Is Zermatt railway station the highest in Europe?

Reaching for the Stars: Is Zermatt’s Gornergrat the Highest Railway Station in Europe?

The majestic Matterhorn, piercing the Swiss sky, is often the first image conjured when one thinks of Zermatt. However, this charming village holds another claim to fame, often mistakenly attributed to the town itself: Europe’s highest open-air railway station. While Zermatt railway station itself sits at a considerable altitude, it’s not the highest. That honour belongs to the Gornergrat Bahn’s terminal, a breathtaking vantage point perched at 3,089 meters above sea level.

The Gornergrat Bahn, a cogwheel railway renowned for its scenic journey through stunning alpine landscapes, whisks visitors up to this extraordinary location. Forget bustling platforms and enclosed waiting areas; this is an open-air experience, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks, including the iconic Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and the Lyskamm. The crisp mountain air and panoramic vista make it a truly unforgettable destination.

This assertion, that Gornergrat boasts Europe’s highest railway station, requires a crucial clarification. The term “highest” is often debated, depending on the criteria used. While Gornergrat undeniably holds the title of Europe’s highest open-air railway station, there may be higher stations located entirely within enclosed structures, such as tunnels or mountainside buildings. These internal stations, less accessible to the public and lacking the panoramic views of Gornergrat, often fall outside common discussions of “highest railway station.”

Further enriching the experience at Gornergrat is the Kulm Hotel, a comfortable lodging option for those wishing to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the high-altitude environment. The hotel not only provides luxurious accommodation but also houses an observatory, allowing visitors to gaze upon the celestial wonders far from the light pollution of lower altitudes. Imagine waking to a sunrise painting the Matterhorn gold, followed by an evening spent stargazing – a truly unique and memorable experience.

Therefore, while the title of “Europe’s highest railway station” may be subject to interpretation based on the definition, Gornergrat’s claim to fame as the highest open-air station is undisputed. Its accessibility, stunning views, and proximity to the Kulm Hotel and its observatory cement its position as a remarkable feat of engineering and a truly unforgettable destination in the heart of the Swiss Alps.