The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is an epic viewpoint at 3883 m, with a spectacular view of the Matterhorn as well 38 four-thousand-meter peaks and 14 glaciers in both Switzerland and Italy. Are you impressed?!

You reach this tourist attraction by riding a series of cable cars up from the Zermatt village (including the highest cable car in Europe at 3883m). At the top, you take an elevation and staircase to a small observation deck at the top of the Kleine Matterhorn peak. Best bring a warm jacket even in summer - it gets chilly up there!

There are a few other amusements including the Glacier Palace, a series of tunnels and caves carved into the glacier ice cave 15 meters below the surface. You can walk on the glacier snow and even sled (they usually have free sleds to use on a small sledding hill).

On your way back down the mountain, we suggest stopping at one of the middle stations for a hike, like the Matterhorn Glacier Trail or Furi to Gorner Gorge.

Is it worth it?

We love the cable car ride up, some of the best views in Zermatt, especially as you ride over the glacier. And it's fun to be on the summer snow and slide around in the glacier ice tunnel.

This activity is a good choice for those who want to enjoy the views without hiking. It's also good for fall because the cable cars are open through October and November.

But... if you can choose only one expensive mountain outing in Zermatt, we much prefer Gornergrat, where you more room to wander around.

Also, if you are thinking of visiting other glacier viewpoints during your Switzerland trip (like Jungfraujoch or Titlis), I would probably just pick of them since the experiences are pretty similar.

How to get there

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise gondolas at located at Schluhmattstrasse 121, 3920 Zermatt, about a 15 min walk from the Zermatt train station. Or you can ride a shuttle.

You ride to Furi, then Trockener Steg. Then transfer to the big fancy cable cars for the last section over the glacier up to Kleine Matterhorn.

The full journey to the top takes about 1 hour one way. I'd plan at least 3 hours for this outing, longer if you plan to hike.

Tickets

To visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you’ll need a return ticket on the cable cars from Zermatt. If you plan to hike at one of the middle stations (as described below), inform the ticket office and you may pay slightly less.

You can purchase tickets at the gondola station or online beforehand. You do not need a reservation.

The price varies by season, starting around CHF 95/adult for a round trip ticket.

Book tickets*

You get a 50% discount with GA, Swiss Travel Pass, SBB Half-fare card and children 6-16. No discount with Eurail, SBB Day Pass, or Gemeinde Day Pass. Dogs are allowed and travel for free. More budget tips for Switzerland.

Children 9-15 are half-fare. Children aged 3-9 ride free. Note that children under 3 are not allowed on last cable car from Trockener Steg to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise due to risk of altitude sickness

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