Switzerland — Zermatt
Gornergrat Trail, Switzerland: A moderate 11.6 km descent offering unparalleled Matterhorn panoramas. This iconic Valais Alps route winds through a high-alpine wilderness of rock, ice, and alpine meadows, revealing 29 majestic peaks. Enjoy a 4-5 hour walk with breathtaking views from 3,089 metres.
Distance: 11.6 km
Elevation Gain: 785 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4-5 hours
The Gornergrat Trail is arguably Switzerland's most iconic day hike, offering a continuous, front-row seat to the world’s most recognisable mountain: the Matterhorn. Located in the Valais Alps above the car-free village of Zermatt, this 11.6-kilometre descent (or ascent) traverses a high-alpine landscape of staggering beauty. Starting at the Gornergrat ridge at an altitude of 3,089 metres, the trail winds through a kingdom of rock, ice, and alpine meadows, providing panoramic views of 29 peaks exceeding 4,000 metres, including the Monte Rosa massif and the sprawling Gorner Glacier. Unlike many alpine routes that hide their rewards until the summit, the Gornergrat Trail delivers immediate, high-impact visual drama from the first step, making it a bucket-list experience for hikers visiting the Swiss Alps.
The Gornergrat Trail is a masterclass in alpine geography. While many visitors choose to take the historic Gornergrat Bahn cogwheel railway both up and down, those who choose to walk the route experience a profound transition through Switzerland’s vertical climatic zones. The journey begins in the "nival" zone—a world of perpetual snow and bare rock—and descends through alpine tundra, past crystal-clear glacial lakes, and finally into the fragrant larch and Swiss stone pine forests that shelter the village of Zermatt. The trail is well-marked with the classic yellow and white-red-white Swiss hiking indicators, ensuring that even those new to alpine trekking can navigate with confidence.
The primary draw of the trail is its proximity to the Gorner Glacier, the second-largest glacier system in the Alps. As you descend from the Gornergrat station, the glacier’s massive rivers of ice, punctuated by deep blue crevasses and lateral moraines, feel close enough to touch. The silence of the high mountains is occasionally broken by the distant rumble of shifting ice or the whistle of a marmot. The Matterhorn (4,478 m) remains a constant companion, its jagged, four-sided pyramid shifting in perspective as you move lower into the valley. On a clear day, the reflection of this "Mountain of Mountains" in the still waters of the Riffelsee is a sight that has defined Swiss tourism for over a century.
Physically, the trail is classified as moderate. While the path is generally wide and stable, the sheer amount of descent (nearly 1,500 metres if walking all the way to Zermatt) requires sturdy footwear and, ideally, trekking poles to protect the joints. The air at 3,000 metres is noticeably thinner, and hikers should be prepared for the physiological effects of altitude, even when walking downhill. The beauty of this trail lies in its flexibility; because the railway runs parallel to the path with multiple intermediate stations (Rotenboden, Riffelberg, Riffelalp), hikers can choose to walk only the most scenic sections and hop back on the train whenever they wish.
The history of the Gornergrat Trail is inextricably linked to the golden age of mountaineering and the birth of Swiss alpine tourism. Before the late 19th century, the Gornergrat was the domain of local shepherds and the earliest mountain explorers. The landscape changed forever in 1898 with the opening of the Gornergrat Bahn. This was a feat of extraordinary engineering: the world’s first fully electric cogwheel railway. It allowed tourists to reach the high-altitude ridge without the arduous multi-day trek previously required, transforming Zermatt from a remote farming hamlet into a world-class destination.
The trail itself follows routes that have been used for generations. The lower sections around Riffelalp and Riffelberg were historically used for "Alpabzug"—the seasonal movement of cattle to high summer pastures. You will still see traditional stone-walled huts (gadmer) and small chapels along the route, such as the Brother Klaus Chapel at Riffelberg, which serves as a reminder of the deep spiritual connection the local Valaisan people have with their mountains. The region is also a cornerstone of mountaineering history; the Gornergrat provides the best vantage point to see the routes taken by Edward Whymper and his ill-fated party during the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865.
