Gornergrat is a stunning mountain in Zermatt, whose peak reaches an impressive 3,135 metres above sea level. It's super easy to reach this viewpoint with the Gornergrat cogwheel mountain train

Open: year round except short maintenance break in early November. See timetable.

This mountain is our favorite in the Zermatt area, with the prettiest trails and classic Matterhorn views. We much prefer the Gornergrat to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which is technically closer the Matterhorn but the angle is different so it doesn't look quite right.

We love particularly like this area for families and non-hikers because you can get amazing views and pictures without much work. But if you do want to hike, there are great trails of varying length and difficulty, something for everyone.

How to get there

The Gornergrat mountain train is located across the street from the main Zermatt train station - Bahnhofpl. 1, 3920 Zermatt

The train ride is 33 mins from Zermatt to the Gornergrat, dropping you off at a spectacular viewpoint next to the hotel and restaurant. Make sure to follow the path above the hotel to a higher observation deck, which has a fantastic view of the Matterhorn, Gorner Glacier, and 20 four-thousand meter peaks.

I'd plan for at least 2 hours for this outing, longer if you plan to eat there or hike.

Tickets

A return train ticket is expensive, ranging from CHF 110 - 132/adult depending which month you visit.

If you are traveling on the Swiss Travel Pass or have another travelcard, you get a 50% discount.

We suggest buying tickets online, so you can skip the line, helpful on busy summer days. You don't need to pre-book these tickets as they don't sell out.

➡️Book Gornergrat tickets

What to do

The Gornergrat train drops you at the top of the mountain, just below the Gornergrat hotel. You can get some great views at the stone wall directly across from the train station.

However, best to walk up to the Gornergrat Observation Platform just above the hotel. It has a great view of the Gorner Glacier and Matterhorn and is a much better place for pictures.

To get there, either walk up to the hotel or use the elevator. Then follow the path around the right side of the hotel and up a couple of switchbacks on the obstacle-free path.

The platform itself is large, room for everyone to spread out. There are walls on the sides to prevent you from falling off. But if you have small children, keep them close so they don't wander into unsafe territory.

TIP: At the far side of the platform, there is a dirt path that leads out on the ridge. We recommend walking out here, even just for a few minutes, as you can escape some of the people can get some amazing photos of the glacier.

Services

The Gornergrat hotel has a self-serve restaurant, gift shop, and toilets.

Add-ons

As part of this outing, you should definitely visit the Riffelsee lake (also on the map), just one train stop down the mountain and very short walk. 🥾 If you have time and energy, we suggest the Riffelseeweg trail, which allows you to leave the crowds behind and enjoy the Matterhorn view a little longer.

• Learn more in my Gornergrat article.