Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tickets

4.4(1,251)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car with snow-covered peaks in Zermatt, Switzerland.
























































From happy customers

Loved by 42 million+
Gordon Dunfee
US

Gordon

United States
Jul 2025
4/5
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+1 more

The scenery was breathtaking! We definitely recommend taking this journey to the top! On our day the Ice Palace was closed for maintenance and the sound system in the Cinema Lounge area wasn't working. Fortunately there was plenty of scenery all around to take in!
Luis Perfecto
PA

Luis

Panama
May 2025
5/5
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This experience is perfect for my first time using the app, everything was very fast, I showed the reservation I made in the app and they already had my ticket printed, it didn't even take 2 minutes to check me in.
HAN HTOO NAUNG
HU

Han

Hungary
Aug 2025
5/5
I bought a Swiss Half Fare Card from Headout. I made the right decision to buy this card as I could save a lot of money for transportation fare. I recommended you to buy this card if you plan to visit Switzerland. Even if you visit Switzerland for 4-5 days, it is worth buying as you need to take different types of transportation to get to your destinations.
Ketan Somvanshi

Ketan

Mar 2025
4/5
Switzerland trip was the highlight of my year. And swiss pass made it really really easy. Combined this with Bernese Oberland Pass and we had a magical comute experience in the Alps
HRADEC JAKUB
CZ

Hradec

Czech Republic
Sep 2025
5/5
Excellent product - no stress in a que in front of a cash desk and saves money. As it saves even time, this is again about saving money, because time is money. Double profit for one price, which is lower than for individually bought tickets.
Deborah Preston
NZ

Deborah

New Zealand
Aug 2025
5/5
What a AWESOME one fit pass - it made travelling in Switzerland affordable and allowed us to enjoy all of the boats/ferrys/cable cars/vaniculars/trams and incredible train routes........Switzland is an incredible country full of great transport options and this pass gave us the ability to use all of these. Even the bernina express tickets were included. You can't go wrong with this pass.

Top things to do in Zermatt

What to expect at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Zermatt to Gornergrat train journey with scenic mountain views.
Klein Matterhorn cable car station atop snowy mountain, Zermatt, Switzerland.
Cable car ascending to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in the Swiss Alps.
Tourists exploring ice sculptures inside Glacier Palace at Matterhorn Glacier.
People watching a film in the Cinema Room at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Zermatt.
Viewing platform at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with mountain views and observation equipment.
Gornergrat Mountain Restaurant serving traditional alpine food with scenic mountain views.
Klein Matterhorn cable car station atop snowy mountain, Zermatt, Switzerland.
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Begin your journey at Zermatt Bergbahnen

Located just outside the car-free village center, Zermatt Bergbahnen is the official valley station for all cable cars heading to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. You can walk straight to the platform and get ready for a high-alpine ascent.

Board the gondola and rise through mountain stations

Ride the gondola through Furi, Schwarzsee & Trockener Steg to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe’s highest cable car station, often mistaken for the jagged Matterhorn, perched at 3,883 m, offering views over peaks across three nations.

Change at Trockener Steg for the final 3S ascent

Here, you’ll board the modern 3S gondola—one of the highest and most advanced in the world. With triple-cable support and panoramic glass windows, this section offers a stable, silent glide up to 3,883 meters with the Matterhorn towering beside you.

Step into the Glacier Palace

Step out at Europe’s highest cable car station and dive straight into the ice. Just beneath your feet lies the Glacier Palace, a frozen world of glowing blue tunnels, natural ice grottos, and delicate hand-carved sculptures. It’s surreal, silent, and made for unforgettable photos.

Relax in Europe’s highest cinema

Take a seat in the cozy cinema lounge and watch short films on alpine geology, mountaineering, and local legends. It’s an unexpected dose of warmth and storytelling at nearly 4,000 meters.

Take the elevator to the 360° viewing platform

Ride a short elevator to the open-air summit terrace, the highest viewing platform in Europe. From here, enjoy sweeping views across Switzerland, France, and Italy. On clear days, you can spot Mont Blanc, Gran Paradiso, and the Matterhorn, all from one breathtaking vantage point.

Stop for a meal at the summit restaurant (not included)

Serving hearty fare and warm drinks, this self-service restaurant offers panoramic seating with views over glaciers, snowfields, and distant alpine ridgelines. Couples may prefer off-peak hours for a quiet lunch, while families often gather around midday.

Return to Zermatt Bergbahnen with ease

All transfers are included with your ticket. Most visitors spend around 2–3 hours at the top, enjoying the attractions at a relaxed pace. Descend via the same scenic route, or pause at intermediate stations to stretch out your mountain experience.

