Zermatt

The highest ski resort in Switzerland and one of the world's most famous winter sports centers and a picturesque base for hikers, cyclists, and climbers during the summer, Zermatt is a city for all seasons. The location of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn and in the middle of an enormous hiking and ski region makes it one of the world's most attractive vacation villages.

Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy Zermatt's chic chalets and hotels, its fine restaurants, famous bars, and designer boutiques. Whether you're planning a summer or winter trip, there are a lot of good reasons to take a closer look at Zermatt.

What to see and Do in Zermatt

Gornergrat

At a height of abour 3000m, Gornergrat is one of the country's most famous vista points, with a view of the Alps and the valley so picturesque, you will remember it for the rest of your life.

After a stunning open-cog railway ride that takes you to the top of the Gornergrat, after a 1500 metre climb, you are a greeted by a view that will simply take your breath away. From here, you can view Dufourspitze, standing at a staggering height of 4,634 metres as Switzerland's highest peak, the Alps' second highest glacier, the Gorner Glacier, and the stunning Matterhorn, accompanied by the other mountains scaling the 4000 metre height. Gornergrat is accessible throughout the year, and interestingly was the first fully electrified and eco friendly cog railway in the world.

5 - Seenwag

Literally translating to the 5 lakes walk, this hike is one of the most popular among tourists. It makes for quite a beautiful hike through the mountains, providing some breathtaking views of the serene mountain lakes.

The hike takes you across five beautiful mountain lakes of Stellisee, Grindjisee, GrÙnsee, Moosjisee and Leisee. All 5 lakes are known for various different reasons. Such as the Grindjisee, where you'll find some of the most beautiful flowers that you won't find anywhere else, or Leisee, where tourists can stop for a swim in the summers (mind you, the water will still be quite chilly). The reflection of the Matterhorn is prominent in three of these lakes- the Stellisee, Grindjisee, and the Leisee, their pristine water providing almost a crystal clear mirror image of the mountain. At an elevation of roughly 2000 - 2500 metres, this walk through nature is a calming experience.

Matterhorn Museum

The Matterhorn museum traces the history of the growth and development of Zermatt. Here you will also find details about the first ascent, and the tragedy that followed on the mountain in 1865.

The museum depicts the story of the events when Edward Whymper, along with 8 other men scaled the Matterhorn, and met with a tragic accident on the way down. The rope that gave way and led to the death of 4 of them is on display. The museum also displays how Zermatt has evolved over the years, and how life in the village used to be a century ago. It also shows how the art of mountaneering has developed since that horrifying accident, displaying various tools of mountain climbing that have been used for various purposes over the years.

The Matterhorn

This imposing mountain towers 14,700 feet on the Swiss-Italian border.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

What does an Alpine paradise look like? Probably quite like Matterhorn glacier paradise. The peak with Europe’s highest mountain station soars 3'883 metres above sea level. The peak lift takes you up to the 360º viewing platform. The view from there is like paradise. You can see an incredible 38 four-thousand-metre peaks and 14 glaciers. And a must-see in Zermatt’s glacier paradise: a real glacier palace. Up above, there is a cinema lounge, fine cuisine, superb ski slopes and a little lower, on Trockener Steg or Schwarzsee, hiking and biking trails. And on top of that many unforgettable experiences the whole year round...

Riffelsee

The lake of the Riffelsee (2,757 m) offers the ultimate in mountain tranquillity. The reflection of the Matterhorn on the surface of the water is one of nature’s finest spectacles. The Riffelsee is located away from the great hiking trails of Zermatt; however, the Riffelseeweg path (no. 21) leads direct to its shores. The view of the Matterhorn, king of the mountains, standing solitary on the horizon framed by a vast sky, is breathtaking: the scene is unforgettable.

Gorner Gorge

The Gorner Gorge is one of the most fascinating scenic attractions in Zermatt. It is an easy 20-minute walk from the south end of the village of Zermatt. This gorge is formed by the classic natural phenomena of river cutting through rock, in specific, by the Gornervispe's cold, gushing waters over many thousand years. The wooden walkway created at the end of the 19th century makes for a very personal experience with river's chilly waters.

