Gornergrat - the excursion destination on the Matterhorn

The Gornergrat is the easiest and one of the best ways to experience the Matterhorn in all its beauty.

6 Highlights on the Gornergrat

• Enjoy the unique panorama at 3135 m above sea level with mountains and glaciers as far as the eye can see.
• Many hiking routes through the Valais mountains start at Gornergrat. Experience the impressive play of light and the fresh alpine wind.
• From Gornergrat you have a perfect view of the world famous Matterhorn with the Monte Rosa glaciers.
• A multimedia adventure world "Zooom the Matterhorn" lets you experience the Matterhorn from afar from the Gornergrat.
• From the valley you can reach the Gornergrat very easily and quickly with the Gornergratbahn: the highest free-standing rack railroad in Europe.
• The Gornergrat mountain bike trails should not be missed by any biking enthusiast. The rides are among the most beautiful trails in Switzerland and range from easy to very difficult.

Situated among 29 peaks over 4,000 meters, Gornergrat offers a truly unique view. It's nestled between the Gorner Glacier and the Findel Glacier.

Sights at Gornergrat

The journey on the cogwheel train itself is an experience. You travel from Zermatt through an impressive mountain landscape. Once you reach the top, the view gets even better. Surrounded by towering peaks, you won't be able to stop marveling at the scenery.

At Gornergrat, the highest alpine garden in Europe was created over an area of 5000 m².

Viewing platform on Gornergrat with panoramic view

The platform is located at 3089 m above sea level and provides postcard motifs. The view of the famous Matterhorn from here is said to be one of the most beautiful in the Zermatt region. The mighty Monte Rosa massif with the Dufourspitze (4634 m above sea level) is also clearly visible

The view goes to the mighty Gorner glacier, which is a full 12 km long and joins another seven glaciers. Behind it the panorama begins (from the left) with the Monte Rosa massif, the Liskamm (4527 m a.s.l.) and the Breithorn (4164 m a.s.l.).

The other 29 four-thousand-meter peaks within reach are also unforgettable for every visitor. In summer you can often observe wild ibexes near the viewing platform.

Chapel of St. Bernard of Aosta

This chapel stands at 3100 meters above sea level and is dedicated to Saint Bernard. It was built in 1950 at the request of the bishop for Sunday mass. The chapel is a block building with a bell tower on the larger of two offset roofs

Inside, people like to take pictures of the simple ornaments on the wooden ceiling. The floor of the chapel is made of stone slabs. The altarpiece, made of wooden figures, shows Saint Bernard of Aosta in the center. To his left is Saint Mauritius and to his right Saint Theodul. Saint Mauritius is the patron saint of Valais. Every year visitors light several thousand commemorative candles.

• Admission: free
• Open: daily around the clock
• Location: footpath between the mountain railway station and the hotel

Multimedia experience world "Zooom the Matterhorn

Next to the Kulm Hotel is the former valley station of the Hohtälli cable car. It has been converted into a multimedia world of experience. Here you can experience the Matterhorn up close.

There are three zoom levels:

Zoom level 1: With Periscopes very close to the horn

You see the Matterhorn and its surrounding mountains and enjoy all the alpine beauty. With Periscopes you get close to the view and get information about it.

Zoom level 2: immersive 3D cinema

You will be transported to the four seasons on the Matterhorn. You will experience blooming spring meadows, hurricane-like autumn storms and icy snow landscapes. You also get the feeling of experiencing the Matterhorn on a balmy summer evening. The almost real experiences are made possible by light projectors from three sides

Zoom level 3: Paragliding

Here you have the choice between two virtual paragliding flights. You can experience a sporty and adventurous flight or a relaxed panoramic flight. You sit in a floating chair with 3D glasses. Both virtual flights focus on the Matterhorn and the surrounding alpine landscape

The Riffelsee at Gornergrat

This little mountain lake, with no outflow, sits at 2,770 m above sea level and is famous as a photography spot. The Matterhorn reflects in the tranquil lake in a particularly striking way. Especially during the morning or evening twilight, the lake is much quieter than during the day.

The Riffelsee is located at the foot of Riffelhorn and can be reached from the Rotenboden train station in just ten minutes on foot. Just a few meters beyond the lake, you can find another, smaller lake toward Riffelberg, which is less frequently visited. So, the Riffelsee is a popular destination when you’re visiting Gornergrat.

Traveling to Gornergrat by Cable Car

You can reach Gornergrat by cogwheel train. It’s not just any train; it's the highest cogwheel train built outdoors.

