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Season: all year
Recommended season: all year
Max. altitude: 3090 m (10138 ft)What is Gornergrat? 
Gornergrat is a cogwheel train station near Zermatt, located on a mountain ridge at 3090 m. The ride from Zermatt by the so-called "Gornergratbahn" or "Matterhorn Railway" takes just 30 minutes.
At the top, you'll have a magnificent view of the highest peaks of the Valais. This includes the famous Matterhorn and the Dufourspitze, which is Switzerland's highest mountain.
➤ Gornergrat railway prices, tickets, and seat reservations
Gornergrat return tickets - 2026 price overview
| View more prices and discounts | Price November 2025 - April 2026 | Price May 2026 - October 2026 | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| View ticket prices and discounts (swissrailways.com) | CHF 48 | CHF 66 | ticket with Swiss Travel Pass (Flex), Swiss Half Fare Card or Matterhorn Gotthard Pass |
| View ticket prices and discounts (swissrailways.com) | CHF 96 | CHF 132 | normal ticket without rail pass discounts |
Gornergrat return tickets - 2026 prices explained
A normal return ticket Zermatt-Gornergrat costs CHF 132 in the summer season (May-October). The Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex , Swiss Half Fare Card, and Matterhorn Gotthard Pass offer a 50% discount: you'll pay CHF 66.
Costs for a normal return ticket in winter (November-April) are lower: CHF 96. The discounted fare for Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, Swiss Half Fare Card and Matterhorn Gotthard Pass holders is CHF 48.
For children, the general discount rules apply with one exception: from November to April, children up to 8 years old (instead of 5) can travel for free without a pass or ticket.
The Peak2Peak ticket and the Peak Pass
The Peak2Peak ticket and Peak Pass can be used for trips to Gornergrat and other mountains in Zermatt. In our Zermatt travel info, Annika explains what these products are, and when you should choose them over normal Gornergrat tickets.
Where to buy your Gornergrat tickets
I advise buying your tickets online in advance through one of the trusted websites listed on this page. This way, you can skip the queues at the ticket desks and head straight for the electronic turnstiles to board the train.
Alternatively, you can get your Gornergrat tickets at the valley station in Zermatt.
Reserving seats in advance: Gornergrat 'priority boarding'
You can optionally make reservations for the ride up to Gornergrat (not for your trip down), which is helpful in busy months. This so-called 'priority boarding' is an add-on to your ticket and costs CHF 7.
Priority boarding allows you to get on the train a few minutes before other passengers do. You won't be assigned a specific seat, so you can just enter and choose any place you like.
You'll have to wait at the priority boarding turnstiles. Show up no later than 10 minutes before the train's scheduled departure time.
Independent and guided tours
If you don't have a rail pass, or prefer not to arrange for tickets and planning yourself, you can book a tour to Gornergrat. See all options below.
➤ Save money on Gornergrat with your rail pass
| Pass | Discount |
|---|---|
| Day Pass | Discount 50%:
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| Matterhorn Gotthard Pass | Discount 50%:
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| Swiss Half Fare Card | Discount 50%:
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| Swiss Travel Pass | Discount 50%:
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| Swiss Travel Pass Flex | Discount 50%:
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Video
How to reach Gornergrat: directions, info about the train ride, and map
How to get to Zermatt
The Gornergrat can be reached by cogwheel train from Zermatt. Zermatt is accessible by train only. Annika explains this in detail in her Zermatt travel info.
How to get to the Gornergrat railway in Zermatt
The station of the Gornergrat railway can be found right across the street from the train station in Zermatt. There are clear directions from the station hall and at the station square. You can't miss it!
What the train ride is like
The 30-minute ride up is incredibly scenic. It starts at an altitude of 1605 m and ends at 3090 m on the Gornergrat ridge.
You'll be able to enjoy the views over Zermatt and its high peaks from the large train windows. The Matterhorn can be seen during most of the journey.
The terrain is forested to begin with. But you'll soon pass the treeline. The views get wider, and more and more mountains come into view.
The train makes several bends, meaning the panorama is sometimes best on your right side, sometimes on your left. Overall, I advise sitting on the right side.
