Day 3 - Gornergrat Railway
Today is your chance to soak in the full glory of the
Matterhorn, and you do so from aboard the Gornergrat Railway, the
highest open-air cog railway in Europe. Enjoy breakfast at the
hotel before walking to the station, conveniently located across
from the central train station in Zermatt. The ride takes just over
half an hour to complete and showcases the incredible beauty of the
Matterhorn. As you climb to a final elevation of 10,134 feet above
sea level, enjoy fantastic alpine vistas from both sides of the
train, including mountainside lakes, deep ravines, evergreen
forests, and the Gorner Glacier. The ride also offers sweeping
panoramas over the mountains as you climb in your rust-colored
carriage. If you are feeling adventurous, hop off the train at one
of the midpoint stations and continue to the top along one of the
hiking trails.
The views on the way up are impressive, but those from the top
are breathtaking. Soak in the wonders from one of the viewing
platforms or while hiking the 360-degree Scenic Loop at the top. Do
not forget to visit the Matterhorn Photo Point to take your picture
with the behemoth in the backdrop. The summit houses a hotel, the
3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, which is the highest hotel in the Swiss
Alps. Unique offerings at this sky-high lodge include a space
observatory, a restaurant, and Europe's highest shopping mall. Back
out on the peak, wander past the summit chapel, seek out the shaggy
black nose sheep that live on the mountainside (some are trackable
via GPS and a website), or try out a virtual reality experience at
Zooom the Matterhorn. Revel in another perspective on the gorgeous
scenery as you descend the mountain and return to the base in
Zermatt. Overnight Zermatt.
Includes