The Gornergrat Railway climbs above Zermatt to reveal unforgettable views of the Matterhorn and one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Switzerland.
Rising from the alpine village of Zermatt to 3,089 metres above sea level, the Gornergrat Railway carries guests on a journey through shifting landscapes and living Swiss heritage. Since 20 August 1898, when it became the country’s first electric cogwheel railway, the line has ascended steadily to the Gornergrat, unveiling one of the Alps’ most celebrated panoramas.
The ride begins at 1,604 metres, gliding past the forests of Riffelalp and the alpine meadows of Riffelberg. As the altitude rises, lush greenery gives way to rugged high-Alpine terrain, culminating in a sweeping vista over the Gorner Glacier and the iconic Matterhorn, a view both serene and spectacular.
For an even more exclusive perspective, the Gornergrat transforms after dark into one of Europe’s most remarkable stargazing settings. Minimal light pollution reveals constellations, planets and the Milky Way in striking clarity, while guests are granted rare access to the observatory, ordinarily closed to the public. Astronomers share insights into their research, followed by a presentation and guided outdoor stargazing beneath the crystalline sky. The evening concludes with fondue chinoise at Restaurant Saycheese! in the Kulmhotel Gornergrat, where a shared meal at altitude completes this tranquil, celestial escape.
Beyond the summit views, the region is a hiking paradise suited to families and seasoned adventurers alike, with trails weaving through meadows and glacial landscapes. Sunrise at Riffelsee offers one of the most photogenic reflections of the Matterhorn, while interactive experiences such as ZOOOM the Matterhorn and the Golden Spot vantage point deepen the connection to this extraordinary mountain world. For a final flourish, every ascent concludes with a quiet moment at the summit; where crisp mountain air, vast silence and an uninterrupted horizon invite reflection. Long after the train descends, it is this sense of scale and stillness that lingers, a reminder that on the Gornergrat, the experience transcends the view itself.
Gornergrat Bahn
Bahnhofpl. 1
Zermatt 3920, Switzerland
T: (+41) 848642442
W: gornergrat.ch
IG: @gornergrat
