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Take the scenic Gornergrat Railway to the top for panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding Alps. Enjoy hiking the many trails, visit the observatory, or dine in the mountaintop restaurant. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are popular activities.
The Gornergrat viewing platform, located near Zermatt, Switzerland, is a platform built on a ridge in the Alps. A landmark attraction in the Matterhorn region, the Gornergrat offers stunning views of 38 peaks over 4,000 meters, including the famous Matterhorn and Mount Rosa, as well as the Gorner Glacier, the second-longest glacier in the Alps. A restaurant and souvenir shop are located at the summit, offering a chance to dine while enjoying the view or simply relax.
Plateau mountain climate, suitable for all seasons
Zermatt, 1-3 hours
free
All day
The Gornergrat Viewing Platform, established in 1898, is famous for offering one of the best panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, including the iconic Matterhorn. It was the first cogwheel railway to be built in the region and has since become one of Switzerland's most popular attractions.
The Gornergrat Viewing Platform is located near Zermatt, Switzerland. You can reach it by taking the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt Station, which takes around 30 minutes. Taxis and buses are available to get to Zermatt from nearby areas.
The viewing platform is open year-round, with the Gornergrat Railway running from early morning until evening. The best times to visit are during the summer months (June to September) for clear weather and hiking, or in winter (December to March) for snow sports.
Tickets for the Gornergrat Railway range from CHF 100–150 for a round-trip, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the Zermatt station. Discounts are available for children and seniors.
It is advisable to book tickets in advance during the peak season (summer and winter) to secure your spot. You can book up to a week in advance, especially during high travel periods.
Visiting the Gornergrat Viewing Platform and taking the railway typically takes 2-3 hours. If you plan to hike or dine at the top, allocate 4-5 hours for a more leisurely experience.
The must-see highlights include the panoramic view of the Matterhorn, the observatory at the top, and the surrounding alpine landscape. The hiking trails, especially those leading towards the Gorner Glacier, offer stunning views of the area.
Guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English, German, and French. Audio guides are also offered for the train journey, providing information about the landscape and history of the area.
The best viewpoints are directly at the viewing platform, which provides an unobstructed view of the Matterhorn. The Gorner Glacier trail also offers stunning photography opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Take the Gornergrat Railway up to the platform, enjoy the panoramic views, and then explore the hiking trails. Consider visiting the observatory or having a meal at the mountaintop restaurant. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are popular after reaching the summit.
There are no light shows at the Gornergrat Viewing Platform, but special evening tours can be booked for sunset views over the Matterhorn, offering a stunning view of the mountain lit by the setting sun.
The platform can get crowded during the summer and winter peak seasons. Early mornings or late afternoons, especially on weekdays, tend to be less crowded. Winter months are generally quieter outside the ski holidays.
At the summit, there are restrooms, a restaurant, and a small souvenir shop. Water fountains are available along the railway. The station at Zermatt also offers a range of food options and facilities for visitors.
The Gornergrat Railway is accessible for elderly and disabled visitors. The platform itself is accessible, and there are several viewing spots that can be easily reached without hiking. Some trails are more challenging for those with limited mobility.
Most places at the Gornergrat Viewing Platform accept credit cards and mobile payments. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or at remote areas.
The restaurant at the Gornergrat summit offers Swiss and international cuisine with stunning views of the Alps. In Zermatt, there are numerous dining options ranging from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants.
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan options available at the restaurant at Gornergrat. In Zermatt, you can also find a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and halal restaurants.
Hotels near Gornergrat include Hotel Zermatterhof, The Omnia, and a range of budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels in Zermatt. Accommodations offer breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.
Nearby attractions include the Matterhorn Glacier, Klein Matterhorn, and the Zermatt Ski Resort. You can also visit the nearby Glacier Paradise for additional alpine views or hike the Five Lakes Trail.
Yes, there are souvenir shops at both the Gornergrat summit and Zermatt. Typical souvenirs include Swiss chocolate, Swiss watches, Matterhorn-themed gifts, and alpine-related memorabilia.
After visiting Gornergrat, you can continue your journey by taking the Gornergrat Railway back to Zermatt. From Zermatt, you can easily take trains to other Swiss destinations, including Geneva, Zurich, and Interlaken.
