Imagine standing on a mountain top, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers, and gazing at the majestic Matterhorn, one of the most iconic mountains in the world. This is not a dream, but a reality that awaits you at the Gornergrat, one of the top excursion destinations in Switzerland.
The Gornergrat is a ridge of the Pennine Alps, located at an altitude of 3,089 meters above sea level. It offers a stunning panoramic view of the Matterhorn, the Dufourspitze, the Gorner Glacier, and 29 other four-thousanders (mountains over 4,000 meters high). It is also home to the highest hotel in Europe, the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, and the Gornergrat Bahn, the first fully electrified cog railway in Switzerland.
In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about the Gornergrat, including how to get there, what to see and do, where to stay and eat, and when to visit. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous experience, or a family-friendly outing, the Gornergrat has something for everyone. Read on to discover why the Gornergrat is a must-visit destination for your next trip to Switzerland.
How to Get to the Gornergrat
The Gornergrat is easily accessible from various locations in Switzerland and abroad. The most common and convenient way to reach the Gornergrat is by taking the Gornergrat Bahn from Zermatt, a car-free alpine village at the foot of the Matterhorn. The Gornergrat Bahn is a historic and scenic cog railway that takes you from Zermatt to the Gornergrat in about 33 minutes, passing through forests, meadows, bridges, and tunnels. The Gornergrat Bahn operates all year round, with trains departing every 24 minutes. You can buy your tickets online or at the station in Zermatt.
If you are traveling from other parts of Switzerland or abroad, you can take a train, bus, or car to Zermatt. Zermatt is well connected by train to major Swiss cities, such as Geneva, Zurich, Bern, and Basel, as well as to neighboring countries, such as Italy, France, and Germany. You can also take a bus to Zermatt from nearby towns, such as Visp, Brig, and Täsch. If you are driving, you can park your car in Täsch, the last village before Zermatt, and take a shuttle train to Zermatt. Zermatt is a car-free zone, so you can only use electric vehicles, bicycles, or horse-drawn carriages to get around the village.
Here are some tips and recommendations for the best travel experience to the Gornergrat:
- Book your tickets in advance to avoid queues and secure your seat on the Gornergrat Bahn. You can also save money by buying a round-trip ticket or a combined ticket with other attractions, such as the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or the Glacier Express.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, as the Gornergrat can be cloudy or windy at times. You can also check the live webcam on the Gornergrat website to see the current conditions and view.
- Pack essentials, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, warm clothes, water, and snacks, as the Gornergrat can be cold and dry, especially in winter. You can also rent or buy equipment, such as hiking boots, poles, skis, sledges, and helmets, at the Gornergrat station or in Zermatt.
- Enjoy the journey, as the Gornergrat Bahn offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding landscape. You can also stop at any of the intermediate stations, such as Riffelalp, Riffelberg, and Rotenboden, to explore the area or join a guided tour.
What to See and Do on the Gornergrat
The Gornergrat is not only a viewpoint, but also a destination with a variety of activities and attractions for all seasons and tastes. Whether you are into hiking, cycling, skiing, or sightseeing, the Gornergrat has something for you. Here are some of the highlights of what to see and do on the Gornergrat:
1. Admire the reflection of the Matterhorn in Lake Riffel, a small alpine lake located at 2,757 meters above sea level. The lake is a 10-minute walk from the Rotenboden station and offers a stunning mirror image of the Matterhorn on a clear day. The lake is also a popular spot for picnics, fishing, and swimming in summer.
2. Experience the zooom the Matterhorn, an interactive exhibition that lets you explore the Matterhorn from different perspectives and learn about its history, geology, and wildlife. The exhibition is located at the Gornergrat station and features a 3D model of the Matterhorn, a virtual reality headset, a telescope, and a touch screen. You can also take a selfie with the Matterhorn and share it on social media.
3. Enjoy a reduced rate mountain rail ascent, a special offer that allows you to travel from Zermatt to the Gornergrat for half the price after 4:30 pm. This is a great opportunity to witness the sunset over the Matterhorn and the alpenglow, a phenomenon that makes the mountains appear pink or red in the evening light. You can also have a romantic dinner at one of the restaurants on the Gornergrat or join a stargazing event at the observatory.
4. Download the info guide, a free app that provides you with useful information and tips about the Gornergrat, such as the map, the timetable, the attractions, the food and beverage, and the specials. The app also has an audio guide that tells you stories and facts about the Gornergrat and the Matterhorn as you ride the Gornergrat Bahn or walk along the trails. You can also use the app to book your tickets, reserve your seat, or contact the customer service.
How to Get to the Gornergrat
One of the best ways to reach the Gornergrat is by taking the Gornergrat Bahn, the highest open-air cog railway in Europe. The train departs from Zermatt, a car-free alpine village that can be accessed by train, bus, or taxi from various locations in Switzerland and abroad. The journey from Zermatt to the Gornergrat takes about 33 minutes and offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The Gornergrat Bahn operates all year round, with trains running every 24 minutes in summer and every 30 minutes in winter. The tickets can be purchased online or at the station, and the prices vary depending on the season, time, and discounts. For example, a round-trip ticket for an adult costs CHF 94 in high season and CHF 47 in low season. There are also special offers for families, groups, and holders of Swiss travel passes.
What to See and Do on the Gornergrat
The Gornergrat is not only a stunning viewpoint, but also a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. There are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy on the Gornergrat in different seasons, such as:
Reflection of Matterhorn in Lake Riffel:
One of the most iconic and photogenic sights on the Gornergrat is the reflection of the Matterhorn in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Riffel. The lake is located at an altitude of 2,757 meters, about 10 minutes walk from the Rotenboden station. The best time to see the reflection is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is low and the wind is calm.
