Surrounded by spectacular alpine meadows and some of the highest mountain peaks in Europe, Zermatt is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers to spend a great time with mountains. Due to its unique settings in the valley, Zermatt is a popular and must-visit destination in Switzerland and Europe.
In the winter season, Zermatt transforms into a magical fairy-tale town and a popular ski resort that attracts millions of skiers from worldwide. It is one of the most popular Ski resorts in Europe.
Zermatt is situated in the footsteps of the majestic and picturesque “The Matterhorn” Mountain which is widely known to the world due to its unique pyramid shape. Thousands of professional Climbers try their luck to climb the unique Matterhorn Mountain Every year. It is on the must-do list of most professional climbers around the world.
Zermatt is also connected by the heritage train route of Glacier Express which is a panoramic train that passes through the dramatic landscapes between St. Moritz to Zermatt.
Zermatt has plenty of things to offer for its visitors both during summer and winter times. In this article, we have mentioned everything you need to know for your visit to Zermatt including the best things to do in Zermatt, the best places to visit in Zermatt, the best places to stay, the best places to eat, how to reach Zermatt, Itinerary to exploring Zermatt, etc.
Let’s start exploring the beautiful town of Zermatt!
Content summary:
Since this article has detailed information about all attractions in Zermatt and its surrounding peaks, you can refer to the following summary of the article if you want to jump to any specific topic in Zermatt: -
The Matterhorn: All about Matterhorn Mountain and the best views of Matterhorn.
Zermatt Town: Best places to visit in Zermatt town including the Matterhorn Museum, Mountaineers Crematory, English church, Parish Church of Saint Mauritius, and Hinterdorfstrasse.
Gornergrat: Things to do at Gornergrat including 360 Degree scenic loop, viewing platform, Trail to Riffelberg, Zooom the Matterhorn, and a 1-day Itinerary to explore Gornergrat.
Sunnegga, Blauherd, and Rothorn: Things to do at Sunnega, Blauherd, and Rothorn Plateau including Trail from Sunegga to Zermatt via Flindeln, 5 Lakes trails and, a 1-day Itinerary for Sunnega, Blauherd and rothern Plateau.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Best things to do at Matterhorn glacier paradise including 360 Degree viewing platform, Glacier palace, Skiing in summer, Cinema lounge, Trail to Breithorn, how to reach Matterhorn glacier paradise, Crystal ride, glacier trail, Hike to “Hörnli Hut, and one-day Itinerary to explore Matterhorn glacier Paradise.
Gorner Gorge: What to expect at Gorner Gorge and how to visit.
Dossen glacier garden: What to expect at Dossen glacier garden and how to visit.
Matter Valley: All about exploring Matter Valley and the best places to visit in matter valley.
Glacier Express: What to expect during the ride of Glacier Express and how to book.
Skiing in Zermatt: All you need to know about the winter sports of Skiing in Zermatt including what to expect at skiing Pistes in Matterhorn glacier paradise, Gornergrat, and Sunnega/Rothorn.
How to reach and get around Zermatt: The details about how to reach Zermatt and how to explore Zermatt including Zermatt Peak Pass, Zermatt Ski pass, and Ski pass for beginners.
Where to stay in Zermatt: The recommendations on the best places to stay in Zermatt including Luxurious picks, mid-range picks, and hostels.
Where to eat in Zermatt: The recommendations on best restaurants in Zermatt.
Itinerary for Exploring Zermatt: Recommended Itinerary for exploring Zermatt in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, and 6 days.
1. The Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is the main icon of the Zermatt and one of the most popular peaks in Switzerland. Matterhorn is a unique rugged mountain with a pyramid shape that is proportionate from all sides. With a summit of 4478 meters from sea level, Matterhorn is also one of the highest peaks in Europe. The mountain is popular among professional climbers around the world as one of the most challenging peaks to conquer.
Matterhorn can be viewed from any corner of Zermatt and the surrounding plateau. The best views of Matterhorn mountains can be found in Gonergrat and Sunnega. The closest possible view of the Matterhorn (for non-climbers) can be found in Hörnli hut which is a base camp for professional climbers ascending Matterhorn.
To get to the Hörnli hut from Zermatt, first, you need to reach Schwarzsee which is the closest cable car station to Matterhorn Mountain. Hörnli hut is about 2 hours hike from the Schwarzsee. We have covered more details about this hike in a section of Matterhorn glacier paradise in (section number-5) below.
2. Zermatt Town (one of the best things to do in Zermatt)
Zermatt, the picturesque town full of Swiss chalets, is the ultimate resort destination and a must-visit destination in Switzerland. The town offers breathtaking views of Matterhorn Mountain from the different locations in Zermatt. Like many other towns in Switzerland, the tranquil river named “Matter Vispa” flows through the middle of the town which truly contributes to the relaxing atmosphere of the town. Simply strolling along a tranquil river is one of the best things to do in Zermatt.
The main street of Zermatt is full of beautiful Swiss chalets decorated with flowers, quaint shops, restaurants, and cafes. The town also maintains the romantic alpine atmosphere all-round year, especially during winter, as snow turns the Zermatt town into a magical place of some fairy tale.
Strolling through these old towns and their alleyways would give the feel of the town’s unique atmosphere. Also, the Quaint Horse-Wagen taxis operated by hotels give the unique feel of being in old times. Zermatt is a small town; therefore, you can explore all the hidden corners of the town by walking.
The main attractions to visit in Zermatt town are Matterhorn Museum, Mountaineer’s cemetery, English Churches, Parish church, Hinterdorfstrasse (Old Zermatt) etc.
Matterhorn Museum
Matterhorn Museum, which is located in the center of the town, is an exhibition of old Zermatt town and its unique hiking world. Visiting Matterhorn Museum is one of the best things to do in Zermatt town. Matterhorn Museum tells the story of the First ascent to Matterhorn in 1865 when 7 climbers attempted to hike Matterhorn but only 3 of them returned to Zermatt. Although the climb was successful, unfortunately, on the way back down, 4 climbers fell to death. The broken rope used during 1st ascent of the Matterhorn is displayed in the Museum.
