Gornergrat Bahnweg Trail Guide
Hike Alongside History: The Gornergrat Bahnweg Trail Guide
The Gornergrat Bahnweg Trail offers a unique hiking experience, following the route of the historic Gornergrat Bahn cogwheel railway. This trail provides a fascinating glimpse into the engineering marvel that allows access to the stunning Gornergrat summit. As you hike, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, the surrounding glaciers, and the dramatic alpine landscape. It's a moderately challenging hike that combines natural beauty with a touch of historical exploration. The Gornergrat Bahn, which the trail parallels, is a significant piece of Swiss engineering history. Opened in 1898, it was the first fully electric cogwheel railway in Switzerland. Its construction was a remarkable feat, allowing tourists to easily access the high-altitude views from Gornergrat. The railway played a pivotal role in the development of tourism in Zermatt and the surrounding region. Hiking the Bahnweg Trail allows you to appreciate the ingenuity and effort that went into creating this iconic railway. The primary activity on the Gornergrat Bahnweg Trail is hiking. The trail offers a more challenging alternative to the Panorama Trail, with steeper sections and varied terrain. As you hike, you can observe the railway tracks, tunnels, and bridges up close. There are numerous viewpoints along the way where you can stop to admire the scenery and take photographs. You can also combine this trail with other hiking routes in the area for a longer and more comprehensive exploration of the Gornergrat region. While not directly on the trail, the Kulmhotel Gornergrat at the summit offers traditional Swiss cuisine.
Transportation
The Gornergrat Bahnweg Trail starts in Zermatt and follows the Gornergrat Bahn railway line up to Gornergrat. You can start the hike directly from Zermatt village. Alternatively, you can take the Gornergrat Bahn partway up and then start hiking from one of the intermediate stations, such as Riffelalp or Riffelberg.