If you want to get closer to the Matterhorn, don’t worry about not being fit enough. Even someone as out of shape as me can easily access peaks over 3000 meters in Switzerland. In Taiwan, climbing a mountain over 3000 meters requires a lot of preparation and training, but in Switzerland, thanks to the well-developed railway and cable car systems, even average tourists can easily ascend to great heights.
The best way to get close to the Matterhorn is by taking the Gornergrat mountain train. This alpine rack railway, completed in 1898, takes you from an altitude of 1650 meters to the Gornergrat viewing platform at 3089 meters in just 33 minutes. On the train, you can admire the Matterhorn from various angles.
On a clear day, you’ll be awestruck by the sight of several 4000-meter-plus peaks surrounding the viewing platform. The Matterhorn stands right before you, with Switzerland’s highest peak, the Monte Rosa, nearby, as well as vast glaciers. There’s also Europe’s highest hotel, the 3100Kulm, located at 3100 meters above sea level. Even if you’re not staying overnight, having a meal here while enjoying the view is a refreshing experience. The chicken fruit curry rice may seem simple, but it’s served with a variety of fresh fruit chunks—like grapes, pineapple, and cantaloupe—making it light and delicious.