Begin your day in Gornergrat at the railway station, located at an elevation of 3,089m (10,135 ft) in the Pennine Alps. Get your tickets and board the train for a scenic ride with views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
Arrive at the Gornergrat Observation Deck, located at an elevation of 3,135m (10,285 ft). Take in the panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and other peaks of the Swiss Alps. Look for the highest mountain entirely within Switzerland, the Dom, with an elevation of 4,545m (14,911 ft).
Head to Riffelsee Lake, a beautiful alpine lake with crystal clear water that perfectly reflects the image of the Matterhorn. Walk along the lakeshore or take a picnic lunch while you enjoy the stunning scenery around you.
Take the train back to Gornergrat and stop at the Gornergrat Kulmhotel, the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps located at 3,100m (10,167 ft). Enjoy lunch at their panoramic restaurant and take in more stunning views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.
Visit the Glacier Grotto, a natural ice cave located under the Gorner Glacier at an elevation of 2,800m (9,186 ft). Explore the blue-tinted ice formations and learn about the glacier and its formation from experienced guides.
To get to Gornergrat, take the cog railway from Zermatt. The train departs every 30 minutes and the journey takes approximately 33 minutes each way. A round-trip fare from Zermatt costs CHF 94 per person. Be sure to check the timetable in advance to plan your visit accordingly.
If you have more time, consider adding a hike along the Gornergrat ridge or to the nearby Riffelhorn summit. Alternatively, take a helicopter tour for a bird's-eye view of the Swiss Alps. If you have less time, consider skipping the Glacier Grotto or having a quick snack instead of lunch at the Kulmhotel.
The nearest airport to Gornergrat is Zurich Airport (ZRH), located approximately 237 km (147 miles) away. Another option is Geneva Airport (GVA), located approximately 236 km (147 miles) away. From either airport, take a train to Zermatt and transfer to the cog railway to Gornergrat.