The Gornergratbahn is the highest cog railway in Europe and it takes the traveler from the Banhofplatz in Zermatt almost 5,000 feet up over spectacular scenery to the Gornergrat. It has been one of the top tourist attractions in Switzerland for over 80 years. The railroad was opened for the first time in 1929 and has undergone continuous improvements and remodeling. Today, the rail is open year-round and carries hikers, skiers and tourists to some of the most pristine and stunning views on the planet. At the end of the rail, the Kulmhotel Gornergrat greets visitors at well over 10,000 feet with views of 29 peaks towering over 13,000 feet, several glaciers, and an observatory.
Departures from Zermatt occur every 24 minutes from sunrise until late evening, as the Kulmhotel is both a hotel and a favorite and spectacular dining destination. The railway stops at the hamlets of Findelbach, Riffelalp (hiking trail heads, ski trails and a five-star hotel), Riffelboden (hiking, skiing and restaurants), Riffelberg (hiking skiing, and hotel), Rotenboden (hiking and skiing) and the Gornergrat (top of the line, hiking, skiing, glacier access, and a hotel and observatory). The rail has been electrified since its beginning.
One of the most majestic trips on the planet. Hands down... read more