Which One- Matterhorn Glacial Paradise or Gornergrat
Matterhorn Glacial and Gornergrat Railway are both expensive. Neither experience disappoints, but if you want to do only one, here are things to consider:
Time of Year- the Gornergrat stops at small villages with trails to mountain huts, alpine lakes and beautiful scenery. You can hike from one stop and pick the train up at the next. Most people start at the top and do their hikes on the way down- you can even hike all the way down from the peak. It is important to know that you can ONLY do this in the summer seasons or via skiing in the winter seasons. The shoulder seasons are likely to see impeded trails by snow.
If you have a fear of cable cars/gondolas- then the train is one way to get an excellent view of the Matterhorn.
If hiking stops from the Gornergrat railway are not on your agenda- there are more “activities” at Mountain Glacial Paradise. The Gornergrat has much larger observation platforms. Both have dining and shopping- although the shopping is more extensive at Gornergrat.
Views of the Matterhorn- closer views are at Mountain Glacial, Gornergrat has more distant views giving you more of the “total mountain” rather than just the top part.
these were taken June 8, 2024- the lake and the trails of Gornergrat.
Picture One (left) view from Matterhorn Glacial; Picture Two (right) view from Gornergrat
Getting There:
The Gornergrat Bahn (Bahnhofpl. 1, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland) is almost next to the Zermatt Train station where you arrived and a short way up from the Sunnegga Funicular on the same road. Facing the Zermatt Train Station- look to your left and you will see the railway on the corner. From Sunnegga- facing the entrance- turn right and keep walking up the street.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance? Well, that depends. If you prebuy tickets- and the weather is not in your favor- you are out of luck. So waiting for a day that has cooperative weather is advantageous. Maximizing the value of your ticket means you want to sit on the RIGHT side of the train (the side you board on) on the way up. Coming down- it really doesn’t matter. Going up- you will have breathtaking views while the left side has mostly wooded areas. In order to secure a right side of the train ticket- you should buy Priority Boarding. This gives you 15 additional minutes to select your first come first serve seat before the regular ticket people can board. Be warned- just because you purchased a Priority Boarding ticket- does not necessarily mean you will get a right side seat. It just means you will get access to the chance for that seat. No need to buy a preboard ticket for the return trip. Additionally, factor in peak seasons- early morning trains may be full as hikers/skiers head out for the day. The rail road also hosts special events- such as sunrise and sunset journeys. General railway information can be accessed here: https://www.gornergrat.ch/en/pages/railwayinformation
The Train Ride
Europe’s highest open air cog railway train ride takes 33 minutes and will climb 4,819 feet (1469 meters) over 5.8 miles (9.3 km). The Gornergrat is at an altitude of 10,134 feet (3,089 meters). The railway was the first fully electrified cog railway system and began operation in 1898. Today, the cog railway has been upgraded to eco-friendly through regenerative breaking on the downhill run. This breaking generates electricity that is stored. So three downhill trips produces the energy to generate 1-2 uphill drives.
The Stations:
Findelbach- is first @ 5849 feet (1783 m). One can visit the 308 foot (93 meters) bridge or embark on numerous hiking and skiing trails.
Rifflelap- is home to the Rifflelap resort and lake. Popular hiking trails, restaurants offer lots of excitement. In the summer, check out the grazing cows- and purchase freshly made cheese from their milk.
Riffleberg- offers two restaurants and is the start of many trails.
Rotenboten- is the popular stop for a 10 min hike to the Rifflesee- a beautiful alpine lake. You can also find the trail towards the Monte Rosa Hut.
Gornergrat- there is a hotel, dining, shopping, observatory, viewing platforms. Trailheads are located as well.
Onward Trip 