It's a Winter Sports Paradise

Zermatt is often voted top ski and snowboard resort in the Alps by visitors, and you're guaranteed snow all year at the largest summer ski area in Europe, the Plateau Rosa. Gornergrat, the Rothorn, and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offer a range of pistes for all levels. Your Zermatt lift pass (CHF430 for 7 days or CHF494 if you add Cervinia) gives you access to 220 miles of pistes on both the Swiss and Italian sides of the mountains.

Climbing

The region's peaks attract climbers of every level. Beginners can try the Breithorn (13,661 ft), although we recommend that you use a local guide and take a rope. More experienced mountaineers can try their luck on the Matterhorn (14,691 ft) via the Schwarzsee cable car and Hörnli Hut - CHF1200 with a local guide.

Shopping in Zermatt

What do you shop for in a Swiss town that is known for its great outdoors and a wonderful hospitality? Start with chocolates of course! Zermatt offers you an array of decadent, handmade chocolates that just melt in our mouth. Stores like Boîte a Chocolat make their own chocolates and even let you watch the process. A walk down Zermatt’s main street will be filled with wafting chocolaty fragrances.

Zermatt also has shops selling cuckoo clocks and fine Swiss watches. There’s nothing better than buying a Swiss watch in Switzerland! Pick one up to remember your time spent under the watchful eyes of the Matterhorn. Next in line are Swiss army knives, music boxes and other knick-knacks such as t-shirts, postcards and figurines. They make great souvenirs for family and friends back home.

Zermatt even has its own Bahnhofstrasse (railway station) which leads to one of the old parts of the town. Some of the building here are over 300 years old. These log buildings called ‘Gadini’ were used to store grains and meats in the old days. Now some of these have been converted into hotels where you can take a break in between your shopping sprees. Despite being a small town, Zermatt has some incredible shopping on offer. From luxury brands to homemade souvenirs, you can take your pick and get your shopping done with minimum fuss.

Cuisine of Zermatt

Zermatt is a true-blue Swiss destination when it comes to eating. From family-friendly hangouts to Grade-A, Michelin-star restaurants, you have a wide array of choices. Head to the Omnia Restaurant for a distinctly Swiss menu with a cosmopolitan twist. The After Seven is a Michelin-star restaurant where you can catch a movie with an aperitif and a three-course meal.

The Du Pont is one of the oldest businesses in Zermatt and serves flavourful comfort food and Swiss favourites such as fondue, raclette, schüblig and rösti. The Ristorante Capri on the Swiss-Italian border serves Michelin-star Italian cuisine that will remind of the Mediterranean in the Alps. Grampi’s is another Italian institution that will welcome you with it Raclettissima pizza baked in a wood-fired oven. With so many options, you certainly don’t have to worry about food in Zermatt.

Best Time to Visit in Zermatt

Summer, between June to September is the best time to visit Zermatt. If you’re a skier or a snowboarder, end of November until mid-April is the best time for seeking adventure. In both the peak seasons all the restaurants, lifts, cable cars and trails are open. The best time really depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for. If you want to enjoy more touristy activities, then summer is your perfect time. If you’re seeking the thrill of adventure, winter is your best time to visit Zermatt.

How to Reach Zermatt

Plane

Geneva Airport (GVA) is 143 miles from Zermatt. It's the closest international airport and it's also on the Swiss rail network. The station is under the arrivals terminal and trains depart every half hour. A return costs CHF206.

Train

Zermatt is car-free but visitors can reach the resort by train via one of the most beautiful routes in the Alps. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn service from Geneva has one change en route at Lausanne-Visp, and a second-class return costs CHF196. Trains arrive at Bahnhofplatz Zermatt and from there you can take a horse-drawn sleigh or electric buggy to your hotel.

Car

Drivers using the Swiss motorway system require a Swiss motorway pass, which costs CHF40. However, as Zermatt is car-free, you'll have to park your car in Täsch. Täsch is just four miles from Zermatt, and there is an electric shuttle bus every 20 minutes; tickets cost CHF8. Electric taxis are also available and the fare is CHF30 during the day and CHF40 at night. Be aware - if you do drive into Zermatt, you will be fined CHF350 on the spot.

Bus

There are no direct bus services to Zermatt since the resort is car-free. However, many private operators offer shuttle bus services from Geneva to nearby Täsch, and you'll typically pay CHF95 for the one-way trip.