In addition to the knowledge of the hiking world of old Zermatt, it is also fun to walk through the Museum as it is built like an old town of Zermatt. The town square in the museum is also a small replica of the real town square of Old Zermatt. Wandering in the museum and sitting on the benches of the old square indeed feels like being in the old town of Zermatt.
Mountaineer’s cemetery
Mountaineer’s Cemetery is a grave and memorial site for the mountaineers who have lost their lives during accidents in Matterhorn and other surrounding mountains during the 19th and 20th centuries. It is also the site of the Graveyard of two mountaineers, Peter, and Peter Taugwalder, who were father and Son and successfully climbed Matterhorn for 1st time in 1865, they further died due to natural causes. They were the two climbers out of 3 who have returned to Zermatt during the expedition. Peter and Peter Taugwalder were mountain guides for the expedition. Mountaineer’s cemetery also has a Grave of one Mountain guide named Michel Auguste who fell to death during the same expedition. The grave of the other 2 climbers can be found in the English church in Zermatt as they were Englishmen named Robert Hadow and Charles Hudson. The body of 1 person named Lord Francis Douglas who fell to death during the expedition was never found.
You will find the flowers and candles near the graves kept by their friends and relatives.
English Church:
English church in Zermatt plays important role in the Mountaineering history of the town. Dating back to the 18th Century, the numbers of English tourists visiting Zermatt were considerably high. Therefore, in 1962, it was decided to build a church dedicated to English people. The donations for building the church mainly came from English people.
After the 1st successful ascent of the Matterhorn in 1965 which tragically killed 3 English climbers, large donations were made by families of the dead climbers. Finally, the Church was built in 1870. The remains of two English climbers Charles Hudson are buried inside the altar and the remains of Robert Hadow are buried outside the English church.
Don’t miss visiting this church while you are in Zermatt since it is always in the list of best things to do in Zermatt.
Parish Church of St. Mauritius:
The parish church of St. Mauritius is a church dedicated to the Parish community which has a large population in the region. The Church is said to be very old dating back to 1285. However, it was renovated so many times. Presently, the Parish church is last renovated in 1980.
The church has paintings on the ceiling and a small room for the memorial candles. The Steeple of the church is visible from a long distance, and it is a good photo point in Zermatt. Also, the entrance doors of the church offer fantastic views of Matterhorn.
Hinterdorfstrasse (Old Zermatt):
Hinterdorfstrasse is a picturesque street full of traditional wooden chalets decorated with flowers. Hinterdorfstrasse is the oldest part of Zermatt and many wooden chalets were built in the 17th Century. It is the most picturesque part of Zermatt town and is located just beside the river. Visiting Hinterdorgstrasse is one of the best things to do in Zermatt town.
If you are interested in the overall history of the town, then you can also book the Guided tour of Zermatt village with a knowledgeable guide.
The alpine town of Zermatt also offers a wide range of culinary experiences in a variety of traditional cuisine. To learn and try more of the local cousins, you can also try the backstage dining tour which let you meet the chef while cooking local cuisines in some of the best restaurants in Zermatt.
3. Gornergrat
Gornergrat is a mountain ridge and a panoramic viewpoint located at an altitude of 3089M from sea level. It offers spectacular views of around 29 gigantic alpine peaks including the glorious Matterhorn. The main attraction of Gornergrat is its UNESCO World Heritage Railway connected to Zermatt. Founded in 1898, the Gornergrat railway is also one of the oldest mountain railways in Switzerland as well as in Europe. The train journey from Zermatt to Gornergrat is a magical experience as the route passes through dramatic alpine meadows with glancing views of Matterhorn.
Don’t miss the train journey to the Gornergrat when you are in Zermatt as it is one of the best things to do in Zermatt!
At an altitude of 3100 meters, Gornergrat also hosts the highest hotel in Europe called The Kulm Hotel.
There are so many things to do at Gornergrat on a clear sunny day, like strolling through the Scenic 360° loop, admiring the panorama from the viewing platform., The trail to Riffelberg and experiencing the virtual reality world of Zoom the Matterhorn.
360° Scenic loop
To admire the magnificent views of surrounding peaks at Gornergrat, the 360° scenic loop has all the magic to offer. The trail offers mesmerizing views of around 29 Four-thousander peaks in the region including a majestic view of Matterhorn. The trail also offers breathtaking views of Gornar Glacier which is the second-highest glacier in the Alps.
As obvious as its name, this short trail is something not to be missed. The route of the trail is easy to navigate from the yellow signboards near the Viewing platform of Gornergrat. Also, hiscenicke of 360 degree sceninc loop is one of the best things to do in Zermatt.
Viewing platform
The viewing platform of Gornergrat offers a magnificent panorama of Mountains including Matterhorn. If you don’t wish to hike the 360° Scenic Loop, you can admire the Panorama of alpine peaks from a viewing platform. At the viewing platform, you can find the Matterhorn photo point which offers the best views of the Matterhorn from Gornergrat. All you need to do is scan your ticket, take a photo with Matterhorn, and download the photo with a QR code.
The viewing platform is located just outside of the train station.
Trail to Riffelberg (One of the best things to do in Zermatt)
Hiking the trail to Riffelberg from Gornergrat is our favorite activity to do at Zermatt. The trail is full of picturesque landscapes with mesmerizing views of Matterhorn. You will also find the Sheep with black noses hovering over the meadows everywhere around the route. The main highlight of the trail is Riffelsee which is a picturesque lake that offers a spectacular reflection of Matterhorn Mountain. The trail also offers numerous opportunities to capture the Gornergrat expresses finding its way through the picturesque landscapes.
