Gornergrat

Ride the cogwheel train, in operation since 1898, to a 3,089-meter viewing platform. You get a front-row view of the Matterhorn and look out over 29 peaks above 4,000 meters and the Gorner Glacier.

The Gornergrat Railway was Switzerland's first electric cogwheel railway. It departs from the station across from Zermatt station and climbs nearly 1,500 meters in about 33 minutes to the summit station at 3,089 meters. Sit on the right-hand side for views of the Matterhorn. At the top are an observation terrace, the Kulmhotel (one of Switzerland's highest hotels), restaurants and shops. From there you can see a 360-degree panorama that includes Dufourspitze, Switzerland's highest peak at 4,634 meters in the Monte Rosa massif, as well as the Gorner Glacier, the second-longest glacier in the Alps.

A recommended route is to take the early train up to see the morning light. On the way down, get off at Rotenboden station (2,815 meters). From there, it is a 5-minute walk to Riffelsee for reflection photos. Then follow the gentle trail for about an hour to Riffelberg station and catch a train back to town.

Round-trip fares vary with the date. In summer they cost roughly CHF 100 to 130. Holders of the Swiss Travel Pass get a 50% discount. Buying tickets in advance on the official website often gets you early-bird prices. There are also dawn sunrise trains and a “Sunrise” event on Thursdays in summer, which requires a reservation.

Note that even in summer, the summit is only 0 to 10°C, so it is windy. Bring a down jacket, and slow down at high altitude.

Gornergrat

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