Gornergrat Railway, Switzerland

• It is Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel railway, reaching 3,089 metres above sea level.
• It is a journey to the summit station at 3,089 metres above sea level. 
• The journey offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Matterhorn, the surrounding 29 peaks and the highest point in Switzerland, the Dufourspitze in the Monte Rosa massif.
• It was Switzerland’s first fully electrified cogwheel railway and one of the earliest electric mountain railways in the world.

The Gornergratbahn combines engineering brilliance with some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in the world.

The Gornergrat Railway boasts a 127-year legacy, having completed its historic inaugural journey on August 20, 1898. As the first fully electrified cogwheel railway in Switzerland and the world, it represented a pioneering feat of engineering that transformed Zermatt into a world-class tourism destination. Even in 2026, the railway remains a leader in sustainability, utilising an advanced regenerative braking system that allows three descending trains to generate enough electricity to power one or two trains travelling uphill. Visitors can still see the original Locomotive 3003, now gilded in gold at the summit, serving as a glittering monument to the thousands of workers who laid nearly 10 kilometers of track through rugged granite in just two years. This enduring icon continues to offer the highest open-air rail experience in Europe, seamlessly blending its Victorian-era heritage with ultra-modern Polaris trains that feature panoramic windows for a reflection-free view of the Matterhorn.

This cogwheel train departs from the charming mountain village of Zermatt 33-minute journey to the summit of the Gornergrat, at 3,089 metres above sea level. This makes it the highest open-air railway in all of Europe, offering an unobstructed, year-round mountain experience that is not enclosed by tunnels. Along the 9.3 km route, the train bridges several dramatic ravines and climbs through fragrant larch forests before emerging into a high-alpine landscape of rock and ice. For the 2026 season, the new POLARIS trains feature floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuring that every passenger enjoys a front-row seat to the ever-changing perspective of the Matterhorn during the 1,469 m vertical ascent.

• Matterhorn View: It offers one of the most breathtaking alpine journeys in the world. The historic Gornergrat Railway climbs through dramatic mountain scenery and offers uninterrupted, postcard-perfect views of the iconic Matterhorn and the surrounding mountain peaks.
• The Gorner Glacier: As the train climbs from Zermatt toward the Gornergrat summit, passengers are treated to sweeping views of this majestic Gorner Glacier. The experience combines engineering achievement with untouched alpine wilderness, thereby creating an unforgettable highlight of the Swiss Alps.
• 29 Peaks View: On a clear day, the summit platform offers a 360-degree panorama of 29 majestic peaks, including the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Liskamm, Dom, and the Weisshorn. From this high-altitude vantage point, you can look down upon the Gorner Glacier, the third longest glacier in the Alps, which winds like a massive river of ice through the valley below.

• Hop-On, Hop-Off Freedom: The Gornergrat Railway is a fully flexible service. Your return ticket lets you disembark at any of the four intermediate stations – Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelberg and Rotenboden.
• Priority Boarding Option: Travellers can secure Priority Boarding for CHF 7. This allows them to board three minutes before and select their ideal window seat.

• ZOOOM the Matterhorn Exhibition: It is an immersive multimedia experience included with every train ticket. The exhibition brings the iconic Matterhorn to life through interactive experiences and immersive storytelling.
• Bernhard von Aosta Chapel: The Bernhard von Aosta Chapel is a small historic chapel. This beloved mountain sanctuary is located at the summit and features simple yet charming design elements that blend harmoniously with its mountainous surroundings.

To experience a complete journey, begin your adventure in the alpine village of Zermatt, where the historic cogwheel train departs for one of the most scenic rides in the Swiss Alps. At the summit, explore the viewing platforms overlooking the glaciers and the surrounding peaks, visit the observation deck and enjoy a meal at the mountaintop restaurant.

Board the Gornergrat Railway from the valley station to the high rocky terrain near the summit. The train climbs steadily through Zermatt’s outskirts and offers the most panoramic Matterhorn views. 

Travel Time: ~33 minutes from Zermatt to Gornergrat.

A world of alpine wonder awaits at the summit after ascending on the iconic Gornergrat Railway. Visit the panoramic viewing platform, explore the ZOOOM the Matterhorn exhibition, and enjoy a meal at the Kulmhotel sun terrace with the Matterhorn as your backdrop.

As the train makes its way down from the summit of Gornergrat toward Zermatt, visitors can take advantage of the hop-on, hop-off service to stop at any of the four intermediate stations. Each station along the route offers new perspectives of the naturally beautiful landscape and transforms this return journey into an immersive alpine adventure.

Total Travel Time with Stops: ~1.5 to 2 hours.

Zermatt is car-free. All journeys begin at the Gornergrat Bahnhof, which is located directly across the street from the main Zermatt MGB Train Station.

• From Zurich/Geneva: 3.5-hour train journey via Visp.
• From Täsch: 12-minute shuttle train (running every 20 minutes), The Gornergrat station is a 2-minute walk from the Zermatt terminus.

• First Train: Departs Zermatt at 07:00 AM (Summer) or 08:24 AM (Winter)
• Last Train Down: Usually between 18:00 and 20:00, depending on the month.
• Frequency: Trains depart every 24 minutes.
• Journey Time: Approximately 33 minutes from Zermatt to the Gornergrat summit.
• Book in Advance: Book tickets online to secure your preferred departure time, especially in summer.
• Priority Boarding: An optional Priority Boarding service is available that lets you board 3 minutes early and pick your preferred seat.
• Dress in Layers: Even in summer, temperatures at 3,089 metres can feel cold due to wind. So, one must pack a warm jacket, gloves and a hat regardless of the season.
• Check the Weather Forecast: Clear days deliver the most spectacular Matterhorn views. Early morning departures typically offer the clearest skies before afternoon cloud builds.
• Altitude Awareness: At 3,089 metres, some visitors may experience mild altitude sickness. So, it is recommended to drink plenty of water.
• Best Seat for Views: Sit on the right-hand side of the train during the ascent to the summit for the most spectacular Matterhorn views.
• Maintenance Window: The railway closes for annual maintenance from Nov 02 to Nov 14, 2026. Check the official website for confirmed dates before planning.

The Gornergrat Railway is one of the most spectacular and rewarding mountain excursions in Europe. This historic train journey seamlessly blends engineering excellence with extraordinary natural beauty. You can plan your ride to one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain viewpoints through our Switzerland Tour Packages for the best rates and a seamlessly crafted Alpine adventure.

To help you plan the perfect trip, dive deeper into our specific guides:

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