Klein Matterhorn — Local services in Zermatt

I’m not sure why Gornergrat gets all the attention when the trip to Klein Matterhorn is both slightly cheaper and offers a much more unique experience. If I could have only done one it would definitely have been this one.

At 3,883 m, this is the highest you can get in Europe by cable car - higher than even Jungfraujoch. The journey itself has some nice views as you go up and down from station to station. As you near the top, passing over an astonishing glacier, the air gets thin and I noticed myself getting tired just walking up a slope! But it is so worth it.

Walk down a few steps and you can step out on to the Breithornplateau, 3.8 km high, and walk on snow and ice, even in the middle of August. And of course enjoy the view of the Matterhorn, but also nearby Breithorn, which you can climb if you’re feeling fit. On a clear day like when I visited, you can even see Mount Blanc 70 km away on the horizon.

You can even walk across the snowy plateau to Italy if you like. There is a real sense of the icy expanse.

As a bonus the ice caves within the glacier are a really neat experience. The ice sculptures are cool (literally) and you really get a sense of wonder at the sheer amount of ice all around you, slowly sliding down the...

What a wonderful trip, riding up through the clouds that socked in Zermatt up to the crisply cold, brilliantly white top of the Klein Matterhorn at 12,700 feet and 9°F. The gondola is huge and holds quite a few people and yet there is room to observe the view going up. A cloudy day in Zermatt does not necessarily mean that the mountain will have clouds since the gondola climbs through them. Don't worry, there is a lovely ski chalet at the top (with pay restrooms) which serves warm drinks, snacks, and etc., and has a wonderful view if you wish to stay in. Otherwise, you can visit the Ice Sculpture area, shop, get tricked out with rented equipment to ski, if you wish, or take and elevator and some outside stairs to the Observation Deck to get a 360° view. A marvelous way to get up close and personal the Matterhorn. Bring sunglasses and sun screen if you plan to be out. The sun is quite intense....

Amazing views! The highest point you can get to without climbing, and the views are stunning. Please make sure you check the weather and go on a clear sky if possible, as otherwise you miss 90% of the experience. Expect it to be cold up there, so get warm clothes. The views are simply amazing, you can see Matterhorn in all its beauty, Zermatt down in the valley and also Mont Blanc :) Again, on a clear sky. The ride is via a series of cable cars and you can take stops along the way to experience the surroundings. The last leg of the cable car, as well as the peak of Klein Matterhorn really make you feel the altitude! Expensive ride up, but we're talking about Switzerland. I would advise you to have a half card or other similar discount card which gives you 50% discount and makes the price decent, but this is true for all major mountain rides in Switzerland. Definitely not to miss...