Sight
Gorner Glacier
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The Gorner Glacier is a massive valley glacier located in the Monte Rosa massif near Zermatt, Switzerland. Stretching over 12 kilometers, it is one of the longest and largest glaciers in the Alps. The glacier originates from the Monte Rosa summit and flows down into the Gorner Gorge, fed by several tributary glaciers. Visitors can experience the glacier up close via the Gornergrat Railway, which offers panoramic views from above, or by taking guided glacier hikes that traverse the ice. The glacier's surface is a dynamic landscape of crevasses, ice formations, and moraines, constantly shifting with the seasons. In recent decades, the glacier has been retreating due to climate change, making it a poignant symbol of the changing alpine environment. The nearby Gornergrat observation platform provides a stunning vantage point to appreciate the glacier's scale and the surrounding peaks, including the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and the Liskamm.
Don't miss
- Take the Gornergrat Railway for aerial views of the glacier
- Join a guided glacier hike to walk on the ice
- Visit the Gornergrat observation platform for 360-degree views
- Photograph the glacier's crevasses and ice formations
- Learn about climate change impacts at the on-site exhibits
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Gorner Glacier
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inThe Best of Zermatt: Guided Small Group Village Walk4.8★ · 12 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$124 per personSee dates →
Most bookedZermatt Paragliding Tandem Flight with Matterhorn View (20–25min)5★ · 226 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$380 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleGuided Hiking Half Day in Zermatt5★ · 24 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$405 per personSee dates →Getting there
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