Gornergrat Railway
Wallis
The Gornergrat Railway, located in the Swiss canton of Valais, is a historic mountain rack railway connecting the resort village of Zermatt at 1,604 meters to the summit of the Gornergrat at 3,089 meters above sea level. Opened in 1898, it was the first electric rack railway in Switzerland and remains the second highest railway in Europe after the Jungfrau Railway. The line offers spectacular panoramic views of 29 peaks above 4,000 meters, including the iconic Matterhorn and the expansive Gorner Glacier, the second longest glacier in the Alps. The railway is a popular starting point for hiking and skiing activities and features a unique three-phase electric power system with two overhead conductors. The route spans over 9 kilometers, with several passenger stops and freight-only stations, and utilizes the Abt rack system to manage steep gradients. The Gornergrat Railway is operated by Gornergrat Bahn AG, a subsidiary of BVZ Holdings AG, which also manages connections with the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. Its summit station provides visitors with access to alpine adventures and stunning natural vistas year-round.
Planifiez votre voyage en Suisse avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: For the best experience, visit on a clear day to enjoy unobstructed views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred travel times. Winter operations allow access for skiing enthusiasts, but weather conditions can affect service; check the official website for current schedules and possible discounts for groups or families.
Faits intéressants
- •The Gornergrat Railway is the highest open-air railway in Europe and the second highest overall after the Jungfrau Railway.
- •It was the first electric rack railway built in Switzerland, operating with a unique three-phase electric power system.
- •The railway climbs an altitude difference of 1,469 meters over a 9.3 km track using the Abt rack system.
- •The Gorner Glacier visible from the railway is the second longest glacier in the Alps.
- •The summit station at Gornergrat offers panoramic views of 29 peaks above 4,000 meters, including the famous Matterhorn.
Histoire
Construction of the Gornergrat Railway began in 1896 following the establishment of the Visp-Zermatt-Bahn in 1891.
The line officially opened on August 20, 1898, as Switzerland's first electric rack railway and was initially operated only in the summer.
Year-round service was gradually extended, reaching the summit in 1941.
Originally the highest railway in Europe, it was surpassed by the Jungfrau Railway in 1912.
The railway underwent significant upgrades, including a 1909 extension closer to the summit and the construction of a protective avalanche gallery completed in 1941 to enable safer winter operations.
Ownership and corporate structure evolved over time, culminating in its current status as a wholly owned subsidiary of BVZ Holdings AG since 2005.
Guide du lieu
Summit Station2004
The upper terminal at 3,089 meters offers panoramic views of the surrounding alpine peaks, including the Matterhorn and the Gorner Glacier. It serves as a hub for hiking and skiing activities and was remodeled in 2004 to enhance visitor facilities.
Route and Passenger Stops
The railway line includes several passenger stops such as Riffelalp, Riffelberg, and Rotenboden, each offering unique vantage points of the Alps. Freight-only stations like Ladegleis Findelbach and Riffelboden support logistics and maintenance operations.
Rolling Stock and Operation
The railway operates two-railcar trains powered by a three-phase electric system, capable of transporting approximately 2,500 passengers per hour. The rolling stock has evolved to meet increasing demand and improve travel times, especially for winter sports visitors.
Contact
Téléphone: 0848 642 442