Gornergrat is definitely worth it! The views from the top are breathtaking, and you’ll be able to take some fantastic photos. It usually takes around 3-4 hours to complete the hike from Zermatt to Gornergrat. Still, you can also take the Gornergrat railway, which is a scenic journey and takes about 30 minutes. Before you go to Gornergrat, it’s essential to be aware of the weather conditions, as the terrain can be quite steep and slippery in certain conditions. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring enough food and water with you.
What to expect when visiting Gornergrat?
Visiting Gornergrat is like stepping into a winter wonderland. This incredible alpine region of Switzerland is home to some of the most beautiful and breathtaking views in the world.
The main attraction of Gornergrat is the Gornergrat Bahn, a historic cogwheel train that takes passengers up to the summit of the mountain. This journey takes about 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the Matterhorn along the way. Once at the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valley and the breathtakingly beautiful Gorner Glacier.
The Gorner Glacier is one of Europe’s most iconic glaciers, and the views from Gornergrat are truly breathtaking. From the Gornegrat, you can see the whole glacier, including its three distinct tongues, which stretch for nearly 14 km (8.7 miles). In all its glory, you can also see the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and the surrounding mountain range.
Gorner Glacier is the second largest glacier in the Alps, stretching 12.4 kilometers (7.7 miles) in length and covering 27 square kilometers (10.4 square miles) of ice and snow.
Gornergrat is also home to some beautiful hiking trails, so visitors can explore the area on foot. For those who are interested, there are several restaurants and cafes near the summit, offering delicious local cuisine and breathtaking views.
How to get to Gornergrat from Zermatt
From Zermatt, there are a few options to reach Gornergrat. The easiest and most popular option is to take the Gornergratbahn, which is a cog railway that departs from Zermatt and takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Gornergrat. The Gornergratbahn offers a variety of ticket options, including single tickets, round-trip tickets, and multi-day passes. Tickets can be purchased online, at the station in Zermatt, or at the top of Gornergrat.
If you prefer a more active option, you can also hike from Zermatt to Gornergrat. The hike is approximately 10 kilometers and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. The trail is well-marked and passes through beautiful alpine scenery.
Finally, you can also take a helicopter from Zermatt to Gornergrat. This option is the most expensive and offers incredible views of the Alps on the way.
All you need to know about the Gornergrat Railway
The Gornergrat Railway is a mountain railway in Switzerland that runs from the city of Zermatt to the summit of the Gornergrat at an elevation of 3,089 meters (10,135 ft). The railway is operated by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn and runs for a distance of 9.5 kilometres (5.9 mi). It is the highest open-air railway in Europe and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. The railway is renowned for its spectacular views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountain peaks. The railway was opened in 1898, making it one of the oldest mountain railways in Switzerland. The railway is powered by two electric locomotives and has a maximum incline of 48%. During the summer season, the railway runs every 30 minutes and takes around 30 minutes to reach the summit. At the summit, there is a hotel, restaurant, and observatory with panoramic views of the entire region.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Make sure you are aware of the weather and mountain conditions before you go.
- Wear appropriate clothing and bring the right gear for your activities.
- Check the availability of activities, restaurants, and other services before you go.
- Bring enough cash and/or a debit/credit card to cover all of your expenses.
- Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance.
What to Pack
- Warm and waterproof clothes
- Walking shoes
- Light snacks and water
- Camera
- Map and/or guidebook
- Cash and/or credit/debit card
- Travel insurance documents
What to Wear
- Layers – Make sure to wear multiple layers of clothing to stay warm and comfortable.
- Waterproof Jacket – Bring a waterproof jacket to protect you from rain and snow.
- Sun Protection – Don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Hiking Boots – Wear comfortable and sturdy hiking boots to get the most out of your hikes.
Final Verdict
The Gornergrat Railway can be pretty crowded, especially in the summer months. In addition, the mountain summit itself is often swarmed with visitors, making it difficult to get a clear, unobstructed view of the Matterhorn and other peaks.
So, if you’re looking for a peaceful, solitary experience at Gornergrat, you may want to consider visiting in the off-season or early in the morning. Despite the crowds and expense, however, the views from the top of Gornergrat are still well worth the experience.
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