Take a cable car from Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe’s highest cable car station at 3,883 m. Zoom from valley to peak, and access the world’s highest Glacier Palace, ice tunnels, and viewing platform overlooking 38 peaks over 4,000 meters. Perfect for photography, skiing, or simply soaking in the Alps, all key attractions are included in full-day tours.

Overview:

  • Distance from Zermatt: ~12 km
  • Typical travel time: 30–40 min via cable car
  • On-site visit duration: 2–4 hours
  • Cost range: CHF 90–150 per adult (depends on inclusions)
  • Best season/time of year: May–October for sightseeing; December–March for skiing
  • Boarding point: Zermatt Talstation

What to expect on a Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise day trip

Matterhorn reflected in a serene alpine lake, Zermatt, Switzerland.
Cable car ascending to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with snowy mountain backdrop.
Aerial view of Gornergrat ridge and train station with Matterhorn peak in Zermatt, Switzerland.
Skiers on Gornergrat slope with Matterhorn in background, Zermatt.
Viewing platform at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with mountain views.
Zermatt village with Matterhorn mountain in the background, Switzerland.
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Departure from Zermatt

Board your cable car at Zermatt station, running continuously from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Enjoy crisp mountain air and sweeping alpine views as you ascend toward the Klein Matterhorn.

Scenic cable car journey

Pass Gorner, Findel, Theodul, and Matterhorn Glaciers, along with snowfields and rugged peaks, on the world’s highest cable car route. The ride itself is a highlight, offering unbeatable photo opportunities.

Arrive at the summit

Walk into a glacier and admire ice sculptures at the Glacier Palace or relax in the cinema lounge. Marvel at the Matterhorn peak from multiple vantage points.

Optional snow activities

Try skiing, snow tubing, or walking on the glacier at the Snow Fun Park, depending on seasonal availability. Equipment rentals are available on-site.

Panoramic views

From the viewing deck at 3,883 m, get 360° Alpine vistas with telescopes to spot famous peaks including the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Castor & Pollux, and many more.

Comfortable return to Zermatt

Explore the summit at your own pace, timing your visit to fully enjoy the summit station. The final cable car descent is typically around 5:30 pm, varying seasonally.

Things to know before booking your day trip

👉 Zermatt is the gateway

All trips to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise start here.

👉 Book ahead to avoid queuing

Cable car queues can extend for around 20-minute in peak seasons.

Secure your spot now

👉 Check the forecast before booking

Weather affects cable car operations and timings.

Seasonal patterns at Glacier Paradise

Your Zermatt to Glacier Paradise itinerary

Time of dayDurationSegmentOptional add ons

Morning

40 minutes

Zermatt → Trockener Steg

Hop off at Trockener Steg to bike on the mountain trails

Midday

2–2.5 hrs

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Free time on viewing platform; coffee/snack break

Afternoon

1–2 hrs

Summit station exploration

Optional Snow Fun Park; last cable car descent ~5:30 pm

Evening

1-2 hrs

Return to Zermatt

Local bus access to explore Zermatt, optional Matterhorn Museum visit

Highlights of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Viewing platform at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with mountain views.
Visitors exploring ice sculptures inside Glacier Paradise.
People seated in modern hanging chairs in a cinema room.
Dining with a view of the Matterhorn at a glacier-top restaurant.
Skiers on Gornergrat slope with Matterhorn in background, Zermatt.
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Viewing platform

Identify legendary peaks such as Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and Castor & Pollux, and, on clear days, trace the horizon across Switzerland, Italy, and France.

✅ Access included

Glacier Palace

Descend into the underground ice tunnels and explore sculpted figures and an ice chapel. Marvel at the glacial lake hidden beneath the surface and learn about the formation and history of glaciers through informative displays.

✅ Access included

Cinema lounge

Experience a cinematic journey showcasing the Alpine world, including alpinism, flora and fauna, and the history of lifts and railways.

✅ Access included

Mountain-top restaurant

Enjoy a meal with breathtaking glacier and peak views at the mountaintop restaurant. Choose from a variety of local and international dishes while soaking in the alpine panorama.

❌ Price not included

👉 To avail on-site

Snow activities

The Snow Fun Park at the summit offers safe, family-friendly snow play, and equipment rentals are available on-site. Ideal for beginners, casual snow fun, or quick winter sports experiences without leaving the summit.

