Gornergrat, Zermatt: Matterhorn Views, Hiking & Skiing

29/10/2026

Gornergrat is a rocky ridge at 3,089 metres above the village of Zermatt in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It is one of the best viewpoints in the Alps. From the top you can see the Matterhorn, the long Gorner Glacier and 29 mountains that are higher than 4,000 metres. Among them is the Dufourspitze in the Monte Rosa massif, the highest peak in Switzerland. Since 1898 the Gornergrat Railway, a red cog railway, has carried visitors from Zermatt to the top. It was the first fully electric cog railway in Switzerland and is the highest open-air cog railway in Europe.

What to See

The train ride takes about 33 minutes and passes through forests, meadows and rocky slopes, with the Matterhorn often in view. At the top there is a viewing platform, a restaurant, shops and the Kulmhotel Gornergrat with its two observatory domes. In summer the area is great for hiking. A popular easy walk goes from Rotenboden station to the Riffelsee, a small lake where the Matterhorn is reflected in the water, and on to Riffelberg. Other paths lead down to Riffelalp and Zermatt or along the Gorner Glacier. In winter Gornergrat is part of the large Zermatt ski area. Wide pistes run from the top down to Riffelberg, Furi and Zermatt, and there are also winter hiking trails and a sledge run.

How to Get There and Practical Information

Zermatt is a car-free village. You can reach it by train from Visp or Brig, or park your car in Täsch and take the shuttle train. The Gornergrat Railway station is right opposite Zermatt main station. Trains run every day of the year, often every 24 minutes. A return ticket is expensive, but holders of the Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card pay half price. At over 3,000 metres it is much colder than in the valley, so bring warm clothes, sunglasses and sun cream even in summer. Go early in the morning for clear views of the Matterhorn and fewer people.