After the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch, the Gornergrat Railway is the second-highest cogwheel train in all of Europe. It covers 1,481 meters in altitude and 9.34 kilometers from the Zermatt station in just 33 minutes.

If a marathon or half marathon is taking place, a spectator train operates as a mobile viewing platform between St. Niklaus and Zermatt. On these days (usually in early July), you’ll also find a small folk festival at the train station in Zermatt.

Stations of the Gornergrat Railway

station	altitude (m a.s.l.)	connection
Zermatt	1608	Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn
Findelbach	1770
Riffelalp	2210
Riffelboden	2348	Riffelalp Tram
Riffelberg	2582
Rotenboden	2819
Gornergrat	3089

Offers at Swiss Activities

• Gornergratbahn Ticket

The Riffelalp Tram is a narrow-gauge railway. From the Riffelalp station, it runs a distance of 675 meters to the Riffelalp Hotel. It operates from June to October.

Additionally, there are other railways in the Gornergrat area:

• Rote Nase (cable car)
• Gant - Hohtälli (cable car)
• Gifthittli (chair lift)
• The Triftji ski lift is open in winter.

Wallis Experience Card at Gornergrat

With the Wallis Experience Card, you can ride the Gornergrat Bahn. The Wallis Experience Card is available for 2, 3, or 5 days of your choice within a month. This way, you can explore the Oberwallis vacation region flexibly. You can also travel through the regions of Andermatt, Berner Oberland, and all the way to Disentis-Sedrun.

Activities and Experiences at Gornergrat

The Gornergrat is one of Switzerland's most popular excursion destinations. The nearby Matterhorn and the stunning views of the vast mountain landscape attract many people year-round.

In summer, you'll find numerous hiking trails. Some are simple and suitable for the whole family, while others are more demanding. In the afternoons, mountain bikers can enjoy the trails, and you can go climbing at Riffelhorn.

In winter, sledding and snowshoeing through the snowy landscape are the main attractions. The ski schools in Zermatt offer various courses for beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. At Riffelberg, there's a ski school specifically for young children.

Hiking at Gornergrat

At Gornergrat, you’ll find a lot of hiking trails. In summer, you'll encounter black-nosed sheep or black-necked goats everywhere.

Some hiking trails at Gornergrat include:

Rotenboden to Riffelberg via the Riffelsee

• Distance: 3.1 km
• Duration: 1 hour
• Altitude change: 276 m ↓ 42 m↑
• Season: May to November

Riffelalp - Gornergrat - Grünsee - Fluhalp - Sunnegga

This difficult hike can be mitigated with an overnight stay on the Fluhalp.

• Distance: 17.4 km
• Duration: 6:40 hour
• Altitude difference: 1172 hm ↓ 1254 hm↑

Riffelberg - Gornergrat - Riffelberg

• Distance: 8.2 km
• Duration: 3:00 hour
• Altitude difference: 529 hm ↓ 528 hm↑
• Season: May to September

Glacier Trekking Rotenboden - Monte Rosa Hut

You can reach the Monte Rosa hut (at 2883 m above sea level) from the Gornergrat by crossing the Gorner glacier. For this, it is best to take an experienced mountain guide from the region. The paths over glaciers and moraines are in no way comparable to hiking trails.

• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 3:30 hour
• Altitude difference: 415 hm ↓ 474 hm↑
• Season: June to September

This hut is used as a starting point for an ascent of the Monta Rosa peak. It stands on the rocky ridge above the confluence of the two main arms of the glacier.

Mountain biking on the Gornergrat

The Gornergrat Bahn only takes mountain bikes from 4:00 pm. This means that hikers can also enjoy the trails undisturbed. You need to book in advance if you want to ride over the numerous routes of different levels of difficulty.

Gornergrat - Riffelsee - Riffelberg - Zermatt

The difficult trail has partly a wide slope and scores with grandiose views.

