Gornergrat is one of the most popular mountain railways in Switzerland and with good reason. It is an easy way to get to the top of a mountain and offers some of the most stunning views of the famous Matterhorn peak. It is no wonder why so many people flock to this place.
If you are planning a visit to Zermatt Gornergrat, there are a few things you should keep in mind. In this blog post, I will be sharing my top tips for making the most of your visit.
About Gornergrat & Where It Is
Gornergrat is a mountain in the Swiss Alps, located in the canton of Valais. It is 2,913 meters (9,570 ft) high and has a summit ridge that extends for 3 km (1.9 mi). The mountain overlooks the Matterhorn and is part of the Gornergrat system, which includes 29 peaks.
The Gornergrat is located south of Zermatt and can be reached by a rack railway from the village, which operates all year round. The Gornergrat railway station is at an elevation of 3,089 meters (10,135 ft), making it one of the highest railway stations in Europe.
From riding the historic electric cog railway to taking in the views from the top station’s viewing platform, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
The mountain is accessible 365 days a year, no matter the season. Just keep in mind that the scenery and some activities may differ between summer and winter. Regardless, a trip to Gornergrat is always worth it!
Gornergrat Railway
In 1886, work began on a railway to reach the Gornergrat. The railway was opened in 1898 and originally used steam locomotives. It is a train that holds a lot of history as the first fully electrified cog railway in the world. Despite its old roots, it has been updated to be eco-friendly with a regenerative braking system that generates electricity as it descends the mountain, saving energy for up to two more trips. The train journey on the Gornergrat Bahn takes 33 minutes and involves a climb of 1,469 meters. The route covers a distance of 9.4 kilometers and passes over breathtaking bridges, through tunnels and galleries, through forests of larch and Swiss stone pine, and past rocky ravines and mountain lakes.
If you are visiting Zermatt, a ride on the Gornergrat Railway is a must! Here are some tips to make the most of your experience:
- Bring your camera: The views from the train and at the top are absolutely incredible, so make sure you have a camera with you to capture them!
- Try to get a seat on the right side of the train if you’re going up or on the left side if you’re going down. This will give you the best views of the Matterhorn. If you can, try to sit by a window that can be opened, as it will make it easier to take pictures. Alternatively, you can try switching sides on the way up and down to get different views.
- Gornergrat Railway is a must-see for many visitors, and it’s no surprise that it can get pretty crowded. For a more relaxed experience and fewer crowds, consider spending a couple of nights in Zermatt and catching one of the early trains to Gornergrat in the morning. Trust us, it’s worth getting up early to beat the rush and fully enjoy this incredible excursion. In the summer, trains start running at 7 AM, then every 20 minutes after that.
Scenic View of Gorner Glacier
Gornergrat offers several viewpoints for visitors to enjoy, and we recommend visiting them all if the weather allows. The first and most easily accessible viewpoint is located right at the railway station. Upon exiting the train, you will be greeted with a breathtaking view of the Gorner Glacier, which looks like a massive frozen river nestled between the mountains. One of the unique aspects of this viewpoint is that you are standing high enough to look down at the glacier. This initial glimpse of the Gorner Glacier is sure to be a WOW moment that leaves you with goosebumps.
Ready for more breathtaking views? After taking in the sights at the first viewpoint, follow the winding walkway in the direction of the 3100 Kulmhotel. You’ll soon arrive at another vantage point located behind the hotel, offering a completely different perspective. This viewpoint also affords views of the picturesque Ruinsee lake below the Gornergrat hotel.
But the best is yet to come! If you’re up for a little bit of a hike, continue on to reach the highest viewing platform at Gornergrat, standing at a dizzying 3,131 meters above sea level. This is where you’ll find some of the most stunning panoramic views in all of the Swiss Alps. Trust us, it’s worth the trek for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Marvel at the 4000er peaks
From the Gornergrat, you can see 29 peaks that are over 4,000 meters tall. To get the best views, head up to the viewing terrace and use the Viscope telescope to see all the peaks and their names. Switzerland’s highest summit is the Dufourspitze at 4,634 meters, although it is not entirely within Swiss territory. The Dom mountain, at 4,545 meters, is entirely within Swiss territory and is sometimes considered to be the highest mountain in Switzerland. The Dufourspitze was originally called the Gornerhorn, but was renamed in 1863 in honor of Swiss general and cartographer Henri Dufour. The Breithorn is considered one of the easiest 4,000 meter peaks to climb and was the first peak to be summited by a group of 5 mountaineers in 1813.
