Have you ever dreamed of standing on top of the world, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers, and feeling the thrill of adventure? If yes, then you should not miss Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest mountain station in Europe, located on the Klein Matterhorn peak in Zermatt, Switzerland. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about this amazing attraction, and how to make the most of your visit.
You will discover the stunning views, the fascinating ice sculptures, the exhilarating ski slopes, and the magical glacier palace that await you at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. You will also find out how to get there, when to go, what to do, and where to stay. Whether you are a nature lover, a ski enthusiast, or a culture seeker, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise has something for everyone. Read on to find out why Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Switzerland or Europe.
What is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Why You Should Visit It
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest mountain station in Europe, located at an altitude of 3,883 meters (12,740 feet) on the Klein Matterhorn peak, also known as Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It is accessible by cable cars from Zermatt, the famous Swiss resort town at the foot of the Matterhorn, the iconic pyramid-shaped mountain that symbolizes Switzerland. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offers panoramic views of the Swiss, Italian, and French Alps, including 38 peaks over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) and 14 glaciers. It also features a variety of attractions and activities that make it a unique and unforgettable experience. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:
You can enjoy the highest viewing platform in Europe, with a 360-degree view of the majestic alpine scenery. You can also take a summit lift to the roof of the station, where you can see the Matterhorn up close and feel the wind in your hair.
You can explore the Glacier Palace, a world of ice and snow inside the glacier, with sculptures, an ice slide, a walk-in crevasse, and a tunnel system. You can marvel at the beauty and mystery of the ice formations, and learn about the history and culture of the region.
You can watch a movie at the Cinema Lounge, a cozy and comfortable theater that shows films about the Matterhorn, the Alps, and the environment. You can relax and enjoy the entertainment, while learning more about the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
You can dine at the Restaurant Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest restaurant in Europe, with a self-service and a table-service section. You can savor the delicious Swiss and international cuisine, while admiring the spectacular view of the mountains and the glaciers.
You can shop at the Shop Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest shop in Europe, where you can find souvenirs, gifts, clothing, and accessories. You can buy something special for yourself or your loved ones, and remember your visit to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
You can cross the border between Switzerland and Italy at the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, a year-round connection by cable cars over the Theodul Glacier. You can enjoy the views of the Matterhorn and other peaks, and experience two different cultures and languages in one day.
You can ski, snowboard, and freestyle at the summer skiing area, the highest and largest in Europe, with up to 21 km (13 miles) of pistes, a snow park, and a half-pipe. You can have fun and challenge yourself on the slopes, and meet other ski lovers from around the world.
You can ride the Crystal Ride, a special feature of the 3S cableway, with cabins that have glass floors, revealing the glacier landscape below during the ride. You can feel the thrill and the wonder of flying over the ice and snow, and see the world from a different perspective.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is not only a stunning attraction, but also a remarkable achievement of engineering and technology. It holds several records and awards, such as the highest mountain station, the highest cable car, the highest restaurant, the highest shop, and the longest ski season in Europe. It also uses renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and follows strict environmental standards, to preserve the beauty and the health of the Alps. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a testament to the human spirit and the respect for nature, and a source of inspiration and joy for millions of visitors every year.
How to Get to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt
Getting to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt is easy and convenient, as there are different ways to reach it, depending on your preference and budget. Here are the main options:
By cable car:
This is the most popular and fastest way to get to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt. You can take the cable car from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise station in Zermatt, which is a 10-minute walk from the train station. The cable car takes you to the Trockener Steg station, where you can change to the 3S cableway, which takes you to the Klein Matterhorn station, also known as Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The whole journey takes about 40 minutes, and costs CHF 100 (USD 110) for a round-trip ticket. You can also buy a combined ticket that includes the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing to Breuil-Cervinia in Italy, which costs CHF 130 (USD 143) for a round-trip ticket. The cable car operates daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with departures every 15 minutes. You can check the timetable and book your tickets online at www.matterhornparadise.ch.
By train:
This is a scenic and comfortable way to get to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt. You can take the train from the Zermatt station to the Gornergrat station, which is the highest open-air railway station in Europe, at an altitude of 3,089 meters (10,135 feet). The train takes you through the beautiful alpine landscape, with views of the Matterhorn and the Gorner Glacier. The train takes about 33 minutes, and costs CHF 94 (USD 103) for a round-trip ticket. You can also buy a combined ticket that includes the cable car from Gornergrat to Hohtälli, and then to Trockener Steg, where you can change to the 3S cableway to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. This option costs CHF 144 (USD 158) for a round-trip ticket. The train operates daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, with departures every 24 minutes. You can check the timetable and book your tickets online at www.gornergratbahn.ch.
