 

Whether you’re wondering how to visit Gornergrat in winter or summer, what to do at Gornergrat once you get there, how much to budget for the Zermatt to Gornergrat train price or how long the Gornergrat to Riffelberg hike takes, this article shares all you need to know before you go. 

Also covered are matters like whether the Gornergrat timetable is seasonal, why it’s a good idea to check the Gornergrat webcam before travelling and where you can see the Gornergrat glacier from. 

Plus of course we answer the key questions of how to get to Gornergrat from Zermatt, Gornergrat weather throughout the seasons and where to buy your Gornergrat tickets.

From the location of the Gornergrat station for boarding the Gornergratbahn to what there is to do at the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat at the summit, read on to find out all you need to know about planning your trip from Zermatt to Gornergrat. 

Let’s start with a quick check of the various Gornergrat price options. 

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

What's in this Article

Quick Summary of Gornergrat Ticket Prices

What is Gornergrat?

Gornergrat is a popular Swiss excursion destination for visitors to Zermatt. At more than 3,000 metres above sea level, the Gornergrat is a rocky plateau that many visit via the local mountain rack railway.

The Gornergrat can be found southeast of Zermatt, a popular Swiss resort town, in the Valais canton. It’s surrounded by a multitude of Swiss peaks, and also offers panoramic views over the Gorner Glacier. 

Taking a trip up to Gornergrat is a must for many visitors to Switzerland, and there are two major components. The first is a memorable trip on the Gornergrat railway, and the second involves what there is to see and do once you’ve travelled from Zermatt to Gornergrat. 

For stunning views, a soothing setting and a breathtaking ride on a Swiss mountain railway, and even perhaps a Gornergrat hike, experiencing this elevated location is not to be missed. 

Where is Gornergrat?

Gornergrat is located close to the resort of Zermatt. Getting to Zermatt from Zurich and other Swiss destinations is simple, and it’s a popular summer hiking and winter sports resort. Zermatt lies in the canton of Valais, and is overlooked by the mighty Matterhorn.

Gornergrat is around three kilometres (or two miles) east of Zermatt. At around double the elevation of the resort, getting to Gornergrat involves tackling some serious height. The Zermatt to Gornergrat train was specially built for this precise purpose. 

How to get to Gornergrat

If you’re wondering how to visit Gornergrat by train, the good news is that this is both easy and a really enjoyable journey. Other options for reaching the rocky ridge include the NostalChic Class train, and taking a hike.

Should you want to know how to visit Gornergrat by car, then the best way is to drive to Zermatt first. Then you can take a hike or a train trip to the summit from there.

Cogwheel train from Zermatt

The Gornergrat train (in German called the Gornergratbahn) is a cogwheel railway that’s been in operation for around a century-and-a-quarter. Unlike some other Swiss mountain transport, the Gornergrat rail service operates all year round. 

The journey from Zermatt to the summit aboard the Gornergratbahn takes around half an hour. This will take you from an elevation of around 1,600 metres to more than 3,100 metres above sea level. 

If you can, travelling before 9 am or after midday is recommended. Though departure times vary throughout the seasons, the Zermatt to Gornergrat Bahn does operate 365 days per year. In general, the trains start running during the early morning, and stop after sunset. 

NostalChic Class train

The NostalChic Class train is also operated by Gornergrat railway, but offers a unique way to get to the summit. If you like to travel in style then you’ll love to travel via NostalChic Class. 

The ‘Nostal’ in the name refers to the nostalgic vintage carriages, while the Chic hints at the deluxe interior. 

The outstanding NostalChic Class experience includes drinks, a three-course sit-down dinner, dessert plus tea or coffee at the Riffelalp Resort, a window seat, a photo stop, the services of a guide and even a souvenir. 

Your NostalChic experience will last around six hours and is limited to just 22 passengers.

This memorable Gornergrat experience commenced in summer 2023. Dates of operation after September 2023 have not yet been released.

Gornergrat hike

As the elevation change between Zermatt and Gornergrat is over 1,500 metres, it’s an arduous uphill slog to hike to Gornergrat from Zermatt. This being the case, most people who want to hike at Gornergrat tend to hike downhill rather than uphill. 

There’s a number of hikes at Gornergrat, and the trails are particularly popular in summer. If you want to walk further, you can also alight at any of the four stations located between Zermatt and the summit. 

One of the easiest and most popular hiking routes at Gornergrat is to the Riffelsee Lake which we cover in more detail below. 

Gornergrat Timetable

The Gornergratbahn runs daily from early morning until after sunset. It operates 365 days per year.

During summer the first departure from Zermatt to Gornergrat is at 7am and there are two departures per hour from 8am until 4.24pm.  The final departure of the day leaves at 7.24pm.  Return trips commence at 7.35am and finish at 8.07pm.

There are fewer departures in spring, autumn and winter. 

Locally, you may see the timetable referred to as the Gornergrat fahrplan (as fahrplan is the German word for timetable).

Gornergrat Tickets

Individual tickets

You can buy individual tickets for the Gornergratbahn. These are available as single or return fares. Booking yours online in advance is recommended as it saves you time while you’re on vacation. 

Buying in advance can also help you to budget for your trip that will include Gornergrat in Switzerland. 

> Click here to book Gornergrat railway tickets

Travel Pass holders

Holders of some Swiss travel passes can get 50% off their Gornergrat ticket. This includes those with a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card . Children aged between 6 and 16 also benefit from half price travel on the cogwheel railway. 

Those with a Peak Pass, a pass specifically for use in the Zermatt region, can also enjoy free, unlimited travel on the Zermatt to Gornergrat railway. The Peak Pass also includes other rides, such as the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Furi to Riffelberg services. 

Priority boarding

Priority boarding is available for the ascent to Gornergrat. This costs CHF 7 per person, and means you can board the train several minutes before other passengers.

You can use a special waiting area, and choose the best seat once you’ve boarded early. 

Priority boarding passes can be purchased from the Gornergratbahn station in Zermatt.

Where to buy Gornergrat tickets

Things to do at gornergrat .

Though the Gornergratbahn operates all year round, it’s worth noting that some activities are seasonal. If you want to stay at a hotel in Gornergrat, there is a choice of three. 

Other things to do include the viewing platforms to see the Gorner Glacier and the Matterhorn at the summit, dining out, hiking, an Alpine Garden, a shopping mall and more. 

Golden Spot

The Golden Spot is a new selfie and panoramic picture spot. This historic carriage has been painstakingly restored, and is now the star of many a visitor’s photo album.

It’s named for the fact that the carriage has been completely gilded. 

Zooom the Matterhorn

Zooom the Matterhorn is just above the train station at Gornergrat and offers a cool virtual reality experience for kids and adults. There’s also a miniature Matterhorn for kids to climb on, plus some film footage to watch. 

Admission is included with your Gornergrat train ticket.

Swiss shopping

If you have the urge for a spot of retail therapy, you can find a small shopping mall at the 3100 Kulm Hotel in Gornergrat. There are a few shops selling Swiss specialities, and it has the honour of being the highest shopping mall in Europe. 

Bernhard van Aosta Chapel

This little chapel dates from 1950 and is one of the most visited places of worship in Zermatt. Dedicated to St. Bernard of Aosta, the chapel is located between the Gornergrat station and the Kulmhotel.

With a simple interior and a dark stone exterior to match the surrounding landscape, the chapel is always open and is free to enter.

Stone by Stone

Look out for or build your own stone figures on the Gornergrat, and snap a selfie with your creation below the Zooom building. 

3100 Kulmhotel restaurants

If you’re seeking a restaurant in Gornergrat, you can also find one at the 3100 Gornergrat hotel. In fact there are two, one being self-service style and the other more of a fine dining experience. 

BUY YOUR GORNERGRAT TICKETS HERE

Things to do at Rotenboden

Alpine garden.

Europe’s highest Alpine garden can also be found at Gornergrat. Over 5,000 square metres of flora has enchanted visitors here since summer 2023. There are also majestic views over the Riffelhorn, the Matterhorn and Lake Riffelsee from here. 

Hike to Riffelsee

The hike to Lake Riffelsee is the area’s most popular trail. Setting out from Rotenboden station, you can see the Matterhorn reflected in the water. The downhill route is only a couple of kilometres, and it takes about 40 minutes to reach the lake. 

The hiking trail continues on from Riffelsee down to Riffelberg. Allow another 30 minutes for this section.

Things to do at Riffelberg

Meet the sheep.

Did you know that the local sheep at Riffelberg are fitted with GPS trackers? The blacknose sheep, which are unique to the canton of Valais, can be found around Riffelberg in summer, and you can try to track them down here . 

Kids and adults alike love meeting the sheep and learning more about them from their shepherdess. You can use the WiFi on the train during your ascent to try and work out exactly where they are. 

Restaurant at Riffelhaus 1853

The Riffelhaus 1853 restaurant offers unparalleled views of the Matterhorn, and also serves local cuisine. There’s also an outdoor terrace for more panoramas of the Matterhorn from Gornergrat. 

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More Gornergrat activities

Hiking trails

As well as the mega-popular and aforementioned hike to Lake Riffelsee, there are some more peaceful routes. 

You can complete a circular loop round the Gornergrat for stunning views, take the Sun Path to Riffelberg via the railway line, or pass through a pine forest on the Riffelalp Round Walk. 

Sunrise trips

Head out early to witness the Matterhorn reflected in Lake Riffelsee at sunrise with a local guide. Your unforgettable sunrise experience will be followed by a delicious breakfast at the 3100 Kulmhotel. 

Matterhorn sunrise trips operated on Sundays from 7 July to 21 September 2024. Register is required by 4pm the day before.

Gourmet ticket

Turn your visit to Gornergrat into a gourmet experience. The Gornergrat Gourmet Ticket includes train travel between Zermatt and Gornergrat and delicious food.

Your dining experience starts with an aperitif with finger food at 3100 Kulmhotel at Gornergrat, followed by a three-course meal at the Riffelhaus 1853 restaurant. You then continue on to Riffelalp for dessert and coffee at Restaurant Alphitta. 

The gourmet experience is available from mid-December to mid-March, and from mid-June to early September. Register to take part by 4pm the day prior.

Find out more here >

Winter walk and guided hike with fondue

Winter doesn’t put a stop to hiking at Gornergrat!  From Christmas until Easter (weather permitting) it’s possible to hike from Rotenboden to Riffelberg (approximately 50 minutes), and from Riffelalp to Zermatt (approximately 90 minutes). Snowshoe and sledge hire is available.

Dinner with the stars

Combine a delicious buffet dinner with stargazing at the 3100 Kulmhotel at Gornergrat. There’s a dome room, observatory and terrace for seeing the night skies under expert guidance. 

Igloo village

Just a 10 to 15-minute walk from Rotenboden station, the Igloo Village awaits. Here you can enjoy a delicious Swiss fondue and a hot drink at the outdoor bar whilst admiring the Matterhorn views.

You can also find Switzerland’s highest sledging run at Gornergrat. The ten minute trip between Rotenboden and Riffelberg is a real thrill in winter. 

