# Gornergrat Cogwheel Train The cogwheel train from Zermatt up to the Gornergrat, at 3,089 m, takes 33 minutes and faces the Matterhorn head-on; CHF 132 return in summer. Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/switzerland/valais/zermatt/things-to-do/gornergrat · Revisado: 2026-11-11 Dónde: Zermatt If you only make one ascent from Zermatt, make it this one: the train doesn't depend on the wind the way cable cars do, and the view of the Matterhorn is the most complete. ### What you see at the top The Gornergrat Bahn, a cogwheel railway that opened in 1898, climbs from Zermatt to the Gornergrat ridge at 3,089 m. Up here you get a 360-degree view: the Matterhorn straight ahead and, according to the railway company, another 28 peaks above 4,000 metres, among them the Dufourspitze on Monte Rosa, the highest point in Switzerland, and the Dom. The Gorner Glacier flows at your feet. On the summit you will find the Kulmhotel Gornergrat, with a restaurant, and the interactive exhibition "ZOOOM the Matterhorn", a good plan if the clouds roll in. At The Golden Spot you can have your photo taken in front of the golden locomotive 3003, with the Matterhorn behind. Because you go up by train and the viewing area is spacious, it also suits anyone who gets dizzy or doesn't walk much. ### Getting to the station The Gornergrat Bahn station is about 50 m from Zermatt railway station. Zermatt does not allow petrol or diesel cars: if you come by car, leave it in Täsch and take the shuttle train, which drops you at the same station. The journey to the top takes 33 minutes, with stops at Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelberg and Rotenboden. ### Prices and discounts The company's 2026-2027 prices distinguish two seasons. From Zermatt to the Gornergrat, a return ticket costs CHF 132 from May to October and CHF 102 from November to April; a single costs CHF 66 and CHF 51. If you plan to walk down, the ticket to Rotenboden costs CHF 114 return in summer and CHF 96 in winter. With a Half Fare Card, GA travelcard or Swiss Travel Pass you pay half. Children also pay half, and with the Swiss rail Junior Card they travel free from 6 to 15 years old. For the high season, the company sells priority boarding. ### How much time to allow Allow half a day: an hour of train between the ascent and the descent, an hour or more at the top, and another hour if you walk down to the Riffelsee. If you have lunch at the summit or take the route to Riffelberg at a leisurely pace, count on the whole morning. ### When to go It runs all year. Clear mornings are the best: the Matterhorn tends to disappear behind cloud as the day goes on, especially in summer. In early November the line usually stops for a few days for maintenance; check the timetable on the Gornergrat Bahn website before you go. In winter the path to the Riffelsee becomes a snow route between Rotenboden and Riffelberg, and at Rotenboden there is an igloo village with fondue. ### With children and with a dog This is the easiest high-altitude outing from Zermatt with children: there are no cable cars to frighten them, and there is room to move around at the top. Remember that at 3,089 m it is cold and you notice the altitude; if anyone feels dizzy, go back down. Small children enjoy the short walk to the Riffelsee more than the summit. ## Paso a paso ### 33 min · Ascent The train passes Findelbach, Riffelalp and Riffelberg. ### 1 h · At the top The Gornergrat viewpoint, at 3,089 m, with the Gorner Glacier, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn. ### 5 min · Down to Rotenboden Get off at the Rotenboden stop instead of continuing to Zermatt. ### 1 h · Riffelsee to Riffelberg A 2.9 km path that skirts Lake Riffelsee, where the Matterhorn is reflected, and drops down to Riffelberg station to catch the train again. ## Qué llevar - Warm clothing: it is cold up there even in summer - Sunglasses - Mountain footwear if you walk down to the Riffelsee ## Consejos ### Go early The Matterhorn's reflection in the Riffelsee is better without wind, first thing in the morning. ### With a Swiss Travel Pass, half price The same goes for the Half Fare Card. Children with a Junior Card travel free. ### Check the maintenance dates In early November the line usually closes for a few days: check the timetable on the website before you go. ## Preguntas frecuentes ### How much is the train to the Gornergrat? CHF 132 return from May to October and CHF 102 from November to April, with a 50% discount for Half Fare Card and Swiss Travel Pass holders. ### How long does it take? 33 minutes up from Zermatt. ### Is it included in the Swiss Travel Pass? Not fully: it gives a 50% discount. With a Flex pass you have to use up one of your days. ### Can you walk down? Yes. The easiest way is to get off the train at Rotenboden and walk past the Riffelsee to Riffelberg.