Zermatt is one of our very favorite places in Switzerland! It is a beautiful mountain resort town located in the Swiss Alps and is famous for its stunning views of the Matterhorn – one of the tallest and most recognizable peaks in Europe. Zermatt is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. The town is car-free, which adds to its charm and it has a bunch of super cozy restaurants and shops. Discover everything Zermatt has to offer in this complete travel guide!
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Zermatt, Switzerland
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Getting to Zermatt
As mentioned, Zermatt is a car-free town and due to its remote location, you basically HAVE to take the train to get there. There are essentially 2 ways you can do this:
By train:
You can take a train from major Swiss cities like Zürich, Bern, or Geneva to Visp, and then switch to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) train that takes you to Zermatt. The journey is scenic and takes about 3.5 hours from Zürich.
It’s a pretty easy trip, but depending on your time of departure you may have to change trains more than once. Also beware that the train up to Zermatt can get pretty crowded around holidays and weekends, so it’s critical to pack efficiently (and lightly).
HOT TIP: The Swiss railroad company SBB actually offers a luggage delivery service, which will pick up your bags at select Hotels and train stations and deliver them to most hotels in Zermatt. Click here for more details.
By car:
If you have a rental car, you can still drive to the nearby town of Täsch and then take a shuttle train or taxi to Zermatt. The train from Täsch to Zermatt takes only 12 minutes and runs every 20 minutes. If you choose to drive to Täsch, be aware that you must park your car in a designated parking lot as private cars are not allowed in Zermatt.
Upon arrival at the train station, you will either have arranged with your hotel to come and pick you up (or you can call them to come get you), or depending on where your hotel is located and how much luggage you have with you, you can walk to your accommodations.
Getting Around Zermatt
Again, there are no cars in Zermatt – only electric taxis. But the town is so small, that you really can walk to get anywhere you need to go.
HOT TIP: Download the Matterhorn app on your phone to have easy access to all the maps and info for Zermatt!
Best Areas To Stay In Zermatt
Since Zermatt is small, there is really no wrong choice when it comes to choosing an area to stay. We personally have stayed in hotels that are in the town, but not directly in the main village center. Everything is easily accessible, which is part of what’s so great about it.
Zermatt village center:
This area is home to a ton of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it the ideal location for those who want to be close to all the action.
Zermatt ski-in/ski-out:
If you are a big skier, then staying in a ski-in/ski-out accommodation might be the ideal choice. Ski-in/ski-out accommodations allow you to ski directly from your accommodation to the slopes without having to worry about transportation. (Although, staying in the village is also fine too. We’ve seen tons of people who go to Zermatt specifically to ski. They stay in the town and just walk their equipment to the cable cars. It’s a small enough town to where you won’t exhaust yourself just getting up the slopes from your hotel.)
Zermatt luxury accommodations:
Zermatt is known for its luxurious accommodations, and staying in one of these properties can make your trip even more memorable. Many of these properties offer stunning views of the Swiss Alps and come equipped with amenities such as spas and fine dining restaurants. This could be a good option if you are traveling with a large group of people and you all can split the cost.
Best Hotels In Zermatt
Mont Cervin Palace: $$$$
A beautiful 5-star hotel located in the heart of Zermatt. It includes stunning views of the Matterhorn and the Swiss Alps. It also has a spa, a fitness center, and three restaurants.
Hotel Schönegg: $$$
We were lucky enough to stay here once and it was amazing. The rooms and staff are wonderful and the food is outstanding (especially if you love a good breakfast buffet). There is also a really cool tunnel in the mountain that you are driven through in order to get into the hotel!
Hotel Firefly: $$$
A lovely 4-star hotel with spacious suites and a cozy atmosphere.
Hotel Matterhorn Focus: $$$
4-star hotel with large, beautifully decorated rooms and amazing Matterhorn views.
Hotel Jägerhof: $$
The Hotel Jägerhof is a charming 3-star hotel located in the heart of Zermatt. We stayed here over Christmas and LOVED it. It was so charming, the staff was great, and they included complimentary breakfast!
Best Restaurants In Zermatt
Walliserstube:
A cozy restaurant located in the center of Zermatt. They serve traditional Swiss cuisine with a modern twist. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming.
Restaurant Spycher:
A wonderful mix of rustic and elegant, serving traditional Swiss cuisine including local meat delicacies that are flambéd and carved right at your table. This place is one of our all time favorites!
Restaurant Schaferstube:
Another excellent, cozy restaurant with a rustic vibe. Schaferstube is known for traditional cheese dishes such as raclette and fondue and will give you the authentic Swiss dining experience.
Chez Max Julen:
A charming grill restaurant at Hotel Beau-Rivage and it is known for regional specialties and locally sourced products. This place is a Zermatt staple.
Chez Max Julen:
A charming grill restaurant at Hotel Beau-Rivage and it is known for regional specialties and locally sourced products. This place is a Zermatt staple.
Things To Do In Zermatt
SHOPPING
The Bahnhofstrasse:
The main street, packed with shops and restaurants. This is where you’ll be buying all of your souvenirs!
