The Matterhorn is a towering mountain peak that is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and recognizable mountains in the world. With its distinctive shape and stunning alpine scenery, it is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Switzerland.

There are many ways exploring Matterhorn from Zermatt village, with the Gornergrat Bahn cogwheel train and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise being our favorites.

Gornergrat Bahn is a scenic (and expensive) cogwheel train that travels up to the Gornergrat observation platform. From here, you'll be able to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding alpine landscape.

A cable car from Zermatt to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is more affordable and offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. At the top, there is a variety of hiking options and a restaurant with panoramic views.

Make sure to to dress appropriately for the weather and altitude, and bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day.

Matterhorn

Experiencing the sunrise at Riffelsee is an unforgettable experience that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Riffelsee is a stunning alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks that offer incredible still reflection of the Matterhorn while the sunrise touches its iconic peak.

The real challenge is to be at Riffelsee at sunrise since the earliest train reaches the lake well past the sunrise. So you either get out the night before and camp near the lake, or you go the easy way and spend the night at Kulmhotel Gornergrat, a luxurious hotel located at an elevation of 10,170 feet, but more imortantly – a short hike from Riffelsee.

From our personal experience, spending a night at Kulmhotel Gornergrat was a majical experience itself, so we feel like it was well worth the price given the unique opportunity to see the sunrise at Riffelsee. And the best part awaits you back at the hotel – a die-for breakfast with the same breathtaking views!

It is worth mentioning that there's also a weather factor and there's a chance you won't see The Matterhorn at all, but there's a zero chance if you don't go. So the entire Fyno team wishes you good luck!

Sunrise at Riffelsee

The train ride to Gornergrat is one of the most spectacular and unforgettable experiences you can have in the Swiss Alps. Starting from the village of Zermatt, the train slowly winds its way up the mountain, passing through charming Alpine villages and breathtaking scenery along the way.

As the train ascends, you'll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Matterhorn. The train stops at several stations along the way, allowing you to hop off and explore the area before continuing your journey to Gornergrat. The full ride takes 33 minutes each way.

Once you arrive at Gornergrat, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of over 29 peaks above 13,000 feet, including the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and the Gorner Glacier. There are also several hiking trails and viewpoints where you can take in the stunning scenery and snap some memorable photos.

Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking to soak up some of Switzerland's most stunning scenery, a trip to Gornergrat is a must.

Official website

Train to Gornergrat

Zermatt is a charming village with rich history and culture, but most importantly – the views of the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks in the world, are visible from almost every corner of the village.

Zermatt is a car-free town so you can leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the traditional Swiss chalets and historic buildings. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes where you can relax and take in the scenery.

Zermatt Village

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I’d consider 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat if you want a stay with views. Having a restaurant on site is handy.

We love Switzerland because it's the most heavenly-looking place on Earth. From its tranquil towns to the dramatic but covered in fluffy clouds Swiss Alps – you will quickly fall in love. Switzerland is best if you are looking for unique stunning nature but also want to slow down and reflect a little.

3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat is literally one of the top hotel experiences in the world situated at 10,170 feet, on the Gornergrat ridge in Zermatt. It offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss Alps, including the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and the Gorner Glacier.

The hotel has 22 rooms, each named after a surrounding peak of 4000 meters or higher. It offers a variety of activities, including hiking and stargazing. 

You can take the Gornergrat railway to reach the hotel and enjoy the scenic journey. The hotel also features a restaurant that serves Swiss cuisine and a bar where guests can relax and enjoy a drink while taking in the breathtaking views.

The 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a mountain hotel. The hotel is open year-round and offers guests a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the mountains.

3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat

The best of mountain regions with the sunrise at Riffelsee, for true nature lovers.

Mountain Paradise

Explore stunning nature and quaint towns of Swiss Alps on this balanced road trip.

Swiss Adventure

Under the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn, where skiing or simply soaking in the panoramic views from the Gornergrat railway becomes a moment of awe; this is the experience of Zermatt.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a car-free village, so you must drive to the nearby Täsch, park the car at the train station, and take a shuttle train to Zermatt.

This might sound like a lot, but in reality it is a pretty smooth experience. You just follow the signs to the parking lot, get your parking ticket, then buy a train ticket from the machine, and voila!

The shuttle trains run every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak hours.

3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat

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