Skiing is also a popular winter pastime here, and you can buy ski passes between November and May. It can be worth checking the weather and webcam at Gornergrat before making any firm plans.

Can you stay at Gornergrat?

Yes, you can indeed stay at Gornergrat. Here are the top three hotels at the summit and close to the stations en route. 

3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat

The best known hotel in Gornergrat is the Kulm 3100 hotel. This dates back around a century, and is named for the altitude. The hotel boasts 22 rooms, and you can see 29 mountain peaks when the weather at the Gornergrat is clear. 

It’s the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps, and offers winter sports access in season, a pair of restaurants to suit all tastes, a small shopping mall and a stargazing observatory. 

Riffelhaus 1853

Riffelhaus 1853 is named for the date it originates from, rather than the altitude. It offers direct ski-to-door access in winter, a spa with a steam room and sauna and a hot tub. Some accommodation has Matterhorn view balconies, and all have partial or full mountain views. 

This hotel also offers a good restaurant, a bar, a guest lounge, a library and storage for ski equipment and bikes on site. 

Riffelalp Resort 2222m

The Riffelalp Resort 2222m lies about halfway between Zermatt and Gornergrat at Riffelalp. It’s a five star property with ski-to-door access, an outdoor pool and luxurious rooms with Smart TVs, Nespresso machines and in most cases a private balcony.

Stay at the Riffelalp Resort and you can enjoy the heated outdoor swimming pool with jaw-dropping views, the spa facilities, three restaurants and the services of a concierge. Bike and ski hire and passes can also be arranged via the hotel. 

How long should you spend at Gornergrat?

To make the most of your trip to Gornergrat, allow at least half a day. As a minimum, you’ll want to spend one or two hours at the summit. Add another hour-and-a-half if you’ll be hiking from Rotenboden to Riffelberg.

You might also like to allow additional time to Meet the Sheep, and also to enjoy other activities and attractions at the intermediate stations between Zermatt and Gornergrat. 

Best Time to visit Gornergrat

With the cogwheel train service running all year round, you can visit Gornergrat during any of the four seasons. The views are spectacular all year round, and include 29 Swiss peaks over 4,000 metres. The Matterhorn and Gorner Glacier are also highlights. 

Visit during summer if you want to do some hiking at Gornergrat. This is also the only time of year for the Meet the Sheep experience, and the best time to see the flora of the Alpine Garden. 

Winter is of course the best time of year for snow sports, including sledging and skiing. The Igloo Village is also magical at this time of the year. 

Practical advice for visiting Gornergrat

Gornergrat weather

Before heading to Gornergrat, it’s always wise to check the local webcam, as well as the weather forecast. At altitude, weather conditions can be far more extreme, and can change far more quickly. 

It doesn’t tend to rain much at the summit. The wettest month is May, but even then there’s only an average of three rainy days. 

In July and August, you can expect highs of around 10 or 11°C. Between November and March, temperatures don’t reach above zero even during the day. In January and February, overnight lows of about -16°C are usual. 

The Gornergratbahn

For the train, it’s best to pre-purchase tickets . This can help you to avoid queues. Purchasing priority boarding will also give you the opportunity of securing a seat on the right hand side of the train. This will give you the best Matterhorn views during the ascent.

If you want to know where is the Gornergratbahn station in Zermatt, you can find it right opposite the main train station in the centre of the town. 

Is Gornergrat worth visiting?

It’s well worth visiting Gornergrat. The trip by cogwheel railway is an experience in itself, and the journey from central Zermatt takes only about half an hour.

If you can, choose a clear day for the best views of the Matterhorn, numerous other mountain peaks and the Gorner Glacier. 

Once you reach the summit – or the stations between Zermatt and the top – there are various activities to get involved in. 

You can dine in the mountains, or stay over at a hotel with a spa. In summer you can follow hiking and mountain biking trails, or in winter do some skiing or sledging. 

Visiting Gornergrat FAQs

Can you get on and off the Gornergrat train?

You can use your Gornergratbahn ticket to alight at any of the stations en route. Every section can be travelled just once. 

As long as you get off and on at the same points and don’t repeat any sections, you can use your Gornergratbahn ticket to explore the areas around all of the stops. 

Is it better to go to Gornergrat in the morning or afternoon?

A day with cloudless skies is the best time to visit Gornergrat. This is because the views from the summit are at their clearest. 

For better light and less crowding, set off before 9 am or during late afternoon. The train is also less busy outside of the 9 am to midday period, particularly in summer. 

How long is the ride from Zermatt to Gornergrat?

The trip from Zermatt to Gornergrat takes 33 minutes to complete – just over half an hour. 

What are the stations of the Gornergrat railway?

The five intermediate stations on the Zermatt Gornergrat route are Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelboden, Riffelberg and Rotenboden. Zermatt is about 1,600 metres above sea level, and Gornergrat is nearly 3,100 metres above sea level.

Which is better: the Matterhorn or the Gornergrat?

The Gornergrat is the best place to enjoy panoramic views over the Matterhorn. Not only that, but you can also see lots of other mountain peaks, as well as the Gorner Glacier. 

How to visit Gornergrat | Final Thoughts

Boasting the best Matterhorn views you’re likely to see, you can be sure that a visit to Gornergrat is not to be missed. Not only can you enjoy a ride on the Gornergratbahn 365 days a year, there is plenty to keep you entertained at the summit and the intermediate stations.

Whether you’re visiting to admire the stunning views, plan to hike from Rotenboden to Riffelberg, want to meet the sheep, or would like to enjoy a meal at the Kulmhotel, Gornergrat is the perfect destination.

