Gornergrat Classic Bike Tour (Nr. 1)
Here, one highlight is quickly followed by another - first, you enjoy the fantastic views on the Gorner Glacier, then admire the reflection of the Matterhorn in the Riffelsee. You pass these natural wonders on flowy and technical trails. Guaranteed fun and an unforgettable adventure.
Take the Gornergrat Bahn up to the Gornergrat. Before heading off on the bike trail, take in the breathtaking views of the Gorner Glacier, the Matterhorn and the Alpine panorama.
From Gornergrat to Rotenboden, the trail is very technical and rocky. Experienced riders will love it. The trail then becomes a bit easier and more flowy until you get to the Riffelsee. In the famous Riffelsee, you can see the reflection of the Matterhorn. It’s a shame not to stop at this point. Once you’ve taken some photos of the Riffelsee, the bike trail continues back to Riffelberg. This section is fairly straightforward.
From Riffelberg, there is a fairly technical single trail back down to the Riffelalp. It has two or three challenging, quite exposed points which are only for experienced bikers. Otherwise, we recommend that you push your bike for a bit.
The flow returns after the Riffelalp. The Chämihitta Trail is a jewel among flow trails and leads back down to Furi. If you don't get to the end with a grin on your face, you've not done it right!
From Furi, the Moos Trail takes you back to the village.
In high season, we recommend doing the route in the early morning (until 10 a.m.) or early evening (from 4 p.m.) at these times, there are fewer hikers on the trail.
- On the Gornergrat Bahn the bike transport is limited. Information: www.gornergrat.ch/bike-gornergrat/en
- Tip: take the opportunity for a sunset ride
Author’s recommendation
The best time to do this route is on a beautiful summer’s evening. When the sun starts to dip behind the mountains, you have the trails practically to yourself.

Track types
Rest stops
Buffet & Bar Riffelberg3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat - "VIS-Ã-VIS"
3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat - Panoramaself
Al Bosco - - Riffelalp Resort 2222 m.ü.M.
Alexandre - Riffelalp Resort 2222 m.ü.M.
Chämi-Hitta
Riffelhaus 1853
Ritti
Walliserkeller - Riffelalp Resort 2222 m.ü.M.
Alphitta
Safety information
- Always wear gloves and a helmet.
- Use marked bike trails and routes only, and observe all signposting. Please close gates after passing through.
- Please be considerate to walkers and to plants and animals. As a rule, walkers have priority.
- When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability: some routes lead above 3,000 metres.
- All riding is at one’s own risk.
Tip: “Be searchable”. Equip yourself with an additional RECCO rescue reflector*. Whether summer or winter. Available in our Online-Shop or our information desk.
*The additional reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon.
Tips and hints
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Gornergrat - Riffelberg - Riffelbord - Riffelalp - Chämihittaweg - Furi - Zermatt
Note
Public transport
By train to the Matterhorn village: 3½ hours from Zürich airport or 4 hours from Geneva airport. Change at Visp onto the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Matterhorn Gotthard Railway). From Visp, the railway leads through the Mattertal valley past idyllic small villages to Zermatt.
Zermatt is also the start and finish point for the world-famous Glacier Express panoramic train journey (Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos).
Getting there
Zermatt is car-free. Private vehicles are permitted only as far as Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The Täsch–Zermatt road is closed to the public.
Onward travel to Zermatt is either by private taxi or shuttle train. Trains depart every 20 minutes; the journey takes about 12 minutes, and ends at the Bahnhofplatz in Zermatt.
Parking
Täsch has car parks with both covered and open-air parking – e.g. at the Matterhorn Terminal or privately operated facilities.
Onward travel: see “Getting there”.
Coordinates
Equipment
We recommend:
- Bike in excellent working order
- Helmet, gloves and (trail) bell
- Repair kit in case of any defects
- Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
- Food and drink
Statistics
- 15 Waypoints
- 15 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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