Today, the area is part of a carefully managed protected zone. The Zermatt authorities and the Burgergemeinde (civic community) work tirelessly to balance the high volume of international tourism with the preservation of the fragile alpine ecosystem. Walking the trail today is not just a physical exercise but a journey through a landscape that has been shaped by both the slow grind of glaciers and the ambitious spirit of Swiss pioneers. The Kulmhotel Gornergrat, located at the trailhead, is the highest hotel in Europe and has hosted scientists, astronomers, and royalty for over a century, further cementing the ridge's status as a pinnacle of Swiss cultural heritage.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The Gornergrat Trail is a high-altitude environment where winter can return at any moment, even in the height of summer. The primary hiking season runs from late June to late September. Outside of these months, the upper sections of the trail are typically buried under several metres of snow, transforming the route into a winter wonderland suitable only for snowshoeing or skiing.
Spring (June to early July): This is the season of the "Alpine Spring." As the snow melts, the meadows explode into colour. Hikers can see rare alpine flora such as the deep blue Gentian, the bright yellow Alpine Pasqueflower, and, if they are lucky, the elusive Edelweiss. The waterfalls are at their most powerful during this time as the glaciers begin their seasonal melt. However, the highest sections of the trail near Gornergrat may still have lingering snow patches that require careful navigation.
Summer (July to August): This is the peak season. The weather is generally stable, with warm days and cool nights. This is the best time for the iconic Riffelsee reflection, as the lake is completely ice-free. However, summer also brings the risk of afternoon thunderstorms. In the Alps, these storms can develop rapidly, bringing lightning and sudden temperature drops. Hikers should aim to start early to be off the highest ridges by mid-afternoon.
Autumn (September to October): Many locals consider September the finest month for hiking. The air is crisp and exceptionally clear, providing the sharpest views of the surrounding peaks. The larch forests in the lower sections begin to turn a brilliant golden orange, creating a stunning contrast against the white glaciers and blue sky. By October, the first heavy snowfalls usually arrive, effectively closing the full trail for the season.
Weather Reality: At 3,000 metres, the temperature is typically 10–15 degrees Celsius cooler than in Zermatt village. Wind chill can make it feel significantly colder. It is not uncommon to experience "four seasons in one day," where a sun-drenched morning is followed by a sleet shower or thick fog. Always check the local MeteoSwiss forecast and the live webcams at Gornergrat before departing.
Early Morning: The Ascent and the Summit
Morning: Gornergrat to Rotenboden
Midday: Rotenboden to Riffelberg
Afternoon: Riffelberg to Riffelalp
Late Afternoon: Riffelalp to Zermatt
Important Notes:
The most critical aspect of planning the Gornergrat Trail is understanding the logistics of Zermatt. Zermatt is a car-free village. If you are travelling by car, you must park in the large multi-storey car park in the nearby village of Täsch and take the shuttle train (running every 20 minutes) into Zermatt. From the Zermatt train station, the Gornergrat Bahn station is located directly across the street.
Physical preparation is also key. While the trail is a descent, walking downhill for 1,500 metres is taxing on the quadriceps and knees. If you have joint issues, consider walking only from Gornergrat to Riffelberg and taking the train for the remainder. Acclimatisation is another factor; the air at 3,000 metres contains significantly less oxygen. Spend at least one day in Zermatt (1,600 m) before attempting the hike to minimise the risk of altitude headaches or fatigue.
This is a day hike requiring no overnight accommodation on the trail itself. Most hikers base themselves in Zermatt, which offers hundreds of hotels, hostels, and apartments. However, for those seeking a unique alpine experience, there are several high-altitude options along the route:
Note: There are no public campsites or wild camping allowed anywhere on the Gornergrat massif. Swiss law strictly prohibits wild camping in wildlife protection areas and high-alpine zones around Zermatt. Violators face heavy fines.
No specific hiking permits are required to walk the Gornergrat Trail. The mountains are free to access for everyone. However, you will need to budget for the Gornergrat Bahn cogwheel railway, which is the primary means of reaching the trailhead. The railway operates on a "yield management" pricing system, meaning prices can vary based on the season.
Railway Costs (Approximate):
The Peak2Peak Ticket: If you plan to visit both the Gornergrat and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in a single day, this combined ticket offers better value. It allows you to take the railway up to Gornergrat, hike, and then use the cable car system to reach the other side of the valley.
Booking Strategy: During the peak summer months (July and August), the trains can become very crowded. It is advisable to purchase your ticket online in advance or at the station the day before. You do not need to book a specific time slot for the train; tickets are generally valid for the entire day. If you want a seat on the right-hand side of the train (which offers the best Matterhorn views on the way up), arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before departure.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Gornergrat Trail (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Gornergrat Trail, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
Zermatt is a hub for alpine adventure, and there is much to do beyond the Gornergrat Trail:
While the Gornergrat Trail is well-maintained, the alpine environment demands respect. Safety should be your primary concern when heading into the high mountains.
Altitude Sickness: The trail starts at over 3,000 metres. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) include headache, nausea, and dizziness. If you feel unwell, the best cure is to descend immediately. The Gornergrat Bahn makes this easy, as you are never more than an hour's walk from a station. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol the night before your hike.
Weather Changes: The weather in the Valais Alps can change in minutes. Fog can roll in rapidly, reducing visibility to a few metres. If visibility drops, stay on the marked trail. The Swiss marking system is excellent; if you haven't seen a marker (yellow or white-red-white) for 5–10 minutes, you may have wandered off-course. Retrace your steps to the last known marker.
Terrain Hazards: The upper section of the trail consists of loose rock and scree. Take care with your footing to avoid ankle sprains. In early summer, snow patches can be icy; walk slowly and use trekking poles for balance. Do not attempt to walk onto the Gorner Glacier itself without a professional mountain guide and proper crevasse rescue equipment; the ice is constantly moving and extremely dangerous.
Emergency Contacts:
The Riffelsee: This is the undisputed highlight of the trail. Located just a 10-minute walk from the Rotenboden station, this small alpine tarn provides the perfect mirror for the Matterhorn. For the best photos, arrive before 9:00 AM when the water is most likely to be still. If the main lake is crowded, follow the path for another 5 minutes to the "Unterer Riffelsee" (Lower Riffelsee), which is often much quieter.
Riffelhorn (2,928 m): For experienced hikers or climbers, the Riffelhorn is a popular side trip. It is a jagged peak located between Rotenboden and the Gorner Glacier. While the standard route involves some light scrambling, the views from the top looking directly down onto the glacier are unparalleled. Note: This is significantly more difficult than the main trail and should only be attempted by those comfortable with heights.
The Gorner Glacier Moraine: Near the Rotenboden section, you can take a short detour toward the edge of the lateral moraine. This provides a staggering perspective on the sheer volume of the ice and the power of glacial erosion. You can see the distinct "medial moraines"—dark stripes of rock debris carried in the middle of the ice flow.
Alpine Wildlife: The Gornergrat area is one of the best places in Switzerland to spot alpine wildlife. Marmots are common in the meadows between Riffelberg and Riffelalp; listen for their high-pitched warning whistles. You may also see the Valais Blacknose sheep, famous for their shaggy white wool and black faces. In the higher, rockier sections, keep an eye out for the Alpine Ibex (Steinbock), which can often be seen perched on seemingly impossible cliffs.
The Swiss Alps are a fragile ecosystem under increasing pressure from climate change and high tourism volumes. As a hiker, it is your responsibility to minimise your impact on this pristine environment.