Travelling from Zermatt to Gornergrat aboard the Gornergrat railway is one of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland, in our opinion.  We’ve enjoyed this excursion on numerous occasions and can’t wait to return!

Have we convinced you to visit Gornergrat Switzerland?  > Buy your tickets here.

🇨🇭 Ready to plan your visit to Zermatt?  We have lots of useful guides including  things to do in Zermatt  and the  best hotels in Zermatt .  Our guides to the best mountain excursions from Zermatt and the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing give you more Zermatt day trip options. For even more information about the Swiss Alpine resort of Zermatt, read our  Zermatt Travel Guide .

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Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

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Gornergrat Train: Everything You Need To Know

The Gornergrat Cog Railway in Zermatt, Switzerland, is one of the most scenic train rides in the world . 

On the ride up the railway, you are treated to unrivalled views of the iconic Matterhorn Peak and pass by some truly breathtaking landscapes. 

Make sure your camera is charged because the comfortable 33-minute train ride whisks you up to the Gornergrat Mountain summit where you will discover an astonishing 360° view of nearly 30 different 4000m peaks . It is sublime!

To help you get there, we have put together our suggestions of everything you need to know about riding the Gornergrat train.

We explain the easiest way to buy Gornergrat Train Tickets ( Spoiler: the best way is to order them online here ) and highlight the different stops along the line.

We also provide you with suggestions for the best hikes from Gornergrat, as well as answering all of the questions you may have about riding the Gornergrat cog train. 

So, let’s dive into: Gornergrat Train: Everything You Need To Know

Disclaimer - this blog post contains affiliate links where we can earn a commission, if you make a purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).

Disclosure: we were fortunate enough to be invited to visit Zermatt by Zermatt-Matterhorn , the official tourism board. While Zermatt-Matterhorn hosted us, all of the opinions and thoughts shared in this article are genuine and our own. We only recommend activities and places that we would pay to visit… and Zermatt is definitely one of those!

What is the Gornegrat Railway?

Let’s start with the basics, shall we? The Gornergrat Railway is a 125-year old panoramic mountain train in Zermatt - found in the Valais region of Switzerland.

It was the world’s first fully electrified cog railway system and today remains the highest open-air cog railway in Europe!

Away from all the impressive facts, though, the Gornergrat Railway is simply one of the most incredible experiences in Zermatt in Winter , in summer, or any time of the year!

People often ask, is Zermatt worth visiting? Well, we think a ride on the Gornergrat Railway makes any trip to Zermatt an incredible experience!

Interesting Gornergrat Cog Railway Facts

First opened in 1898, celebrated its 125th Birthday in 2023

Europe’s highest open-air cog railway 

World’s first fully electric cog railway system 

5.8 miles or 9.3 km long (one-way)

The most unique Ski Lift we’ve ever taken to reach the slopes!

Gornergrat Railway with the iconic Matterhorn in the background

How to Buy Gornergrat Train Tickets 

You have 3 options for buying a Gornergrat Train ticket:

Easiest way - order a Gornergrat Railway Ticket online here and then simply exchange your voucher for a physical ticket when you get to the Gornergrat station in Zermatt. This is the best option because you can skip the lines!

Traditional way - you can, of course, go via the traditional route and buy your tickets directly at the Gornergrat station in the centre of Zermatt Village. You will usually have to wait in line, though, so be aware. 

Included in your ski pass - if you are visiting Zermatt in the winter and plan on skiing in Zermatt , you are granted complimentary access to the Gornergrat Railway, provided you hold a valid ski pass for Zermatt.

Gornergrat Station in Zermatt Village

Zermatt to Gornergrat Price: How much does the Gornergrat Railway cost?

The ticket prices for the Gornergrat Railway vary slightly month-by-month and season-by-season. 

In general though, the Gornergrat Railway ticket from Zermatt - Gornergrat costs between 92-132 CHF per person. This is for a return, adult ticket that is eligible to visit every station on the line.

The cheapest return tickets for the Gornergrat train can be bought during the Winter months between November - April , where you will likely pay around 92 CHF per person . 

In contrast, during the busy Summer months of June, July and August , you are going to pay in the region of 132 CHF per person for a return ticket from Zermatt to the Gornergrat Station. It is quite expensive, but remember it is possible to do Zermatt on a budget , so you can save money elsewhere during your trip.

Remember, if you buy a Swiss Travel Pass , you are eligible for 50% off the Gornergrat Railway ticket price. Here’s everything you should know about the Swiss Travel Pass and Zermatt in case you need extra information.

* it is worth noting that Gornergrat prices vary from month to month and change depending on what station you want to get on/off the train. For the most up-to-date pricing, visit the Gornergratbahn website .

The view of the Matterhorn from the top of Gornergrat

Where does the Gornergrat Train go?

The Gornergrat Cog Railway begins from the Zermatt Gornergrat Station in the centre of Zermatt Village ( The station's address is: Bahnhofpl. 1, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland) and features 6 different stops along the line. 

The 6 stops for the Gornergrat Cog Railway (from lowest to highest altitude) are:  

Zermatt Gornergrat Station - 1605m - in the centre of Zermatt Village, where you collect/exchange your tickets 

Findelbach Station - 1783m - access to easy walks throughout the year

Riffelalp Station - 2222m - home to the famous Ski-in Ski-out Riffealp Resort

Riffelberg Station - 2583m - popular starting point for summer hikes

Rotenboden Station - 2815m - the closest station to the Riffelsee Lake viewpoint in Summer and for the Rotenboden-Riffelberg tobogganing trail in Winter

Gornergrat Station - 3089m - home to a magnificent viewing platform, ZOOOM the Matterhorn and the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat with ski-to-door access during the Winter

Gornergrat Railway Timetable 

The timetable for the Gornergrat Railway changes seasonally and can be a little confusing to wrap your head around.

