Information
Landmark: Gornergrat RailwayCity: Zermatt
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe
Gornergrat Railway, Zermatt, Switzerland, Europe
Overview
The Gornergrat Railway, a charming cogwheel line, climbs from Zermatt to the summit, where windows frame the jagged Matterhorn and the snow-dusted peaks of the Swiss Alps.This trip ranks among Zermatt’s top draws, giving travelers a chance to take in the Alps’ sweeping peaks while settling back in a quiet, cushioned seat.Let’s take a close look at the Gornergrat Railway-picture its bright red cars climbing toward snow-dusted peaks.Route and Journey Start Point: Your trip kicks off in Zermatt, a quaint, car-free village where the cobbled streets sit in the shadow of the towering Matterhorn.It’s a short, easy walk from the town center to the railway station.The line ends at the Gornergrat summit, 3,089 meters (10,135 feet) above sea level, where you can see the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and the Gorner Glacier glittering in the sun.The 9‑kilometer (5.6‑mile) route climbs steadily, with several stops offering sweeping views of the Alps.Opened in 1898, the Gornergrat Railway is one of Switzerland’s oldest cogwheel lines.Building it was a remarkable feat of engineering, requiring tracks sturdy enough to survive the harsh mountain terrain.Originally designed to carry visitors to the Gornergrat’s summit for its sweeping vistas, it’s still one of the most popular ways to reach the area.As the train climbs from Zermatt, it rolls past green meadows dotted with wildflowers, dense forests, and jagged rock faces, revealing glimpses of glaciers and peaks capped in snow.At the summit, the view stretches from the sharp, iconic Matterhorn to the towering Monte Rosa massif and the sprawling white expanse of the Gorner Glacier.From the summit, the Alps stretch out in one of their most breathtaking displays, with peaks rising like silver teeth against the sky; even the train ride up treats you to glimpses of Zermatt tucked neatly in the valley and the sweep of mountains and valleys around it.The Gornergrat Railway now runs on hydropower, letting you glide through the mountains in an eco-friendly way while the snow still crunches underfoot outside.This dedication to sustainability helps keep the Swiss Alps’ clear air and untouched scenery just as they are.You can buy tickets at the Zermatt railway station or order them online.Prices change with the season, and you’ll find discounts for half-fare card holders, Swiss Travel Pass users, and kids.You can also book packages that bundle the train ride with entry to nearby attractions and even link the trip to other scenic routes-imagine rolling past snowy peaks before stepping onto a lakeside promenade.The Gornergrat Railway welcomes everyone, from toddlers clutching a parent’s hand to grandparents leaning on a walking stick.At 3,089 meters, the Gornergrat summit’s thin air can leave some visitors light‑headed, so pace yourself if you’re not used to high places.In return, the Gornergrat Railway sweeps you into a world of breathtaking alpine views you’ll never forget.Whether you’re snapping mountain vistas, chasing fresh powder, hiking alpine trails, or just soaking in the crisp air and staggering peaks, riding the Gornergrat Railway is an unmissable Zermatt experience.Blending old-world charm, sweeping mountain views, and the thrill of alpine adventure, it’s one of Switzerland’s top rail trips-picture bright red carriages winding past snow-dusted peaks.
