Gornergrat Hike in Zermatt, Switzerland

High above Zermatt, Gornergrat is a rugged mountain ridge overlooking the Gorner Glacier and Dufourspitze (4634 m), the highest mountain in Switzerland.

With its extraordinary, unrivaled views of the Monte Rosa massif, Gornergrat is one of the most sought after destinations in Zermatt. 

The ridge is built-up with the Gornergrat Railway mountain station, several viewing platforms, 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, and a souvenir shop. 

To get to Gornergrat, simply ride the Gornergrat cogwheel train from Zermatt to the top station (40 minutes). The Gornergrat Railway valley station is located directly across the Zermatt train station.

After sufficiently exploring all the observation platforms, visitors can either board the train back down to Zermatt, or hike down to a lower station like Rotenboden (where Rifelssee is located), Riffelberg, or Riffelalp, before hopping back on the train. You can buy your return ticket at any railway station.

While it’s feasible to hike all the way down to Zermatt from Gornergrat, we don’t recommend it, unless you’re comfortable descending 1515 meters. 

We boarded an early morning train to Gornergrat and hiked down to Riffelalp. Though it’s impossible to escape the crowds completely, an early start is beneficial. 

Is it worth it? Yes. The views of Gorner Glacier are priceless. And, the Gornergrat hiking trail dazzles with its sweeping views of Matterhorn’s north and east faces.

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Gornergrat Map

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Gornergratbahn Railway Essential Info

The Gornergrat Railway connects the town center of Zermatt with Gornergrat ridge. Along the way, it makes stops at Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelberg and Rotenboden.

In-Person Tickets | You can purchase tickets in person at the Gornergrat Railway valley station (Google Maps), located directly across from the Zermatt train station. There is a ticket counter with several windows as well as self-service ticket machines.

Online Tickets | It’s possible to purchase tickets online. The QR code on your online ticket serves as your valid ticket and can be scanned directly at the turnstile to access the Gornergrat train. You can present the QR code either on your mobile device or as a printed copy.

Ticket Prices | See up-to-date ticket prices on gornergrat.ch. A 50% discount is administered to Swiss Half-Fare Card and Swiss Travel Pass holders. 

Where to Sit on the Train | Sit on the right side of the train for the best views. 

What We Did | In mid September, we purchased a one-way ticket to Gornergrat in-person, about 30 minutes before the train departure time. Because we took an early train, we didn’t have to wait very long in the ticket line. 

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Gornergrat – Rotenboden – Riffelberg Hike Description

Several trails braid between the various stations from Gornergrat to Riffelalp. As such, it’s not always evident which path to take. There isn’t a right, or wrong way to hike down the mountain. 

Below, I summarized the route we followed. It mostly follows the Swiss Topwalk (#23), with a few deviations.

Hikers with sensitive knees may want to reverse the route, so they hike up, rather than down  921 meters. But, the trail is more beautiful descending, since you’re facing the Matterhorn the whole time. 

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Gornergrat Loop Trail (30 minutes minimum)

When you arrive in the Gornergrat railway station, walk to 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat. Ascend the pathway around the hotel to reach the viewpoint platform. Continue along the trail, beneath the crest, in the direction of Hohtälli. This small circular trail is called  360° Loop hike on Gornergrat.

This circuit trail offers the most impressive outlook towards the glacier, backed by a dramatic procession of snow-crusted peaks that make up to the Monte Rosa massif. 

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Gornergrat – Rotenboden – Lake Riffelsee (35 – 45 minutes)

Return to the Gornergrat railway station. Follow signs to Riffelsee (35 minutes) and Rotenboden (35 minutes).

Facing the ever-conspicuous Matterhorn, stay on the left side of the train tracks. Initially, the descending path runs parallel to the railway.

When the trail divides, the left path ascends to an elevated point on the ridge. In Google Maps, this viewpoint is labeled “Steinmännchen,” which is the German word for cairn. 

The path continues across the hilltop and carves a very rough path across uneven terrain. It’s easier to return to the main trail and continue the descent to Lake Riffelsee. 

