Introducing the Peak2Peak Pass! There are several possible mountain excursions from Zermatt, the spectacular town cradled by a host of mountains, including the mighty Matterhorn. The trip to Gornergrat and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise are probably the most popular amongst them.
As an ever-curious tourist, I obviously wanted to experience both the mountain excursions. More importantly, I wanted to find out if I could do both in a single day. Consequently, a day was all I had in Zermatt.
In this post I will be comparing both the trips in case you want to visit both in a day, to experience both as separate day trips or having to choose between one of them.
I excitedly asked the lady at the Tourists’ Office if it was possible to visit both places in a day. I expected a no but then she introduced me to the Peak2Peak Pass and how I could visit both places and also save some time and money.
Gornergrat Mountain Trip
FAQs
Where is Gornergrat?
Gornergrat is a rocky mountain ridge in the Pennine Alps. In addition, it provides sweeping views of Gorner glacier and many mountains including the Matterhorn situated near the picturesque village of Zermatt in southern Switzerland.
How tall is Gornergrat?
The rocky ridge of Gornergrat is at 3135 metres above sea level.
How do I reach Gornergrat?
Firstly, you need to reach the tiny village of Zermatt from any part of Switzerland by train. After that, you can reach Gornergrat from Zermatt with the Gornergrat cogwheel railways or the Gornergratbahn.
Tip: The trip from any major city in Switzerland to Zermatt is included in the Swiss Pass. Moreover, the trip to Gornergrat is 50 percent reduced when you have the Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card.
How long does it take to reach Gornergrat from Zermatt?
It takes about 33 minutes to reach Gornergrat from Zermatt.
Can you hike at Gornergrat?
Gornergrat is certainly full of great hiking opportunities with mesmerizing views of the Alps. Moreover, there are many stations on the route of the Gornergrat railway and you can get off for a hike and then get back on the next station. The hike from Rotenboden to Riffelberg is especially scenic.
How much is the ticket to Gornergrat?
A round trip to Gornergrat costs 102 Euros. However, the price is halved with the Swiss Travel Pass.
What is there to do at Gornergrat?
There are a host of activities at the top of Gornergrat and on the way to Gornergrat. For instance, consider the following examples:
Riffelberg offers some awe inspiring views of the Matterhorn. So, you can take a hike at Riffelberg.
Visit the Riffelsee to see a spectacular range of snow clad mountains. Moreover, it offers a stunning reflection of Matterhorn in the lake.
Enjoy a panoramic view of snow clad mountains at the top of Gornergrat.
Finally, you can enjoy a drink at the summit restaurant.
What is special about the Gornergrat railway or Gornergratbahn?
The Gornergrat railway is the highest open-air railway in Europe. Moreover, just sitting on it and enjoying the magnificent views on either side of the train route makes it an unforgettable experience.
Is Gornergrat included in the Swiss Pass?
The trip to Gornergrat is not included in the Swiss Travel Pass but you get a 50 percent discount.
You may also like: Gornergrat Railway – Mountain Excursion to Matterhorn from Zermatt
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
FAQs
Where is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a mountain excursion from the mountain village of Zermatt. In addition, it includes a number of thrilling cable cars offering views of several snow-clad Alpine mountains. Moreoever, it also offers a close-up view of the Matterhorn from its sister peak, the Klein Matterhorn.
How tall is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest mountain station in Europe situated at a height of 3883 metres.
How do I reach Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
First, you have to reach Zermatt from any major city in Switzerland by train. After that, take the Matterhorn Express (gondola) from Matterhorn Talstat (valley) station in Zermatt up to Trockener Steg station. Finally, change to a big cable car up the glacier to the peak. The ride up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt is a thrilling and interesting one.
Tip: The trip from any major city in Switzerland to Zermatt is included in the Swiss Pass. Moreover, the trip to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is 50 percent reduced when you have the Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card.
How long does it take to reach Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt?
The whole journey from Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise takes around 45 minutes.
Can you hike at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
Although, you can hike on the lower stretch of the route of the Glacier Paradise, it however, gets harder as you go up. You can get down at Schwarzsee from the gondola and hike for some beautiful views but it could be hard for beginners.
Can you ski at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise always offers fresh and thick snow. Therefore, it is a favorite place for skiers. The Theodul Glacier at the top is open 365 days of the year for ski lovers.
