Gornergrat Railway
Ascend via the Gornergrat Railway for breathtaking Matterhorn views, glaciers, and alpine lakes. A quintessential Swiss Alps journey.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Gornergrat Railway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend via the Gornergrat Railway for breathtaking Matterhorn views, glaciers, and alpine lakes. A quintessential Swiss Alps journey.
"Our most expensive purchase in Switzerland! Question: was it worth it? YES!"
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your Gornergrat Railway tickets in advance to skip lines and guarantee your spot. :admission_tickets:
💺 Sit on the Right (Going Up)
For the best Matterhorn views on your ascent, aim for a seat on the right side of the train. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Matterhorn Views
Gornergrat Summit
Experience unparalleled, unobstructed views of the iconic Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. A truly breathtaking sight!
Rotenboden Lake Reflection
Rotenboden Station
A short walk from Rotenboden station leads to a stunning alpine lake, often reflecting the majestic Matterhorn.
Glacier and Alpine Scenery
En route to Gornergrat
The cogwheel train journey itself offers spectacular vistas of glaciers, alpine meadows, and diverse wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Gornergrat Tickets in Advance
Timing is Key for Views & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your Gornergrat Railway tickets in advance to skip lines and guarantee your spot. :admission_tickets:
💺 Sit on the Right (Going Up)
For the best Matterhorn views on your ascent, aim for a seat on the right side of the train. :camerawithflash:
🚶 Hike Down from Stations
Consider taking the train to the summit and hiking down, stopping at various stations for different perspectives. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Dress in Layers
Alpine weather changes quickly. Pack layers to stay comfortable at different altitudes and temperatures. :cloud:
Need Help Choosing Between Gornergrat and Glacier Paradise for a Day Trip from Montreux to Zermatt
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your Gornergrat Railway tickets in advance to skip lines and guarantee your spot. :admission_tickets:
💺 Sit on the Right (Going Up)
For the best Matterhorn views on your ascent, aim for a seat on the right side of the train. :camerawithflash:
🚶 Hike Down from Stations
Consider taking the train to the summit and hiking down, stopping at various stations for different perspectives. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Dress in Layers
Alpine weather changes quickly. Pack layers to stay comfortable at different altitudes and temperatures. :cloud:
🚗 Park in Täsch
Cars are not allowed in Zermatt. Park in Täsch and take the shuttle train to Zermatt. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Gornergrat Railway for its absolutely breathtaking, unparalleled views of the Matterhorn and surrounding Alps. The scenic cogwheel train journey itself is a highlight, offering a comfortable and accessible way to reach high altitudes. While the experience is widely considered worth the cost, some find the ticket prices to be quite high.
"Our most expensive purchase in Switzerland! Question: was it worth it? YES!
The views are breathtaking. We leaned out of the windows on both sides and admired these beauties the whole way! But be careful, it can be dangerous - sometimes the train passes dangerously close to pillars and tunnel walls.
Despite all the beauty, still the price is unreasonably high.."
Aliaksei Apet
"Great adventure and incredible views to Gorner and Matterhorn. The train is well maintained and have spectacular views. I recommend going early in the morning and buying ticket in advance - you can catch the train to the summit and then hike the way down (we’ve done a longer hike of 4h- it was moderate hard but so worth it)"
Stanka Bancheva
"If you get on the first train It’s not crowded. The train was shut down for a few hours after ours. Those of us on the first train were lucky to had the whole place to ourselves. Gorgeous weather for hiking!"
Michelle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gornergrat Railway (Gornergrat Bahn) departs directly from Zermatt. You'll need to reach Zermatt first, as it's a car-free village. Many visitors park their cars in Täsch and take a short train ride to Zermatt.
No, Zermatt is a car-free village. You must park your car in Täsch and take the shuttle train to Zermatt. From Zermatt, you can walk or take a local bus to the Gornergrat Railway station.
The most common and recommended way is by train. If you're coming from further afield, consider flying into Geneva or Zurich and taking a scenic train journey to Zermatt.
Yes, Swiss Pass discounts often apply to the Gornergrat Railway. It's always a good idea to check for any applicable discounts when purchasing your ticket.
The train journey from Zermatt to the Gornergrat summit takes approximately 33 minutes, offering continuous scenic views along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Gornergrat Railway tickets online in advance through their official website or at the ticket office in Zermatt. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak season.
Ticket prices vary depending on the season and any discounts applied. It's advisable to check the official Gornergrat Railway website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Yes, Interrail passes are often accepted on the Gornergrat Railway, usually with a discount. Confirm the specifics with Interrail and the Gornergrat Bahn directly.
The Gornergrat Railway operates year-round, but specific operating hours can vary by season. It's best to check the official Gornergrat Bahn website for current opening hours.
Yes, with a return ticket, you can hop on and off at various stations along the route to Gornergrat, allowing you to explore different viewpoints and hiking trails.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most iconic Matterhorn shots. Don't miss the reflection at Rotenboden lake and the panoramic views from various stops along the ascent.
Early morning often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and potentially clearer skies. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful golden hour light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can bring distant peaks closer. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, be mindful of other passengers and avoid obstructing views or causing inconvenience.
Yes, you can take photos inside the train, but be respectful of other passengers. Leaning out of the windows for photos can be dangerous due to proximity to pillars and tunnels.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
At the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks, visit the viewing platforms, and explore the area. There are also restaurants and shops.
Absolutely! The Gornergrat Railway stops at various stations, including Rotenboden, which is a popular starting point for hikes with stunning views.
The trains are generally accessible, but it's always best to check with the Gornergrat Bahn directly for specific accessibility information regarding stations and onboard facilities.
The route passes through areas rich in wildlife. Keep an eye out for marmots, chamois, and various alpine birds.
A half-day visit is ideal for experiencing the train ride and enjoying the summit views. However, you can easily spend more time if you plan to hike or explore the surrounding areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider taking the train to a mid-station like Rotenboden and enjoying a short, easy walk to the lake for a picnic with an incredible backdrop.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Popular hiking options include the scenic walk to Riffelsee for that iconic reflection, or longer treks that descend through alpine meadows and forests.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different focal lengths: a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape and a telephoto lens to isolate the Matterhorn or distant glaciers.
Be prepared for changing light conditions and consider bringing a tripod for sharper images, especially in lower light. Remember to be respectful of other visitors when seeking the perfect shot. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway Experience
Travelers often describe the journey as breathtaking, with the train passing close to rock faces and through tunnels, adding an element of adventure.
It's important to note that while the views are spectacular, leaning out of the windows for photos can be dangerous due to the train's proximity to the track and surrounding structures.
Maximizing Your Gornergrat Visit: Tips from Travelers
When ascending, securing a seat on the right side of the train is frequently advised for the best, unobstructed views of the Matterhorn.
Remember that alpine weather can be unpredictable. Dressing in layers is crucial to stay comfortable, as temperatures can vary significantly between Zermatt and the summit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit