Gornergrat is a mountain viewpoint above Zermatt at 3,135 m above sea level. It's super easy to reach this viewpoint with the Gornergrat cogwheel mountain train.

At the top, you get fantastic views of the Matterhorn and Gorner glacier. There are easy paths around the top, accessing a variety of viewpoints.

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

Accessibility: This is a great option for non-hikers and those with limited mobility. Most of the viewpoints are wheelchair and stroller accessible, with elevators and paved paths.

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.

Tickets

The train ticket is expensive, starting around CHF 110/adult depending on which month you visit. 50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card

We suggest buying tickets online, so you can skip the ticket desk line. But the tickets don't sell out, so you don't have to pre-book.

➡️Book Gornergrat tickets

What to do there

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, which 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.

Why we like it

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.

Add-ons

As part of this outing, you should definitely visit the nearby Riffelsee lake. To get there, you can ride the train down one stop or hike there on the Gornergrat Scenic Trail.

• Learn more in my Gornergrat article.