Gornergrat

Another must see place in Zermatt is Gornergrat. You can reach this promontory by using the Gornergrat train, a mountain rack railway, which ascends the mountain passed Riffelalp and Riffelberg.

Zermatt – Gornergrat train – Zermatt, Switzerland

Upper Zermatt – Gornergrat train – Zermatt, Switzerland

Matterhorn – Gornergrat train – Zermatt, Switzerland

Mattertal – Gornergrat train – Zermatt, Switzerland

Dent Blanche and Aschhorn – Gornergrat train – Zermatt, Switzerland

Mattertal, Dent Blanche and Aschhorn – Gornergrat train – Zermatt, Switzerland

Matterhorn and Dent Blanche – Gornergrat train – Zermatt, Switzerland

The line ahead – Gornergrat train – Zermatt, Switzerland

Hikers – Gornergrat train – Zermatt, Switzerland

Observatory – Gornergrat train – Zermatt, Switzerland

Gorner Glacier – Gornergrat – Zermatt, Switzerland

There are several stops besides these two along the way that one may decide to leave the train and just walk or hike. However, unlike Sunnegga and Blauherd, the terrain here is a bit more unforgiving and vertical. Also, the weather on top of the mountains can be cold and unpredictable, so bring something warm and something waterproof, especially if you are hiking.

Looking towards Dent Blanche – Gornergrat – Zermatt, Switzerland

Gornergrat station – Gornergrat – Zermatt, Switzerland

Looking toward Zermatt and Mattertal – Gornergrat – Zermatt, Switzerland

Chapelle du Gornergrat – Bernhard von Aosta – Gornergrat – Zermatt, Switzerland

Erick at Riffelberg – Riffelberg – Zermatt, Switzerland

Gornergrat Glacier

The height of the trip is the summit and the Gornergrat Glacier. Aside from this, this isn’t much to see, especially in marginal weather when the Matterhorn is obscured.

Panorama of Gorner Glacier – Gornergrat – Zermatt, Switzerland

Riffelberg

On the way down we stopped at Riffelberg, with the hopes of getting some hiking in down to Riffelalp. However, the weather was not looking very good and we were still suffering from our colds, so we decided against it.

Wanderwege – Riffelberg – Zermatt, Switzerland

Tall Peaks across the valley Matter – Riffelberg – Zermatt, Switzerland

Here are some short videos that were taken of our trip.

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Restaurants

We did not eat at the restaurant on the summit, but rather waited until we were back in Zermatt. We left around ten in the morning and were already back a little after noon.

China Garden

Any one seeking good Chinese food at very reasonable prices has to visit the China Garden.

Patti at China Garden – Zermatt, Switzerland

They have all the dishes which are prepared with continental ingredients and taste delicious. For those that prefer their lunches uncomplicated, here you can definitely find some vegetarian or simple to order.

Spring roll – China Garden – Zermatt, Switzerland

Vegetable rice with vegetable mix – China Garden – Zermatt, Switzerland

And of course, after lunch the day would not be complete this week without the customary rain storm. Actually, this was just a gentle shower, later in the day we had a very severe thunderstorm. But we were inside the hotel by then and did not care. Again, the weather can be unpredictable here, so be prepared and check the forecast, they are for the most part reliable.

Tomorrow it’s on to Matterhorn Glacier, so we will be taking the Matterhorn Glacier Express.