Early Morning Ascent to Gornergrat
On the last day of my Swiss travel adventures (at least for now), I woke up early in Zermatt, ready for a day devoted entirely to the Matterhorn. The best vantage point for this iconic peak is from Gornergrat, a summit southeast of Zermatt offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains in the Matter valley. This valley is known as “the deepest valley of Switzerland,” boasting the highest difference in altitude between its lowest point and the highest peaks of the surrounding mountains, including some of the loftiest in the Swiss Alps (though interestingly, not the Matterhorn itself).
Conveniently, there’s a mountain railway that ascends to this summit – the second-highest mountain railway in Europe (the highest being the famous Jungfraujochbahn). I caught the first train of the day, departing Zermatt at 7 AM. The early hour meant the train was relatively empty, allowing me to choose a prime seat on the right side by a window that could be opened, despite these cars being introduced only in 2022. This modern feature shows that Swiss engineering continues to prioritize passenger experience, even in new designs.
Swiss Engineering at Its Finest
The train itself was a marvel of efficient design, perfectly adapted to its primary function: ferrying tourists up the mountain to photograph the Matterhorn. The small tables didn’t obstruct the windows, and the foldable seats maximized space – clear evidence of thoughtful, user-centric design.
As we left Zermatt, a dense morning fog obscured the mountains. But as we climbed higher, the fog gradually dissipated, unveiling a breathtaking panorama. Finally, the majestic shape of the Matterhorn emerged, accompanied by the setting full moon – a fortunate coincidence I had researched the night before but wasn’t sure I’d witness.
Riffelsee: The Perfect Reflection
Like most passengers, I disembarked one stop before the terminus, at Rotenboden. A short five-minute walk led to the small Riffelsee famous for reflecting the Matterhorn in its still waters – the source of Switzerland’s most iconic images. In a scene reminiscent of a pilgrimage, everyone descended to the lake, seeking the perfect spot for this quintessential Swiss photograph. The crisp, fresh morning air and the Matterhorn’s fully illuminated, nearly cloudless face created a truly magical atmosphere.
Reaching New Heights at Gornergrat
After capturing plenty of photos and admiring the nearby Gorner Glacier, I continued to the summit of Gornergrat. At 3,100 meters, this marked a new altitude record for me in Europe (though not my all-time record – that honor belongs to a 5,600-meter ascent in Chile). The panoramic views from the top were simply breathtaking, a testament to the raw beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Despite the temptation to hike part of the way down, a blister from the previous day’s adventure made me opt for the train ride back to Zermatt. Feeling that no other experience could top the morning’s views, I decided to conclude my trip and head home, savoring lunch in Zermatt before departing.
Reflecting on a Month of Swiss Wonders
This day served as the perfect finale to an incredible month-long journey across Switzerland. As I reflect on these experiences, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to live in this beautiful country. The efficient infrastructure, from the precisely timed trains to the well-maintained hiking trails and ingeniously designed cable cars, made it possible to access some of Europe’s most stunning natural wonders with ease.
Switzerland’s commitment to making its breathtaking landscapes accessible while preserving their natural beauty is truly commendable. The Gornergrat railway, for instance, is a feat of engineering that allows thousands of visitors to experience the high Alps without compromising the environment. It’s this harmonious blend of nature and human ingenuity that makes Switzerland such a unique and captivating destination.
Looking Ahead: More Travel Adventures to Come
As I journeyed home, I knew this wouldn’t be my last Swiss adventure. The country’s diverse landscapes, from tranquil lakes to towering peaks, coupled with its world-class infrastructure, ensure that there’s always more to explore. While this chapter of my Swiss travels comes to a close, I’m already looking forward to future adventures in this magnificent country – and beyond.
Stay tuned to find out where my next journey takes me, but one thing is certain – the bar has been set incredibly high by my Swiss experiences.