Zermatt, Switzerland: travel guide
A car-free Alpine village in the shadow of the Matterhorn
Zermatt is one of the world's great mountain resort villages — a car-free Alpine settlement at 1 620 m altitude in the shadow of the iconic Matterhorn (4 478 m), arguably the most recognisable mountain silhouette on e…
About Zermatt
Zermatt is a car-free mountain village in the Valais, set at the foot of the Matterhorn, one of the Alps' most recognisable peaks. Chalets line the lanes, and electric vehicles are the only traffic.
The Gornergrat railway climbs to a high viewpoint with the Matterhorn in full sight, while cable cars lead to the Klein Matterhorn and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise area. In summer, trails on Sunnegga and Rothorn offer walks, and in winter the village is a major ski resort.
Zermatt suits skiers, hikers and anyone who wants Alpine scenery. Summer and early autumn are the best time to visit Zermatt for walking, and winter is the main ski season.
- Country
- Switzerland
- Currency
- CHF
- Time zone
- Europe/Zurich
Last updated
Top places to visit in Zermatt
Gornergrat Railway & Viewpoint
Cogwheel Railway · 4.9 rating · about 4 h · entry CHF 132 (≈ ₹15,110)
Europe's highest open-air cogwheel railway (1898) climbing from Zermatt to 3,089m in 33 minutes, with panoramas of the Matterhorn, 29 four-thousanders, and the Gorner Glacier — the second-largest glacier in the Alps.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn)
Alpine Summit · 4.9 rating · about 4 h · entry CHF 120 (≈ ₹13,730)
The highest cable car station in the Alps at 3,883m with awe-inspiring close-up views of the Matterhorn. Includes the world's highest revolving restaurant, glacier ice palace, and year-round snow activities on the Theodul Glacier.
Zermatt Matterhorn Glacier
highest-cable-car · 4.8 rating · about 4 h · entry CHF 132 (≈ ₹15,110)
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise — the highest cable car station in Europe at 3,883m, with the spectacular Glacier Palace ice cave, the panoramic terrace, and views of 38 four-thousand-metre peaks.
Zermatt Gornergrat Railway
cogwheel-railway · 4.9 rating · about 3 h · entry CHF 141 (≈ ₹16,140)
The Gornergrat Bahn — Switzerland's second-highest open-air cogwheel railway (1898) climbing to 3,089m with the most spectacular Matterhorn view in the world, the historic Kulmhotel, and panoramic Alps.
Zermatt Stellisee Reflection
mountain-lake · 4.9 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Stellisee Lake — the spectacular alpine lake (2,537m) with the most photographed reflection of the Matterhorn, on the famous Five Lakes Hike from Blauherd.
Zermatt Ski Day Whymper
ski-area · 4.8 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
Skiing on the Matterhorn — the spectacular ski area connecting Zermatt to Cervinia (Italy) at 3,883m, with 360km of pistes, the year-round summer skiing, and the iconic Alps experience.
Zermatt Bahnhofstrasse Walk
main-street · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The Zermatt Bahnhofstrasse — the spectacular car-free main street with the elegant Swiss watch shops, the famous restaurants, the historic chalets, and the most iconic Swiss Alpine village atmosphere.
Zermatt Matterhorn Sunrise
sunrise-mountain · 4.9 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The Matterhorn sunrise — the iconic 4,478m mountain at dawn, viewed from the Riffelsee lake (mirror reflection) or the Sunnegga viewpoint, the most photographed mountain sunrise in the world.
Gorner Gorge (Gornerschlucht)
Gorge · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · entry CHF 5 (≈ ₹570)
A dramatic 200m-deep gorge carved by the Gorner River just outside Zermatt, with wooden walkways above the turquoise glacial water — one of the most thrilling short hikes in the Alps.
Zermatt Mt Rothorn
five-lakes · 4.8 rating · about 4 h · entry CHF 89 (≈ ₹10,190)
The Rothorn Paradise (3,103m) — accessed by cable car from Sunnegga, with the spectacular five-lake hike (Stellisee with the iconic Matterhorn reflection), the panoramic views, and the iconic Zermatt hike.
Zermatt Hiking Riffelsee
reflection-lake · 4.9 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Riffelsee Lake — the spectacular alpine lake (2,757m) on the Gornergrat Railway line, with the iconic Matterhorn reflection (when calm), and the panoramic walking trail down to Riffelberg.
Zermatt Klein Matterhorn
highest-station · 4.9 rating · about 3 h · entry CHF 132 (≈ ₹15,110)
The Klein Matterhorn — the iconic 3,883m peak with Europe's highest mountain railway station, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, and the spectacular views into Italy and the entire Pennine Alps.
Things to do
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car Experience Mountain Experience · 3 h · from CHF 97 per person
- Ski or Snowboard Lessons with Zermatt Ski School Winter Sports · 4 h · from CHF 210 per person
Day trips and tours
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise & Ice Palace Full Day 7 h · from CHF 81
- Gornergrat Sunrise & Matterhorn Photography Tour 5 h · from CHF 65
Where to stay in Zermatt
- Zermatt Village Centre about CHF 580 per night
The only option in Zermatt — the car-free village is small enough that all hotels are within 15 minutes of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat cable car bases. Centre has the best restaurants, shops, and…
- Tasch (Budget Alternative) about CHF 160 per night
The last village accessible by road before Zermatt (5km north) — significantly cheaper hotels and free parking at the Tasch parking garage (CHF 16/day). Shuttle trains to Zermatt run every 20 minutes (12-min journey).…
Hotels
- The Omnia Zermatt 5-star · CHF 700 to CHF 2,500 per night
- Mont Cervin Palace Zermatt 5-star · CHF 600 to CHF 2,200 per night
- Hotel Berghof Zermatt 3-star · CHF 150 to CHF 320 per night
Where to eat
- Whymper-Stube Zermatt Swiss, Alpine · about CHF 70 per person
- Chez Vrony Zermatt Swiss, Alpine · about CHF 120 per person
- Zum See Restaurant Zermatt Swiss, European, Fine-Dining · about CHF 200 per person
Getting to Zermatt
Nearest airport: Milan, Malpensa (MXP), about 88 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Ride Hail
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Counterfeit Matterhorn Merchandise
Bahnhofstrasse shops and market stalls, Zermatt
Some souvenir shops near the station sell Matterhorn merchandise (Swiss army knives, watches, chocolates) that are counterfeit versions of genuine Swiss brands. The products look authentic but are cheap imports.
How to avoid it: Buy Swiss army knives and watches only from authorised dealers displaying the official Victorinox or Wenger certificates. Check for the official Swiss cross hallmark on all watches.
More in Switzerland
Frequently asked questions about Zermatt
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Zermatt?
- The highest-rated places in our Zermatt guide are Gornergrat Railway & Viewpoint, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn), Zermatt Gornergrat Railway, Zermatt Stellisee Reflection, Zermatt Matterhorn Sunrise.
- Where should I stay in Zermatt?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Zermatt: Zermatt Village Centre, Tasch (Budget Alternative).
- How do I get around Zermatt?
- Ways to get around Zermatt covered in our guide: Ride-hailing app, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Zermatt?
- Scams reported to us for Zermatt include Counterfeit Matterhorn Merchandise. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.