Gornergrat Railway (Gornergrat Bahn) Tours

Dating back to 1898, Switzerland’s Gornergrat Railway (Gornergrat Bahn) continues today as Europe’s highest open-air railway. Its train whisks sightseers and skiers from the resort town of Zermatt to the mountain’s 10,135-foot (3,089-meter) station, while providing views of Alpine hamlets, colossal glaciers, and the iconic Matterhorn.

Take your seat and settle in for a ride, as the traditional cogwheel train meanders its way towards Mt. Gornergrat’s dizzying summit. On arrival, pose for pictures on the observation platform, shop Europe’s highest shopping mall, dine at a mountaintop restaurant, or explore the outdoors on a skiing, hiking, or sledding route, with a range of half- or full-day activities from which to choose.

Day tours typically begin in a major Swiss city and combine a mountain excursion with a walking tour of Zermatt, or other Alpine attractions. Multi-day tours offer a wider perspective of Switzerland, with some even crossing the border into neighboring Italy or Lichtenstein. Swiss Travel Passes offer discounted access to the mountain railway, plus unlimited use of Switzerland’s wider transportation system.

Gornergrat Railway’s base station is located in central Zermatt, a car-free town deep in the Matter Valley. Park in nearby Täsch for a fee, then take a shuttle service, or forego the car altogether and take a direct train from Visp, Brig, or Chur. Tours from major cities typically include round-trip transportation.

The railway operates year-round, offering access to the snowy mountain pistes of winter, as well as the sunny slopes of summer. Along with prime skiing conditions, winter brings iconic Swiss vistas and cozy dining opportunities, whereas summer offers a more family-friendly landscape, with strollers more easily maneuverable around the summit.

For a different perspective of the Pennine Alps and Matterhorn itself, combine your Gornergrat excursion with a journey up the Klein Matterhorn, home to Europe’s highest cable car station and entrance to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Not only another top spot for winter sports, the 12,740-foot (3,883-meter) peak also is home to the kids’ favorite Glacier Palace, a cinema lounge, and panoramic viewing platform. Swiss Travel Pass holders receive discounted access to both Klein Matterhorn and Gornergrat’s summit stations.