How much is the ticket to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
A round trip to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise costs 115 Euros. However, the price is halved with the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half Fare Card.
What is there to do at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
There are a host of activities at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. For instance, consider the following examples:
You could enjoy a pristine panorama of snow clad alpine mountains.
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise probably offers the best views of the Matterhorn. So, you can admire the Matterhorn from here.
Ski in the glacier.
Enjoy some food at the nice restaurant at the peak.
Watch a film at the Cinema lounge.
Finally, visit the ice cave (Glacier Palace) at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
What is special about the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offers an extraordinary close-up view of the Matterhorn. In addition, it also offers a panoramic views of 38 peaks of mountains over 4000 metres height, and a sweeping view of 14 glaciers on a clear day. Above all, there are a host of different activities like skiing and walking through a mountain cave.
Is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise included in the Swiss Pass?
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is not included in the Swiss Travel Pass but offers a 50 percent discount on the same.
You may also like: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – Thrilling Mountain Excursion from Zermatt
Peak2Peak Pass
FAQs
What is the Peak2Peak Pass?
The Peak2Peak Pass is a special pass that lets you visit Gornergrat and Glacier Paradise in a time-saving and pocket-friendly way.
How much does the Peak2Peak Pass cost?
The Peak2Peak Pass costs 163 Euros per adult. However, you get a 50% discount if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass or a Half Fare Card
Can you use the Peak2Peak pass on 2 different days?
No, the Peak2Peak pass is meant to be used on the same day.
Is there a specific route for the Peak2Peak Pass?
Yes, in fact, you have to take a shortcut cable car from Riffelberg to Furi or vice versa to reach directly in the route of either of the excursions.
What if I don't follow the route of the Peak2Peak Pass?
You can choose not to take the shortcut cable car from Riffelberg to Furi or vice-versa. However, as a result, there would be a surcharge of 10 Euros. With the Swiss Pass or the Half Fare Card on the other hand, the surcharge is 5 Euros.
Is the Peak2Peak Pass available throughout the year?
No, it is available only when the cable car from Riffelberg is operational. That is to say, mainly in the peak seasons of July and August.
Where can I buy the Peak2Peak pass?
You can buy it at the Tourists’ Office in Zermatt railway station. In addition, you can also buy it online. However, I strongly recommend you to not buy it online before checking the weather.
Is the Peak2Peak Pass worth it?
The Peak2Peak pass gives you the opportunity to enjoy the most popular mountain excursions in Zermatt in one day. So, if you are planning on making a day-trip to Zermatt, this would be totally worth it. Moreover, it saves you money and time.
Is it worth visiting both Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise on the same day?
If you are short on time and in addition to that, you are ready to put in a little bit of effort, you can get a wholesome feel of both the activities on the same day.
Between Gornergrat and Matterhorn, which is the better day trip from Zermatt?
Gornergrat is great for its nature and outstanding views. Moreover, there are a lot of hiking opportunities. Therefore, I would choose Gornergrat. However, I would highly recommend doing both activities because they are both unique and special in their own way.
Route
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat from Zermatt with the Peak2Peak Pass
Step 1: First, walk to the Matterhorn Talstat (valley station) and after that, take the Matterhorn Express (gondola).
Step 2: Ride through the stations of Furi and Schwarzsee until you reach Trockener Steg.
Step 3: Change station to get the bigger cable car from Trockener Steg to Glacier Paradise.
Step 4: After visiting Glacier Paradise, return back to Trockener Steg.
Step 5: Take the gondola from Trockener Steg to Furi (not the end station).
Step 6: After that, take the special cable car from Furi to Riffelberg.
Step 7: Take the Gornergrat train from Riffelberg to Gornergrat.
Step 8: Finally, take the Gornergrat train back to Zermatt.
Route
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat from Zermatt without the Peak2Peak Pass
Step 1: Walk to the Matterhorn Talstat (valley station) and take the Matterhorn Express (gondola).
Step 2: Ride through the stations of Furi, Schwarzsee until Trockener Steg.
Step 3: After that, change station to get the bigger cable car from Trockener Steg to Glacier Paradise.
Step 4: Return back to Trockener Steg from Glacier Paradise.
Step 5: Take the gondola from Trockener Steg to Matterhorn Talstat (last stop).