Both trails converge on the way down to the lake. 

Riffelsee is a busy crossroads, because many people disembark the train at Rotenboden to see the lake and its mirror-like reflection of Matterhorn. 

Though there’s no denying that it’s a nice viewpoint, the area is swamped with photo-motivated, gesticulating tourists. 

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Lake Riffelsee to Riffelberg (40 minutes)

Following Riffelseeweg trail (#21), hike around the lake to another smaller lake.  

Just beyond the smaller lake, the trail divides. Both ways lead to Riffelberg, but we recommend following the left, longer route (Riffelseeweg #21). The right, shorter route is Swiss Topwalk (#23).

At the next junction, we decided to take the quiet, right upper path to Riffelberg, signed 20 minutes. It’s also possible to stay on the Riffelseeweg #21, by following the left lower trail to Riffelberg (signed 35 minutes). 

Either way, both trails lead to the Riffelberg chapel and Riffelhaus. 

Some hikers may want to end the hike here and board the train back to Zermatt at the Riffelberg station. 

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Riffelberg to Riffelalp (45 minutes)

This was the quietest section of the hike as well as the most difficult. 

Facing Riffelhaus, turn left on the Mark Twain Weg. Shortly thereafter, turn right to Riffelalp, leaving the Mark Twain Weg.

This uneven, rock-embedded hiking trail drops down a cliff and twists down the steep mountainside. It was muddy and slippery in some places.

After crossing a footbridge, the trail soon joins a road to Riffelalp. Walk around the Riffelalp Resort. 

Detour to Alphitta (Google Maps) for lunch, or coffee, before completing the hike. 

The final stretch runs along the private tram line of Riffelalp Resort 2222 m to the Riffelalp railway  station. 

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Train Ride: Riffelalp to Zermatt (20 minutes)

At the station, you can buy your return train ticket to Zermatt using the self-service ticket machine. 

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Where to Stay

Mountainside Hotels

The Gornergrat – Riffelberg – Riffelsee hike passes several mountainside hotels, which offer dreamy mountainside settings facing the Matterhorn, stargazing opportunities, and often luxurious facilities. 

For many, staying in 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Travelers love the sunrise and sunset experience, the hotel cuisine (breakfast and dinner), and the opportunity to experience this unparalleled destination without the crowds. 

Further down the mountain near the Riffelberg railway station, Riffelhaus (2500 m) enjoys a cliffside perch overlooking the Matterhorn. Built in 1853, this historic hotel features a restaurant, spa, and Matterhorn-gazing outdoor hot tub. 

Located on the Riffelalp mountain pasture, Riffelalp Resort 2222 m is a 5-star hotel with two pools, a spa, and 3 restaurants. In summer, hotel guests can reach the hotel via a private tram, which runs between the Riffelalp train station (Gornergrat Railway) and the hotel resort.

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Zermatt Town Center

Stay in the town center of Zermatt if you’re planning an activity-rich itinerary.

Haus Zer Weidu (budget-friendly apartment), SCHLOSS Zermatt – Active & CBD Spa Hotel (luxury), Wellness Hotel Alpenhof (luxury) are all great options near the train station. 

Schweizerhof Zermatt – a Small Luxury Hotel (luxury) is advantageously located on the Bahnhofstrasse, the main street of Zermatt. From its enviable perch, The Omnia (luxury) enjoys direct elevator access to the heart of town.

Across the Matter Vispa River, you’ll find more standout accommodations like Jolimont Apartments (midrange), Hotel Bristol (midrange), Hotel Daniela (midrange-luxury), Europe Hotel & Spa Zermatt (luxury), and Youth Hostel Zermatt (budget). 

Look for accommodation in Zermatt. 

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Keep Reading about Switzerland

Zermatt:

• Best Hikes in Zermatt
• Edelweissweg Hike
• Tufteren High Trail
• Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge Hike

Lucerne:

• Lucerne Itinerary for Hikers

Appenzell:

• Appenzell (Appenzellerland) Region Guide
• Appenzell Village: Hotels, Restaurants, and Museums
• Best Hikes in Appenzell

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