Zermatt is one of those places that lives up to the hype.
Mostly known as the village in front of the mighty and world-famous Matterhorn, this car-free alpine village in the canton of Valais combines jaw-dropping scenery with outdoor adventure, fine dining and an unmistakable mountain atmosphere.
Whether you’re here for the skiing, the hiking or just to stare at that iconic pyramid-shaped peak that used to decorate the face of the Toblerone chocolate, Zermatt is a place that sticks with you.
The combination of scenic train rides, high-altitude excursions, well-maintained trails and cosy chalets make it one of Switzerland’s most sought-after destinations. For good reason.
Top 5 things to see and do in Zermatt
1. Enjoy the view of the Matterhorn
This very photogenic peak can be seen from almost everywhere in the Zermatt area.
Zermatt and the Matterhorn are inseparable.
You’ll spot the mountain from nearly every corner of the village, but the best views are found from the surrounding peaks like Gornergrat or Rothorn.
Sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular, when the Matterhorn often glows with pink and orange hues. If you want a postcard-perfect shot, head to the Stellisee Lake, where the Matterhorn reflects beautifully in calm weather. Or just take a stroll through Zermatt and enjoy the view…
2. Ride the Gornergrat Railway
The cogwheel train to Gornergrat is one of the most scenic rides in the Zermatt area, if not in the Alps in general. It climbs from Zermatt to an altitude of over 3,000 metres, with uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding glaciers.
At the top, a panoramic platform offers breathtaking views of 29 peaks above 4,000 metres. There’s also a restaurant and the 3100 Kulmhotel – the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps.
New since 2021 is Zooom the Matterhorn, a multimedia exhibition at the summit that lets you explore the mountain from different angles through interactive installations and virtual flights. It’s a great stop for those wanting to learn more about the Matterhorn in an engaging and modern way.
Be aware that the air up here is thinner and contains less oxygen than what you might be used to. So take it slow, listen to your body and let it adapt to the environment.
Gornergrat Bahn ticket from Zermatt
Take the Gornergrat Bahn from Zermatt to the Gornergrat and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks. The cogwheel railroad takes you to over 3100 m above sea level!
3. Go hiking
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Zermatt
It doesn’t even matter where. Just set at least one day aside to explore the many hiking trails around here.
It’s one of the best ways to experience Zermatt’s alpine landscape. There are over 400 km of marked trails in the area, ranging from easy valley walks to demanding high-mountain routes.
One of the most popular hikes is the Five Lakes Trail, which takes you past five scenic mountain lakes, some with perfect Matterhorn reflections. Other great options include the Flower Trail from Blauherd and the suspension bridge near Furi.
4. Visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
This is Europe’s highest cable car station, located at 3,883 metres above sea level. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of 38 four-thousand-metre peaks and 14 glaciers stretching across three countries – Switzerland, Italy and France. There’s also a Glacier Palace, a series of tunnels carved into the ice with sculptures and an ice slide. Outside, a viewing platform provides 360-degree views, and on a clear day, you can even spot Mont Blanc.
The journey up to the summit involves a series of cable cars, each offering incredible views. At the top, you’ll find a restaurant, cinema lounge and the chance to experience skiing or snowboarding even in the summer months. It’s a must-visit highlight, not just for winter sports enthusiasts but for anyone wanting to experience the high alpine world in comfort.
From Zermatt: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Ticket for round-trip cable car ride
You depart from Zermatt via the cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and back. The highest 3S cable car takes about 40 minutes to reach Europe’s highest mountain station at Klein Matterhorn.
5. Arrive by Glacier Express
Travel in style on the Glacier Express
While technically not an activity in Zermatt itself, arriving by Glacier Express is one of the most memorable ways to start or end your visit.
The scenic train connects Zermatt with St. Moritz (or Chur), and passes through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges. Along the way, you’ll travel through remote valleys, deep gorges and over dramatic alpine passes.
The best part? The Swiss Travel Pass as well as all SBB day passes cover this ride, meaning all you’ll need is a seat reservation if you arrive from St. Moritz or any of the places along the way.