Things to know before buying Matterhorn Glacier Paradise tickets

  • Weather considerations: At the summit station, weather can be unpredictable, causing cable-car delays or even cancellations. Booking 4-5 days ahead after checking the forecast helps you plan around these disruptions, avoid queues, and secure your preferred time slot.
  • Standard tickets: Your standard tickets to the Glacier Paradise include round-trip cable car rides, access to the Glacier Palace, cinema lounge, and 360° viewing platform, with the option to hop on-and-off at mid-stations, Furi, Schwarzsee, or Trockener Steg to explore trails and mountain activities.
  • What’s not included: Premium extras like the Crystal Ride gondola or summit restaurant lunch aren't included in the ticket and can be purchased separately on-site.
  • Easy start to Zermatt: For a hassle-free start to your cable-car ascent in Zermatt, where private cars aren’t allowed, begin from Täsch and transfer to Zermatt in a shuttle. It has over 2,100 parking spaces where you can securely leave your car.
  • Save with travel passes: You can also save on your cable car ride with the Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card, available to visitors outside Switzerland and Liechtenstein. With flexible validity (15 days to a month), they offer up to 50% off on this journey, as well as trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
  • Pair it with Gornergrat: To see the Alps from every angle, you can pair your visit with Gornergrat, another 3,000 m+ peak, just 33 minutes from Zermatt. With one ticket you can access Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel train and cable car, with the flexibility to do both in one day or spread them out for a slower pace.
  • Day trip from Geneva: For an end-to-end alpine experience from the village valley to the summit station, you can opt for a day-trip from Geneva. With a driver-guide and local bus access in Zermatt, you get self-paced exploration and seamless logistics, with high-altitude highlights.
  • Add paragliding to your visit: To upgrade your Glacier Paradise visit, you can also try an adrenaline-boosting paragliding experience. Safely strapped to a professional pilot, you’ll soar around 3,100 m for 25 minutes, enjoying close-up views of the Matterhorn, without any requirement of prior training.
  • Accessibility at Glacier Paradise: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is wheelchair-friendly, with accessible cable cars, elevators, and staff assistance available on request, ideal for visitors with limited mobility.
  • Health and safety guidelines: For altitude safety, children under 3 are not allowed to travel between Trockener Steg and Glacier Paradise station. The experience is also not recommended for visitors with serious heart or breathing conditions, or pregnant women.

Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car route

Zermatt to Matterhorn Cable-Car Route
  • Zermatt base station: Begin your journey; board the cable car and secure your bikes if you wish.
  • Furi: Optional stop to hop-off and explore snow activities such as sledging, snowshoe walks, and winter hiking.
  • Trockener Steg: Stop to access mountain biking trails from beginner to advanced, linking to the Gornergrat area and Alpine meadows or continue on the cable car to the summit station.
  • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Take 42 minutes to reach the top and enjoy the Glacier Palace, ice tunnels, and observation areas.

Your Glacier Paradise day trip itineraries

Cable car ascending to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with snow-covered peaks in Zermatt, Switzerland.

Short visit: 2–3 hours

Best for: Tight schedules, day-trippers, or those catching a train.

Flow:

  • Cable car ride: Travel from Zermatt to Glacier Paradise in just 40 minutes.
  • Viewing platform: Soak in panoramic views of the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps.
  • Glacier Palace: Walk through the ice-tunnel in 15–20 minutes.
  • Return to Zermatt: Quick return in 40 minutes via the cable cars.

Recommended experience

Zermatt: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Round-Trip Cable Car Ticket

Glacier Express train journey through Swiss Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz, scenic mountain views.

Medium visit: 4–5 hours

Best for: Half-day trips

Flow:

  • Start from Täsch: Take the shuttle and reach Zermatt in 12 minutes
  • Cable car ride: Ascend to the summit station in 40 minutes
  • Glacier Palace & viewing platform: Allocate 30–40 minutes exploring the ice sculptures
  • Alpine lunch: Try fondue or rösti at the summit restaurant (meal not included in the ticket)
  • Return to Zermatt: Back in Zermatt board your shuttle to Täsch

Recommended experience

Combo (Save 3%): Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tickets with Zermatt Shuttle

Traditional houses in Zermatt, Switzerland

Full-day alpine immersion: 6–7 hours

Best for: Travellers looking for a complete day-trip

Flow:

  • Start from Geneva: Take an AC bus and reach Zermatt in 5 hrs
  • Early cable car: Board the cable car ride to the summit station
  • Cinema lounge: Relax in the cinema lounge to acclimatize yourself
  • Glacier Palace & viewing platform: Allocate around 2 hours exploring the ice sculptures and spotting peaks.
  • Return to Zermatt: Upon reaching Zermatt, spend around an hour to explore the village in a local bus (access included)
  • Optional activity: Add a paragliding experience from Zermatt to maximize your visit
  • Return to Geneva: Board the bus and return in 5 hrs

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Zermatt to Matterhorn cable car routes & schedules

To reach the Glacier Paradise summit station from Zermatt there are various lift options. The journey combines the Standard Gondola and the 3S Cableway while the premium Crystal Ride is an optional upgrade that can be accessed on site.

