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Quick facts - Gornergrat
- Elevation: 3,089 meters (10,135 feet) above sea level.
- Views: Offers stunning panoramas of the Matterhorn and 29 peaks above 4,000 meters in the Swiss Alps.
- Accessibility: Reached via the Gornergrat Railway, one of Europe's highest cogwheel trains.
- Historical significance: Home to a 120-year-old railway, showcasing Swiss engineering excellence.
- Activities: Ideal for hiking, skiing (in winter), and sightseeing with viewing terraces and trails.
Why visit Gornergrat?
- Majestic Alpine views: At 3,100 meters Gornergrat offers unmatched Matterhorn views among twenty-nine 4,000-meter peaks.
- Europe's highest railway: Ride the 120-year old, highest open-air railway for a scenic journey. The ascent from Zermatt shows diverse landscapes, from alpine forests to glacier-covered rocky areas.
- Historic mountaineering hub: Explore a place rich in mountaineering history, once a base camp for legendary expeditions.
- Interactive attractions: Enjoy immersive experiences like ZOOOM the Matterhorn, encounters with black-nosed sheep, and exploring Europe's highest Alpine Garden.
- Versatile outdoor activities: Engage in diverse activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and sunrise trips amid breathtaking natural scenery.
Gornergrat Highlights to Look Out For
See all photos
Things to do at Gornergrat
Gornergrat Railway Ride
Hop aboard the Gornergrat Railway, Europe's highest open-air railway, and be transported on a magical ride through breathtaking alpine landscapes. Traverse dizzying heights, clinging to the edge of the mountain, as the scenery unfolds before your eyes.
Ski the Gornergrat Slopes
Embrace your inner snow enthusiast and carve your way down the slopes of Gornergrat. With pristine powder and stunning vistas as your backdrop, enjoy the thrill of skiing or snowboarding in this alpine paradise. It features highest sledging slope in Switzerland (Rotenboden 2815 m - Riffelberg 2582 m).
Matterhorn Photo Point
What's a Gornergrat visit without decorating your photo albums with jaw-dropping gorgeous backdrop of the majestic Matterhorn? Forgot your camera? Not to worry, there's a red frame and a camera for you to capture free photos of your tribe, or even a solo portrait.
Interactive exhibits
"ZOOOM the Matterhorn" is an engaging multimedia exhibit at Gornergrat offering immersive insights into the alpine world, showcasing the Matterhorn's geological marvels, diverse flora, fauna, and regional history through interactive technology.
Go hiking
Gornergrat's hiking trails suit all levels, offering breathtaking Swiss Alpine views. Easy paths cater to casual strolls, while more challenging routes reward with elevated vistas of the stunning landscape, encompassing peaks, glaciers, and diverse alpine flora.
Find more Gornergrat hiking trails
Shopping & Dining
Shop at unique outlets offering specialty items, souvenirs, and alpine-themed merchandise at the summit. Enjoy delicious meals at restaurants offering Swiss specialties and international cuisine, all while soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
Incredible stargazing experience
Stargazing at Gornergrat, owing to its high altitude and minimal light pollution, offers visitors a captivating experience. With clear skies, it's an ideal spot to observe stars, planets, and occasional meteor showers, making it a memorable and enchanting experience for all.
Plan Your Visit to Gornergrat
Timings
Location
Facilities
Travel essentials
Dining
Stay
Nearby
- The first train departs from Gornergrat summit around 7:35 AM in the morning and from Zermatt station around 8:24 AM.
- The final train departs from Gornergrat summit (23 December, 2023 - 1 April, 2024) at 8:07 PM. The final train departs Gornergrat Bahn at 7:24 PM.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Gornergrat is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is milder, and the hiking trails are open, providing optimal conditions for exploring the stunning landscapes and enjoying outdoor activities amidst the breathtaking Alpine scenery.
- Train: Take the scenic Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to the summit, enjoying breathtaking views along the way.
- Air: Fly to major airports like Zurich, Geneva, or Milan, then travel by train to Zermatt and continue with the Gornergrat Railway.
- Car: Drive to Zermatt, park in designated areas, and use taxis or electric shuttles to reach the Gornergrat Railway station.
- Restaurants/Cafes
- Alpine Garden
- Observatory
- Souvenir Shops
- Toilets/Restrooms
- Hiking Trails
- Gornergrat Railway Station
- Interactive Exhibits
- Seating Areas
- Information Desks
- Emergency Call Centre: 144
- Police: 117
- Fire Department: 118
- International Emergency Number: 112
- Road Blocking Täsch - Zermatt: +41 (0)27 606 69 38
- Piste and Rescue Service: +41 (0)27 966 01 01
- Swiss Chalet: Delight in Swiss classics like cheese fondues and raclette, with a cozy ambiance near Hinterdorfstrasse.
- Alpine Bistro: Experience a fusion of Swiss and international flavors, offering panoramic views and a charming atmosphere.
- Osteria Bella Italia: Transport yourself to Italy with authentic cuisine including pasta, pizza, and risotto. Don't miss the heavenly tiramisu.
- Schweizerhof Kitchen: Witness culinary artistry at this lively "show kitchen" as skilled chefs prepare delectable dishes.
- Potato Fine Food Restaurant: Embark on a culinary journey blending Valais and French cuisine in a modern and inviting setting
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Visit Europe's highest cable car station for breathtaking views and discover the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
- Zermatt Village: Explore the charming car-free streets, shops, and restaurants of Zermatt.
- Gorner Gorge: Thrilling suspended bridges and cascading waterfalls await in Gorner Gorge.
- Alpine Museums: Admire alpine heritage at museums like the Matterhorn Museum and Alpine Museum.
- Riffelsee: Discover the serene beauty of Riffelsee, a mountain lake reflecting the iconic Matterhorn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gornergrat
What is Gornergrat?
Gornergrat is a mountain ridge in the Swiss Alps, located near the town of Zermatt. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the iconic Matterhorn.
How can I reach Gornergrat?
The most popular way to reach Gornergrat is by taking the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt. The scenic train journey takes you up to the summit, offering stunning views along the way.
What are the operating hours of Gornergrat Railway?
The Gornergrat Railway operates throughout the year. Train schedules may vary depending on the season and weather conditions, so it's recommended to check the timetable in advance.
What can I do at Gornergrat Summit?
At Gornergrat Summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, visit the observation decks, explore hiking trails, indulge in alpine cuisine at the restaurants, and even visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Are there hiking trails at Gornergrat?
Yes, there are hiking trails at Gornergrat catering to various difficulty levels. These trails offer the opportunity to explore the alpine scenery and enjoy nature at its finest.
Can I visit Gornergrat in winter?
Yes, Gornergrat is accessible in winter. The Gornergrat Railway operates year-round, and you can enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding in the area.
Are there any facilities at Gornergrat Summit?
Yes, Gornergrat Summit has facilities such as restaurants, cafés, restrooms, souvenir shops, and information centers to enhance your visit and provide necessary amenities.
Can I see the Matterhorn from Gornergrat?
Yes, one of the highlights of visiting Gornergrat is the stunning view of the Matterhorn. You can capture iconic photographs of this majestic peak from various viewpoints.
Are there any attractions near Gornergrat?
Yes, there are several attractions near Gornergrat, including the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Zermatt Village, Gorner Gorge, and Sunnegga Paradise. These offer additional experiences to complement your visit.
Is it recommended to book tickets in advance?
It is generally recommended to book your tickets for the Gornergrat Railway in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred timings and avoid long queues.