The Gorner Gorge is a narrow canyon formed by the river flowing from nearby the Gorner glacier.

For a small fee, you can wander through this gorge on wooden walkways built into the rock walls, admiring the intricate rock formations, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. This area is particularly beautiful in fall when the golden larch trees turn bright yellow.

This is a good choice for a cloudy day, since the beauty doesn't depend on clear skies. It's also nice for a “down day” when you need something easy, or as add-on to other activities, since it doesn’t take much time.

Website: blatten-zermatt.ch

Open: daily 9.15 am - 5.45 pm / end of May through mid October. May close due to poor weather.

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How to get there

The gorge is located at the southern end of the Zermatt village, about a 15 minute walk from the closest bus stop (Zermatt, ZenStecken) or 25 min walk from the Zermatt train station.

See gorge entrance on Google maps.

Optional hike

It's a rather short walk through the gorge, only about 200m. So we usually do a loop, continuing up river a bit and crossing over to Blatten, a cute little hamlet of charming chalets. There's a mountain restaurant here if you need refreshments. Then loop down to the Zermatt village. Beautiful view

🥾Trail: easy • 1 hour • 2.75 km loop (including gorge) • 100m up and down
See trail map

Add on to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

If you are visiting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the Gorner Gorge is a great add-on. On you way back down from the viewpoint, get off at the Furi station. Then follow signs to the Gornerschlucht (Gorner Gorge).

After about 30 mins, you'll reach the Gorge entrance. After the gorge, another 15 mins of walking to reach a Zermatt bus stop on the edge of town.

🥾Trail: easy • 1 hour • 2.5 km one way • 10m up, 220m down
See trail map.