The trail from Gornergrat to Riffelberg is easy and takes around 1 hour and 30 Mins to complete. If you don’t want to walk much or if you are traveling with the kids, then you can also start the trail from Rotenboden instead of Gornergrat, which is a train station of Gornergrat Express just before Gornergrat. You can end the trail at Riffelberg and take a train back to Zermatt.
The trail from Rotenboden to Riffelberg is easy, takes around 1 hour to complete, is suitable for kids, and MUST DO activity when you are in Zermatt.
Zoom The Matterhorn
Zoom the Matterhorn is a recently built attraction in Zermatt that offers a virtual reality experience of flying around the mountains at Gornergrat. The experience is so unique and real that it gives you the feeling of paragliding from the mountains.
If you are not in a hurry, then we recommend not missing this experience especially if you are with Kids.
Itinerary For Exploring Gornergrat:
As mentioned earlier, visitnig Gornergrat is at the top of the list of the best things to do in Zermatt. The day spent at Gornergrat will surely offer you an experience packed with unforgettable memories for a lifetime! We recommend using the following Itinerary to use your time more effectively at Gornergrat:
Start your journey in the morning to catch the Gornergrat Express and reach the Gornergrat top.
Admire the views, take photos, and stroll through a 360° scenic loop.
Experience “Zoom the Matterhorn”
Take a trail to Riffelberg from Gornergrat or Catch a train from Gornergrat to Rotenboden and walk to Riffelberg from Rotenboden.
Take a train back to Zermatt from Riffelberg.
You will also have opportunities to have your lunch at restaurants in Gornergrat or Riffelberg.
The scenic train to Gornergrat starts from the Gornergrat Train station in Zermatt, which is a few mins walk from Zermatt's main train station. The tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office at the station.
4. Sunnegga, Blauherd and Rothorn:
Sunnegga, Blauherd, and Rothern are picturesque plateaus connected by a combination of Funicular and Cable cars. Each of these three places is equally beautiful and unique in its way and visiting them is surely on the list of one of the best things to do in Zermatt.
Zermatt to Sunnegga can be reached by Funicular in just 5 Mins. From the Sunnegga, you will need to change to a cable car to reach Blauherd. Finally, from Blauherd, you need to change to another cable car for the final leg till Rothern.
Sunnegga:
Sunnega, also called “The Family Paradise”, is another panoramic viewpoint that offers spectacular views of Matterhorn. It is one of those places in Zermatt that offers the best views of Matterhorn. Sunnegga can be reached within 5 minutes by the Funicular from Zermatt. Sunnegga is mainly popular for Families as it offers interesting activities for kids such as children’s playground and swimming in the lake. Therefore, if you are in Zermatt with kids, then visiting Sunnegga is one of the best things to do in Zermatt for you.
Lake Leisee is the popular attraction at Sunnegga for families as it is equipped with the Pic-Nic area, children’s playground, Barbeque area, etc. Lake Leisee is also suitable for swimming for adults as well as for Kids. More significantly, the lake offers fantastic views and reflections of Matterhorn.
Sunnegga is also a starting and end point of some of the scenic hikes in the region. It is the starting point of the scenic trail to Zermatt town through Findeln.
Walking trail to Zermatt Via Findeln from Sunegga:
Our favorite activity to do at Sunnegga is a walk from Sunnegga to Zermatt through Filndeln village. The trail passes through colorful landscapes and offers fantastic views of Matterhorn. The trail starts through the picturesque and colorful landscapes of Sunnegga which further takes you to the Wonderful Helmet village of Findeln and finally ends with the calm descending walk through the woods to Zermatt. Fildeln village is a midpoint of a trail. It is a very small village but popular for its gastronomy. This trail is also known as a “Gourmet Trail” due to the world-class culinary experience in Findeln Village. It's always a good idea to have Lunch at Findeln village and continue your journey towards Zermatt. The path from Findeln to Zermatt is a descending and easy stroll.
This trail is on our list of the best things to do in Zermatt as it is an easy trail and it is also suitable for kids above 10 years old age.
Blauherd:
Blauherd is a scenic Plateau between Sunnegga and Rothorn. Connected by Cable cars to Sunnegga and Rothorn, Blauherd is a beautiful destination that offers a wonderful panorama of mountains including breathtaking views of Matterhorn. Blauherd is again a popular destination for Families, as it offers so many fun activities to do for children such as Wolli’s adventure playground. The comic creature Marmot roams freely on the landscapes of Plateau the main highlights of the Plateau. If you are seeking a little thrill, then you can hire a Mountain cart at Blauherd and ride it down the hill till Sunnegga.
Blauherd Plateau is rich in a variety of alpine flora, and walking around the plateau is the best way to explore them. The scenic lake Stellisee is a must-visit place in Blauherd as it offers spectacular reflections of Matterhorn and it is a popular photo spot in Zermatt. Lake Stellisee can be reached by 20-minute walk from Blauherd Cable car station.
Belauherd is also a starting point of the most popular Hike in the region called the 5 Lake trail.
5 lake Trail:
5 Lake Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Zermatt and one of the best things to do in Zermatt. As obvious as its name, 5 lakes trail passes through 5 lakes i.e. Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grunsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. Out of these 5 lakes, you can find beautiful reflections of Matterhorn Mountain in lakes Grunsee, Grindjisee, and Stellisee. Lakes Lesiee and Grunsee are suitable for swimming for adults as well as kids. The trail also passes through the picturesque landscapes packed with eye-catching views of Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. The starting point of the trail is Blauherd. The trail further descends till Sunnegga. The Last Lake of the 5 Lake Trail is Lake Leisee which is located near Sunnegga Funicular station. The trail is also a great way to explore a different variety of alpine floras as some of them are very rare and unique.
Rothorn
Rothorn (which is translated as Summit in English) is a picturesque peak that offers a mesmerizing panorama of Mountains including specular unobstructed views of Matterhorn. It is a popular place in Zermatt to experience a Spectacular sunrise through the mountains. The special sunrise trips to Rothorn need to be booked in advance through the lift Company.
The best thing to do at Rothorn is to explore “The Peak Collection” which is an open-air art exhibition with around 18 artistic pieces of a metal structure, each representing one or two surrounding mountains. The rocks brought by summiteers of the mountain are also displayed on the structure. The Peak collection can be explored easily by walking.
Rothorn is also a starting point of an Oberrothorn hike which is also called a “Path to Freedom”. The hike is the highest one in the region which offers a marvelous panorama of alpine peaks. Since the hike passes through the Rocks and scree, the hike is usually done by expert Hikers.
Itinerary for Visiting Sunnegga, Blauherd, and Rothorn in one day:-
You would need one whole day to explore the part of Sunnegga, Blauherd, and Rothorn in Zermatt. You can use the following one-day itinerary for exploring Sunnegga, Blauherd, and Rothorn.
Start your journey as early as possible in the morning and reach directly to Rothorn.
After Exploring Rothorn you can take a cable car back to Blauherd and explore Blauhard.
From Blauherd, you can go down to Sunnegga either by Taking the 5 Lakes trail or by Cable car, or by hiring a Mountain Cart. We recommend taking a 5 Lakes trail to Sunnegga. During the trial, you can also swim in Lake Grunsee which is usually less Crowded for swimming than Lake Leisee.
From Sunnegga, you can take a Walking Trail back to Zermatt through Findeln. Don’t forget you have lunch in Findeln. If you got tired and don’t wish to walk to Zermatt, then you can go back to Zermatt by Funicular from Sunnegga.
You can also walk till Fildeln for a lunch and come back to Sunnegga to catch Funicular till Zermatt.
5. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (also Known as Klein Matterhorn)
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is another spectacular and unique place to Visit in Zermatt and surely one of the best things to do in Zermatt. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is connected by a series of cable cars from Zermatt. Located at an elevation of 3883 meters from sea level, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is also the highest Cable car station in Europe. It is even higher than the Jungfraujoch which is located at an elevation of 3463 meters from Sea level. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the peak of a Mountain called Klein Matterhorn (Translated in English as Small Matterhorn); therefore, it is also known as Klein Matterhorn. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offers one of the most spectacular views of Matterhorn Mountain.
There are so many things to do at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise like exploring its Glacier Palace, admiring views from a 360-degree viewing platform, skiing all round year including peak summer months, watching a short movie about the alpine world at Cinema Lounge, hiking to the summit of Breithorn mountain, riding through the futuristic Cable car though “The crystal Ride cabins”, hiking through the glacier trail and hiking to Hörnli Hutt.
360-degree Viewing Platform:
The 360-degree viewing platform offers one of the best 360-degree Panorama of around 38 Alpine peaks with elevations crossing 4000 meters including the highest peaks in Europe like Mont Blanc, Jungfrau, Eiger, Mönch, etc. It also offers breathtaking views of around 14 alpine glaciers in Switzerland, France, and Italy. Admiring the view from the top indeed feels like being in Paradise.
Glacier Palace:
The best thing to visit at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is to explore its Glacier Palace which is an icy cave located 15 meters beneath the surface. The Ice cave has collections of unique Ice crystals and shiny Ice Sculptures. The atmosphere in the caves is so unique since you are literally surrounded by crystal ice that never melts. Due to the presence of Eternal Ice at this place, new creative sculptures are continuously being created by the talented sculptures every year. A similar Ice cave is also found at Jungfraujoch top, but the one at Glacier Paradise is the best.
Make sure to wear warm clothing while entering the Glarier palace.
Skiing in Summer:
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offers skiing all round year including peak summer months like June, July, and August. The Ski Area is called Theodul Glacier which has ski-worthy snow all round year. It is also an ideal place for snowboarding during the summer months. The summer ski resort has around 21 km of ski slopes to offer which is one of the largest in Europe. Skiing in summer is not something you usually do, therefore, it’s a Unique experience that is not to be missed when you are in Zermatt.
Cinema Lounge
The Cinema Lounge at the top of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offers a short informative video about the alpine peaks and the verities of Floras found in the region. If you are with kids, then it is recommended to try this experience.
Hike to Summit of Breithorn:
Hike to the Summit of Breithorn from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a unique experience of Hiking over the snow. The hike is so picturesque that it feels like walking over the clouds with the mesmerizing panorama of Alpine peaks and glaciers. The hike is around 5.4 KM long considering the round trip. The climb to the summit and descending back to Matterhorn glacier paradise takes around 3 hours. Since the hike passes through the glacier crevasses and stiff edges, you need to be equipped with proper hiking gear including a safety hook, ropes, and proper shoes. If you are with kids or have no prior experience with hiking, then we recommend skipping this hike.
Crystal Ride:
The Matterhorn glacier paradise cable ride is the highest cableway in the world. Therefore, riding through the final leg of a cable car to reach the top is itself a unique experience. The final leg of the cable car connection from Trockner Steg to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise has the newly built futuristic cable way which was launched in 2018. The futuristic cable car journey to the top is also called as “Matterhorn Glacier ride”. Although the Cableway journey is through the normal cable cars, you also have the option to choose a “Crystal Ride” for the final leg from Trockner Steg to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
The Crystal Ride is a ride through the unique cabins that are decorated with Crystals. As soon as you start floating in the air, the solid base of the cabin turns into a transparent glass that offers a magical view beneath your feet. The experience of “Crystal Ride” is very special and unique. For the crystal ride, you need to pay an additional amount of 11 CHF. The reservations for the Crystal rides can be made at the ticket office at “Trockner Steg” station. There is also an option to reserve your crystal ride online.
How to reach Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise can be reached by 3 to 4-leg cable car journeys from Zermatt. There are two different options to reach Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Option 1:
1st Leg: Cable car from Zermatt Bergbahnen station to Furi
2nd Leg: Change to another cable car from Furi to Trockener Steg
3rd Leg (Final): Change to Another cable car from Trockner Steg to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. For the final leg, the option for a Crystal ride is available.
Option 2:
1st Leg: Cable car from Zermatt to Furi
2nd Leg: Change to another cable car from Furi to Schwarzsee
3rd Leg: Change to another cable car from Schwarzsee to Trockener Steg
4th Leg (Final): Change to Another cable car from Trockner Steg to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. For the final leg, the option for a Crystal ride is available.
Option-1 is the quickest option to reach the top. However, Option-2 is Ideal if you are planning to hike “The Glacier Trail” or Trail to “Hörnli Hut”.
The Glacier Trail:
The experience of walking alongside glaciers and admiring the phenomena of the formation of gigantic glaciers through the views of alpine peaks including Matterhorn is the highlight of the Glacier trail. You will also find information boards throughout the trail that gives very useful information on the natural phenomena of glacier formations.
The trail starts from the Cable car station “Trockener Steg” and ends at another cable car station called Schwarzsee (mentioned in option-2 above). The trail takes around 2 hours and 15 mins to complete and it's mostly the descend route. The trail passes through the landscapes of rock and Scree, therefore, remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes and waterproof clothing.
Hike to “Hörnli Hut”
Hörnli Hut is a historic restaurant and a mountain refuge specially built for climbers ascending to Matterhorn. Opened in 1880 as a base camp for professional climbers, Hörnli Hut is also the closest point to Matterhorn Mountain that can be reached by non-climbers. From Hörnli Hut, the Gigantic Matterhorn appears like standing right in front of you.
The hike to Hörnli hut is filled with an ultimate adventure with a gigantic view of Matterhorn. You are walking toward the Matterhorn; therefore, the view gets better and better with every step you take. The starting point of the hike is a cable car station called “Schwarzsee” which has connections to Trockener Steg and Furi by cable cars, as mentioned in Option-2 above. The hike takes around 2 hours for a round trip to Schwarzsee. The trail also passes through the beautiful lake Schwarzsee which is a good spot to relax after the hike as it is located near to “Schwarzsee” cable car station. The famous Zermatt sign (With Zermatt text) is located just beside the Schwarzsee Lake which is a good spot for taking a souvenir photo with Matterhorn in the background.
Make sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes and waterproof clothing during the hike. If the weather is not favorable, then it is recommended to skip this hike. The hike has a medium level of difficulty, and it is not suitable for kids.
Itinerary to Explore Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:-
To explore the Matterhorn Glacier paradise effectively, we recommend using the following Itinerary. It will be a long day but at the end of the day, you will be equally satisfied with the experience:
Start as early as possible in the Morning and reach the Top of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise through Option-1 (i.e. Zermatt – Furi - Trockener Steg - Matterhorn Glacier Paradise). If you intend to experience a Crystal ride, book it during the same journey toward Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
If you want to ski during the summer, then start with skiing first thing in the morning as the snow is more ski-worthy during the morning hours.
Explore Matterhorn Glacier Paradise including, Glacier Palace, Scenic platform, and Cinema Lounge.
Hiking to Summit of Breithorn is optional unless you are professional.
After exploring Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, come back to Trockener Steg and Hike till Schwarzsee through “The Glacier Trail”.
After completing the hike of Glacier Trail, if you still feel fit enough to walk, then hike towards Hörnli Hut. If not, then catch the return Cable car to Zermatt from Schwarzsee through option-2 mentioned above (i.e. Schwarzsee-Furi-Zermatt). If you are staying in Zermatt for a longer period, then come back the next day for a Hike of “Hörnli Hut” to avoid the exertion.
6. Gorner Gorge
Gorner Gorge is another attraction in Zermatt that is a little offbeat from the Mountaineering experiences in the Zermatt. Gorner Gorge is a waterfall and unique rock formation due to the streams of Gorner River. The rock formations are said to be around 220 million years old. Gorner Gorge is the best location for Nature enthusiasts and spending some soothing time with nature. It is on the list of the best things to do in Zermatt if you have a longer time to stay in Zermatt.
The Gorner Gorge can be explored by a walk through the wooden walkways over the streams of the Gorner River. It is an easy walk that takes around 20 minutes to explore. You will also get multiple opportunities to take photos from the viewpoints.
The best time to visit Gorner Gorge is the month of October and especially between 3 to 4 PM as the special sunlight effect turns the watercolor into turquoise blue.
If you wish to spend more time in Gorner Gorge then you can also choose to take a longer route to explore the upper stretch of Gorge.
Gorner Gorger is located on the southern portion of Zermatt and the entrance is around 2 KM far from Zermatt's main train station. It can be reached by walking in 20 to 25 Minutes from the Main Train station of Zermatt.
7. Dossen glacier garden
Dossen glacier garden is a very rare attraction that offers the unique sight of the land of Vanished Glacier and the effect they have made on the landscape. A glacier that melted once was a site of eternal ice. When the Ice that had never melted for thousands of years started melting, it created its flow from the rock crevasse to the bottom or bed of the glacier. The rock crevasse later enlarged into a shape of a pot due to the continuous flow of melted ice water that turned into high-speed torrents and formed the shape of the whirlpool. The phenomena of the formation of water torrents and Whirlpool as the water continues to flow is called Glacier Mills.
The melted glaciers also increased the brittleness of rocks and turned them into soapstone. The sight of Dossen glacier was also a Quarry for soapstones which were used for making crockery in old times.
If you are interested in the phenomena of disappeared glaciers, then visiting the Dossen glacier garden is the best thing to do in Zermatt. It is also the ideal place to visit with families.
Dossen glacier garden can be reached by 30 mins walk from the Furi cable car station. You can reach Furi by cable car from Zermatt Bergbahnen station. The walk from Furi to Dossen glacier garden is interesting since it passes through the suspension footbridge which is 100 meters long and 90 meters high.
8. Matter Valley:
Matter Valley is named after the river that flows from the middle of Zermatt called “Matter Vispa”. Zermatt is located at the end of Matter Valley. If you are planning to spend more time in Zermatt, then exploring the matter valley is also one of the best things to do in Zermatt.
Matter Valley is full of picturesque landscapes, small villages, and stunning views of alpine peaks.
The picturesque mountain village of Grächen is one best places to explore in matter valley. it is popular as a Family destination since it offers numerous themed adventurous activities for the family including kids during summer as well as winter. Grächen is also home the numerous hiking trails.
Matter Valley can be best explored by the famous Panoramic train in Switzerland called the Glacier Express. The Glacier Express does not have a stop at Grächen. However, you can enjoy the views of Matter Valley in Glacier Express.
9. Glacier Express:
Glacier Express is the panoramic train that passes through some of the spectacular landscapes in Switzerland including 91 tunnels and 291 bridges. Glacier Express connects Zermatt to the ultimate resort destination of Switzerland called St. Moritz in the Engadine region of Switzerland.
Glacier Express is the best way to reach Zermatt if you are visiting from the central or eastern region of Switzerland.
Glacier Express covers a distance of around 290 Km through the 8 hours of the run. Therefore, the glacier express is also known as the “Slowest Express Train”. After all, you are in one of the most scenic trains in the world that give you enough time to admire the fantastic views which you will never get tired of.
Also, there are options to buy delicious local food onboard the train. In addition, Glacier Express also offers Luxury through its special Wagen called “Excellence Class”. It will guarantee the window seat with lounge seating and a complimentary 5-course delicious meal, of course, you will need to pay price for a Luxury. Tickets for the glacier express can be purchased online or at booking offices in Train stations: -
10. Skiing and snowboarding in Zermatt:
Something straight out of a fairy tale, Zermatt turns into a magical winter wonderland fully covered in snow during the winter season.
Zermatt is one of the most popular ski resorts in Switzerland due to its longest cross-country ski slopes crossing the borders between Switzerland and Italy. Its large Ski area spread around 360 Km of stunning Pistes packed with magical views of the mighty Matterhorn. Zermatt is also the highest Ski resort in Europe. Zermatt has a wide range of ski Pistes which are suitable for professional skiers, ski enthusiasts, and beginners or kids. Skiing in Zermatt with the sight of the majestic Matterhorn is one of the best things to do in Zermatt.
Zermatt has three different Ski areas, namely, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Gornergrat, and Sunnegga/Rothorn. The details of ski areas and ski lifts can be found in Zermatt Ski Map.
Skiing in Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:
Matterhorn glacier paradise is the highest Ski area in Europe and offers fantastic Pistes for skiing and snowboarding. The most amazing thing about skiing in Matterhorn Glacier paradise is its 25 KM long ski run which is the longest Ski run in Europe. It starts from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and ends at Zermatt.
The Ski-Piste at Matterhorn glacier paradise is also connected to a neighboring Italian Ski-resort Called Cervenia. In fact, The Ski Piste crosses the borders between Switzerland and Italy.
Due to its red and yellow slopes, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is not suitable for beginners or families. However, beginners and families can always visit Matterhorn glacier paradise during winter to admire the mesmerizing views.
Skiing in Gornergrat:
Goenergrat is another ski area that has stunning Pistes suites for everyone including beginners and experienced Skiers. There is a special area for preschool kids called Snowli Kids Village which is operated by Zermatt ski school and is the best option to try the first Ski run for preschool kids.
Also, the beginner’s park at Riffelberg, equipped with snow conveyors (also called magic carpet) is the perfect destination to try your luck with skiing for the first time.
Experienced skiers can also jump from Gornergrat to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise by taking the Riffelberg gondola to Furi and further connection to Trockener steg and Matterhorn glacier paradise.
Skiing in Sunnegga and Rothorn
Sunnegga is the most popular Ski area in Zermatt, especially for beginners and families. The Wolli Beginner’s Park located just outside of Funicular Station offers the best winter experience for beginners, especially for kids. It is equipped with 5 snow conveyors (also called magic carpets) and a lot of other fun equipment which guarantees a fun-packed day for kids. Sunnegga offers one of the best views of Matterhorn in Zermatt, therefore, spending a day skiing with Family with spectacular views of Matterhorn is always a great idea when you are in Zermatt.
The ski area of Rothorn is suitable for intermediate and experienced skiers. As soon as you get out of the Cable car, you will be directly entering the ski area of Rothern surrounded by magnificent views.
11. How to reach and get around Zermatt:
If you are traveling on a budget, then it’s important to know the hacks to save money while visiting Zermatt. We have mentioned here the most convenient ways to reach Zermatt and explore Zermatt using mountain railways.
How to reach Zermatt:
By Trains:
Zermatt can be reached by direct trains from a Central station called Visp, which has a direct train connection from Bern, Zurich, and Milan. To reach Zermatt by train, you would need to change the train at Visp to reach Zermatt. The train journey from Visp to Zermatt by usual Regional trains takes around 1 hour.
The glacier express is also the best way to reach Zermatt which runs from St. Moritz to Zermatt and has intermediate stops at Chur, Brig, Andermatt, Bergun, Celerina, Filisur, Samedan, Thusis, and Tiefencastel. Glacier Express doesn’t have a stop at Visp. Therefore, you need to reach Brig which is the nearest train station from Visp to board the Glacier Express.
By Car:
You can reach Zermatt by car Via Visp. From Zurich, it takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach Zermatt Via A4. Also, if you are driving from Milan, it takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach Zermatt via E62.
It is important to note that Zermatt is a car-free town. Therefore, you cannot enter with your car in Zermatt. You need to park your car in the huge parking area at Täsch. From Täsch, you need to catch the shuttle train to reach Zermatt which takes around 10 mins to reach Zermatt. The shuttle train from Täsch to Zermatt and vice versa departs every 20 Minutes.
The best way of exploring Zermatt with Mountain Railways:
There are multiple passes you can use to explore the sounding peaks in Zermatt by mountain railway like Zermatt peak pass, Ski pass, etc. If you are visiting Zermatt for a day then it’s better to buy a separate ticket for the peak of your choice directly at booking offices in Zermatt.
Zermatt Peak Pass (not for Skiing):
Zermatt peak pass is the most convenient and cost-efficient option to explore all peaks with Mountain railways in Zermatt including Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Rothorn, and Gornergrat. The Zermatt peak pass also includes the entrance to the Glacier Palace and the shuttle train to Täsch. Zermatt peak pass is suitable for hikers, mountain bikers, nature lovers, and regular tourists.
Zermatt peak pass can be purchased all round year. During peak seasons of summer from June to August, the peak pass for 3, 4, and 5 days costs 272, 303, and 334 CHF respectively. For the off-season months of May, September, and October, the peak pass for 3, 4, and 5 days costs 245, 273, and 301 CHF respectively. And, for colder months from November to April, the peak pass for 3, 4, and 5 days costs 210, 233, and 257 CHF respectively.
Zermatt peak pass can be purchased from 1 day to as many as 21 days and 1 month. The tickets for the Zermatt peak pass can be purchased online or at ticket offices in Zermatt.
Zermatt peak pass is free for kids up to 9 years, a 50% discount for kids aged between 9 to 16 years, and a 25% discount on Holders of Swiss travel pass and Half fare card. There are also options to buy a Peak pass for flexible non-consecutive days at an increased price.
Zermatt Peak pass does not include Skiing. You will need to purchase a special ski Pass during winter.
Ski Pass:
Similar to the peak pass, you can buy special Ski passes in winter if you want to Ski. Ski passes covers the All Zermatt ski area with the option of adding a top-up for the international ski area of Cervinia in Italy. Also, it offers an additional top-up for the train shuttle from Täsch/Randa which is useful if you are staying outside of Zermatt. Additional top-up is available with increased price.
There are 2 types of Ski passes available during winter namely a Ski pass and a beginner's ski pass.
The ski pass covers all ski areas within Zermatt. While the Beginner's ski pass is available at a reduced price which covers only a limited area of Sunnegga-Blauherd that is suitable for beginners, It also includes entry to Wolli’s beginner's park.
The ski passes in Zermatt for 3, 4, and 5 days cost 193, 248, and 304 CHF Respectively. While the beginner's Ski pass for 3, 4, and 5 days costs 146, 188, and 230 CHF respectively.
Zermatt ski passes can be purchased from 1 day to as many as 1 month or 1 season or 1 year. While the beginner's pass can be purchased for a maximum of 6 days. Ski Passes can be purchased online or at the ticket offices in Zermatt.
Zermatt ski pass and beginner's ski pass are free for kids up to 9 years, a 50% discount for kids aged between 9 to 16 years, and a 15% discount for youth between 16 to 20 years of age. Zermatt Ski Pass and Beginners ski pass are free for children under 16 years every Saturday. There are also options to buy a ski pass for flexible non-consecutive days at an increased price.
12. Where to stay in Zermatt:
Zermatt has a variety of options to stay including luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, apartments as well as hostels. We have mentioned here some of the best choices to stay in Zermatt: -
Luxurious Hotels to Stay in Zermatt
Here are some of our favorite picks in the category of Luxurious Hotels based on guest reviews:-
The luxurious hotel offering breathtaking views of Matterhorn, the Rifflealp Resort is the best place to stay in Zermatt. The balcony of each room in the resort offers an unforgettable view of Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. Rifflealp Resort is located at Riffleberg train station which can be reached by Gornergrat Express from Zermatt.
A 5-star hotel located in the heart of Zermatt town, the grand hotel Zermatterhof is one of the best places to stay in Zermatt town. You will be picked up from the train station with a quaint Horse-drawn carriage by hotel staff.
The hotel also offers complimentary ski passes during winter for each night of your stay.
Mount Cervin Palace is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Zermatt. The hotel is equipped with all the luxury you need including a Swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, authentic message, gym, etc.
Staying in the highest hotel in Europe with a view of the mighty Matterhorn is luxury itself. Located at 3100 meters from Sea level, the Klum Hotel offers the best stargazing experience during the night including the view of the milky way. The Kulm Hotel is located at Gornergrat which can be reached by Gornergrat railway.
Mid-range hotels in Zermatt:
Here are some of our favorite picks in the Mid-range Hotels based on guest reviews:-
Backstage Boutique SPA Hotel is one luxurious hotel but is usually available at an affordable price. The hotel located in the center of Zermatt is the best pick for affordable luxury.
Unlike fancy hotels, super clean apartments including the kitchen are the best choice to stay in Zermatt at an affordable price. The apartments in Olympia are top-rated by guests on Booking.com in Zermatt.
Apartments with a kitchen and balcony with a view of Matterhorn and that too at an affordable price is all Haus-Ascot-Zermatt has to offer. The apartments are located in the heart of Zermatt and are top-rated by guests on Booking.com.
Dachwohnung Balma are the Apartments located in the center of Zermatt and equipped with a kitchen and balcony with a view of Matterhorn. The apartments are available at affordable prices and are also top-rated by Guests on booking.com.
Apartments in traditional Swiss chalets, Schirle apartments are the best choice to stay in heart of Zermatt. The apartments well equipped with kitchens are one of the top-rated properties at many affordable prices.
Hostels in Zermatt:
The only hostel in Zermatt, Zermatt youth hostel is a great location to stay in Zermatt on a budget. The super clean hostel with a great atmosphere offers a fantastic view of Matterhorn. The hostel has options to choose between a private room, a bed in a dorm room with private or shared bathrooms, etc. To reach the hostel from the train station is a bit of a walk, but it's worth the price.
13. Where to eat in Zermatt:
Zermatt has a variety of delicious local cuisines. Many restaurants in Zermatt offer traditional local food. We have mentioned here the top picks to try the delicious local and international cuisines in Zermatt: -
Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni
The Gourmet restaurant Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni in Zermatt is the best place to try the traditional local cuisine from the Valais region of Switzerland.
ALPUSTUBA
Alpustuba is another restaurant that offers delicious choices of classic cuisine from the Valais region. The restaurant also offers multiple choices of delicious Local wines.
1818 Eat & Drink
The restaurant with a variety of international cuisines offers a great Ambience with its unique interior design. South American specialty dishes are the focus of the restaurants. It’s a good place for dinner in a great ambiance after a long day of hiking or skiing.
3 Seasons:
3 Seasons restaurant offers a variety of delicious international cuisines. The restaurant also offers a unique ambiance as compared to other restaurants in Zermatt.
Alex Grill
The Alex Grill is a restaurant specialized in grills. However, It also offers a variety of other delicious international cuisines. The grills offered by the restaurant are cooked with traditional styles of the Valais region.
For the extraordinary culinary experience in Zermatt and to taste a variety of local dishes, it is recommended to try a backstage dining tour which lets you meet the chef while cooking local cuisines in some of the best restaurants in Zermatt.
14. Itinerary for Visiting Zermatt
Zermatt needs time to explore. In this section, we have provided the best Itinerary for Zermatt for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, and 6 days. If you want to stay for a longer period, then you can further tailor the Itinerary. In our opinion, 6 days is enough time to explore every corner of Zermatt and its surrounding peaks.
1-Day Itinerary for Visiting Zermatt:
Start in the morning as early as possible and Catch Goenergrat Express and reach Gornergrat.
Explore Gornergrat including a 360-degree scenic loop, and viewing platform, admire views, and take Gornergrat Express back to Riffelberg. Don’t spend more than 3 hours in Gornergrat.
Take Cable car to Furi from Riffelberg. Eat at Furi or RIffelberg.
From Furi, catch the cable car to Trockener Steg and further connection to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Explore Matterhorn glacier paradise including Glacier Palace and then head back to Zermatt Via Trockner Steg-Furi-Zermatt.
Explore Zermatt town in the evening if left with some time.
2 Days Itinerary for Visiting Zermatt:
Day 1:
Follow the Itinerary for 1 day as mentioned above.
Day 2:
Start your journey as early as possible in the morning and reach directly to Rothorn.
After Exploring Rothorn, take a cable car back to Blauhard and explore Blauhard.
From Blauhard, take 5 lake trails down to Sunegga.
From Sunnegga, you can take a Walking Trail back to Zermatt through Findeln. Don’t forget you have lunch in Findeln. If you got tired and didn’t wish to walk to Zermatt, then you can go back to Zermatt by Funicular from Sunnegga.
You can also walk till Fildeln for a lunch and come back to Sunnegga to catch Funicular till Zermatt.
3 Days Itinerary for Visiting Zermatt:
Day 1:
Start your journey in the morning to catch the Gornergrat Express and reach the Gornergrat top.
Admire the views, take photos, and stroll through a 360° scenic loop.
Experience “Zoom the Matterhorn”
Take a trail to Riffelberg from Gornergrat or Catch a train from Gornergrat to Rotenboden and walk to Riffelberg from Rotenboden.
Take a train back to Zermatt from Riffelberg.
Day 2:
Start your journey as early as possible in the morning and reach directly to Rothorn.
After Exploring Rothorn, take a cable car back to Blauhard and explore Blauhard.
From Blauhard, take 5 lake trails down to Sunegga.
From Sunnegga, you can take a Walking Trail back to Zermatt through Findeln. Don’t forget you have lunch in Findeln. If you got tired and don’t wish to walk to Zermatt, then you can go back to Zermatt by Funicular from Sunnegga.
You can also walk till Fildeln for a lunch and come back to Sunnegga to catch Funicular till Zermatt.
Day 3:
Start as early as possible in the Morning and reach the Top of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise through Option-1 Mentioned Above (i.e. Zermatt – Furi - Trockener Steg - Matterhorn Glacier Paradise). If you intend to experience a Crystal ride, book it during the same journey toward Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
If you want to ski during the summer, then start with skiing first thing in the morning as the snow is more ski-worthy during the morning hours.
Explore Matterhorn Glacier Paradise including, Glacier Palace, Scenic platform, and Cinema Lounge.
After exploring Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, come back to Trockener Steg and Hike till Schwarzsee through “The Glacier Trail”.
Catch the return cable car journey to Zermatt from Schwarzsee through option-2 mentioned above (i.e. Schwarzsee-Furi-Zermatt).
4 Days Itinerary for Visiting Zermatt:
Follow the Itinerary for 3 days as mentioned above.
Day 4:
In the morning Reach Gorner Gorge and explore Gorner Gorge.
Come back to Zermatt and Visit Matterhorn Museum.
Explore Matterhorn Museum and explore corners of Zermatt town including Mountaineers cemetery, the English church, Perish church, etc.
5 Days Itinerary for Visiting Zermatt:
Follow the Itinerary for 4 days as mentioned above.
Day 5:
Go back to Swazersee and hike till Hörnli Hut and back. Admire the closest views of Matterhorn at Horli Hut.
Take a cable car back to Furi from Swazersee.
Walk to Dossen Glacier Garden from Furi and explore the ruins of the Ice Age.
Come back to Zermatt in the evening.
6 Days Itinerary for Visiting Zermatt:
Follow the Itinerary for 5 days as mentioned above.
Day 6:
Start as early as possible in the Morning and explore the matter valley and admire the views.
Visit to Neighbouring village called Grächen
Explore Grachen for a whole day (Hike there if you wish) and come back to Zermatt in the evening.
We hope that you liked this article. If you have questions about exploring Zermatt or other places in Switzerland or Europe, then please let us know in the comment box below.
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