Gornergrat Railway

Imagine a journey that begins in the cozy Alpine town of Zermatt and whisks you away to a realm of eternal snow and glaciers. The Gornergrat Railway (Gornergratbahn) is a legendary rack railway located in the heart of Switzerland. It is rightfully considered the second highest railway in Europe, reaching an altitude of 3,089 meters above sea level.

This unique engineering project, using the Abt rack system and stretching over 9 kilometers, provides tourists with access to some of the most spectacular views in the world. The main highlight of the route is the majestic Matterhorn, whose iconic silhouette accompanies passengers throughout the trip.

Gornergrat Railway. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Today, it is not just a mode of transport, but a true engineering marvel and a key tourist attraction in the region. Gornergrat offers the chance to stand among the giant glaciers and four-thousand-meter peaks of the Pennine Alps without the need for a difficult climb, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all ages.

For more information on train schedules or to book special services, you can use the official communication channels. It is recommended to check for the latest updates before your trip, as mountain weather conditions can affect the schedule.

The main adventure is the panoramic train ride itself. Through the huge windows of the carriages, incredible views of the Gorner Glacier and the surrounding snow-capped peaks unfold. The ascent takes about 30 minutes, during which the landscape changes from green valleys to rugged high-alpine cliffs.

Once at the top, be sure to visit the Gornergrat observation deck. It offers a 360-degree panorama of 29 peaks over 4,000 meters high. This is the perfect spot for photoshoots, with the photogenic Matterhorn taking center stage. Here, you can also browse souvenir shops or visit Switzerland's highest hotel — the Kulmhotel Gornergrat.

During the warmer months, outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking along specially prepared trails. One of the most popular walks is the descent to Rotenboden station to see the reflection of the Matterhorn in the waters of Lake Riffelsee. In winter, the region transforms into a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, offering wide slopes and sunny terraces for relaxation.

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, restaurants serving traditional Swiss cuisine are located at the intermediate stations and the summit. Enjoying a fondue or an aromatic coffee while admiring the glaciers is an experience that will stay in your memory forever.

The journey to the peaks begins in the heart of the Zermatt resort. The lower station of the railway is located directly opposite the town's main train station at Bahnhofplatz 1. This makes the transfer as convenient as possible for those arriving from afar.

It is important to remember that Zermatt is a completely car-free zone, where private vehicle traffic is prohibited. If you are traveling by car, you must leave it in the large covered parking lot in the neighboring village of Täsch and then board a shuttle train that will take you to the town in just 12 minutes.

You can reach Zermatt itself via comfortable trains from major Swiss cities such as Zurich, Geneva, or Bern. Typically, the route involves a transfer in Visp or Brig. The journey passes through picturesque valleys, preparing travelers for their encounter with the high mountains.

From Zermatt station, the Gornergrat platform is just a couple of minutes' walk away. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counters, at special terminals, or in advance online. Trains run regularly throughout the day, so you won't have to wait long to depart.

The history of this engineering masterpiece began shortly after the railway connected the towns of Brig and Zermatt in 1891. Inspired by the success, engineers set out to build an ambitious mountain route. The Gornergrat Railway was officially inaugurated in 1898, becoming one of the first electrified rack railways in the country.

In its early decades, the trains operated exclusively during the summer season. High-altitude sections of the track were extremely vulnerable to snow avalanches, making winter operation impossible. Nevertheless, the route's popularity grew, and technical innovation did not stand still.

A turning point came in 1942 when the construction of a unique avalanche gallery was completed. This protective structure allowed for year-round service, transforming the region into one of Europe's most sought-after skiing and tourist hubs. Since then, the railway has become an integral part of winter holidays in the Alps.

Over its more than century-long history, the Gornergratbahn has undergone several modernization phases, replacing old rolling stock with modern panoramic trains. Despite technological progress, it has retained its historical value and late 19th-century atmosphere, continuing to amaze passengers with the reliability of the Abt rack system.

To fully experience the Gornergrat Railway and visit all the panoramic viewpoints, it is recommended to set aside 3 to 5 hours. This is enough time to enjoy the ride itself, take photos at the summit, and have a short walk around the station.

If your plans include lunch at a high-altitude restaurant with a view of the Matterhorn or a long hike along one of the many trails (such as the descent to Lake Riffelsee), it is better to plan for a full day visit. Keep in mind that mountain weather is changeable, so it's worth having some extra time in case you need to wait for clear skies.

The Gornergrat Railway is open to visitors year-round, providing the opportunity to see the Alps in their summer bloom or winter splendor. The train schedule is consistent throughout the week:

• Monday — Sunday: 07:30 – 17:40

Trains depart at intervals of 20 to 60 minutes depending on the time of day and season. We strongly recommend checking the current timetable on the official website before your trip, as the schedule may change slightly during peak seasons or for maintenance work.

After a breathtaking ascent to Gornergrat, it is worth dedicating some time to Zermatt itself. The surroundings of the lower railway station and the town's central streets hide many interesting spots — from historical buildings to cozy corners that capture the true spirit of an Alpine village.

Exploring these locations will help you get a better feel for the region's culture and round out your collection of experiences. Below are some attractions located within walking distance or a short trip away.