By foot:
This is an adventurous and challenging way to get to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt, for experienced and fit hikers only. You can hike from Zermatt to the Klein Matterhorn station, following the marked trails and signs. The hike takes you through the forest, the meadows, and the rocky terrain, with stunning views of the Matterhorn and the glaciers. The hike takes about 6 hours, and covers a distance of 14 km (8.7 miles), with an elevation gain of 2,300 meters (7,546 feet). You need to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and carry enough water and food. You also need to check the weather and the trail conditions before you start, and be prepared for sudden changes. You can find more information and maps about the hike at www.zermatt.ch.
No matter how you choose to get to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt, you will enjoy a memorable and rewarding journey, with breathtaking views and experiences along the way. However, you should also be aware of some tips and advice on how to plan and prepare for your trip, such as:
Check the weather forecast and the opening hours of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise before you go, as they may vary depending on the season and the conditions. You can find the latest information at www.matterhornparadise.ch.
Pack the essentials, such as warm and waterproof clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, gloves, and a camera. The temperature at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise can be very cold, even in summer, and the sun can be very strong, due to the high altitude and the reflection of the snow.
Buy your tickets in advance, online or at the ticket office in Zermatt, to avoid the queues and the crowds. You can also save money by buying a combined ticket that includes other attractions or activities in Zermatt, such as Gornergrat, Rothorn, or Sunnegga.
Be careful of the altitude sickness, which is a common problem for visitors to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, due to the low oxygen and air pressure. You may experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath. To prevent or reduce the altitude sickness, you should drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, eat light and healthy food, and rest frequently. If you have any medical conditions or concerns, you should consult your doctor before you go, and carry any medication you may need. If you feel unwell or uncomfortable, you should descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible, and seek medical help if necessary.
What to Do and See at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Once you arrive at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you will be amazed by the variety and the quality of the things to do and see there. You can spend a whole day or more exploring and enjoying the attractions and activities, or you can choose the ones that suit your interests and preferences. Here are some of the main attractions and activities that you can do and see at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, and what makes them unique and enjoyable.
Viewing Platform
The viewing platform is the highlight of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, and the reason why many people visit it. It is the highest viewing platform in Europe, located on the roof of the station, at an altitude of 3,883 meters (12,740 feet). It offers a 360-degree view of the stunning alpine scenery, including 38 peaks over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) and 14 glaciers. You can see the Matterhorn up close, as well as other famous mountains, such as Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, and the Jungfrau, the highest peak in Switzerland. You can also see the Theodul Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, and the border between Switzerland and Italy. The viewing platform is accessible by a summit lift, which takes you from the station to the roof in less than a minute. The viewing platform is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and the admission is included in the cable car ticket. The viewing platform is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves nature and photography, and who wants to experience the feeling of being on top of the world.
Glacier Palace
The Glacier Palace is a world of ice and snow inside the glacier, located below the station, at an altitude of 3,795 meters (12,451 feet). It is a unique and fascinating attraction, where you can explore the sculptures, the ice slide, the walk-in crevasse, and the tunnel system, all made of ice and snow. You can marvel at the beauty and the mystery of the ice formations, and learn about the history and the culture of the region. You can see ice sculptures of animals, such as ibexes, eagles, and bears, as well as of human figures, such as mountaineers, skiers, and snowmen. You can also see ice sculptures of symbols and landmarks, such as the Swiss flag, the Matterhorn, and the Eiffel Tower.
You can slide down the ice slide, which is 7 meters (23 feet) long and 4 meters (13 feet) high, and have fun and laughter. You can walk into the crevasse, which is a crack in the glacier, and feel the cold and the silence. You can also walk through the tunnel system, which is 15 meters (49 feet) long and 3 meters (10 feet) high, and admire the different colors and textures of the ice. The Glacier Palace is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and the admission is included in the cable car ticket. The Glacier Palace is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves art and adventure, and who wants to experience the magic and the wonder of the glacier.
Cinema Lounge
The Cinema Lounge is a cozy and comfortable theater that shows films about the Matterhorn, the Alps, and the environment, located inside the station, at an altitude of 3,883 meters (12,740 feet). It is an entertaining and educational attraction, where you can relax and enjoy the movies, while learning more about the natural and cultural heritage of the area. You can watch films such as “The Matterhorn Story”, which tells the history and the legends of the iconic mountain, “The Alps from Above”, which shows the beauty and the diversity of the alpine landscape, and “The Glacier World”, which explains the formation and the importance of the glaciers. The Cinema Lounge has a capacity of 80 seats, and a screen of 8 meters (26 feet) wide and 4 meters (13 feet) high. The Cinema Lounge is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and the admission is included in the cable car ticket. The Cinema Lounge is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves movies and learning, and who wants to experience the culture and the environment of the Alps.
