Sunrise over the mountain panorama in Zermatt must surely be on every visitor’s ‘bucket list’.
That moment when the sun reaches the Matterhorn is beyond compare: from violet to blue and to the golden glow of the first rays of sun – an awesome palette of colours greets you and the new day.
Experience a moment for eternity and watch the sun as it rises over the Riffelsee lake.
Sunrise trip
It will still be dark when you board the Gornergrat train in Zermatt. In the early dawn the cog-wheel train takes you up to Rotenboden station. The lights in the train are purposely switched off to allow you to enjoy the mountain scenery high above Zermatt as the day begins.
From Rotenboden station it’s just a 10-minute walk to the Riffelsee lake. This is where the famous photos of the Matterhorn, flawlessly reflected on the lake’s calm surface, are taken. At sunrise you can take the perfect photo for your desktop background, Instagram account or your photo album.
After your visit to the Riffelsee, the train continues to the Gornergrat – where a breathtaking panorama awaits you.
Take your time to soak in the stillness of the early morning on the viewing platform and witness the day slowly come to life. Discover the majestic mountain world with 29 peaks over 4,000 metres and awe-inspiring glaciers.
If you wish, you can round off your sunrise experience with a delicious breakfast buffet at the saycheese! restaurant – simply book the “Sunrise including Breakfast” option.
You’re free to plan your return journey at your own pace – hop off along the way and hike part of the route if you're in the mood for a little adventure.
Dates ➜ Sundays, July - September
July
July 6, 2025 | Departure at 04:55
July 13, 2025 | Departure at 05:00
July 20, 2025 | Departure at 05:05
July 27, 2025 | Departure at 05:15
August
August 3, 2025 | Departure at 05:20
August 10, 2025 | Departure at 05:30
August 17, 2025 | Departure at 05:40
August 24, 2025 | Departure at 05:50
August 31, 2025 | Departure at 05:55
September
September 7, 2025 | Departure at 06:05
September 14, 2025 | Departure at 06:15
September 21, 2025 | Departure at 06:25
September 28, 2025 | Departure at 06:30
Price ➜ from CHF 66.00
Offer without breakfast:
Adults: CHF 132.00
½-Tax-Abo, GA, Swiss Travel Pass: CHF 66.00
Children 6-15.99 years: CHF 29.00
Children under 6 years: free
Offer including breakfast
Adults: CHF 157.00
½-Tax-Abo, GA, Swiss Travel Pass: CHF 91.00
Children 6-15.99 years: CHF 36.00
Children under 6 years: free
No other reductions with Junior or Grandchild ticket, Peak Pass
Included in the price:
The train ride Zermatt - Rotenboden - Gornergrat - Zermatt
Optional: A breakfast buffet
Accompaniment by a guide
Please note that a reservation is mandatory by the day before at the latest. Tickets cannot be purchased at the counter on the day of travel.
Programme
Arrive about 10-15 minutes before departure time at the ticket office of the Gornergrat Bahn lower station, where you will also find your guide.
If you have an online ticket, you can go directly through the gate using the QR code.
If you have booked breakfast included, show your ticket in the restaurant.
Ride with the Gornergrat Bahn to Rotenboden station.
10-minute hike to the "Riffelsee" lake.
Approx. 1h stay at "Riffelsee" followed by a ride to Gornergrat.
optional: Breakfast Buffet served at Gornergrat, restaurant saycheese!
Individual return journey to Zermatt.
Be well prepared for your visit to Riffelsee – our tips:
Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes for the short hike.
Dress warmly – mornings can be very cold.
Don’t forget a headband or beanie.
A thermos with hot tea or coffee adds extra warmth.
Please note: This offer is not barrier-free.
Due to the altitude (3,100 meters above sea level), it is generally not recommended to bring babies and toddlers on the Gornergrat excursion. Children under 2 years old can be taken along free of charge upon request, provided they do not require their own seat and eat from the parents'/accompanying persons' plate.
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