When it comes to enjoying the spectacular views of the Matterhorn in the popular Swiss tourist destination of Zermatt, most travel guidebooks recommend “Gornergrat.” While the views from 3,089 meters altitude are certainly magnificent, as mentioned in previous articles, many people are deterred by the cost of approximately 96 Swiss francs per person round trip (winter low season rates, with summer being even more expensive).
Today, I’ll report on my experience visiting the hidden gem “Sunnegga” that I recommend for those seeking an alternative. This spot allows you to enjoy spectacular Matterhorn views at a more reasonable price and is a well-kept secret among those in the know.
Access to Sunnegga
The cable car station is about a 10-minute walk from Zermatt railway station. Even without taking the cable car, you can see the Matterhorn from the base, which immediately raises your excitement.
From the town of Zermatt, Sunnegga is accessed via a dedicated underground cable car. The station is located about a 10-minute walk from Zermatt station, on the east side of town. The entrance to the underground station is small, but with “Sunnegga” signage, you won’t get lost.
Purchase round-trip tickets at the ticket office. The fare starts from 32 Swiss francs round trip. You can enjoy spectacular Matterhorn views at about one-third the cost of Gornergrat. Those with Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card can receive additional discounts.
The Unique Underground Cable Car Experience
The cable car to Sunnegga is quite distinctive. It’s a completely underground tunnel cable car that reaches Sunnegga at 2,288 meters altitude in just 4-5 minutes.
Since I visited in the depths of winter, most passengers were skiers and snowboarders. Tourists were few and far between. This is another major difference from Gornergrat. Just the journey to Sunnegga provides an adventurous feeling, which is a delightful bonus.
While the front and back rows are prime seats for enjoying cable car views, since the entire route is through tunnels, there isn’t much interesting scenery to see.
Arriving at Sunnegga
Upon exiting the cable car, you’re in another world. Spread before you is a pure white snow landscape with the magnificent Matterhorn standing majestically. While the altitude is lower than Gornergrat (about 800 meters difference), the distance to the Matterhorn is perfect, allowing you to capture its powerful presence in photographs.
The Matterhorn towers majestically right in front of you. Seeing this view almost makes you think, “Why bother going all the way to Gornergrat?” (laughs)
Right outside the station, there’s a restaurant with terrace seating. On sunny winter days, the terrace bustles with skiers enjoying sunbathing. The moment spent gazing at the Matterhorn with a warm drink in hand is exceptional.
Many skiers enjoy après-ski at the terrace restaurant
Matterhorn Reflected in the Lake
One of Sunnegga’s main attractions is the “inverted Matterhorn” reflected in the lake. While this beautiful scenery can be enjoyed during summer, when I visited in winter, the lake was completely frozen. Although I don’t recommend going onto the lake surface due to the dangers of frozen lakes, the surrounding area has few skiers and serves as a quiet snow play area.
While maintaining a safe distance from the lake, I was able to enjoy snow play to my heart’s content. The area offers endless fun with snowball fights and snowman building that both adults and children can enjoy. If I have the opportunity to revisit in summer, I definitely want to savor the spectacular view of the inverted Matterhorn reflected in the lake.
You can lie down in the snow to make snow angels – the fun is endless. However, be careful as the snow might be too deep and you could get stuck!
Beginner-Friendly Skiing Environment
The Sunnegga area offers a beginner-friendly skiing environment. While Gornergrat and Glacier Paradise have many advanced slopes that might intimidate less confident skiers, Sunnegga has well-developed beginner slopes.
The appeal here is the beginner areas. Also recommended for snow play.
Access using small cable cars within the Sunnegga area.
The beginner area has a relaxed atmosphere
While I didn’t ski myself, I observed many beginner skiers and snowboarders practicing with instructors. It’s a place where those wanting to try skiing can visit without feeling intimidated.
Sunnegga for Altitude Acclimatization
Many travelers visiting Zermatt struggle with altitude sickness. If you rush to Gornergrat or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3,883m) – both over 3,000 meters – immediately upon arrival, you increase the risk of altitude sickness.
In this regard, Sunnegga at 2,288 meters altitude is somewhat lower and ideal as a “warm-up” for acclimatizing to high altitude. I recommend visiting Sunnegga first on your arrival day in Zermatt, then going to Gornergrat the next day or later in the afternoon. I actually visited Sunnegga on the morning of my arrival day to acclimatize before heading to Gornergrat that same afternoon.
Quiet Environment for Photography
One of Sunnegga’s charms is that it’s relatively uncrowded. Especially during early morning hours or when skiers head for lunch, there are fewer tourists, allowing for leisurely photography. For Matterhorn photography, I recommend visiting on clear days when the contrast between the blue sky and white snow is beautiful.
There are also abundant photo spots. You can capture the Matterhorn from various angles around Sunnegga station, the restaurant terrace, and around the frozen lake.
Hiking and Cycling
While I couldn’t walk to surrounding villages due to deep snow during my winter visit, many hiking trails are maintained in summer. The route from Sunnegga to the small village called Findeln is popular, offering walks with Matterhorn views.
Mountain bike rentals are also available in summer, allowing you to enjoy cycling the approximately 10-kilometer route back to Zermatt. It’s an area rich in activities for enjoying nature in the fresh Alpine air.
Conclusion
From a “cost-performance” perspective, Sunnegga can be considered the best spot for viewing the Matterhorn in the Zermatt area. Compared to the tourist-crowded Gornergrat, you can enjoy the Matterhorn’s presence in a quieter environment.
A winter visit allows you to experience the authentic Swiss Alps atmosphere enhanced by the presence of skiers. It’s also ideal as an “acclimatization point” for altitude adjustment. This is a particularly recommended spot for first-time visitors to Alpine high altitudes.
It’s a hidden gem I highly recommend to travelers seeking Alpine beauty and tranquility.
※Prices and operating hours are subject to change. Please check the latest information before visiting.
