- Europe's highest cable car station at 3,883m, open all year
- Go early on a clear day; the views are the whole point
- Year-round glacier skiing, plus the Glacier Palace ice cave
- Watch for altitude symptoms and dress for winter even in August
- Type
- Viewpoint
- Where
- Zermatt
- Time needed
- half a day
- Admission
- about CHF 100-130 return depending on season (2026), check current prices
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise sits on the summit of the Klein Matterhorn, high above Zermatt. At 3,883m, the top station is the highest cable car station in Europe, and the viewing platform looks out over 38 peaks above 4,000m, from the Matterhorn itself to Mont Blanc and the Monte Rosa massif. It is one of the most memorable days out in Switzerland.
What you'll see
The journey is part of the thrill. Gondolas and cable cars climb from Zermatt via Furi and Trockener Steg, passing over the Theodul glacier. The final section, the Matterhorn Glacier Ride, uses luxurious cabins with views straight down to the ice.
At the top:
- The summit viewing platform, reached by lift and stairs, with a 360-degree panorama into Switzerland, Italy and France.
- The Glacier Palace, an ice cave carved about 15m below the surface of the glacier, with ice sculptures and a slide.
- The cinema lounge and exhibitions about the area and its mountaineering history.
- Year-round glacier skiing on the Theodul glacier, the largest summer ski area in the Alps.
Since 2023, the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing has linked the Klein Matterhorn with Testa Grigia, so you can continue by cable car over the border to Cervinia in Italy.
Practical information
- Tickets: expect about CHF 100-130 for an adult return in 2026, depending on the season. Swiss Travel Pass holders get a discount. Check current prices on the Zermatt Bergbahnen website.
- Getting there: Zermatt is car-free; take the train from Täsch or Visp. The valley station is at the southern end of the village, about 15 minutes' walk from the railway station, or take the e-bus.
- Best time to go: early in the morning on a clear day. Check the webcams before you buy; when the top is in cloud you'll see very little.
- Altitude: you rise more than 2,200m in under an hour. Move slowly, drink water and come back down if you feel unwell.
Wear warm clothes, sunglasses and sun cream even in midsummer. Temperatures at the top are often well below freezing, and the glacier reflects strong sunlight.
Skiers can browse our ski deals in Switzerland for winter stays in Zermatt.
Where is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
Open in OpenStreetMap · 45.93833, 7.72972
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the Matterhorn from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
Yes. The Matterhorn is right in front of you on the way up and from the top, weather permitting.
Is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or Gornergrat better?
Gornergrat, reached by cog railway, has the classic Matterhorn view and is gentler on the body. The Glacier Paradise is higher, more dramatic and has the ice cave and glacier.
Is it open all year?
Yes. The lifts run year-round, though some sections close briefly for maintenance and in storms.
Deals nearby
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
More from ThomasOpening times and ticket prices change often; check the official website shortly before you visit.