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 pick Riffelalp Resort 2222m for a stay with a spa. The views are part of the appeal.

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.

Riffelalp Resort 2222m is a luxury mountain resort in the Swiss Alps. The hotel sits at an altitude of 2,222 meters and offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and surrounding mountains. The resort is only accessible by a private train that takes you on a scenic journey through the mountains.

The hotel features spacious rooms and suites that are elegantly furnished with modern amenities. You can indulge in the hotel's luxurious spa and wellness center, which includes a sauna, steam bath, and indoor pool. There are also several on-site restaurants that serve gourmet cuisine and local specialties.

In the winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports right outside the hotel's door. In the summer, you can hike and bike through the picturesque mountain trails.

The hotel also offers guided tours and excursions to nearby attractions. With its stunning location and luxurious amenities, Riffelalp Resort 2222m is the perfect destination for a mountain getaway.

Riffelalp Resort 2222m

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.

Riffelalp Resort 2222m

How this stay fits your trip

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