Matterhorn Photo Point
Looking to snap the perfect vacation photo with the iconic Matterhorn mountain as your backdrop? Head over to the Matterhorn Photo Point, located to the right of the Gornergrat Railway Station. You’ll find a red frame and a camera that you can use to take free pictures of yourself and your group. If you’d prefer to use your own camera, that’s fine too!
If you use the camera at the photo point, you can then download the image for free using the ticket number provided on your Gornergrat Railway ticket. So don’t forget to hold onto your ticket. It’s all very simple and easy to use, so go ahead and strike a pose with the stunning Matterhorn in the background.
Zoom the Matterhorn
If you’re visiting Gornergrat be sure to check out the new multimedia experience world centered around the iconic Matterhorn. Located in the former valley station for the Hohtälli lift, this interactive exhibit takes you on a journey through the alpine world surrounding the Matterhorn. The exhibit is a great option for all ages, and is even a great way to enjoy your visit to Gornergrat on a rainy day. You won’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience!
Stage 1: Horu Periscope
Step one in your journey through the multi-media experience world: get up close and personal with the “Horu” (the locals’ nickname for the Matterhorn) using periscopes. In this stage, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the stunning alpine world surrounding the Matterhorn, with periscopes bringing you closer to the action. Keep an eye out for graphic anchor points that provide additional information on the various topics you’ll encounter along the way.
Stage 2: Immersive 3D cinema
Ready for an immersive experience like no other? Experience the 3D cinema for the second stage of your journey through the multi-media world. Here, you’ll be transported to the Matterhorn through a variety of scenarios representing each of the four seasons. From icy winds and snowy landscapes to autumn storms and balmy summer evenings, you’ll feel like you’re really there thanks to light projections from three sides and a highly detailed replica of the Matterhorn. It’s an experience that feels almost real, as if you’re right in the middle of it all.
Stage 3: Paraglider flight
Time to take to the skies! In the third stage, you can choose between two virtual paragliding flights. There’s the relaxed, panoramic option for those who prefer to take it easy, or the more thrilling, sporty flight for the adrenaline junkies among us. Mount your 3D glasses and take a seat in a floating armchair as you soar over the Matterhorn and the breathtaking alpine landscape. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly like a bird, without actually having to jump off a mountain. Talk about the best of both worlds!
Hiking at Gornergrat
Gornergrat is the starting point for many hiking trails, and if you have the time, we highly recommend hitting the trails to fully experience the beauty of the area. However, we understand that not everyone has a full day or even half a day to devote to longer hikes. Don’t worry, there are still plenty of ways to explore the area on foot, even if you have limited time. The views are stunning no matter where you go, so take the time to wander and discover all that Gornergrat has to offer.
360 loop Hike
If you’re at the highest viewing platform at Gornergrat, you may have noticed a narrow hiking path at the far end (with the hotel behind you and the glacier to your right). This path leads to a short, self-guided Scenic Loop hike that takes about 20 minutes to complete. To find the start of the loop, look for the signs indicating the “Gornergrat 360,” “Rundwanderweg,” or “Hiking Loop.”
The loop is only about 0.5 kilometers long and is easy to follow, even if the signs aren’t always clear. When you start the loop, you’ll be halfway through, so instead of retracing your steps, simply continue on the circular path. The trail takes you down a short, steep path and then splits in two. Follow the Scenic Trail to the left, which leads you back in the direction of the hotel. Along the way, you’ll get different angles and views of the peak that you didn’t see from the viewing platforms. Before you know it, you’ll be back at the Gornergrat hotel where you started.
This is such a short and easy walk that it’s almost not even a hike, but it’s definitely worth a few extra minutes of your time. Not many people seem to do it, perhaps because the signs aren’t always clear, but now that you know about it, just locate the path at the far end of the highest viewing platform and you’ll be able to easily find your way.
| Distance | 1.1 km (0.68 miles) |
| Duration | 20 minutes |
| Elevation Change | 11 m ascent / 284 m descent |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Start & End Of the Trail | Viewing platform behind the 3100 Kulmhotel (loop hike) |
| Season | July to October |
Gornergrat Scenic Trail
The Gornergrat Scenic Trail, also known as the Gornergrat-Riffelsee-Rotenboden hike, is a short downhill hike that offers some of the best views in the Zermatt area. This hike, officially marked as medium-difficulty, takes you past glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and breathtaking views of the Gornergrat Railway and the Matterhorn. The trail can be steep in places, with loose rocks and gravel and a few stairs, so it’s important to have the right footwear. Along the way, you’ll be treated to unparalleled views of 29 mountains over 4,000 meters, and if you visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you may even get to see reflections of the Matterhorn in the calm waters of Riffelsee Lake. After visiting the lake, it’s just a short uphill walk to the Rotenboden train station, where the hike ends. From Rotenboden, you can take the train back to Zermatt or continue exploring other areas along the Gornergrat Railway line.