You'll pass 4 mid-stations at which you can get off and on the train, for hiking or other side trips:
- Findelbach
- Riffelalp
- Riffelberg
- Rotenboden
How to combine Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with the Riffelberg Express
In the high season months of winter and summer, the Riffelberg Express gondolas transport you between Riffelberg and Furi: a mid-station on the route to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Learn all about it in our Zermatt travel info.
Downloads
Operation dates, schedules and timetable
When is Gornergrat open in 2026?
Gornergrat is accessible year-round, except for a maintenance break from 2 to 14 November 2026.
Planning your trip in the Swiss timetable
You can plan your trip to Gornergrat in the timetable. These are the destinations to enter:
- "Gornergrat" is the name of the top station.
- "Zermatt" is the regular rail station of Zermatt.
- "Zermatt GGB" is the cogwheel train station in Zermatt, next to the regular rail station. "GGB" stands for "Gornergratbahn".
- The mid-stations on the train route are called "Findelbach", "Riffelalp", "Riffelberg" and "Rotenboden".
Best months to visit Gornergrat
In my opinion, Gornergrat is worth a visit year-round.
Mid-December to February
Mid-December to February is the peak of the winter season. You can expect snow on the mighty mountains surrounding Gornergrat. Winter hiking and sledding on the slopes between Gornergrat and Zermatt are possible.
March to mid-April
March and early April are usually still winter in the mountains above Zermatt. Under favorable conditions, ski slopes are still open. The morning trains to Gornergrat may be full of skiers and snowboarders. Snow in and around Zermatt is becoming less likely.
Mid-April to June
Mid-April to June is spring, and the snowy peaks create beautiful contrasts with the green vegetation in the Matter Valley. Not all hiking trails may be accessible yet.
July to September
July-September is the summer season. This the perfect time for high-altitude hiking in the Gornergrat area. Expect the Gornergrat trains to be pretty full.
October
October is early Fall. Chances of fresh snow on the mountains and at Gornergrat increase.
November to mid-December
November to mid-December is low season. There may already be plenty of snow in the mountains, but that's not likely in the Matter Valley yet. The vegetation in the valley looks a bit dull. But November especially is a quiet time of the year, which sure is an advantage for a Gornergrat visit.
Weather tips and forecasts for Gornergrat
Gornergrat is located nearly 1500 meters higher than Zermatt. This means that temperatures are significantly lower than in the valley. Dress in multiple thinner layers so that you can adapt to the different temperatures throughout the day.
Take along gloves, sunglasses and perhaps a hat. If you plan to hike, make sure to prepare well.
Check the weather forecast before going up: there's no point in visiting Gornergrat if the top and the surrounding mountains are covered in clouds.
What to see and do at the top
The views and other main attractions
Once you reach the Gornergrat, you will have an amazing view of the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa massif. This includes the Dufourspitze (4634 m), which is the highest peak in Switzerland.
You’ll find a hotel, restaurants, a pretty chapel, and plenty of space to walk around and enjoy the scenery here. Make the short climb to the viewpoint for a 360°-mountain view.
There’s also a multimedia exhibition about the Matterhorn and the surrounding area, called “Zooom the Matterhorn”. Access is included in your Gornergrat ticket.
More activities in summer
There are plenty of mountain biking and hiking trails from and between the railway stations along the route. My favorite walk is Rotenboden-Riffelalp, on which you’ll pass the famous lake “Riffelsee”. You can even visit this lake at dawn by booking one of the special sunset rides on Sundays, combined with breakfast at the top if you want.
The famous black-nosed sheep of Zermatt graze near the top in July and August. You can track them with a GPS signal, and a lcoal shepherd(ess) explains all about these animals.
Below the Rotenboden station, you can visit Europe’s highest alpine garden with 150 plant species. QR codes allow you to learn about the flowers.
More activities in winter
The Gornergrat area offers plenty of snow fun. Enjoy sledding from Rotenboden to Riffelberg (Switzerland’s highest run!), or explore the region on winter hiking routes and snowshoe hiking trails. You can also have fondue in the Igloo village, to be reached on foot from Rotenboden.
Skiing options are great, especially for families. There are easy ski runs between Gornergrat and Riffelberg. A special sports train runs between these stations every 10 minutes.
On Thursdays from January to March, special evening rides take you to the top to visit the observatory, gaze at the stars, and enjoy a fondue dinner.
