Gornergrat Railway (Gornergrat Bahn)

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.

• The train’s interactive audio guides, accessible via downloadable app, are great for families with kids.

• Free WiFi is available on board and on train platforms.

• The Gornergrat Railway is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

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.