• Distance: 11.4 km
• Duration: 1:00 hour
• Altitude difference: 1500 hm ↓ 38 hm↑
• Season: July to September

Climbing on the Riffelhorn

The Riffelhorn is a climber's paradise. Plaisir climbers love to come here. Climbing in the rocks has a moderate level of difficulty. The multi-pitch routes are well to very well equipped with bolts and very versatile. The Riffelhorn reaches 2918 m above sea level and is often used by alpine climbers as a training climbing mountain

The Bartgeier climbing route was set up by two mountain guides from Zermatt. It corresponds to difficulty level 4+ (UIAA) and runs along the southeast edge of the Riffelhorn

The Querdenker variant branches off before the traverse to the Bartgeier. It has difficulty level 5+ (UIAA) and runs along a very windy part

From Gornergrat you take a train station to Rotenboden and then follow the path for 15 min towards the south face routes. A bolthook is available as a marker at the entrance. Partly you have to belay the route yourself. You will need a 45 m long rope as well as wedges and friends

Snowli Kids Village Ski School

At the Snowli Kids Village on Riffelberg, you can have your child taught to ski by professionals. It’s not far from Gornergrat and can be easily reached by the Gornergrat Railway.

Sledding at Gornergrat

A beautiful sledding path with a view of the Matterhorn leads from the Rotenboden train station to Riffelberg. You can easily reach the starting point by the Gornergrat Railway, which typically runs every 10 minutes. And if you want to sled down on a SNOOC, make sure to reserve it in advance.

Rotenboden - Riffelberg

• Distance: 1.3 km
• Duration: 10 min
• Elevation change: 224 m ↓
• Season: November to May

Paragliding from Gornergrat

As many as seven providers, including two flight schools, offer tandem flights in Zermatt. On the Gornergrat, the flights take place from various locations:

• Gornergrat
• Rotenboden
• Riffelberg

Snowshoeing on Gornergrat

In winter, it's best to take snowshoes to hike through the magnificent landscape. We'll show you three trails:

Panorama Trail (No. 142): Rotenboden - Riffelalp

• Distance: 2.5 km
• Duration: 1:30 hours
• Altitude difference: 242 ↓ 10 hm ↑
• Season: December to April

Challenge Trail (No. 141): Gornergrat - Rotenboden

• Distance: 1.7 km
• Duration: 1:00 hours
• Altitude difference: 267 ↓ 1 hm ↑
• Season: December to April

Discovery Trail (No. 145): Riffelalp to Findeln

• Distance: 3.8 km
• Duration: 1:30 hours
• Altitude difference: 256 ↓ 85 hm ↑
• Season: December to February

Mountain huts, hotels and restaurants on Gornergrat

On the Gornergrat you can visit hotels and restaurants all year round. Here you will find a small selection.

3100 Kulm Hotel

You can reach the Kulm Hotel from the top station of the Gornergrat cable car. The hotel includes not only two restaurants, but also an observatory and a shopping mall. An overnight stay with sunset and sunrise in the mountains is a very special experience. Suitable for: Epicures

Buffet & Bar Riffelberg

The spaetzle stand in Buffet & Bar Riffelberg is a special attraction. You will find it very close to the Gornergratbahn stop and the top station of the Riffelberg-Express gondola. Suitable for: Hikers, mountain bikers, climbers

Chemi Hitta

The Chemi Hitta is located on the lower Riffelalp, only 15 min from the Riffelalp cable car station. It is a ski hut and restaurant and offers lunch or café. The apple strudel is legendary. Suitable for: Skiers and hikers

Igloo Village

You can reach the igloo village from Rotenboden on foot in 15 min via a winter hiking trail to the right of the railroad line. A fondue is offered on the terrace. suitable for: Skiers and hikers_

Climate and weather at Gornergrat

The climate on the Gornergrat is unpredictable. At this altitude, a more or less strong wind usually blows during the day. Warm clothing is absolutely necessary. Please wear mountain boots for hiking and take rainwear with you. Even in summer, a warm jacket is essential.

You should definitely take sunglasses to avoid eye damage and even snow blindness

Altitudes above 3000 m above sea level can cause health problems. The air is thinner and you can expect to get a headache or feel dizzy. The pulse could also be elevated after just a few steps

In these cases, it is better to walk slowly and take more frequent breaks. Drinking plenty of fluids is also important. People with health problems should consult their doctor before visiting the Gornergrat.

Location and Getting to Gornergrat

You can only reach Gornergrat by taking the Gornergrat Railway. The cogwheel train departs from Zermatt. Since Zermatt is car-free, you have to park your car in Täsch and take the shuttle to Zermatt. Trains and buses run to Zermatt. From Zurich, it takes about 3.5 hours by train via Visp.

The Gornergrat is a destination that you should definitely put on your list. The impressions and experiences you will not forget for the rest of your life. At the top of the Gornergrat you also have the opportunity to take a selfie with the Matterhorn at the Photopoint. You will need the number of your Gornergrat ticket or SwissPass to request your photo later.