Hop aboard the Gornergrat Railway, Switzerland's sky-high marvel winding through the Valais canton! Starting its journey in Zermatt, this cogwheel climb takes you up to the heights of Gornergrat at a dizzying 3,089 meters above sea level. Known for its splendid views, you'll catch sight of the Matterhorn (yes, the Toblerone mountain!) and the majestic Monte Rosa.
A cog railway is a type of railway system designed for steep inclines and mountainous terrain. Unlike traditional railways, cog railways use a toothed rack rail in addition to the regular running rails. This allows specially designed cogwheel-driven trains to climb steep gradients that would be impractical for conventional trains. It's like having extra grip for going uphill!
The open-air aspect of the Gornergrat cogwheel train refers to the fact that the train has open cars, allowing passengers to enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape as they ascend or descend steep slopes.
Address: Bahnhofpl. 1, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland [Find on Map]
Getting there
By train: Trains run to Zermatt run regularly from major Swiss cities, including Zurich, Geneva, and Bern, to Zermatt.
On foot: If you're already in Zermatt, the Gornergrat Railway is just a short walk from the train station. The walk is uphill, but there are several signs along the way to guide you.
By taxi: Taxis are available in Zermatt and can take you directly to the Gornergrat Railway.
A train ascends to the peak of the Gornergrat Railway every 24 to 48 minutes beginning in the early morning and continuing until after dusk.
Note: Depending on the time of year and the weather, the exact train schedule from Zermatt to Gornergrat may fluctuate.
Gornergrat Railway elevates travelers to 3,089 meters above sea level. The views of Zermatt's log cabins with slate roofing with the Alps as a background are reminiscent of a fairy tale.
Europe’s highest outdoor cogwheel railway spans a total of 1,469 meters, traversing impressive bridges, tunnels, and galleries, while passing through diverse landscapes of forests, ravines, and mountain lakes.
Surrounded by an impressive ensemble of 29 towering 4,000-meter peaks, the Gornergrat has lovely sights that include the iconic Matterhorn, the Monte Rosa massif, and the Alps' third-largest Gorner glacier.
For over a century, the Gornergrat Railway has evolved from historic roots to a sleek, modern marvel. Its efficient design and expansive route map highlight Switzerland's extensive railway and cable car network, connecting scenic splendors and urban hubs seamlessly.
A unique excursion onboard the Matterhorn Railway's nostalgic coach offers a luxurious experience, including guaranteed window seats, engaging stories by experienced guides, culinary delights featuring local specialties, and more.
One of the sweetest highlights in this journey is catching sight of the adorable Blacknose sheep. These fluffy creatures, renowned for their distinctive black faces and curly horns, graze peacefully in the meadows that unfold alongside the railway tracks. Their presence adds a charming touch to an already spectacular alpine scenery, making the experience of ascending the Gornergrat even more memorable.
Gornergrat Railway has a rich history dating back to the pioneering days of railway engineering. It opened in 1898 and was a remarkable engineering feat at the time, thanks to the vision and determination of the railway's founders. It was the first electric rack railway in Switzerland.
Today, the Gornergrat Railway remains one of the most iconic attractions in Switzerland, offering visitors a glimpse into the fascinating evolution of railway transportation.
The Gornergrat Railway is a whopping 9,339 meters long (that's 30,640 feet!), including 3,790 meters of double track (that's 12,434 feet). It climbs up a staggering 1,469 meters (4,820 feet) in altitude. What's unique about it is that it is built on a narrow gauge track (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) and uses this unique Abt rack system all the way.
This railway is also a tech marvel because it runs on three-phase electric power. Picture this: The track itself acts like a giant extension cord along with two overhead wires. The railway usually runs trains with two railcars, capable of transporting around 2,500 people per hour from Zermatt to the mountain summit.
Beautiful views of the surrounding Alps, including the Matterhorn, the Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier. The railway also stops at several stations, including the Riffelalp station, which is the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps.
Gornergrat Railways offers a scenic route that starts from the town of Zermatt and ends at the summit of the Gornergrat mountain. The railway spans a distance of 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) and takes approximately 33 minutes to complete.
Gornergrat Railways provides a range of facilities, including restaurants, souvenir shops, and observation platforms. Several hiking trails and skiing slopes are also available at Gornergrat mountain, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Yes. Gornergrat Railway is wheelchair accessible. The trains have a low-floor car to help those with reduced mobility board easily. There are wheelchair friendly toilets as well at Gornergrat.
While the primary focus of the Gornergrat Railway is the breathtaking scenery, lucky passengers might spot some wildlife during their journey. Look out for chamois, marmots, sheep and various bird species along the route, especially in the quieter early morning or late afternoon hours.
Yes, the Gornergrat Railway operates year-round, and the views are amazing regardless of the season. In winter, the landscape transforms into a snowy paradise, offering a different but equally enchanting experience compared to summer months.
While dining is not available onboard the Gornergrat Railway itself, you can enjoy a meal at the restaurants and cafes located at the summit station. These establishments offer a variety of Swiss and international cuisine, allowing you to savor a meal while taking in views of the Alps.
Yes, the Gornergrat area is a popular starting point for numerous hiking trails of varying difficulties. From the summit station, hikers can explore trails that lead to alpine lakes, glacier viewpoints, and even longer multi-day hikes that traverse the surrounding mountains.
Round-Trip Train Tickets to Mount Gornergrat from Zermatt
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