The Gornergrat Railway climbs from Zermatt village to 3,089 metres at the Gornergrat summit in 33 minutes, making it the easiest way to reach an extraordinary alpine panorama. The open observation platform at the top is exposed and cold even in summer — bring a warm layer regardless of the weather below. In winter the railway serves as access to the Gornergrat ski area.
The journey itself is worth it: the rack and pinion train climbs steadily through the village, past treeline, across open alpine meadows, and finally into a high snowfield landscape. Get a window seat on the right side going up for the best Matterhorn views. From the summit, the walk down to Riffelalp takes about an hour and is one of the classic Zermatt summer routes.