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Should we go to Gornergrat or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise first after arriving @ Zermatt midday?

Posted by on

I am intending to come from Montreux by Swiss Rail and will arrive 12pm in midday to Zermatt staying for 2 nights. Will be stayin at the Hotel Excelsior Zermatt.

We will do 2 mountain excursuions sure anyway, but which is better or convenient or appropriate to do first on the first day of arrival? Gornergrat or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise first and why?

Then the next day, we will do the other one and then assuming we will do the other mountain excursion for half day on the next day, we really dunno what else we can spend the day on other than walking in the village of Zermatt

Any thoughts and suggestions?

Thanks in advance

Posted by
3104 posts

I don't know why, when I see a "which... And why?" question I feel like I have been given a school assignment, and I get grumpy. But I will answer anyway.

The answer may depend on where your hotel is. Gornergrat train starts at the near end of the village, closest to the train. The Klein Matterhorn lift is at the far end, so you walk the length of the village to get there, as I recall.

If you want photographs, the morning and afternoon light may favor one or the other---but I don't know which is which.

There is nice walking in the Gornergrat area---you can get off at one stop and walk to the next to re-board the train. we went up there for lunch (expensive even in the cafeteria) and then walked partway down.

Posted by
12040 posts

Weather may dictate the sequence for you. Be glad for good conditions, but never count on them in the Alps.

Posted by
3167 posts

Though I've only been there once, in May, a lot of what you choose to do is weather dependent so be flexible when you visit. Early in the morning I went up the Gornergrat and the Matterhorn was beautifully visible at the upper cog railway station. Within five minutes, it was socked in by clouds and not visible for the remainder of the day. The weather on the Gornergrat was sunny and fantastic for hiking.

Posted by
48 posts

Was in Zermatt 2 weeks ago and took the Gornergrat for first time. Three previous times before we went up Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and I feel its a better experience. The Gornergrat is okay but when we were there very cloudy and no view. Just my opinion but I'd go Glacier Paradise first, the cable cars, etc. are more fun than the narrow gauge rail.

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