Altitude Hike in Gornergrat

The Gornergrat hike is on top of my list because it offers a unique landscape made of glaciers, mountain lakes, and a beautiful view of the Matterhorn.

This hike starts in the Gornergrat cogwheel station. From there, you are immediately treated to a breathtaking view of the Gorner Glacier and the iconic Matterhorn.

Then, you will follow a ridge (Hohtälligrat) that leads you to the Hohtälli summit at 3273 meters. This section has some challenging parts, walking on boulder fields and uneven terrain. But this is worth it since you can finally get away from all the tourists. After enjoying the beautiful views on the glaciers, you can go down towards the Gornergratsee.

After some time, you will arrive at the Riffelsee, another highlight of the hike. When the wind is calm, you can see a perfect reflection of the Matterhorn on the lake. After a few more kilometers, you will arrive at Riffelberg, where you can catch the train back down.

Logistics

The hike will start at Gornergrat and end in Riffelberg. Both stations are accessible by the Gornergrat Bahn.

Easier Alternative

If the thrill of hiking on a ridge sounds too much for you, you can still enjoy the Gornergrat hike. In this case, I would recommend skipping the part going to Hohtälli. You will still get to see the Matterhorn and the Gorner Glacier as well as the Riffelsee.