There are many ways to see the Alps, but perhaps none quite as impressive as the Gornergrat Bahn. Opened in 1898, it’s the oldest electric cog railway system in Switzerland, but it feels as modern and relevant as ever on its 125th anniversary, especially when you’re gliding along the rails, admiring the scenery.
And that scenery. Towering glaciers, soaring, snow-capped mountain peaks, verdant valleys… This is Switzerland at its finest and – to let you in on a secret – autumn is arguably when these sights look their finest.
Once in your smart train carriage, prepare for a smooth ride of just 33 minutes. During the journey, you’ll effortlessly rise to almost 1,500 metres in altitude, each metre of ascent providing new and exciting vistas. Take time to look down over Zermatt, a place that now feels a million miles away. You’ll also begin coming face-to-face with the mighty Matterhorn, the centrepiece that crowns all views of this area.
For a different perspective of the Matterhorn, consider hiking through the pine and larch forests you’ll be able to see way down below. Gazing up at the mountain’s splendour from these scenic woodland trails has an appeal all of its own.
Back up in the clouds in the comfort of your train carriage, it won’t be long before you arrive at the summit: the Gornergrat. Prepare for panoramic views of the Matterhorn alongside 28 other mountain peaks that all reach over 4,000 metres. For those who like their hiking at high-altitude, take this opportunity to follow the well-trodden Gornergrat Loop, a short, short circular trail leading to the summit. Once again, autumn will bring out some particularly spectacular views and colours at this point.
Carry on loading up on those autumn vibes by indulging in a cup of velvety hot chocolate at the sleek restaurant of 3100 Kulmhotel, the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps at 3,100 metres above sea level. Alternatively, get to know the Matterhorn even better at “ZOOOM the Matterhorn”. This experiential exhibition at Gornergrat is spread over three levels and features periscopes for an up-close view of the mountain, an immersive 3D cinema and virtual reality paragliding flights, letting you zoom through the air high above the Matterhorn, whilst still keeping your feet firmly on the ground.
All this and much more is possible through the Gornergrat Bahn, the gateway to the ultimate Alpine experience. Book your ticket for this historic railway at www.gornergrat.ch/en.