Gornergrat is a panoramic ridge above Zermatt at about 3,100 m (station 3,089 m), reached by the Gornergrat Bahn, Europe's highest open-air cogwheel railway, in service since 1898. From the top you look straight at the Matterhorn and out over more than 28 four-thousand-metre peaks — including Switzerland's highest summit, Monte Rosa (Dufourspitze, 4,634 m) — plus the sweeping Gorner Glacier. As of 2026 the railway runs year-round, but it is closed for construction from 2 to 14 November 2026, so check dates before you go. It works well as a half- or full-day trip from Zermatt for photography and hiking.
A head-on view of the Matterhorn and a panorama of 28-plus 4,000 m peaks, including Monte Rosa / Dufourspitze (4,634 m), Switzerland's highest
The Gorner Glacier (Gornergletscher), one of the largest glacier systems in the Alps, spreading out below
The classic 'upside-down Matterhorn' reflection in the Riffelsee lake on the Rotenboden–Riffelberg walk
The ride itself: Europe's highest open-air cogwheel railway, running since 1898, with big windows and constant mountain scenery
At the summit: the ZOOOM the Matterhorn multimedia experience, the 3100 Kulmhotel (highest hotel in the Swiss Alps) and the observatory domes
Good to know
SafetyThe summit sits at roughly 3,100 m. Move slowly after you arrive and drink plenty of water. If you feel a headache or dizziness from the altitude, don't push it — take a train down to a lower intermediate station.
SafetyUV and glare off the snow are intense at this altitude. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, and wear grippy trekking shoes — patches of snow linger near the top even in summer.
SeasonEven in summer the top is cold and windy and the weather changes fast, so dress in layers with a windproof jacket. The Matterhorn is often hidden by cloud, so check the official webcams for visibility before you set off.
SeasonThe railway does not run from 2 to 14 November 2026 due to construction, with no alternative transport. Plan around those dates, and confirm seasonal frequencies and departure times on the official timetable.
RulesIn high season (roughly May–September), book online in advance — desired departures can sell out. A reserved seat (priority boarding) is a paid extra, separate from the ticket. Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card holders get about 50% off; treat all fares as 'confirm latest'.
MannersZermatt is a car-free village. Leave your car at the Täsch (Matterhorn Terminal) park-and-ride and take the shuttle train in. When hiking, stay on marked trails and do not disturb the glacier or the alpine environment.
CautionBuy tickets through official channels (gornergrat.ch, SBB swissrailways.com, zermatt.swiss). Some third-party resellers add markups or different terms, so read carefully before booking.
Practical info
From Zermatt the Gornergrat Bahn cogwheel train takes about 33 minutes, climbing roughly 1,500 m to the summit (about 3,100 m), with intermediate stops at Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelberg and Rotenboden where you can get off to hike. Zermatt is car-free, so arrive via the shuttle train from Täsch; the railway runs year-round but has maintenance and construction closures, so confirm current departure times and fares (ticket includes the ZOOOM experience) on the official site — verify the latest before travelling.
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