Zermatt is located in the Swiss Alps, playing host to some of the most marvelous scenery of typical European hilly lands I’ve ever seen. In Zermatt, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is no more a stranger, swathed around by hordes of outdoor pursuits and photogenic landscapes.
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at an altitude of 3883 meters is a ski paradise when winter is around the corner. During the rest of the year, it becomes a big hook for ardent hikers. Once you get to the top, stroll around the highest viewing platform in the Alps for a sweeping wraparound vista.
And even if you don’t ski or snowboard, you can still enjoy the mountain views by taking a cable car ride to the summit and enjoying the Matterhorn Glacier Palace. Read on to find out how to get there from Zermatt, itinerary, and more.
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Zermatt Peak Pass
The Peak Pass offers you unlimited trips across the following trains and lifts:
- Zermatt – Matterhorn glacier paradise lift
- Zermatt – Furi – Schwarzsee lift
- Zermatt – Gornergrat rail
- Zermatt – Sunnegga – Blauherd – Rothorn lift/rail
- Furi – Riffelberg
- Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Randa – Täsch – Zermatt route only)
- Zermatt local bus
Buy the pass online for the best rate. Note that access to any ski resort is not included in the pass. Other than transportation, the pass also gives you access to the Glacier Palace,as well as the use of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn between Randa, Täsch, and Zermatt.
Once you’ve acquired the pass, redeem it with the reserved date that you already selected upon your reservation. Here are two redemption locations:
- Zermatt (Talstation Sunnegga) – Valley Station Sunnegga-Rothorn
- Zermatt (Matterhorn Talstat.) – Matterhorn glacier paradise Valley Station
The peak is valid from one to three consecutive days depending on which type of pass you choose.
A Sightseeing Day Around Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: A Sample Day Trip Itinerary
Morning Itinerary
- Take the cog train from Zermatt Gornergrat Bahn to the Gornergrat viewing platform
- Sightseeing for an hour.
- Take the next bus to Rotenboden, get off, and walk for five minutes to Riffelberg to see the Matterhorn reflection.
- Hike downhill to Riffelberg for lunch.
Afternoon Itinerary
Take the cable car downhill from Riffelberg to Furi station before visiting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Riffelberg to Furi Station By Cable Car
I took the cable car from Riffelberg Station down the mountain to Furi Station. The ride is soaked in an impeccable view of the marvelous mountain view below. The rocky cliff is steep, revealing an awe-inspiring distance between the cable car you’re in and the actual ground underneath.
As soon as you’re approaching Furi station, the rocky boulder disappears, making way for the sun-kissed meadows to come out.
Furi Station to Trockener Steg
Once you get to Furi Station, switch to another cable car uphill to Trockener Steg Station before moving on to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. At Trockener Steg, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Matterhorn. It serves as a base for skiers, mountaineers, and hikers any season.
Trockener Steg Station
After a short ride, you will arrive at the Trockener Steg station at an altitude of 2939 meters. From there, switch to a larger cable car to the summit. Layer up and stay warm as the temperature begins to drop drastically. Along the way, you will admire the snow-capped mountains and the misty lakes as well as the Matterhorn peak at a distance.
The scenery at this point injects you with an isolated feeling, with the wind screaming through the peaks and a chilly atmosphere wrapping you from all sides.
Arrival at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Upon your arrival, look at the blue map for directions to different facilities in the area. You will pass the movie zone first before visiting the Glacier Palace. Take a lift that goes 15 meters underground. If you’ve obtained the peak pass then you don’t have to pay for anything. Just swipe the card to get in.
There are several ice sculptures and the entire area is super cold. One of my favorite things to see is the ice-skating slide. Sit on a mat and track through the ice tunnel. The outdoor area is completely covered in snow. In winter, the whole area is scrambled with skiers. If you don’t ski, snow tubing is another fun activity to enjoy.
I recommend you spend at least three days exploring Zermatt to the fullest. One day is saved for the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and occupy the other two days with these activities in Zermatt you cannot forget:
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Everything You Need to Know about Switzerland
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