Gornergrat Scenic Trail (Gornergrat to Riffelsee)
| Distance | 2 km (1.25 miles) |
| Duration | 40 minutes (1 hour opposite direction, uphill) |
| Elevation Change | 11 m ascent / 284 m descent |
| Difficulty | Easy / Moderate |
| Official Trail Name/Nr | Aussichtsweg – Zermatt Hike 15 |
| Start & End Of the Trail | Gornergrat to Rotenboden (one-way, downhill hike) |
| Season | July to October |
| Possible With Kids From Age | Approx. 4-5 years old |
Blacknose Sheep Spotting
If you’re visiting the Gornergrat in the summer months, you may have the opportunity to see the famous blacknose sheep from Zermatt in their natural habitat. These sheep are known for their spiraled horns, black faces and ears, and white woolly coats. From the end of June until the middle of September, about 120 of these Wallis blacknose sheep can be found grazing on the Gornergrat. It’s important to note that feeding the sheep is not allowed.
To make it easier for visitors to see the sheep when they’re on the Gornergrat, these sheep will be wearing collars equipped with GPS. This allows you to easily locate the sheep and follow a map to see them up close. Don’t miss the chance to see these charming animals in their natural environment during your visit to the Gornergrat.
3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat: Restaurant & Shop
The Kulmhotel Gornergrat is located at an altitude of 3048 meters in the Swiss Alps, offering stunning panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and surrounding glaciers. The hotel took 10 years to build and was completed in 1907.
The hotel’s rooms are furnished with natural materials and offer panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. After a restful night’s sleep, wake up to the sounds of free-range ibex and chamois and a beautiful mountain dawn. The hotel’s restaurant serves high-quality cuisine and Swiss favorites, and the sun terrace offers views of the Monte Rosa massif, Liskamm, Breithorn, and Matterhorn. Experience traditional Valais hospitality and the pure mountain air at the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps.
Gornergrat in Winter
The Zermatt Gornergrat in the winter is a beautiful and picturesque place, with snowy mountain peaks, frozen lakes, and a cozy atmosphere. The Zermatt region is known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding, with a variety of slopes for all levels of experience. There are also many other winter activities to enjoy, such as snowshoeing, tobogganing, sledding, winter hiking. Overall, Gornergrat in the winter is a great destination for those who love the outdoors and want to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps in the winter months.
Good To Know
- Check the weather forecast, because if the Gornergrat and the surrounding mountains are shrouded in clouds, there is no point in going up.
- It is best to dress in several thin layers, so you can adapt to the changing temperatures throughout the day. Take gloves, sunglasses and possibly a hat. Sturdy and good shoes are recommended, as always, if you want to walk around a bit or combine your visit with a hike.
- Plan at least a little more than an hour for the visit of the Gornergrat, however, we recommend several hours to see all attractions there. This does not include the time needed to get there. The entire return trip from Zermatt takes at least 2.5 hours.
- Gornergrat is situated at an altitude of 3090 meters. From about 2000 m, any person can suffer from (mild) altitude sickness. Usually it helps to take it slow and sit down for a while. If the symptoms are severe, the only thing that helps is to go back to lower places. Particular precautions should be taken for children under 2 years of age, as well as for pregnant women and people in poor health: before going to areas above 2500 m, consult your doctor. In general, it is not a problem to stay at this altitude for only a few hours.
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Conclusion
If you are planning a visit, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your trip. Zermatt Gornergrat is a very popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded during peak season. If you want to avoid the crowds, you could try visiting during offseason or mid-week. It is a beautiful place with lots to see and do. Be sure to take some time to enjoy the scenery and experience all that this unique destination has to offer. If you’re visiting Zermatt in winter, don’t miss out on a trip to Gornergrat!
