---
type: "Article"
title: "Dining with the stars (or with the gods) on Gornergrat"
description: "\"Dining with the Stars\" is one of the special experiences in Zermatt. You will learn about Greek mythology and the stars. Or why we have a \"Milky\" Way."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/switzerland/zermatt-stargazing-dinner"
author: "Katja Birrer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 9
tags: ["Alps", "Experience", "Nature", "Zermatt", "Switzerland"]
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/alps"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/zermatt"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/matterhorn"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/europe"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/zuerich"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/experience-travel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/nature-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/itinerary"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/restaurant"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer", at: 2026-07-04T13:57:07+00:00 }
verified:
  - { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer", at: 2017-01-28T20:48:03+00:00 }
sources:
  - id: photos
    resource: zermatt-stargazing-dinner.md#photos
    title: "Original photography by Katja Birrer"
    author: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer"
timestamp: 2026-07-04T13:57:07+00:00
---

# Dining with the stars (or with the gods) on Gornergrat

> Gornergrat, above Zermatt at 3,100 metres, hosts a 'Dining with the Stars' evening on Thursdays from January to March, combining a Fondue Chinoise buffet, guided stargazing with Greek mythology, and a tour of the historic summit observatory.

## Destination
Gornergrat summit (3,100 m) above Zermatt, Switzerland

## Getting there
Take the Gornergratbahn, Europe's second-highest mountain railway, from Zermatt up to the summit.

## When to go
Thursdays from January to March for the 'Dining with the Stars' experience.

## Why visit
A rare combination of high-altitude stargazing, Greek mythology storytelling, a Fondue Chinoise buffet, and access to a historic domed observatory — all with views of the Matterhorn.

## What to see
- **Starry sky and constellations** — Star guide Peter Salzmann identifies zodiac signs and constellations and teaches use of a celestial chart.
- **Gornergrat Observatory** — A domed observatory dating from the 1950s, no longer used for scientific research but open to visitors for telescope observation.
- **Matterhorn views** — The iconic peak is visible from the Gornergrat summit during the visit.

## What to do
- **Guided stargazing session** — Peter Salzmann leads guests through constellations and Greek mythology legends under the night sky.
- **Fondue Chinoise buffet** — A hot-pot style buffet dinner served between the mythology talks and the outdoor stargazing.
- **Observatory telescope tour** — An astronomer guides visitors through the historic telescopes; observations can now be controlled via the Internet.

## Good to know
Tickets cost CHF 99 per adult and CHF 39 for children aged 6–16; bookable online. Temperatures at the summit can drop to around –15°C, so warm clothing is essential.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Friandises-Restaurant-Glacier-Hotel-Grindelwald.jpg"
    caption: "Sweets with the coffee"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Gemsentrecote-Restaurant-Glacier-Grindelwald.jpg"
    caption: "Chamois entrecote on red cabbage strudel with truffled parsnip puree. With brussels sprouts and port wine jus"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Fruehstueckstisch-Glacier-Boutique-Hotel-Grindelwald.jpg"
    caption: "Breakfast table in the Glacier Restaurant"
```