With that being said, the Gornergrat Railway generally runs from around 8am, every 24 minutes throughout the day, with a final ascent from Zermatt at around 7:24pm and a final descent from Gornergrat around 8:07pm. 

There are, periodically, a couple of earlier/later ascents and descents to cater for guests staying at various hotels up and down the line. 

As the timetable varies by season, it is always best to keep up to date with the current Gornergrat Railway Timetable on the Gornergrat Website .

Gornergrat Station - the final station on the Gornergrat Railway

What to do at the top of Gornergrat?

Main Gornergrat Viewpoint - arguably, the best part of the Gornergrat experience is the viewpoint from the top. From the Viewing Platform, on a clear day, you can see 29 different 4000m mountain peaks! It’s an incredible view that shouldn’t be missed! 

ZOOOM the Matterhorn - an interactive experience at the Gornergrat Station that includes a 3D cinema, high zooming periscopes and an immersive paragliding flight simulation. Entry to ZOOOM the Matterhorn is free with Gornergrat Train tickets, or 12 CHF per person during winter with a valid ski pass.

‘Golden Spot’ Photo - one of the very original train carriages used on the Gornergrat Railway has been painstakingly repaired, gold-plated and put in situ at the top of the Gornergrat. It’s the perfect place to grab an amazing Instagram photo!

Telescopes with mountain peak information - one cool thing we loved at the top of the Gornergrat that we weren’t expecting was the free-to-use telescopes dotted around the viewing platform. Not only can you see the mountain peaks better from the telescopes, but when you look through them, you are given the names of the peaks and their altitude. It’s quite impressive really.

‘Golden Spot’ photo opportunity at Gornergrat

Hiking from Gornergrat 

Riffelsee lake hiking trail from rotenboden station (summer only).

The Riffelsee Lake Trail is an easy, 1hr long hike from Rotenboden Station (5th stop on the Gornergrat Train) to the magnificent Riffelsee Lake. 

Even if you don’t know it, you have probably seen photos of Riffelsee Lake - it’s the one where, on a clear day, the Matterhorn reflects in the lake. It makes for a really magical scene!

Rotenboden - Riffelberg (via Iglu Dorf - Winter Only)

It is worth mentioning that there is a dedicated Rotenboden - Riffelberg Hiking Trail (Hiking trail 113, 1 hour) or the Panorama Trail (Hiking trail 142, 1 hour 30 mins), which is a dedicated snowshoe trail. Both take you from Rotenboden Station to Riffelberg Station. 

However, we wanted to put our spin on it by hiking from Rotenboden to Riffelberg via the magical Iglu Dorf - an igloo hotel complete with a bar, Aprés Ski area and even a whirlpool!

The hike itself is very short - only 15 minutes to Iglu Dorf from Rotenboden Station - and most of the time, you actually follow the ski runs (just be careful of any skiers going a little too fast). 

We wanted to highlight this alternative hike because it is our favourite short walk in Zermatt and you obviously get the chance to have a relaxing drink in an igloo in the middle of your hike.

Orla hiking between Rotenboden and Riffelberg

Tips for Riding the Gornergrat Train 

Try to sit on the right-hand side of the train so you can gaze at the Matterhorn on your way up the mountain 

Be aware of the final ascent/descent times of the day - you don’t want to be caught out at the top of the mountain with no way down

During Winter , the first couple of hours of the day will be full of skiers using the train to get to the slopes. If you’re a non-skier, we’d recommend waiting to catch the train until after 10am for a better chance of having a seat by the window

During Summer , you can buy a special Gornergrat Hiking Ticket from Zermatt that allows you to travel from Zermatt - Gornergrat, and back down from Riffelberg - Zermatt. It means you save money on the legs you’ll miss on the way back down.

Sitting on the right-hand side of the Gornergrat Cog Railway gives you the best views of the Matterhorn as you ascend up the mountain

Frequently Asked Questions about the Gornergrat Train

Can i use the swiss travel pass on gornergrat is zermatt included in the swiss travel pass.

The answer, unfortunately, is no you can’t use the Swiss Travel Pass on the Gornergrat Railway. 

The reason is that Gornergrat is a privately owned Railway line, and the Swiss Travel Pass only covers state-owned lines.

With that being said, however, if you have a valid Swiss Travel Pass , you are entitled to 50% off the original ticket price for the Gornergrat. 

Is the Gornergrat Railway worth it?

Absolutely yes, the Gornergrat Railway is definitely worth it! We appreciate that it is a very expensive train ride. Indeed, perhaps aside from the train to Machu Picchu, we’ve never spent in excess of £100 for a 33-minute train ride, but we feel it’s worth every penny. 

The panoramic views from the Gornergrat are well documented, but we think what makes the train fee worth it, is everything you get access to along the line. That’s why the Gornergrat features on our magical 4-day winter itinerary in Zermatt .

Particularly in Winter, the Iglu Dorf, Rotenboden-Riffelberg Tobogganing Trail and the Gornergrat Viewpoint are all accessed via the Gornergrat train, making the train ride just part of the overall experience of Gornergrat!

How long is the Gornergrat Railway? 

From the Zermatt Gornergrat Station in Zermatt Village to the highest Gornergrat Station, the Gornergrat Railway takes 33 minutes from top to bottom. 

Can you get on and off the Gornergrat train? 

Provided you have the correct ticket, you can get on and off the Gornergrat train at every single station but you are only allowed to ride each leg of the journey once.