Step 6: Walk 15 minutes to reach the base station of the Gornergrat train.
Step 7: Take the Gornergrat train from Zermatt to Gornergrat.
Step 8: Finally, take the Gornergrat train back to Zermatt.
You can start and end at the trip of your choice.
Tip: I recommend you do the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise earlier because it closes earlier than the Gornergrat railway.
Tip: You can get down at any station on the route of the cable cars and the train but I recommend you to save more time for Gornergratbahn as there are more activities to do.
14 Responses
Hi!
Can we still use the route with the peak2peak pass even if we do not purchase it? Do we really need to have this pass to use the route?
Hi Charlotte,
You can only use the shortcut to Riffelberg if you have the Peak2Peak pass. Otherwise, you have to buy two separate tickets for the routes and begin at the starting point for each of the routes.
Regards,
Emily.
Hello,
Thank you for your informative article. I am visiting in June, unfortunately the Peak2Peak Pass is not available. But I can start my day in Zermatt very early, such as 8 a.m. In that case, do you think visit both Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat without the Peak2Peak Pass in one day is going to be very rush?
Hi Ryan,
Yes, it is possible to cover both on the same day even without the Peak2Peak pass. I would recommend you to start with the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, because it closes earlier than Gornergrat.
Regards,
Emily.
Thank you SO much Em. You really made things easier for us to plan with your step by step list.
Hi,
Thanks for writing to me. I’m glad that this blog helped you with your visit to Switzerland.
Regards,
Emily
Can I also check how long does the cable car journey between Riffelberg and Furi take and how is the frequency like? Thank you.
Hi,
The cable cars are constantly moving so whenever you arrive you will get one. But do inform yourself of the opening times of the cable car from Furi to Riffelberg from the information center at the Zermatt train station or at the base station of the cable car. It takes about 15 minutes from Furi to Riffelberg.
Regards,
Emily
I’d like to do Gronergrat first then Glacier Paradise second, can I reverse the steps you listed above? How much time in total to visit both sites assuming I will take the first train in the morning from Zermatt then back to Zermatt? Thanks.
Hi there,
Thank you for your comment. The Glacier Paradise closes earlier (around 2 pm) than the Gornergrat railways. Since we arrived almost at noon, we did the Glacier Paradise first. But if you have time on your hands, then you can reverse the steps. Hope this helps! 🙂
Regards,
Emily
Hi there, I noted that the opening hours of Glacier Paradise seems to be at 4.30pm right now. May I check if 2pm as you said is only during winter?
Thank you!
Hello there,
Thank you for writing to me. You must check at the information office just next to Zermatt train station or at the base station of the cable car for the schedule on the day of your visit as it keeps changing. The staff is helpful and they will guide you on the timings of the Cable cars particular to that day. We visited in July and were guided according to the schedule for the day. They also provide maps and directions free of cost to help you plan your day. Hope this helps!
Regards,
Emily
Hello,
Can you please let me know how long it took for each of the 8 steps when using the Peak to Peak pass? We are trying to plan our our day in Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat.
Hi there,
Thanks for writing to me. I am giving you a rough idea of the timings of each of the steps according to the timestamps I found from my photos.
Step 1: First, walk to the Matterhorn Talstat (valley station) and after that, take the Matterhorn Express (gondola). (12:00 pm)
Step 2: Ride through the stations of Furi and Schwarzsee until you reach Trockener Steg. ( app. 12:30 pm)
Step 3: Change station to get the bigger cable car from Trockener Steg to Glacier Paradise. (12:50 pm)
Step 4: After visiting Glacier Paradise, return back to Trockener Steg. (app. 13:25 pm)
Step 5: Take the gondola from Trockener Steg to Furi (not the end station). (app. 13:30 pm)
Step 6: After that, take the special cable car from Furi to Riffelberg. ( app.14:10 pm)
Step 7: Take the Gornergrat train from Riffelberg to Gornergrat. (app.15:25 pm)
Step 8: Finally, take the Gornergrat train back to Zermatt. (17:30 pm)
The last train from Gornergrat was at 17:30 pm. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise closes first so it’s better to visit that first. You then have ample time to hop on and off the Gornergrat Railways as you please. You can also check all the places we exolored on the Gornergrat railway route in this blog. Hope you find this helpful!
Regards,
Emily