Gornergrat is a stunning mountain in Zermatt, whose peak reaches an impressive 3,135 metres above sea level. It's easy to reach this viewpoint with the Gornergrat cogwheel mountain train, which runs all year long.

The train drops you off at a panorama terrace next to a hotel and restaurant. Above the hotel, there is a higher observation deck, which gives you a fantastic view of the Matterhorn, Gorner Glacier, and 20 four-thousand meter peaks.

In winter, this area is part of the ski resort. So you'll be sharing the train with skiers and sledders, jostling their equipment.

What to do

I'd plan for about 30-60 mins at the top, longer if you plan to eat up there. Make sure to bundle up for the cold temps at the top of the mountain. And wear good shoes to help you manage the snow and ice on the ground.

If you want some excitement, you can ride the train one stop down to Rotenboden and rent a sled. Then speed down to the next train stop. Then get back on the train and ride slowly back to Zermatt.

If you feel like stretching your legs, there is an easy winter walk on groomed snow starting at the Rotenboden stop, one of our favorites!

Tickets:

You don't need to pre-book these tickets as they don't sell out. But you can skip the line if you buy online beforehand, which is handy on a busy ski morning.

A return train ticket is expensive, but quite a bit less in winter than summer (price varies during the season). If you are traveling on the Swiss Travel Pass or have another travelcard, you get a 50% discount.

If you plan to sled, you can get a SnowFunPass instead, which includes multiple rides on the train section that services the sled run.

Location: catch mountain train at Bahnhofpl. 1, 3920 Zermatt