The “Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon” leads through the deepest valley in Switzerland from St. Niklaus to the Riffelberg on the Gornergrat. This is one of the most demanding marathon routes in Europe. If 42 kilometres and a good 1800 metres of altitude difference are not enough for you, you can take part in the Gornergrat Zermatt Ultra Marathon.

Finish at the Gornergrat

In the village of Zermatt, spectators, supporters and amazed tourists from all over the world stand on the roadside, photographing and applauding. It goes through the Bahnhofstrasse, through civilization, past watch shops and hotels.

And then there is the steep climb to Sunnegga, a sunny place with a view of the Matterhorn. Here the alpine natural landscape dominates with pine and larch forests, mountain lakes and alpine meadows. It goes over hill and dale, over wide paths, narrow footpaths and fragrant flower meadows. The view becomes more and more impressive – the wide Alpine ring with numerous four-thousand-metre peaks opens up.

The chapel on the Riffelberg on the Gornergrat, which announces the end of the classic marathon route, is hidden for a long time. Mountain runs are tough – the goal has to be fought for. Whoever has finally reached the chapel flies down the few metres in altitude towards the finish on the Riffelberg (2,585 m). At the finish the great feeling of triumph, accompanied by applause from the spectators.

Even higher

What the Iron Man on Hawaii is the Gornergrat Zermatt Ultra-Marathon to the summit of the Gornergrat. The same route from St. Niklaus via Zermatt and up to Riffelberg. But then it goes even further, even higher, an additional 3.4 kilometres and another steep 514 metres of altitude difference. Something for the tough ones! But there are still 800 people who take up this challenge. At their destination, on the 3’089 m high Gornergrat, they all deserve a huge applause.