SIGHTSEEING/ACTIVITIES:
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:
This is the highest cable car station in all of Europe. It is about a 45 minute cable car ride to the top. (You can get out and snap some pics on the way up.) At the top there is a lookout with amazing views. Be sure to stop in the Glacier Palace, where everything is carved out of ice!
By the way, we’re talking about an elevation of 13,000ft here, so this is no place for sneakers and shorts regardless of the season.
Gornergrat Railway:
A historic train that takes you on a scenic journey through the mountains. The train stops at several viewpoints along the way, with stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks.
HOT TIP: By going early in the morning, or later in the afternoon, you are more likely to avoid the crowds.
Snow sports:
For those interested in skiing or snowboarding, Zermatt is a world-class destination. The village is home to some of the best slopes in Europe, with a wide range of runs suitable for all skill levels. However, you should note that while Zermatt’s skiing resort offers runs for all levels, most runs are red / black diamond levels and the options for beginners are somewhat limited.
You can also enjoy other winter activities, such as snowshoeing, ice-skating, and sledding.
Summer Activities:
Zermatt is a great destination for hiking and mountain biking. The village is surrounded by beautiful trails, with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You can also enjoy other outdoor activities, such as paragliding, rock climbing, and fishing.
Gorner Gorge:
Gorner Gorge is a narrow chasm that was carved into over centuries by the glacier river Gornervispe. The rock is SUPER old. Like 220 million years old! You walk along these wooden walkways and bridges through the gorge. It’s really cool!
Note: Gorner Gorge is not open during the winter due to safety reasons.
Air Zermatt helicopter ride:
We cannot stress enough how INCREDIBLE of an experience this is. If you are willing to splurge on a special activity, this is the one. It’s hard to use words to describe the feeling of witnessing the alpine beauty from above and circling the Matterhorn at 14,000ft. You can book your flight here.
CULTURE
Matterhorn Museum:
This museum’s main theme is, of course, the Matterhorn. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the region, as well as the famous mountaineers who have climbed the Matterhorn.
Zermatt Folklore Festival:
Every year in August, there is a Folklore-Festival held, showcasing the traditional costumes, dance, and music. We just happened to be there during it one year and it was so fun!
Hidden Gems In Zermatt
Riffelalp:
A stop on the Gornergrat Railway, Riffelalp doesn’t seem like much when you get there, but once you take the short hike around the bend to the Riffelalp Resort you get rewarded with stunning views of the Matterhorn and surrounding mountain ranges. Try to get a spot on the patio of the hotel and have a glass of wine, a snack or a cigar!
Hinterdorf/Old Village:
Near the main street, there is an area of old houses and barns from the 16th and 18th centuries. They were built on stone slabs that are balanced on stilts to keep the mice out. It’s very cool and definitely worth a visit!
St. Niklaus:
St. Niklaus is a small Swiss village that’s about a 25-minute train ride from Zermatt. There are more beautiful views of the Matterhorn and it is home to the charming St. Niklaus Church, which dates back to the 14th century.
St. Niklaus:
St. Niklaus is a small Swiss village that’s about a 25-minute train ride from Zermatt. There are more beautiful views of the Matterhorn and it is home to the charming St. Niklaus Church, which dates back to the 14th century.
Randa:
Randa is a picturesque village that is a 20-minute train ride from Zermatt. The village is surrounded by alpine scenery and there is a suspension bridge known as the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge that you can hike to. It’s one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world and the longest one in the alps!
Zmutt:
Zmutt is a charming little alpine village located about 3 km (2 miles) from Zermatt. You can actually walk or hike there from Zermatt via the “Zmutt Loop”.
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FAQ
How many days should you spend in Zermatt?
We recommend spending at least 3 days in Zermatt. It is a small town, but there is a lot to do!
How expensive is Zermatt?
Ok, real talk: Zermatt is expensive. Especially during peak tourist seasons. However, you can still enjoy the stunning scenery and outdoor activities without completely breaking the bank by opting for more budget-friendly accommodations and dining options, and by planning your activities carefully to make the most of your time and budget.
When is the best time to visit Zermatt?
This will just depend on what you are looking to do! If you go in the winter months (December – March), you will get the cold weather and snow. Perfect if you are wanting to participate in the winter sports/activities such as skiing.
If you are wanting the warm weather, June – September is lovely. When we were there in August, it was sunny and warm in the village, but there was still snow on the mountains (and of course the glaciers) – it’s the best of both worlds!
About Us
We are Sandro & Juli! Sandro is a Swiss native and Juli was born and raised in California. We LOVE to travel - especially to Sandro's home country. Because we are often asked by friends and acquaintances where to visit in Switzerland, we decided to dedicate a place where our knowledge of all things Switzerland can live. We are always adding to our travels, so follow along as we share all our best tips, hidden gems, travel guides and everything in-between.
Happy travels!
About Us
We are Sandro & Juli! Sandro is a Swiss native and Juli was born and raised in California. We LOVE to travel - especially to Sandro's home country. Because we are often asked by friends and acquaintances where to visit in Switzerland, we decided to dedicate a place where our knowledge of all things Switzerland can live. We are always adding to our travels, so follow along as we share all our best tips, hidden gems, travel guides and everything in-between.
Happy travels!
