The Gornergrat (10,285 ft) is a rocky ridge of the Pennine Alps, overlooking the Gorner Glacier. It offers a commanding view of more than twenty 13,000 feet peaks and can be reached from Zermatt by the Gornergrat rack railway, the highest open-air railway in Europe. The structure pictured above was originally the Gornergrat Infrared Telescope and is now the Kulm Hotel. When we arrived early this morning clouds obscured most of the peaks but we did have a nice view of the glacier.

We returned to Zermatt briefly to prepare for the longest hike of our vacation while runners from around the world prepared for the Zermatt Marathon to be run tomorrow.

The Five Lakes Trail covers nearly 10km and is generally hiked in the downhill direction. We chose the uphill direction which is considerably more work but far less trying on my knees.

Pictured above is the Bergrestaurant Fluhalp alpine restaurant and hotel. I will spend the night here while Jeanine returns to Zermatt. My plan is to photograph the Matterhorn at sunrise from nearby Stellisee Lake if the weather cooperates. Thus far we have yet to catch a glimpse of the iconic mountain which has been shrouded in clouds all day.