Here’s a few examples to explain what is allowed and what isn’t allowed with a regular Gornergrat Train ticket:

Allowed - Get on at Zermatt Gornergrat (Station 1), get off at Rotenboden (Station 5) to hike to Riffelsee Lake. Get back on the train at Rotenboden (Station 5) and continue up to Gornergrat (Station 6). Get out at Gornegrat, visit ZOOOM the Matterhorn, and get back on the train at Gornergrat (Station 6) to return to Zermatt (Station 1). 

Not allowed - Get on at Zermatt Gornergrat Station (Station 1), get off at Rotenboden (Station 5) to do the Rotenboden-Rifellberg Toboggan. Get back on the train at Riffelberg (Station 4) after tobogganing and go up to the Gornergrat (Station 6). In this scenario, riding the train upwards between Riffelberg (Station 4) and Rotenboden (Station 5) already occurred on the original ascent, so you would have to buy a separate ticket for this leg of the journey. 

*we know it sounds complicated, but hopefully that makes sense!

How often does the Gornergrat train go?

While the Gornergrat Train Timetable varies from month to month and season to season, the Gornergrat Train typically departs every 24 minutes, beginning around 8am and finishing around 8pm. 

Is the Gornergrat better in Summer or Winter?

Obviously, this depends on what you want to get out of the Gornergrat. Realistically, the view from the train and at the various viewing platforms along the line is incredible during both seasons. 

If you love hiking, then Summer is definitely the best time to ride the Gornergrat. But, if you’re like us and prefer a winter wonderland scene, then Winter is the perfect time to experience the famous cog railway.

Orla admiring the view through the telescope at the top of Gornergrat

There we have it, folks, everything you need to know about riding the iconic Gornergrat Cog Railway. It is one of the most memorable train journeys we have ever taken, with panoramic views over the Alps and, of course, the famous Matterhorn Peak. 

We hope this article excites you to visit this incredible attraction in Zermatt for yourself. What are you waiting for? Book those Gornergrat Cog Train Tickets now!

The Swiss Alpine Hotel Allalin is more than just a boutique hotel in Zermatt - it is a place to call home in the Swiss mountains. Here’s our honest review of our stay in this wonderful hotel!

The Gornergrat Cog Railway in Zermatt, Switzerland, is one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Here’s all of our handy tips for riding this iconic train.

Visiting Zermatt on a budget isn’t easy, but we have put together some of our money-saving tips so you can see the iconic Matterhorn as cheaply as possible. 

Ben Lloyd is the creator, editor and one half of Ticket 4 Two Please. Our website is designed to help adventurous couples travel together on a budget around the world. We have handy destination guides from countless destinations, as well as useful seasonal job resources for summer camps and ski seasons.

Swiss Alpine Hotel Allalin Review

How to visit zermatt on a budget.

All you need to know about the Gornergrat Railway

The Gornergrat Railway is a unique fully electrified railway travelling over the mountain: Gornergrat. The train travels to an altitude of 3039 metres. Hop on the Gornergrat Railway and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Matterhorn.

In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Gornergrat Railway. Let’s start!

What is the Gornergrat Railway?

The Gornergrat Railway is an eco-friendly open-air cog railway that travels from Zermatt station to the summit of the Gornergrat. The train travels fully around. In around 33 minutes the electrified cog railway takes you to the summit through beautiful landscapes, tunnels and bridges.

The train takes you through several different landscapes, rocky landscapes, greenery and forests, which makes it a unique experience.

When you visit Zermatt, there are plenty of things to do, but in our opinion, one of the highlights is the Gornergrat Railway! A unique experience, with unforgettable views.

What is the Gornergrat Railway famous for?

The Gornergrat railway is famous for several reasons, one of the reasons is because it’s electrified, which makes it eco-friendly. Another reason is the fact that the railway is the highest open-air cog railway in Europe. In 33 minutes the train climbs 1469 metres over a distance of 9.4 kilometres, which is impressive.

The views are another reason why the Gornergrat Railway is so famous. As we already mentioned you will travel through several landscapes, during the 33 minutes on the railway you will see fabulous panoramas of the Monte Rosa massif, where you can view Switzerland’s highest peak, this is the Dufourspitze, with a height of 4634 metres.

The second-largest glacier in Switzerland can be viewed from the cog railway as well, this is the Gorner Glacier. Besides these two landmarks, you will see around 29 mountains above 4000 metres.

As we mentioned you will travel from Zermatt to the summit of the Gornergrat, during the journey you can view the majestic Matterhorn as well!

Ticket price of the Gornergrat Railway

There are several different Gornergrat Railway tickets, there are full tickets, and there is an option to combine culinary experiences and a trip with the Gornergrat Railway. The prices do vary according to the time of the year, this is something to keep in mind.

The ticket prices for the Gornergrat Railway are:

• Adult: 88 CHF
• Adult with a GA, half-fare card, or the Swiss travel pass: 44 CHF
• Adult(single ride): 44 CHF
• Adult with a GA, half-fare card, or the Swiss travel pass(single ride): CHF

50% discount on ticket prices

There are several ways to get a 50% discount on your ticket, we will sum them up below:

• Half-fare season ticket
• Children from 6-15.99 years old
• Swiss half-fare card
• The Swiss travel pass
• General season ticket

Good to know: the Eurail pass won’t give you any discount on the Gornergrat Railway tickets. Please find up-to-date prices here.

Ticket prices for different sections of the Gornergrat Bahn

You can buy a ticket for the full Gornergrat Railway journey, from Zermatt to the summit of the Gornergrat. But just like the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express it is possible to travel a section of the route, it works like this:

there are a total of 4 intermediate stations, called: Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelberg and Rotenboden. These stations are situated between Zermatt at 1608 metres and the Gornergrat at 3089 metres.

