Zermatt & Gornergrat Railway Tour from Zurich: Matterhorn Views

Zermatt Village and the Gornergrat summit in one day, with a guide and the railway that built Switzerland's Alpine reputation

This 10-hour guided tour from Zurich combines a walking tour of Zermatt Village with a scenic train ride up the Gornergrat Bahn to 3,089 meters, where you stand among 29 surrounding peaks and glaciers including the Gorner Glacier. Your English-speaking guide meets you at Zurich HB, travels with you to Zermatt, walks you through the town's heritage and compact streets, then boards the 1898 electric rack railway with you to the summit. The Standard Rail Pass, priority train tickets and hotel drop-off at Zurich are included; lunch can be purchased at Zermatt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Zermatt Village and Gornergrat Railway Tour

• Meet guide at Zurich train station
• Travel to Zermatt
• Explore Zermatt Village and learn history
• Ride scenic Gornergrat Bahn railway
• Enjoy panoramic views at Gornergrat summit
• Return to Zurich

The Experience

Your guide meets you at Zurich HB and the day begins with a train journey to Zermatt. Once there, you walk through the village itself—a compact Alpine town tucked between the Pennine Alps, with three main streets along the Matter Vispa river. Your guide explains Zermatt's transformation from an agricultural community into a mountain resort, pointing out the traditional architecture, boutique shops and local restaurants that line the streets. The Matterhorn and Monte Rosa rise above the rooflines as you move through the town, and the guide shares the historical events that shaped the place over centuries.

The centerpiece is the Gornergrat Bahn, the first electric rack railway built in Switzerland, which opened in 1898. You board with priority passes and ride upward through Alpine terrain, watching the views expand as the train climbs to 3,089 meters. From the summit station, you see 29 surrounding mountain peaks, several glaciers including the Gorner Glacier (the second longest in the Alps), and the Monte Rosa region spread across the horizon. The guide shares details about the railway's history and the landscape as the train ascends and descends.

After time at the summit to take in the vistas, you descend and return to Zermatt, then travel back to Zurich where your guide drops you at the station. The full day runs 10 hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Your guide meets you at Zurich HB and returns you there at day's end.
• the Standard Rail Pass for travel to Zermatt.
• priority passes for the Gornergrat Bahn so you board without waiting in the standard queue.
• an English-speaking guide who walks you through Zermatt Village and shares the town's heritage and history.
• and the scenic train ride itself with views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, 29 surrounding peaks and several glaciers including the Gorner Glacier.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Tours of Switzerland

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a guide leading you through Zermatt's history and streets alongside the Gornergrat train ride, rather than exploring independently—the guide sets the pace and explains what you're seeing.

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Top questions

What is the Gornergrat Bahn and why is it worth riding?

The Gornergrat Bahn is the first electric rack railway built in Switzerland, dating to 1898, and it climbs from Zermatt to the Gornergrat summit at 3,089 meters. From the top you see 29 Alpine peaks, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier—the second longest glacier in the Alps.

How much time do I spend walking around Zermatt Village itself?

Zermatt Village has a compact layout with three main streets along the Matter Vispa river, and your guide walks you through the town to explore its heritage, traditional architecture and local culture. The village is small enough to cover most of the main sights during your visit.

Does this tour include the train tickets to Gornergrat?

Yes, the Gornergrat Railway Priority Passes are included, so you board with reserved seats and skip the standard queue. The Standard Rail Pass for travel to and from Zermatt is also included.

What time does the tour start and when do I return to Zurich?

Your guide meets you at Zurich HB in the morning, and you return to Zurich train station at the end of the tour. The full experience runs 10 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Can I buy lunch during the tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, but you can purchase food by card at restaurants and shops in Zermatt during your time in the village.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility needs?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, transportation options are wheelchair accessible, and infants or small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are allowed.