Cable car ascending to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with snowy mountain backdrop.

Standard gondola (Matterhorn Express)

  • Route: Zermatt → Furi → Trockener Steg
  • Travel time: ~12–15 minutes; runs continuously from ~8:30am to 5:30pm
  • Features: Main route for the first two legs, panoramic windows, easy transfers
Cable cars ascending to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with snowy mountain backdrop.

3S cableway (Matterhorn Glacier Ride)

  • Route: Trockener Steg → Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
  • Travel time: ~8–10 minutes, operates ~9am to 3:30–4pm (seasonal variations)
  • Features: High-capacity cabins, wide views, smooth final ascent
Cable car ascending snowy mountains from Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch.

Crystal ride gondola

  • Route: Trockener Steg → Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
  • Travel time: ~8–10 minutes; operates ~9am to 3:30–4pm (seasonal variations)
  • Features: Crystal-adorned interiors, glass floor for glacier views, premium upgrade

Must-try experiences at Glacier Paradise

Group taking a selfie on a snowy mountain viewing platform.
Visitors exploring ice sculptures in Glacier Paradise cave.
People watching a film in the Cinema Room at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Zermatt.
Cable car ascending to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in the Swiss Alps.
Gornergrat Mountain Restaurant serving traditional alpine food with scenic mountain views.
Skiers descending snowy slopes with Matterhorn view at Gornergrat, Switzerland.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with snow-covered peaks and cable car in April, Zermatt, Switzerland.
Skiers descending snowy slopes with Matterhorn in background, Gornergrat, Zermatt.
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Panoramic platform

Step onto an open-air terrace with 360° views of 38 peaks and 14 glaciers. On clear days, spot Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and even the Italian Alps.

✅ Access included in all Glacier Paradise tickets

Glacier Palace

Descend into a frozen world of ice sculptures, crystalline tunnels, and naturally formed grottos. A slide carved into the glacier adds a playful twist.

✅ Access included in all Glacier Paradise tickets

Summit cinema

Relax in a high-altitude theatre playing short alpine films. A cozy, quiet space to take in the mountain’s history and wonder.

✅ Access included in all Glacier Paradise tickets

Crystal ride gondola

Float above the glacier in a cable car with a glass floor that turns transparent mid-ride. It’s brief but thrilling—perfect for a rush without the risk.

❌ Not included in standard Glacier Paradise tickets
👉 Upgrade at the valley station ticket counter

Summit restaurant

Dine on warm Swiss dishes with panoramic views all around. It’s Europe’s highest mountain restaurant, ideal for a scenic lunch break.

❌ Meals and drinks not included in Glacier Paradise tickets
👉 Simply walk in and order à la carte

Snow activities

Go tubing, sledding, or try beginner skiing—even in July. The snow never melts here, making it a year-round playground.

❌ Not included in standard Glacier Paradise tickets
👉 Upgrade at the valley station ticket counter

3S Info-cube

Interactive exhibits explain how the world’s highest 3S cableway was built. A quick but fascinating stop for tech and design lovers.

✅ Access included in all Glacier Paradise tickets

Gravity park

In summer, watch freestyle skiers and snowboarders tackle jumps and rails. A rare high-altitude snowpark open outside winter.

❌ Not included in standard Glacier Paradise tickets
👉 Access requires a separate ski pass or activity ticket, available at the valley station

Plan your visit to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise - TImings

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car: 8:30am – 5pm (May start earlier in peak season and close earlier during poor weather)

Matterhorn Glacier Palace: 9am – 3:45pm

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise restaurant: 9:15am – 3:45pm

Duration: Plan for at least 4 hours to experience Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, including the 45-minute round-trip cable car journey from Zermatt.

Best time to visit:

Best time of the year: Summer months, for mild weather, longer daylight, and stable conditions.

Best time of the day and week: Mornings for clearer views and weekdays for fewer crowds.

Address: Zermatt Bergbahnen AG – Talstation, Bahnhofstrasse 1, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland

Find on maps

By train: Take a train to Zermatt. From Zermatt train station, walk or use the red bus to reach the Zermatt-Furi gondola at Matterhorn Talstation.

