Matterhorn Guide｜Gornergrat Viewpoint, Golden Sunrise, One-Night Zermatt Plan

Updated on 25/11/2025 ｜ Published on 14/10/2025

Matterhorn travel guide｜Gornergrat is the closest and most reliable viewpoint for seeing the Matterhorn, while Zermatt is the best base for capturing its golden sunrise. This guide focuses on the two essentials: how to reach Gornergrat for the most stable viewing experience, and how to photograph the Matterhorn’s morning alpenglow from Zermatt. It also covers transport options, ticket prices, the Riffelsee reflection, the Five Lakes Walk, the blacknose-sheep restaurant, and the Glacier Express starting point. Perfect for travellers staying just one night who still want to capture all the highlights.

Why Visit Zermatt

Zermatt is one of the few towns in Switzerland that fully bans fuel-powered vehicles. Within the town, transport relies on electric shuttles and walking. No engine noise, no exhaust — only snowy peaks, the sound of wind, and footsteps on cobblestones.

Whether in spring blooms, summer hikes, autumn gold, or winter skiing, the Matterhorn always stands watch in the distance, quietly observing every traveller.

How to Get to Zermatt

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Zermatt is a car-free town that prohibits fuel vehicles, so taking the train is the most convenient and common way to get there:

• From Interlaken: about 2.5 hours via transfer at Visp.
• From Montreux: around 2 hours, also transferring at Visp.
• From Zurich: about 3.5 hours, taking the train to Visp and changing for Zermatt.

Swiss Travel Pass offers free travel on the above routes; Swiss Half Fare Card  offers a 50% discount.

You can also consider joining aday trip from Geneva to Zermatt

Gornergrat Viewpoint

The most classic experience in Zermatt is taking the cogwheel train Gornergrat Bahn up to the Gornergrat Viewpoint at 3,089 metres above sea level. It’s the closest viewing point to the Matterhorn, offering a 360° panorama of the mountain, the Gornergletscher Glacier, and the surrounding peaks.

• From the town station, the journey takes about 33 to 45 minutes to the summit.
• In summer, the viewpoint serves as a popular hiking trailhead; in winter, it’s a prime spot for snow and ski lovers.
• The best visiting times are early morning or sunset, when the soft light and crisp air create stunning photo tones.

Prices 

• Gornergrat Bahn adult round-trip fare
  • May – October: CHF 132
  • November – April: CHF 96
• With Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card: 50 % discount
  • Summer ≈ CHF 66; Winter ≈ CHF 48
• The Gornergrat Bahn operates year-round (closed 3–9 November 2025 for maintenance). During high season, trains run every 20–35 minutes.
• It is recommended to Book Online to have seats reserved

Riffelsee Reflection & Five Lakes Trail

Near Gornergrat lies Riffelsee Lake, one of the most photographed spots in Switzerland. On calm days, the lake mirrors the Matterhorn perfectly — earning it the nickname “the Alpine Mirror Lake.”

Unfortunately, on my visit it was windy and foggy, so no reflection — a perfect excuse to return.

This area also marks the start of the Five Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg), a 9.8 km route connecting five alpine lakes. The hike takes around 2.5–3 hours, moderate in difficulty. In summer, some lakes like Grünsee and Leisee are even suitable for swimming.

Start from Blauherd cable car station and finish at Sunnegga, using the mountain lift system to save energy.

Matterhorn Golden Sunrise

Even without the stamina for the Five Lakes Trail or the budget for multiple mountain viewpoints, staying just one night in Zermatt on a clear day gives you the chance to witness a free golden sunrise over the Alps — no climb needed to see the Matterhorn at its most enchanting.

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Every morning, the first golden rays paint the Matterhorn a copper hue — a breathtaking sight visible right from the town.

The best photo spot is Kirchbrücke Bridge, offering a wide view where you can capture the calm river and the sunlight reflecting on the mountain peak.

Additionally, Getwingbrücke Bridge and the banks of the Mattervispa River are lesser-known but excellent spots, perfect for quietly enjoying the view away from the crowds.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise, bring a tripod and warm clothing. Zermatt’s mornings are colder than expected, but the moment the peak glows gold makes it all worthwhile.

Schäferstube Restaurant

A trip to Zermatt isn’t complete without trying Valais Blacknose Sheep cuisine.

Restaurant Schäferstube is one of the town’s most iconic dining spots, specialising in slow-roasted lamb chops, Valais cheese fondue, and locally sourced pasture-raised lamb. The fresh ingredients and pure flavours, combined with its warm wooden chalet interior, create an atmosphere that makes you forget the outside world for a while.

• Location: Located in the semi-basement of Hotel Julen, about an 8-minute walk from the train station
• Budget: Main courses CHF 35–50, drinks charged separately
• The restaurant is often full during high season and dinner hours, so make sure to reserve online in advance 

Zermatt Travel Budget

Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s pricier destinations, so plan your budget accordingly.

• Transport: Gornergrat round-trip CHF 132 (full fare), CHF 66 with Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card.
• Accommodation: Mid-range hotels CHF 150–250 per night; book early during peak season.
• Dining: Lunch around CHF 20–35; dinner with drinks and lamb dishes CHF 50–80.

Glacier Express Terminus: The Classic Railway Starting Point from Zermatt

Zermatt is also the western terminus of the Glacier Express, an 8-hour panoramic train crossing the Alps to St. Moritz. The route spans 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, earning its title as “the world’s slowest express train.”

If time allows, consider taking the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Andermatt or Chur for a half-route experience — saving both time and cost while enjoying the most scenic mountain and valley sections.

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