At 3,883 metres, it is Europe’s highest cable car station, reached by the world’s highest 3S cableway. The summit combines a panorama of 38 four-thousanders and 14 glaciers with the world’s highest Glacier Palace — a combination found nowhere else in the Alps.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
from: CHF 60
Duration
45 minutes from Zermatt to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise summit at 3,883 metres
Class
World's highest 3S cableway, including Crystal Ride cabins with glass floors and optional VIP car with Moët Champagne
Frequency
Year-round operation from Zermatt
Route Highlights
Zermatt → Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 3,883 m — Europe's highest cable car station, with views of 38 four-thousanders, 14 glaciers, and the iconic Matterhorn
Reservation required
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance; advance purchase recommended
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is Europe’s highest cable car station, reached from Zermatt with spectacular views of the Matterhorn.
Ride the world’s highest 3S cableway to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 3,883 m. From the summit viewing platform, take in a breathtaking sweep of 38 four-thousanders and 14 glaciers, then step into the Glacier Palace to explore a magical world of eternal ice.
The panorama spans the largest glaciers of the Alps and the peaks of Switzerland, France, and Italy—with Mont Blanc seemingly within reach. You’re now close to the Italian border, gazing at the “endearing rear” of the iconic Matterhorn. Far below, at the mountain’s foot, lies Europe’s largest year-round ski area, open 365 days a year.
Free cancellation — cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Information
- Altitude: 3,883 m a.s.l.
- Arrival: Train from Brig/Visp to Zermatt, on foot or by free e-bus (green line) to the valley station “Matterhorn Glacier Paradise”
- Travel duration to summit: 45 minutes
- Attractions: The Crystal Ride cabins: when floating high above the glacier, the glass floor clears up, highest-altitude viewing platform in Europe, Cinema lounge with new thrilling film scenes focusing on Zermatt, available upon request: VIP cableway car with Moët Champagne between Zermatt and Trockener Steg, world’s highest glacier palace with ice sculptures and an ice slide.
- Special highlight: For adventurers who would like to add a 4,000-metre summit to their collection, the Breithorn tour is the very thing, perfect for experienced mountaineers
Tickets & Reservation
- 50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and Swiss Half Fare Card
- No discount with Eurail / Interrail
- Children up to their 9th birthday travel free of charge
- Children up to their 16th birthday benefit from a 50% discount
What your ticket includes
A valid ticket Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Europe’s Highest Cable Car Station at 3,883 Metres
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise holds the record as the highest cable car station in Europe — a title that speaks for itself
Panorama of 38 Four-Thousanders and 14 Glaciers
From the summit viewing platform, the Alps of Switzerland, France, and Italy unfold in one sweeping panorama — including Mont Blanc
World’s Highest Glacier Palace with Ice Sculptures
Carved deep into the glacier, the Glacier Palace is a magical world of eternal ice complete with sculptures and an ice slide
Crystal Ride — Glass Floor Cabins Over the Glacier
The Crystal Ride cabins feature a transparent glass floor that clears mid-flight, revealing the glacier thousands of metres below
Europe’s Largest Year-Round Ski Area
Far below the summit lies a ski area open 365 days a year — the largest year-round skiing destination in Europe
Breithorn — Your First 4,000-Metre Summit
Experienced mountaineers can extend their visit with a guided Breithorn tour — one of the most accessible 4,000-metre peaks in the Alps
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Getting to Zermatt | Train from Brig or Visp |
| Valley station transfer | On foot or free e-bus (green line) |
| Cable car type | World’s highest 3S cableway |
| Journey time to summit | 45 minutes |
| Summit altitude | 3,883 metres above sea level |
| Operation | Year-round |
Summit attractions:
- Europe’s highest viewing platform — panorama of 38 four-thousanders and 14 glaciers
- Glacier Palace — world’s highest glacier palace with ice sculptures and an ice slide
- Crystal Ride cabins — glass floor that reveals the glacier below during flight
- Cinema lounge — thrilling film scenes focusing on Zermatt
- Breithorn mountaineering tour — available for experienced mountaineers on request
- VIP cableway car — available on request, with Moët Champagne between Zermatt and Trockener Steg
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is located above Zermatt in the canton of Valais, on the border between Switzerland and Italy at an altitude of 3,883 metres. To reach the cable car valley station, travel to Zermatt by train from Brig or Visp, then continue on foot or by the free e-bus (green line) to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise valley station. The ascent takes 45 minutes via the world’s highest 3S cableway.
- Return cable car journey from Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 3,883 metres on the world’s highest 3S cableway
- Access to Europe’s highest viewing platform
- Access to the Glacier Palace with ice sculptures and ice slide
- Cinema lounge at the summit
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
| Category | Discount |
|---|---|
| Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) | 50% discount |
| Swiss Half Fare Card | 50% discount |
| Eurail / Interrail | No discount |
| Children under 9 | Travel free of charge |
| Children aged 9–15 | 50% discount |
A restaurant at the summit serves local dishes with views across the glacier panorama. On specified dates in summer, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise also hosts a Sunset Dinner and Sunday Brunch — a rare opportunity to dine at nearly 4,000 metres as the Alps turn gold in the evening light. For a more exclusive experience, a VIP cableway car with Moët Champagne is available upon request on the section between Zermatt and Trockener Steg.
- The valley station is reached from Zermatt on foot or by free e-bus (green line)
- Zermatt is a car-free village — arrive by train from Brig or Visp
- The Crystal Ride glass-floor cabins operate on the upper section of the route
- VIP cableway car with Moët Champagne available upon request between Zermatt and Trockener Steg
- The Breithorn mountaineering tour is suitable for experienced mountaineers only
- Children under 9 travel free; children aged 9–15 receive a 50% discount
- Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and Half Fare Card give 50% off; Eurail and Interrail offer no discount
- Sunset Dinner and Sunday Brunch available on specified summer dates — check in advance
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise different from other Swiss mountain excursions?
What is inside the Glacier Palace at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
The Glacier Palace is carved into the glacier and features ice sculptures and an ice slide in a world of permanent ice. It is the highest glacier palace in the world and one of the most extraordinary indoor attractions in the Swiss Alps.
Do children get a discount at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
Children under 9 travel free of charge. Children from their 9th birthday up to their 16th birthday benefit from a 50% discount on the cable car ticket.
Does the Swiss Travel Pass give a discount on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
Yes. Both the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and the Swiss Half Fare Card give a 50% discount. Eurail and Interrail passes are not accepted for a discount on this line.
What is the Crystal Ride and when does the glass floor activate?
The Crystal Ride cabins feature a glass floor that becomes transparent mid-flight, offering a direct view down to the glacier far below. It operates on the upper section of the cableway and is included in the standard cable car experience — no upgrade required.
How do I get to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
Your journey begins in Zermatt. Take the cable car to Trockener Steg, where you change to the cable car for Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes each way.
When is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise open?
Opening hours vary depending on the season and weather conditions. Please check the current timetable before your visit.
Can I reserve a seat?
No, seat reservations are not available for the journey to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes. The gondolas and mountain stations are accessible to people with reduced mobility. However, the viewing platform is accessible only by stairs.
Is this excursion suitable for all ages?
Due to the high altitude, children under three years old are not permitted to travel on the Trockener Steg–Matterhorn Glacier Paradise section..
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