Gornergrat Railway | Zermatt

The Gornergrat Railway is a scenic cogwheel railway that runs from Zermatt to the Gornergrat summit, offering some of the most spectacular views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Swiss Alps. The journey is one of the top tourist attractions in Zermatt, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Alps in a relaxed and comfortable way. Here’s a detailed look at the Gornergrat Railway:

1. Route and Journey

• Start Point: The journey begins in Zermatt, a charming car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn. The railway station is easily accessible from the town center.
• End Point: The final destination is the Gornergrat summit, located at an altitude of 3,089 meters (10,135 feet) above sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers, including the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and the Gorner Glacier.
• The route stretches for about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) and climbs steadily to the summit, with several stops along the way that provide stunning views of the Alps.

2. Historic Significance

• The Gornergrat Railway was opened in 1898, making it one of the oldest cogwheel railways in Switzerland. Its construction was a significant engineering achievement, as it involved building tracks that could withstand the challenging mountain terrain.
• The railway was initially intended to bring visitors to the summit of the Gornergrat to enjoy the breathtaking views, and it remains a popular way to access the region today.

3. Scenic Views

• As the railway climbs from Zermatt to Gornergrat, it passes through a variety of alpine landscapes, including lush meadows, forests, and rocky outcrops, with views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks along the way.
• The highlight of the journey is the panoramic view from the Gornergrat summit, where visitors can see the Matterhorn in all its glory, as well as the Monte Rosa massif (the highest mountain in Switzerland) and the vast Gorner Glacier. The view from the summit is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire Alps.
• The train ride also offers views of Zermatt, nestled in the valley, and the valleys and mountains surrounding it.

4. Stops Along the Route

The Gornergrat Railway makes several stops along its route, allowing passengers to disembark and enjoy the surroundings:

• Riffelalp: A scenic stop with views of the Matterhorn and access to hiking trails.
• Riffelberg: Known for its panoramic views, including the Gorner Glacier and the surrounding peaks.
• Gornergrat Station: The final stop at the summit, where visitors can take in the views, visit the observatory, or explore the restaurants and shops at the top.

5. Year-Round Service

• The Gornergrat Railway operates year-round, offering visitors the chance to experience the alpine landscape in all seasons:
  • In winter, it’s a popular route for skiers and snowboarders heading to the nearby slopes.
  • In summer, it’s ideal for hikers and those wishing to explore the mountain flora and enjoy the incredible views.
  • Spring and autumn provide opportunities to experience the changing seasons, with the landscape transitioning from lush greens to golden autumn hues or snowy peaks.

6. Additional Attractions at the Summit

• At the Gornergrat summit, there are a number of attractions that visitors can enjoy:
  • Gornergrat Observatory: An astronomical observatory situated at the summit, offering stunning views and occasional events related to the stars and the mountain region.
  • Restaurants and Shops: The summit features a restaurant with panoramic terraces, where visitors can enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine while overlooking the breathtaking mountain landscape.
  • Hiking Trails: The summit is the starting point for several hiking trails, including routes that lead to the Gorner Glacier and the Riffelsee Lake, known for its reflections of the Matterhorn.

7. Photography Opportunities

• The Gornergrat Railway provides numerous opportunities for photography, especially for capturing the iconic Matterhorn in the background.
• Passengers can capture stunning shots from the windows of the train, or at the various stops along the route.
• The Riffelsee (Riffel Lake), located along the railway's path, is famous for the perfect reflection of the Matterhorn in its waters, creating an excellent photo opportunity.

8. Eco-Friendly Travel

• The Gornergrat Railway is committed to environmental sustainability. It has switched to using hydropower for its operations, making it an eco-friendly way to travel through the mountains.
• This commitment to sustainability ensures that visitors can enjoy the pristine natural surroundings of the Swiss Alps with minimal environmental impact.

9. Ticket Information

• Tickets for the Gornergrat Railway can be purchased at the Zermatt railway station or online. The prices vary depending on the time of year, and discounts are available for half-fare card holders, Swiss Travel Pass users, and children.
• There are also various packages that include the train ride, access to local attractions, and the opportunity to combine the journey with other scenic routes in the region.

10. Accessibility

• The Gornergrat Railway is accessible to visitors of all ages and physical abilities. However, the altitude of the Gornergrat summit (3,089 meters) may affect some visitors, so it’s important to take it easy and acclimate if you’re not used to higher altitudes.

Conclusion

The Gornergrat Railway offers an unforgettable experience, providing access to some of the most stunning alpine views in the world. Whether you’re a photographer, a nature enthusiast, a skier, or simply someone looking to experience the majestic beauty of the Swiss Alps, the Gornergrat Railway is a must-do attraction in Zermatt. The combination of historic charm, scenic landscapes, and alpine adventure makes it one of Switzerland’s premier rail journeys.