In the image below you can view an illustration of the stations between the beginning and the end of the Gornergrat Bahn

The chance to just hop on the railway and travel a section of the route makes it interesting. This means you do not have to travel the full route. The image below shows you the prices for the different possible sections of the Gornergrat Railway:

The easiest way to buy a ticket for the Gornergrat Railway is online. You can easily order a ticket online, and you will receive a pdf ticket, you can also add it to your Swiss travel pass.

Of course, you can also buy a ticket at the ticket machine at the Gornergrat Valley station. At the Tasch station, you can also buy a ticket for the Gornergrat or to Zermatt.

The route of the Gornergrat Railway

We already showed a short description of the intermediate stations between Zermatt and the summit: Gornergrat. Let’s dive a bit deeper into the route of the Gornergrat Railway.

Starting station: Zermatt

The start of the Railway is in Zermatt, at an altitude of 1608 metres, you can hop on the train. Zermatt is a famous ski resort, with excellent ski facilities during the winter season. And of course, the Gornergrat Railway.

1st Station: Findelbach

So let the journey begin, we are on the train, travelling to the first stop: Findelbach(1770 metres). This is quite close to the starting station in Zermatt, here you can have a nice walk, and take a camera with you to take some beautiful photographs. This is not the stop for skiers, it is a nice place to stop if you want to ice climb, these routes start here.

2nd Statin: Riffelalp

From Findelbach station to the next station Riffelalp at 2211 metres is a beautiful place to get off the train, a lovely place to relax. If your purpose is skiing, you can go to the Furl lift, this is the starting point of the ski area.

The Riffelalp station is the starting point of the historic Riffelalp tram line, the tram travels to the Hotel Riffelalp, this hotel dates back to 1884!

3rd Station: Riffelberg

Station 3 is Riffelberg at an altitude of 2582 metres. This station is a perfect place to enjoy the views of the majestic Matterhorn. If your purpose is skiing then this is a great starting point.

With an entrance to the pistes and the Girthittli chair, this is a perfect spot for beginner skiers. Here you can find more easy pistes. The views are fabulous!

4rd Station: Rotenboden

Arriving at the fourth station Rotenboden at an altitude of 2815 metres. As Riffelberg already gave a beautiful view of the Matterhorn, the Rotenboden station gives an even more beautiful viewing point, this is the station to get out if you want to make the famous picture of the reflecting Matterhorn on the lake.

5th Station: Gornergrat

Time to head to the final station: Gornergrat at an altitude of 3089 metres. This is the final station where skiers and hikers get out, to enjoy the breathtaking views or to visit the Kulm Hotel, this hotel has two observatories, which is cool.

Here you can have a fabulous view of the Gorner Glacier, as we mentioned above, this is the second-largest glacier in the Alps. The 360 panorama is incredibly beautiful, you will have a view of so many mountains, as you reach an altitude of 3000 metres!

Some tips to prepare for your visit

Always check the weather forecast first, when it’s foggy outside, and the mountains are covered by clouds, it does not make sense to go up to the Gornergrat. The views won’t be as beautiful as on a sunny day. As you travel from approximately 1600 metres to 3000 metres, take a thin jacket with you.

As temperatures may drop during the journey. Of course take some sunglasses and sunscreen with you, if you travel during summertime. The sun is strong at higher altitudes. Take a hat for your kids too!

During the winter season, take some gloves with you, it can be significantly colder at the summit than at the starting point of the Gornergrat Railway. In our experience, it is a half-day activity. It takes approximately 1 hour to go up and down with the railway.

Of course, the time you spend on the summit depends on what you are going to do, maybe have lunch at the summit with the breathtaking views? In general, we had a trip of around three hours, including travelling with the Gornergrat Railway.

Sick of heights? The Gornergrat is situated at around 3089 metres. People can suffer from some light altitude sickness when travelling above an altitude of around 2000 metres. But, do not let this keep you stopping from visiting the Gornergrat.

Just take it easy, sit down for around 15 minutes, get used to the altitude and once you feel okay, continue the journey. Please take it slow, and stop now and then, this is especially for the elderly, or people with less good health or pregnant women. In general, staying at an altitude like this, just for a few hours is not a problem at all.

Best season to hop on the Gornergrat Railway

The best season to hop on the Gornergrat Railway depends on the purpose of your visit. If you are in Zermatt to ski then visit the Gornergrat during the winter season. Also for winter hiking, this is a perfect time. The views of the snowy landscape are fabulous too!

We travelled during the summer season, this is a lovely time too, all flowers are flourishing and the greenery is so beautiful. Also most of the time during the summer season it does not get as cloudy as in the autumn season.

In this blog post, you can read about everything you need to know about the Gornergrat Railway. The train is fully electric, which is good for the environment, the train travels from Zermatt to the summit of the Gornergrat in around 30 minutes.

The views are breathtaking. You can take the route in sections, there are five stations in total, in the blog you can read more detailed information about the intermediate stations.

Maurits love affair with Switzerland started on his first visit to Switzerland and still continues today. He visits Switzerland often and enjoys writing about his discoveries and sharing his tips with fellow travellers.

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Explore the Wonders of Gornergrat

Discover Gornergrat , a captivating destination surrounded by 29 towering peaks, including the iconic Matterhorn and Dufourspitze. Your journey begins with a ride on the Gornergrat Railway , which departs from Zermatt station.

Your Adventure Awaits at Gornergrat

Summer hiking adventures.