Hiking trails:
The Gornergrat offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels of difficulty and duration. Some of the most popular trails are:
Gornergrat - Riffelberg: A moderate trail that descends from the Gornergrat to the Riffelberg station, passing by the Gorner Glacier and the Riffelsee. The trail is about 3.6 kilometers long and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
Riffelberg - Riffelalp: An easy trail that follows the railway line from the Riffelberg to the Riffelalp station, offering panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the valley. The trail is about 4.8 kilometers long and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
Riffelalp - Zermatt: A scenic trail that descends from the Riffelalp to Zermatt, passing through alpine meadows, forests, and villages. The trail is about 7.2 kilometers long and takes about 2.5 hours to complete.
Cycling routes:
The Gornergrat is also a great destination for cyclists, who can enjoy the thrilling downhill rides or the challenging uphill climbs. Some of the most popular routes are:
Gornergrat - Zermatt: A spectacular route that descends from the Gornergrat to Zermatt, covering a distance of 21 kilometers and a vertical drop of 1,500 meters. The route is suitable for experienced cyclists with good brakes and helmets.
Zermatt - Gornergrat: A demanding route that ascends from Zermatt to the Gornergrat, covering a distance of 9 kilometers and a vertical gain of 1,500 meters. The route is suitable for fit and adventurous cyclists with good gears and stamina.
Tobogganing run: A fun and family-friendly activity on the Gornergrat is tobogganing, which involves sliding down the snow-covered slopes on a wooden sled. The tobogganing run starts at the Rotenboden station and ends at the Riffelberg station, covering a distance of 1.6 kilometers and a vertical drop of 240 meters. The run is open from December to April, depending on the snow conditions. The sleds can be rented at the Rotenboden station or at the Gornergrat station.
Pistes:
The Gornergrat is also a popular ski resort, with over 20 kilometers of pistes for all levels of difficulty and experience. The pistes are well-groomed and offer stunning views of the Matterhorn and the glaciers. The ski season runs from November to May, depending on the snow conditions. The ski passes can be purchased online or at the station, and the prices vary depending on the season, time, and discounts. For example, a one-day ski pass for an adult costs CHF 79 in high season and CHF 40 in low season. There are also special offers for families, groups, and holders of Swiss travel passes.
Children’s ski park:
A fun and safe activity for children on the Gornergrat is the children’s ski park, located at the Riffelberg station. The park offers a variety of features, such as a magic carpet, a snow carousel, a mini slalom, and a snow tubing track. The park is open from December to April, depending on the snow conditions. The entrance fee is CHF 10 per child, and the equipment can be rented at the station.
Snowball fights:
A simple and enjoyable activity for everyone on the Gornergrat is snowball fights, which involve throwing snowballs at each other and having a good laugh. The snow is abundant and soft on the Gornergrat, making it ideal for snowball fights. The best places to have snowball fights are the open areas near the stations, such as the Gornergrat Kulm, the Riffelberg, or the Rotenboden.
Winter hiking:
The Gornergrat also offers some winter hiking trails for those who prefer a more peaceful and relaxing activity. The trails are marked and cleared of snow, and offer beautiful views of the winter landscape. Some of the most popular trails are:
Gornergrat - Rotenboden: An easy trail that descends from the Gornergrat to the Rotenboden station, passing by the Gorner Glacier and the Riffelsee. The trail is about 2.8 kilometers long and takes about 1 hour to complete.
Rotenboden - Riffelberg: A moderate trail that descends from the Rotenboden to the Riffelberg station, passing by the Lake Riffel and the Matterhorn. The trail is about 2.5 kilometers long and takes about 1 hour to complete.
Riffelberg - Riffelalp: A challenging trail that descends from the Riffelberg to the Riffelalp station, passing through steep and snowy slopes. The trail is about 6 kilometers long and takes about 2 hours to complete.
Best Restaurants To Eat Nearby
There are several restaurants on the Gornergrat, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks with a view. Some of the most popular restaurants are:
The 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat Restaurant:
The restaurant of the highest hotel in Europe, located at the Gornergrat summit, offers a variety of dishes, such as Swiss specialties, international cuisine, and vegetarian options. The restaurant also has a panoramic terrace, where you can enjoy the view of the Matterhorn and the glaciers. The restaurant is open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, and the prices range from CHF 15 to CHF 40 per dish.
The Riffelhaus 1853 Restaurant:
The restaurant of the historic hotel, located at the Riffelberg station, offers a cozy and rustic atmosphere, with a fireplace and a wooden interior. The restaurant serves traditional and regional dishes, such as cheese fondue, raclette, and rösti. The restaurant also has a sun terrace, where you can enjoy the view of the Matterhorn and the valley. The restaurant is open from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, and the prices range from CHF 20 to CHF 50 per dish.
The Vis-à-vis Restaurant:
The restaurant of the modern hotel, located at the Riffelalp station, offers a stylish and elegant ambiance, with a glass facade and a contemporary design. The restaurant serves fine and creative dishes, such as lamb chops, salmon fillet, and chocolate cake. The restaurant also has a lounge bar, where you can enjoy a drink and a snack. The restaurant is open from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and the prices range from CHF 25 to CHF 60 per dish.
If you want to plan your trip to the Gornergrat, you can find more information and book your tickets online on the official websites of Zermatt and Switzerland Tourism. You can also see the live webcam of the Gornergrat to check the current weather and visibility.
We hope this article was helpful and informative for you. Thank you for reading and we would love to hear your feedback and experiences. Have a great time on the Gornergrat!