Restaurant Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Restaurant Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest restaurant in Europe, located inside the station, at an altitude of 3,883 meters (12,740 feet). It is a delicious and convenient attraction, where you can dine and drink, while admiring the spectacular view of the mountains and the glaciers. The Restaurant Matterhorn Glacier Paradise has a self-service and a table-service section, offering a variety of Swiss and international cuisine, such as cheese fondue, raclette, pasta, pizza, salads, soups, sandwiches, cakes, and ice cream.
You can also enjoy hot and cold beverages, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, beer, wine, and soft drinks. The Restaurant Matterhorn Glacier Paradise has a capacity of 250 seats, and a terrace of 100 seats. The Restaurant Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and the prices are reasonable, considering the location and the quality. The Restaurant Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves food and drinks, and who wants to experience the taste and the hospitality of the Alps.
Shop Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Shop Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest shop in Europe, located inside the station, at an altitude of 3,883 meters (12,740 feet). It is a fun and convenient attraction, where you can shop and browse, while looking for something special to remember your visit to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The Shop Matterhorn Glacier Paradise has a wide range of souvenirs, gifts, clothing, and accessories, such as magnets, mugs, keychains, postcards, t-shirts, hats, scarves, gloves, and sunglasses.
You can also find some exclusive and original products, such as Matterhorn-shaped chocolates, Matterhorn-shaped cheese, Matterhorn-shaped candles, and Matterhorn-shaped crystals. The Shop Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and the prices are reasonable, considering the location and the quality. The Shop Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves shopping and souvenirs, and who wants to experience the charm and the variety of the Alps.
Matterhorn Alpine Crossing
The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing is a year-round connection between Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia in Italy, by cable cars over the Theodul Glacier. It is an exciting and unique attraction, where you can cross the border between Switzerland and Italy, and enjoy the views of the Matterhorn and other peaks, and experience two different cultures and languages in one day. The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing starts from the Klein Matterhorn station, where you can take the cable car to the Plateau Rosa station, which is the border point between the two countries.
From there, you can take another cable car to the Testa Grigia station, and then another cable car to the Plan Maison station, where you can change to the Cime Bianche Laghi station, and then to the Cervinia station, which is the final destination in Italy. The whole journey takes about an hour, and costs CHF 130 (USD 143) for a round-trip ticket, or CHF 65 (USD 72) for a one-way ticket.
You can also buy a combined ticket that includes the cable car from Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which costs CHF 144 (USD 158) for a round-trip ticket, or CHF 72 (USD 79) for a one-way ticket. The cable car operates daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with departures every 15 minutes. You can check the timetable and book your tickets online at www.matterhornparadise.ch. The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves adventure and diversity, and who wants to experience the best of both worlds.
Summer Skiing Area
The summer skiing area is the highest and largest in Europe, located on the Theodul Glacier, at an altitude of 3,500 meters (11,483 feet). It is a thrilling and fun attraction, where you can ski, snowboard, and freestyle, even in summer, when the rest of the Alps are green and warm. The summer skiing area has up to 21 km (13 miles) of pistes, a snow park, and a half-pipe, suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to experts. You can also find ski schools, ski rentals, ski shops, and ski patrols, to help you with your skiing needs.
The summer skiing area is open daily from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, from June to October, and the admission is CHF 80 (USD 88) for a day pass, or CHF 40 (USD 44) for a half-day pass. You can also buy a combined ticket that includes the cable car from Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which costs CHF 100 (USD 110) for a day pass, or CHF 50 (USD 55) for a half-day pass. You can check the timetable and book your tickets online at www.matterhornparadise.ch. The summer skiing area is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves skiing and snowboarding, and who wants to experience the unique and amazing opportunity to ski in summer.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a spectacular and unforgettable attraction, that offers panoramic views, ice sculptures, ski slopes, and a glacier palace, at the highest mountain station in Europe. It is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Switzerland or Europe, as it provides a unique and rewarding experience, that combines nature, culture, and adventure. Whether you are a nature lover, a ski enthusiast, or a culture seeker, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise has something for everyone. You can easily and conveniently get there from Zermatt, by cable car, by train, or by foot, depending on your preference and budget. You can also plan and prepare for your trip, by checking the weather, packing the essentials, buying the tickets in advance, and being careful of the altitude sickness. You can spend a whole day or more exploring and enjoying the attractions and activities, or you can choose the ones that suit your interests and preferences. You can also cross the border between Switzerland and Italy, and experience two different cultures and languages in one day.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a testament to the human spirit and the respect for nature, and a source of inspiration and joy for millions of visitors every year.
If you are looking for a memorable and rewarding journey, with breathtaking views and experiences, you should not miss Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest mountain station in Europe. Book your tickets online now, and discover the wonder and the magic of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