Summer is the ideal season for hiking at this stunning location. Trails such as the one to Riffelberg and another leading to Rotenboden offer varying levels of difficulty. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking vistas, alpine meadows, and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Winter Activities

Winter transforms Gornergrat into a snowy paradise. From tobogganing to skiing, the options are endless. The children’s ski park and snowball fights on winter hiking trails make it a family-friendly destination.

Essential Information

• Altitude: 3,089 meters above sea level
• Getting There: Board the Gornergrat cog railway at Zermatt station. For the best scenic views, make sure to sit on the right side during the ascent.
• Timetable: Operates year-round, with 24-minute intervals during peak season.
• Duration: 33 minutes to the summit, 44 minutes for the return journey.

What to Expect

• Must-See Attractions: Enjoy views of 29 peaks that rise above 4,000 meters, the Monte Rosa glaciers, and the Matterhorn’s reflection in Lake Riffel.
• Dining Options: The 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat features a restaurant with panoramic views of the Monte Rosa mountain range. It’s a perfect spot to spend some extra time sipping a beer. The morning hours are generally less crowded compared to the afternoon.

Enhance Your Visit with Swiss Travel Pass and Gornergrat Tickets

Maximize your Gornergrat experience and other mountain excursions such as Schilthorn , Glacier 3000 , and more with a Swiss Travel Pass . Enjoy hassle-free travel and receive a 50% discount on Gornergrat tickets .

Time Required for Exploration

Half a day is generally sufficient for exploring. However, if you’re planning to hike, you’ll need additional time to fully enjoy the trails and scenery.

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The Matterhorn Gotthard Railway between Disentis and Andermatt.

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Which Museums are included in the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass offers free entry to more than 500 Museums , including the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Château de Chillon and the Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum.

How long is a Swiss Travel Pass valid for?

The Swiss Travel Pass is valid for 3, 4, 8 or 15 consecutive days in 1st or 2nd class.

Where is the Swiss Travel Pass valid?

The Swiss Travel Pass is valid on the whole boat, rail and Postbus network in Switzerland, as shown here .

Which mountain excursions are included?

Trips up to Stoos, Brunni, Klewenalp, Stanserhorn and Rigi are included in the Pass. A 50% reduction is offered on most other mountain and cableways (Gornergrat, Titlis, etc).

Is the Swiss Travel Pass valid on Swiss Panoramic Railways?

Your ticket price is included in the Swiss Travel Pass but seat reservations are compulsory and a supplement must be paid non most routes. It is possible to pay for a class upgrade if you have a 2nd class Pass but would like to travel in 1st class non one of these services.

Are there any further inclusions?

The Swiss Travel Pass also offers free entry to more than 500 museums throughout Switzerland.

What is the Swiss Travel Pass Flex?

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex is valid for 3, 4, 8 or 15 days of your choosing in 1st or 2nd class within one month. On listed travel days, pass holders are entitled to all of the same additional benefits as the Swiss Travel Pass. Please note however, that on the days between specified travel days, additional benefits, such as 50% discounts and museum entries, are not valid.

The ride on the Gornergrat Railway is a real highlight. The cogwheel railway takes guests from Zermatt station to a lofty 3,089 metres above sea level. The view from the train ride alone offers countless postcard motifs: the Matterhorn, the Valais chalets and a stunning panorama.

The Gornergrat is among those locations that one must have visited at least once in a lifetime. Europe’s highest outdoor cogwheel railway runs all year round from Zermatt to the Gornergrat. The railway conquers a total of 1,469 metres altitude in the process and leads across impressive bridges, through galleries and tunnels, past larch-and-pine forests, rocky ravines and mountain lakes.

Surrounded by no fewer than 29 4,000-metre giants such as the majestic Matterhorn and the Dufourspitze as well as the third-longest glacier of the Alps, Gornergrat rewards visitors with a view that is overwhelming indeed.

In summer, the Gornergrat is a unique hiker’s paradise. A hike to the alpine garden, Riffelsee or the blacknose sheep is worthwhile for young and old. In winter, the possibilities are endless. Sledging, hiking, snowshoeing or skiing guarantee a view of the Matterhorn. The multimedia adventure world “Zooom the Matterhorn” can be visited all year round.

• Altitude: 3,089 m a.s.l.
• Arrival: Train from Brig/Visp to Zermatt, v alley station of the Gornergrat Railway located directly opposite Zermatt railway station
• Travel duration to summit: 33 min to the top / 44 min back
• best view of the Matterhorn
• world-famous Matterhorn reflection on Lake Riffelsee (visible in calm weather)
• unique mountain panorama of 29 breathtaking 4,000-metr e ( 13,000-feet) summits
• viewing terraces, theme trails and photopoints such as “Golden Spot” with Lok3003
• Iteractive exibition: ZOOOM the Matterhorn – See. Feel. Marvel.
• NostalChic Class: A unique day in the cosy luxurous atmosphere of a nostalgic coach by Matterhorn Railway awaits the visitors. The excursion includes: A guaranteed window seat during the ride from Zermatt to Gornergrat. Fascinating stories told by an experienced guide. A big choice of gastronomic highlights with local specialities along the stretch. And much more.
• Website: Gornergrat
• Shopping mall and restaurants in “3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat” on the top 
• More mountain restaurants and hotels at the intermediate stations  
• Year-round operation
• In the high season (June–October and December–April), trains leave every 24 minutes halting at every stop (Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelberg, Rotenboden)  
• 50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass (Flex), Swiss Half Fare Card and GA travelcard
• No discount with Eurail / Interrail

Reservation

• Priority Boarding available year-round  
• Dogs may be taken along without surcharge  

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