Question about Zermatt, Switzerland

Old Aug 7th, 2014, 09:34 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Question about Zermatt, Switzerland

Has anyone been to Zermatt? We will be there in a couple of weeks and I was wondering if it was necessary or possible to purchase tickets for the Gornergrat Bahn train or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car?
JeanieAmora is offline  
Old Aug 7th, 2014, 09:41 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 42,601
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Yes, it is necessary unless you want to hike up to the viewpoints. I assume you really mean is it possible/necessary to buy them in advance, right?

I've been several times and my immediate response would be to wait until you get there. Why? because there are times when the peak is shrouded in clouds but the weather is more clear in the village itself.

The Gornergrat has a live cam feed in its waiting room so you can "see" the view up above before you buy tickets.
Dukey1 is offline  
Old Aug 7th, 2014, 10:26 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Not necessary to go thru pains of buying in advance - I think there are no reserved seats for individuals but for groups - not sure but these type of trains to mountain tops always seem to put more trains/cars on to meet demand - like dukey1 says just buy the ticket when you want to go - there are usually no long lines, etc.

For lots of great info on Swiss mountain trains, regular trains and lifts, etc in that area and around Switzerland I always spotlight these IMO superb sources: www.swisstravelesytem.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com. If you have a Swiss Pass it should give you 50% off I think - ditto for half-Fare Card and Swiss Card (which offers everything Half-Fare Card does but more and can be a better all around deal than the half-Fare Card.

In Zermatt check hotels for having some kind of discount travel card for local conveyances.
PalenQ is offline  
Old Aug 7th, 2014, 10:52 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 42,601
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Cards and passes do absolutely nothing to guarantee good weather.
Dukey1 is offline  
Old Aug 7th, 2014, 12:07 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 8,312
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Everybody buy the tickets to Gornergrat, Kleinmatterhorn, Sunnegga-Oberrothhorn, Scharzsee, etc. just before boarding the train/cablecar/gondola. If there are too many people for 1 train (usually after the arrival of a train from Visp), the company adds a second one which will start about 2 min after the first one, etc......
BTW: there are excellent hiking trails from Zermatt to Gornergrat, Schwarzsee, Trockener Steg, Sunnegga, Oberrothorn too
neckervd is online now  
Old Aug 7th, 2014, 03:04 PM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you everyone for your replies. Yes, I meant was it necessary to purchase in advance. Glad you all figured that out! I am happy I don't have to worry about buying them in advance.
JeanieAmora is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Sue81
Europe
6
Aug 23rd, 2016 10:58 AM
Poconolady
Europe
9
Feb 18th, 2015 08:33 AM
caralin
Europe
24
Jan 20th, 2015 10:08 AM
robyn14
Europe
17
Jun 13th, 2013 10:28 AM
kristinekarol
Europe
6
Aug 19th, 2004 11:04 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -