Welcome to Zermatt, a beloved mountain destination in the Swiss Alps. The charming village is home to the iconic Matterhorn, Switzerland's most recognizable mountain, and the world-renowned Gornergrat Railway, which boasts the steepest open-air railway in the world. Join us as we explore Zermatt's natural beauty and rich culture.
WHERE IS ZERMATT?
Zermatt is a municipality in the district of Visp in the German-speaking region of Valais, Switzerland. It is located at an elevation of 1,620 meters (5,315 feet) above sea level and is renowned for its ski resort and mountaineering activities. The village lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks in the Alps. Zermatt is a popular tourist destination and has many attractions such as skiing, hiking, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities.
GETTING TO ZERMATT.
BY CAR
Zermatt is one of the car-free cities; you can reach by car as far as Täsch. There you can park your car and take the shuttle train to the city. Alternatively, you can go either by taxi or by regular train.
BY TRAIN
There is a train station in Zermatt which you can reach directly.
BY PLANE
Zurich is the closest airport and from there you can take a direct train towards Zermatt. The trip takes about 3,5 hours
WHERE TO STAY IN ZERMATT
With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which hotel or resort is best suited for your needs. However, these are my favourite places to stay in Zermatt.
HOTEL PERRIN ZERMATT - We usually stay at this hotel whenever we visit Zermatt. What impressed us the most was the mesmerizing view of Matterhorn from our balcony - something which added to our overall experience. The room was large and tidy, with a cozy bed. Situated conveniently close to the town center, train station, and ski lift, the hotel is easily accessible via a 20-second walk. It's well-furnished with a wellness center, two restaurants, and a public bar that exudes its character. Guests have all the facilities they need for a satisfying stay.
Hotel Cervo
Surrounded by the raw beauty of Zermatt, the CERVO Hotel in Zermatt is the gateway to the mystical mountains of the Swiss Alps. Cervo Mountain Resort is the best hotel if you want to see the village and have an unobstructed view of the Matterhorn. The food is excellent, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. The elevator that brings you down to street level makes Zermatt easily accessible despite the elevated location.
THINGS TO DO IN ZERMATT
1. Ski the spectacular slopes
Zermatt is a skier's paradise, with more than 200 kilometers of piste available. There's something for every level of skier or snowboarder. Whether you're looking for a leisurely day on the slopes or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Zermatt has it all. So come and explore the thrilling ski areas: Rothorn, Sunnegga, and Gornergrat.
Skiing at Sunnegga – Rothorn in Zermatt
Sunnega (Wolli’s Beginners Park)
This ski is ideal for Beginners & Families
You will find the “Wolli Beginners’ Park” up at Sunnegga by the frozen Leisee. Skiers or non-skiers can access the area. After just 4.5 minutes on the underground funicular from Zermatt, you will find yourself at Sunnegga station.
Single ticket
Return ticket
Full fare (100%) or half-fare (50%) if you have GA, half-fare, Swiss Travel Pass: 50%
Included
Single or return trip to Sunnegga
Bike transport
Local bus
Dogs are carried for free
2. SUNNEGGA VIEWPOINT
Enjoy the view of Matterhorn, one of the most famous mountains in the world from Sunnegga Restaurant!
From here, You will get a beautiful panoramic view of this majestic mountain and experience the breathtaking scenery surrounding it while enjoying a glass of red wine and Swiss Rösti at the sun terrace for lunch. Sunnegga Restaurant is just right by the funicular, so it's an excellent location for nonskiers and skiers.
Another place to get a great view of the Matterhorn is at the Restaurant Fluhalp can be accessed from Rothorn down the red piste number 19.
Note: This is the Top restaurant in the region that is reachable only on foot (in the Summer) or on skis (in the winter), but it is worthwhile every effort.
Blue Lounge, situated at Blauherd, is another popular place with a stunning terrace; if you're looking for an unforgettable experience, why not enjoy the view of Matterhorn from Blue Lounge, Restaurant? With its stunning panoramic views, this restaurant offers one of the most breathtaking vistas of this majestic mountain. The terrace provides a perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of Matterhorn while savoring delicious food and drinks. Come and experience the grandeur of Matterhorn from Blue Lounge, Restaurant!
3. Visit the highest viewing platform in Europe the Glacier Paradise, the Alps at 3883 meters altitude, and spot 38,4000 meter high peaks and 14 glaciers in the surrounding mountains.
From here you can take in some truly incredible views of the Alps and surrounding mountains, making it an unforgettable experience for any traveler.
4. Cross the border to Italy on skis!
Skiing from Zermatt to Cervinia is an amazing experience that allows you to ski between two countries. The Matterhorn Ski Paradise, which spans Switzerland and Italy, is a unique destination for skiers and snowboarders alike. With over 400 kilometers of pistes between the two countries, it's one of the largest ski areas in the world. From the Swiss side of the Matterhorn, you can ski down to Cervinia in Italy, a beautiful village at the foot of Monte Cervino. Enjoy breathtaking views of both countries as you make your way down some of the most challenging slopes in Europe!
5. Take the Gornegrat Railway to get up close and personal with the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic mountains in the world.
The Gornergrat is a mountain ridge in the Swiss Alps, located at an altitude of 3,089m. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland and can be reached by taking the world’s first fully electrified cog railway. From the top of this mountain ridge, you can get amazing views of the Matterhorn and other surrounding peaks. During winter, it is a great spot for skiing and snowboarding. The Gornergrat also offers some of the best views in Switzerland during the summer months.
5. Discover the old town of Zermatt with its 500-year-old barns and traditional houses.
Take a stroll through its cobbled streets and explore the old buildings that have been standing for centuries. Admire the traditional houses, with their wooden beams and intricate details that tell tales of the past. You can even take a tour of one of its 500-year-old barns to get an insight into how life was lived in Zermatt many years ago.
6. Shop at idyllic Bahnhofstrasse in Zermatt Downtown