❌ Access not included

👉 To avail on-site

Person walking on Glacier 3000 suspension bridge with snowy mountains in the background.

Furi suspension bridge

Feel the thrill of swaying above the Alpine gorge while enjoying panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Gorner Glacier, and surrounding peaks.

Time required: 30–45 mins

Accessible at: Furi station

Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly to viewing areas, bridge itself has rails; some steps

Matterhorn reflected in a clear alpine lake, Zermatt, Switzerland.

Schwarzsee lake

Nestled at 2,552 m, this glacial lake offers crystal-clear waters reflecting the Matterhorn.

Time required: 1 hour

Accessible at: Schwarzsee station (stop at select cable car routes)

Accessibility: Mostly paved paths, wheelchair access to lake viewpoint; some uneven terrain.

Matterhorn peak surrounded by snow and clouds in the Swiss Alps.

Trockener Steg trails

Stop here to explore over 10 km of marked Alpine trails for hiking or mountain biking, ranging from beginner to advanced.

Time required: 1–2 hours

Accessible at: Trockener Steg station

Accessibility: Trails vary; wheelchair not recommended on steep sections, bikes must be secured on cable car.

Getting to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt

Route at a glance: Zermatt → Furi → Trockener Steg → Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

  • Zermatt → Furi: Board the cable car at Zermatt and enjoy a 5-minute ride to Furi.
  • Furi → Trockener Steg: From Furi, take the cable car for a 7-minute ride to Trockener Steg.
  • Trockener Steg → Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Continue to the summit via the Matterhorn Glacier Ride or the classic red cable car, reaching the top in approximately 8 minutes.

Note: This direct route is the fastest option, but in summer, the Furi → Trockener Steg cable car operates only in the early morning hours.

Route at a glance: Zermatt → Furi → Schwarzsee → Trockener Steg → Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

  • Zermatt → Furi: Walk or take a bus to Zermatt Bergbahnen, the cable car station at the southern end of Zermatt.
    Cable car ride: ~6 minutes
  • Furi → Schwarzsee (optional detour): Quick cable car to Schwarzsee for a different perspective of the Matterhorn.
    Ride time: ~8 minutes
  • Schwarzsee → Trockener Steg: Continue via cable car to Trockener Steg.
    Ride time: ~9 minutes
  • Trockener Steg → Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Take the futuristic cable car to the summit station.
    Ride time: ~8 minutes

Helpful tips

  • Best time to visit (day-wise): Morning rides provide clearer visibility before haze builds; early departures avoid crowds.
  • Best season to visit: Summer (Jul–Sep) for full accessibility; winter (Dec–Feb) offers snow activities.
  • Essentials to pack: Warm layers, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and sturdy footwear for snow/ice areas.
  • Accessibility: Cable cars are wheelchair-friendly; some trails may not be suitable for limited mobility.
  • Rules: Bikes must be secured for cable car rides; stay on marked trails and follow staff instructions at snow/ice areas.

Get a detailed guide to visit the station

Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling From Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Q. How long does it take to reach Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt?

A. The total travel time is around 30 minutes to reach Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt.

Q. How many routes are there from Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?

A. From Zermatt you have to reach Furi via cable car. From Furi there are two routes to reach Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

Q. How many cable cars do I need to change from Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?

A. You ideally need to change 2 cable cars, one at Furi and then at Trockener Steg. But if you take a detour at Schwarzsee then you have to change cable cars thrice.

Q. How much does it cost to travel from Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?

A. The round trip would cost around CHF 90.50 per person. The prices vary according to season.

Q. Can you travel from Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise by car?

A. No, you cannot travel from Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise by car since Zermatt is car-free.

Q. Which is the shortest route to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt?

A. Zermatt - Furi - Trockner Stegg - Matterhorn Glacier is the shortest route to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt.

Q. Which is the more scenic route to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt?

A. Taking a detour at Schwarzsee is the more scenic route to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt.

Q. What are the different ways to get to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt?

A. You can reach Matterhorn Glacier Paradise only by cable-cars from Zermatt.

More reads

Snow-covered peak of Klein Matterhorn near Gornergrat Railway, Switzerland.

Plan your visit

Sunrise over the Matterhorn at Glacier Paradise, Switzerland, reflecting in a tranquil lake.

Weather

Gornergrat Observatory with Matterhorn view at dusk, Zermatt, Switzerland.

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