By gondola: Start at the Zermatt-Furi gondola station. From Furi transfer to the Trockener Steg gondola. Board the Trockener Steg to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

By car: Park at Täsch train station, then catch a train to Zermatt (17 minutes, departing every 20 minutes). From Zermatt, it's a 15-minute walk (1.2 km) to the Zermatt-Furi gondola.

How to reach Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt?
Man in wheelchair exploring a museum exhibit, highlighting accessibility features.
  • Wheelchair access is available on the gondolas from Zermatt to Trockener Steg and onward to the summit station. Staff are trained to assist with boarding.
  • The summit station includes ramps and elevators, making it accessible for most mobility-impaired visitors.
  • Wheelchairs can be rented from Matterhorn Talstation in Zermatt (advance reservation recommended).
  • While glacier activities and snow park areas may be challenging for wheelchair users due to snow and terrain, indoor attractions like the Glacier Palace and cinema lounge are accessible via lifts.
  • Accessible restrooms are available at Zermatt train station (fully accessible), Trockener Steg station (free and easy to locate), the summit station restaurant (accessible, CHF 2 fee), and Blauherd station (within the station).
Matterhorn mountain view in Zermatt, Switzerland with snow-covered peaks and clear blue sky.

Weather at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3,883 m):

Spring (April to June): Cold with lingering snow; fewer crowds.

Summer (July to August): Milder, stable weather; ideal for views and snow activities.

Fall (September to November): Cooling temperatures, early snow; quieter visits.

Winter (December to March): Very cold with heavy snow and winds; great glacier views but limited outdoor access.

Plan ahead with the Glacier Paradise weather guide
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise - Tips
  • Bring sunglasses as sun glare off the snow is intense even on cloudy days.
  • Use the intermediate stops like Furi or Schwarzsee to break up the ride and acclimatize.
  • Glacier Paradise is often colder than expected, check summit temperature, not just Zermatt’s.
  • Avoid overpacking, only essentials like water, gloves, and camera are needed.
  • Use restrooms before reaching the summit; they’re limited and often busy up top.
  • The air is dry and thin—apply lip balm and take deep, steady breaths while walking.
  • Don’t rush—spend at least 15–20 mins inside the cinema or café to recover from altitude.
  • The glass-floor Crystal Ride gondola comes only every 10th car—watch for it at boarding.
Plan your visit to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Bragging rights included

Glide above glaciers, step inside the world’s highest palace of ice, and claim your spot at 3,883m.

Frequently asked questions about Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Can I visit without a ticket?

No, a valid ticket is required for both the cable car and summit access. Tickets are issued by name and are non-transferable

Does buying tickets online cost more?

No. In fact, booking online can offer discounts, combo deals, and helps you avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons.

Do I need to book in advance, even in summer?

Yes. Summer is the busiest season, and booking in advance ensures your preferred time slot and a smoother visit.

Does altitude sickness occur?

At 3,883 meters, some visitors may feel mild symptoms like fatigue or dizziness. To minimize discomfort, walk slowly, stay hydrated, and take breaks in indoor spaces like the summit café or cinema lounge. This activity is not recommended for visitors with serious heart or respiratory conditions.

Is the cable car ride safe for all ages?

Yes, the enclosed panoramic cabins are suitable for all age groups. However, children under 3 are not allowed to travel from Trockener Steg to the summit due to altitude concerns. Visitors under 18 are required to wear helmets.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

If the summit is closed due to adverse weather like strong winds or poor visibility, you'll generally be offered a full refund or a rescheduled visit, depending on the terms of purchase.

Is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise free with a Swiss Travel Pass?

No, it’s not free, but the Swiss Travel Pass offers a 50% discount on the Zermatt–Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car journey. You can use the pass to reduce the total fare when buying your ticket.

How many hours do you need at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?

Plan to spend at least 3.5 to 4 hours, including the 45-minute one-way cable car journey. This gives you enough time to explore the Glacier Palace, enjoy the views, grab a meal, and try snow activities without rushing.

Which is better, Jungfrau or Matterhorn?

Both Jungfraujoch and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offer stunning Alpine experiences, but appeal to different preferences—Matterhorn is more serene with panoramic views across three countries and year-round snow sports, while Jungfrau is more commercial, with a higher elevation, train access, and attractions like an ice bar and Lindt shop.

What is the cancellation policy for Matterhorn Glacier Paradise tickets?

The cancellation policy can vary based on the ticket type. Typically, tickets are refundable or modifiable within a specific timeframe before the scheduled visit. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions during the booking process.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.