Gornergrat Railway winter news

25/10/2023

The Gornergrat Railway is celebrating its 125-year anniversary this year with a host of activities and highlights. With the golden locomotive as a photo point at 3,100 metres above sea level, the luxurious NostalChic Class, and a special exhibition to mark the anniversary, the Gornergrat Railway is reviving past times and offering unique experiences all over again.   

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Golden Spot: the new photo point on the Gornergrat 

A familiar feature on the Gornergrat has become one of its major attractions. The historic locomotive He 2/2 3003 is one of three first-generation locomotives from the Gornergrat Railway. Restored and gold-plated, it now takes pride of place in a prominent spot on the summit. The Golden Spot is the perfect place for a souvenir photo or selfie with the Matterhorn in the background.

Locomotive 3003 is part of the golden trilogy – three locomotives with three stories. Zermatt entrepreneur Benjamin Schaller came into possession of a locomotive by chance and developed the idea of placing the historic beauty as the centrepiece of the Golden LokDown restaurant, creating a memorial to the history of the Gornergrat Railway. 

As the saying goes, good things come in threes. And so in autumn 2022, planning began on how to preserve the other two locomotives and present them to the public,  resulting in the new interpretation of the trilogy: three first-generation locomotives, presented in gleaming magnificence at three prominent locations – at the approach to Täsch, in the heart of Zermatt and on the Gornergrat. 

A photo competition has been launched to celebrate the opening of the Golden Spot: visitors are challenged to stop by all three locomotives and take a picture with them. Posting the pictures on Instagram with the #GoldenLegends hashtag ensures automatic entry to the competition. Just make sure that your profile is set to public if you want to take part. 

Together with BS Schaller Holding AG, the Gornergrat Railway is giving away the following prizes to three winners chosen by the end of 2023: 

  • Round trip Zermatt – Gornergrat tickets, incl. priority boarding for 2 people worth CHF 266.– 
  • Voucher for 2 people valid at the Golden LokDown restaurant in Zermatt worth CHF 200.– 
  • Voucher for a parking experience in the Schaller Ante Portas car park worth CHF 175.- (one week parking incl. taxi service Täsch – Zermatt) 

Further information: Golden Spot, the new photo point on the Gornergrat 

 

The luxurious NostalChic Class by Gornergrat Railway 

Experience the Gornergrat a different way: in a nostalgic and comfortable carriage where you can feel at home. With a guaranteed window seat, you can sit back and enjoy the outward and return journey in a unique way. An experienced companion with local knowledge guides you through the day trip and shares stories of interest. Culinary highlights from the region, stops for unique photo opportunities and a souvenir to take home round off your very special Zermatt experience. 

The journey begins with an aperitif in the Golden LokDown restaurant, after which the tour guide leads guests through the old village of Zermatt to the Gornergrat Railway valley station. The trip up the Gornergrat incorporates an exclusive stop for the perfect photo with the Matterhorn. 

After a short tour on the Gornergrat, you can enjoy a NostalChic menu with wine accompaniment in the vis-à-vis restaurant. Made with fresh and local ingredients, the menu offers high-class Swiss cuisine in a homely setting. 

The return journey includes a stop at Riffelalp. A fine dessert with coffee or tea is served at the Riffelalp Resort before guests receive a commemorative souvenir to round off the trip.  

Groups are limited to a maximum of 22 people to allow guests to enjoy the special NostalChic Class experience to the full. Tickets can be purchased at a price of CHF 320. 

Expected booking options in winter 23/24 and summer 24: 

  • Winter: 1x per week from mid-December to mid-April
  • Summer: 1x per week from June (July and August 2x per week) to September 

Further information and booking: NostalChic Class by Gornergrat Railway 

  

“The one and only Gornergrat Railway” – special exhibition in the Matterhorn Museum

The Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis features a special exhibition entitled “The one and only Gornergrat Railway” until summer 2024. Various sections take you on an exciting journey into the past and history of the Gornergrat Railway, with a host of historical exhibits providing an insight into how the railway has changed over the past 125 years.  

Further information: “The one and only Gornergrat Railway” special exhibition