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Ultimate Guide to Visiting Matterhorn Glacier Paradise | Best Time to Visit, Directions, Visitor Tips & More
Visiting Matterhorn Glacier Paradise - Information At Glance
- Where is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is situated in the Swiss Alps near the town of Zermatt, in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. - What's Matterhorn Glacier Paradise altitude?
It boasts one of the highest accessible points in the Alps, with a cable car station located at an altitude of 3,883 meters (12,740 feet) above sea level. - When can I visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
The attraction is open year-round, with activities varying by season. Winter offers skiing and snowboarding, while summer is ideal for hiking and sightseeing. - How to reach Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
Access to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is via a series of cable cars and funiculars, making it easily reachable from Zermatt.
Where is Matterhorn Glacier Palace Located?
Address: Schluhmattstrasse 28, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
Closest Location: Zermatt
A glacier of the Pennine Alps, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is located at the base of the north face of Matterhorn in the south of Zermatt, Switzerland.
How to Get to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
You will first need to reach Zermatt before you get to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The Swiss village is only accessible by train because cars are not allowed to enter. From Zermatt Train Station, you can either walk or take a bus to the gondola station.
From Zermatt
Visitors are required to change three cable cars to get to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the first of which is from the gondola station in Zermatt. Take a 5-minute cable car ride from Zermatt to Furi after which you will have to figure out which of the two routes you wish to take to reach the glacier.
Through Schwarzsee
A small lake located at the base of Matterhorn, Schwarzsee is one of the two routes you can take to reach the glacier. Instead of taking a cable car that will directly take you to Trockener Steg from Furi, you can opt to take one to Schwarzsee. Once you reach there, transfer to a cable car to take you to Trockener Steg from where you can either take an older gondola or the Matterhorn Glacier Ride to reach the summit.
Keep in mind that this route is available only from early July to mid or late August and then during the winter months.
Through Trockener Steg
Once you reach Furi, transfer to a cable car that will take you directly to Trockener Steg. From there, you need to transfer to another cable car to get to the summit. You can either take the older, regular gondola or the Matterhorn Glacier Ride (also called the Crystal Ride because it’s decorated with Swarovski crystals) to reach your destination.
This route is open all year round.
Know Before You Go
Weather
Facilities
Accessibility
Rules & Regulations
Dining
Stay
The weather at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is usually cold with temperatures ranging from -10 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius. They may further drop at night. The glacier witnesses snow all year round. So, make sure you pack all your warm clothes.
- Ski depots: Zermatt has several ski depots that offer a safe space for guests to store their gear instead of having to lug them around when you’re on the slopes. There are several ski depots at the Furi and Trockener stations as well as the Sunnegga valley and mountain stations.
- Matterhorn App: This app is your ideal travel companion providing all the information and recommendations you need to enhance your experience and make sure you have the perfect holiday.
- Shop till you drop: There are a few gift shops located in Zermatt and Trockener Steg. Head to Peak Shop at the summit for gifts and souvenirs.
- Restroom: The restaurant at the summit allows visitors to use the toilet for a small fee.
- All cable cars and stations are wheelchair accessible.
- There are special toilets for the disabled at the Zermatt train station as well as up in the mountains.
- Children under the age of 3 cannot be taken up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, while those under 18 years of age are required to wear helmets.
- Photography is allowed but the use of drones is strictly prohibited.
- Tickets are non-transferable. They can be used only by the person authorized to do so.
- Visitors must ensure that they follow all the instructions and warnings given by the authorities at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and not do anything or behave in a way that puts their safety at risk.
- The lifts must not be damaged in any manner. Do not hold out or throw any kind of object from the lifts.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited at the stations and in the lifts.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is home to the highest mountain restaurant in the world named ‘En Guete’. The restaurant offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding peaks as well as a delicious menu featuring international dishes as well as Swiss specialties. From burgers and pasta to dessert and wine, the restaurant serves a lip-smacking fare. We recommend booking a sunset dinner, which includes gorging on a three-course meal while witnessing the sun go down. But make sure to book a table in advance.
There are a few stay options in Zermatt that you can explore. Here is a list:
Budget:
Hotel Schwarzsee (6 km)
Hornli Hut (6.3 km)
Mid-range:
Hotel Mountain Paradise (8.3 km)
3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat (6.5 km)
Luxury:
Matterhorn Ski & Spa Rooms (7.6 km)
Riffelhaus 1853 (6.3 km)
Riffelalp Resort 2222m (7.2 km)
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Q. Where is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise located?
A. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is located in Zermatt, Switzerland.
Q. What is the timetable for the cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
A. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car operates from 9 AM to 4 PM depending on the weather conditions.
Q. What is the best time to visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
A. The best time to visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is from June to September and then from December to March when the site opens for skiing.
Q. When will I find snow at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
A. You will find snow all year round at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Q. How much time do I need to visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
A. Make sure you set aside at least 3-4 hours for your visit.
Q. Can I book Matterhorn Glacier Paradise tickets on-site?
A. Yes. You can buy your Matterhorn Glacier Paradise tickets from their sales points at the specified time.
Q. Do I need tickets to visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
A. Yes. You need to book tickets to visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Q. Can I take my car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
A. No. You cannot take your car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. You will have to park your car at Tasch Train Station and then head to Zermatt to begin your journey to the glacier.
Q. What are the famous views that I can see from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
A. The different viewing platforms at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offer spectacular 360-degree views of 38 mountain peaks and 14 glaciers in Switzerland, France, and Italy.
Q. Can I take my kids to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
A. Yes. Children above 3 years of age can go to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Q. Is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise wheelchair accessible?
A. Yes. It is wheelchair accessible. However, some activities and attractions might be out of bounds for those with reduced mobility.
Q. Will I find any place to eat at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
A. Yes. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is home to the highest mountain restaurant called En Guete. You will also find small cafes where you can grab a bite.
Q. How long does it take to visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
A. It takes at least 45 minutes to get there and 3-4 hours to explore.
Q. Is it worth visiting Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
A. Yes. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is worth a visit because you get to see the mighty Alps in all their glory. The glacier offers jaw-dropping views of 38 mountain peaks and 14 glaciers in Switzerland, France, and Italy. It is an experience of a lifetime that you should definitely not miss out on.