Gornergrat


Switzerland is rich in wonders! The spectacular panoramas of the Alps mountain ranges, the azure waters of the Geneva and Lucerne lakes, impregnated castles in the medieval atmosphere - all this attracts and captures. But the real highlight of Switzerland is the Gornergrat railway.

What is the interest of the Gornergrat road to a simple tourist?

The railroad Gornergrat is located in the small town of Zermatt , at the foot of the Pennines Alps. What is characteristic, in the city are banned cars and even bicycles, so the railway transport here is in high esteem.

Gornergrat originates at the foot of the mountains, and the terminal station is located at an altitude of more than 3 thousand meters. It is the second tallest in Europe. By the way, it was Gornergrat that was the first electrified cog railway, and this line was opened as far back as 1898. Its track width is only 1 m, and the length is about 9 km. Today this railway connects Zermatt with the mountain spur Gornergrat. What is characteristic, in some places, lifting is carried out at an angle of 20 °! There are also sections of the road that are surrounded by a special anti-avalanche gallery. The total travel time takes about 20 minutes, which will seem to you simply unforgettable.

At the terminal station is a hotel, a restaurant serving local cuisine , a small chapel, a souvenir shop and a toilet. Places for the observation platform are not allocated very much, but the crowds are saved by regular and frequent train trips to Zermatt. But it is on the top of Mount Gornergrat that the amazing panorama of the Monte Rosa glaciers opens. Nothing will stop you from enjoying the azure waters of the mountain lake Riffelsee and the views of the Matterhorn mountain. If you can afford a budget, you can dine at a local restaurant at the Kulm Hotel. It serves Swiss cuisine, and the main highlight is the elite Swiss cheeses.

Since Switzerland is not at all a cheap country, the travel on such an unusual "attraction" will cost you 45 Swiss francs one way. But for fans of outdoor activities there is a more economical option. Many tourists take a one-way ticket to the top. And from there they descend on foot, along the railway Gorengrat, further venturing into the local beauties and merging with nature. Such a path can be overcome even by children !

How to get there?

The easiest way to get to this place is by train. To do this, you need to drive from Zurich to Visp, and then change to the line to Zermatt. Since the city is on the border with Italy, then without any obstacles, there are also trains from Milan.

If you are traveling by private car, then you should drive from Zurich along the A4 highway to Tesh. There it is necessary to leave the car in a huge parking lot and proceed to Zermatt by train or taxi. As mentioned above, entry into the city by private transport is prohibited.

In conclusion, I would like to say that this trip is worth the money spent on it. You will remember Zermatt and its Gornegrat railway as one of the most beautiful places you've ever visited. The desire to return here will continue to accompany you for a long time, and the number of photos with chic views will take more than one gigabyte of memory on your computer.