Which cable car to take in Zermatt?

At Trockener Steg, hop into the highest 3S cable car transporting you up to the peak. Take in spectacular views through the panoramic windows and enjoy the heated seats while crossing the Theodul Glacier.



In 2026, the most iconic and "must-take" cable car in Zermatt is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn) line. This journey takes you to the highest mountain station in Europe at 3,883 meters (12,740 feet). For the ultimate luxury experience, you should book the "Crystal Ride" cabins, which feature floors encrusted with Swarovski crystals that turn transparent mid-journey, revealing the glacier below. If you are looking for the best photography of the Matterhorn's famous "toboggan" shape, the Gornergrat Bahn (a cogwheel train) is often preferred, but the Sunnegga-Rothorn cable car line is the best choice in 2026 for those who want to see the mountain reflected in the "Leisee" lake. A supportive 2026 tip: download the "Matterhorn App" before you go, as it provides real-time wind speeds; if winds are too high, the Glacier Paradise line may close, and you'll want to pivot to the lower-altitude Sunnegga lifts.

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For one day it is not worth getting the Peak Pass. The Peak Pass is designed for those spending longer times in Zermatt, principally hikers in the summer. Peak2Peak is good if you plan to go to the Klein Matterhorn in the am and the Gornergrat in the pm...

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There's excitement in the air at the gondola station: this is the starting point for the 45-minute ride to the highest cable car station in Europe, at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3,883 m).

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How to get to the Glacier Palace: on the Matterhorn Express from Zermatt to Trockener Steg mountain station; continue by cable car or the new Matterhorn Glacier Ride up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The journey takes approx. 45 minutes. Open: all year.

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A normal 2-day ascent to Matterhorn can cost around €1,300, such as the guided climb via the Hörnli ridge led by IFMGA-certified guide Guy. Longer programs that include acclimatization days can cost between €1,800 and €5,000. Price often includes only the guiding fee and the group equipment.

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People who choose to visit Zermatt should be prepared for a car-free visit, and realize ahead of time that getting from place to place inside of the town must be done on foot, via electro bus or taxi, or by using a horse-drawn carriage. Zermatt is a small town and almost everything in town can be accessed by walking.

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The cable car routes are the Powell-Hyde line, the Powell-Mason line and the California line. Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines stop at the museum.

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