After the Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon: Gornergrat

The Route: Zermatt → Riffelalp → Riffelberg → Gornergrat → Zermatt Logistics: Gornergrat rack railway from Zermatt station, out and back. No walking is needed beyond the station platforms. Marathon Month: July Duration: Day trip

Zermatt station ──(Gornergrat rack railway, about 30 mins)──> Gornergrat (3,089 m)
      ▲                                                              │
      └─────────(same railway, with a stop at Riffelberg if wanted)◄─┘

The Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon finishes on Riffelberg at 2,585 m on a Saturday in early July, and the same rack railway that brings runners down from the finish carries on above it to the Gornergrat summit at 3,089 m. The Sunday after is the sensible day to ride it, because the work is done by the engine and the seat is reserved by your own ticket.

July in Zermatt: the valley is warm by day and the summit is not. At 3,089 m expect cold air and a strong sun together, with snow possible on the high ground even in summer. Bring a layer, sunglasses and sunscreen. The altitude is higher than the finish line, so anyone who felt the thin air on the last climb should expect the same here and keep the visit short and slow.

The railway

The Gornergrat railway leaves from Zermatt station. In the summer 2026 timetable the first train left Zermatt at 07:00, with departures every 24 minutes from 08:00. Check the current timetable and fares at gornergrat.ch before travelling, since seasonal schedules change from year to year. The journey takes about half an hour, seated, which suits tired legs. Zermatt itself is a car-free village, so the walk to the station from most hotels is short and flat.

Sit on the side that faces the Matterhorn on the way up, and expect the mountain to appear in the window above the treeline. The line stops at Riffelalp and Riffelberg, where the finish arch stood the day before, so a runner can get off for a first look at the finish area in daylight before riding on.

At the top

Gornergrat gives a view across the Gorner glacier and the high peaks around Zermatt. Paths from the station are short and the main terrace is close to the platform, but some routes involve steps at altitude, so check access on arrival if stairs are a problem. Allow an hour or two. Food and drink are available at the summit station, so there is no need to carry lunch.

Getting back

Trains return to Zermatt on the same frequent pattern, so there is no need to book a specific train down. The last service of the day matters more than the first, so check it at the station before settling in for the afternoon.