The Gorner Glacier lies in Valais south of Zermatt and is one of the Alps' largest glaciers with a length of approximately 12.9 kilometres. The glacier system belongs to the Monte Rosa massif and offers spectacular views of over 20 four-thousand-metre peaks. The Gornergrat Railway, a 19th-century technical masterpiece, leads up to the Gornergrat (3,089 m), from which one can survey the entire glacier system. In summer the ice shimmers in shades of blue, in winter it merges with the snow-covered surroundings.

From the Gornergrat Railway, a breathtaking perspective opens onto glacier ice with its characteristic crevasses and seracs. The Monte Rosa Hütte (2,883 m) is a popular destination for glacier trekking tours – a 4-hour hike over the Gorner Glacier leads to the most modern mountain hut in the high Alps. The route requires mountain hiking experience, secure footing and must be done with crampons and rope. In the valley there are restaurants and hotels for every taste.

The Gorner Glacier is accessible from Zermatt: The Gornergrat Railway (cog railway) takes you in approximately one hour from Zermatt railway station (1,604 m) up to Gornergrat (3,089 m). To reach Zermatt you take the Rhaetian Railway from Chur (approximately 2.5 hours) or by car via the Simplon Pass from Italy. The car must be parked in Täsch (Matterhorn Terminal) – the last 5 km to Zermatt are car-free.