Spending the night at Gornergrat or Riffelalp
The Kulm Hotel at Gornergrat is a great place to watch the sunset and wake up to an astounding mountain view. This is even the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps! Alternatively, you can consider the luxurious Riffelalp Resort.
If you’re looking for hotels in Zermatt instead, check our recommendations here.
How to combine Gornergrat with other activities
You can easily spend an entire day at Gornergrat and the mid-stations if you include hiking, mountain biking, sledging or skiing. But if you limit your trip to half a day, you’ll have sufficient time to get up to one of the other mountains near Zermatt, such as Matterhorn-Glacier Paradise or Sunnegga-Rothorn.
From December to April and in July-August, a combined visit to Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is especially convenient. The “Riffelberg Express” gondolas connect Riffelberg (halfway up to Gornergrat) and Furi (halfway up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise). All details are in Annika’s Zermatt travel guide.
Gornergrat FAQ
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Is Gornergrat worth it?
Yes. Gornergrat offers one of the best views of the Matterhorn. You’ll see the mountain as in all iconic photos. The rest of the mountain panorama is breathtaking as well. Moreover, Gornergrat is quickly reached from Zermatt and the cogwheel train ride is extremely scenic.
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What’s the best side of the Gornergrat cogwheel train?
I recommend sitting on the right side of the train when going up from Zermatt to Gornergrat. This way you’ll have sights of the Matterhorn during most of the journey.
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How long does a trip to Gornergrat take?
Count on half a day for a Gornergrat excursion from Zermatt. A much quicker round trip from Zermatt can be done within 2 hours. But I personally prefer to take my time, and maybe combine the excursion with a hike in the Gornergrat area.
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How to beat the crowds?
It helps if you travel to Gornergrat outside of high season (mostly July and August), and during weekdays instead of weekends.
You could travel in the late afternoon, when most visitors make their way back. If you’re visiting Gornergrat in the busy summer months, get the very first connection in the morning. If you visit during the ski season, avoid the first trains and travel up later in the morning.
If you expect to travel during busy hours, you can book additional “priority boarding“.
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What is the Riffelsee and how to get there?
The Riffelsee is a small lake in which the Matterhorn is reflected on windless days. It’s a very popular photo spot. You can reach it on foot from mid-station Rotenboden by following the signs to Riffelalp. This takes just a couple of minutes.
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Which clothes are best when visiting Gornergrat?
Dress in multiple thinner layers so that you can adapt to the different temperatures throughout the day. It can be very windy at the top. Take along gloves, sunglasses and perhaps a hat. Solid shoes help too. Check weather forecasts shortly before you leave.
Find more information about suitable clothes here.
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Gornergrat vs Matterhorn Glacier Paradise vs Sunnegga-Rothorn: which is best?
If you have to choose between these mountain trips from Zermatt, please check Annika’s comparison and combination tips here.
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Is altitude sickness a problem?
The Gornergrat is located at an altitude of 3090 m. Anyone can suffer from (light) altitude sickness from about 2000 m. Usually, it helps to take things slow and sit down for a while.
Special precautions apply to children under 2 years old, as well as people who are pregnant or in poor health: before visiting areas over 2500 m, you’d better consult your doctor. In most cases staying at such altitudes for just a few hours is no problem.
➤ Where to buy Gornergrat tickets and tours: safe options
Promotions
- www.gornergratbahn.ch: hikes in the Gornergrat area
- www.gornergratbahn.ch: Gornergrat winter activities
- www.gornergratbahn.ch: alpine garden near Rotenboden
- www.gornergratbahn.ch: the black-nosed sheep at Gornergrat
- www.gornergrat-kulm.ch: the Gornergrat Kulmhotel
- www.riffelalp.com: the Riffelalp Resort
Schedules
- www.gornergratbahn.ch: Gornergrat timetable
Prices
- www.swissrailways.com: Gornergrat tickets in the official SBB tourist webshop
- www.gornergratbahn.ch: Gornergrat ticket prices
- www.gornergratbahn.ch: Gornergrat priority boarding
Itineraries including Gornergrat
Best of the Alps
Scenic trains winter
Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Sunnegga-Rothorn
Swiss Coupon Pass
Hike Rotenboden-Riffelalp
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Sunnegga-Rothorn
Town walk Zermatt
