Valais, south-west Switzerland · Switzerland
A car-free village beneath the most famous mountain in the world, with a cog railway to a glacier balcony, alpine lakes and 38 peaks over 4,000 metres.
Photo: Deralpinbergsteiger · CC BY-SA 4.0
Zermatt is a village of about 6,000 people at 1,600 metres in the Mattertal valley in Valais, and it is the base for the Matterhorn, a pyramid of rock at 4,478 metres that is one of the best known mountains on earth. First climbed in 1865, in an ascent that ended in tragedy, it still draws climbers, and it is the shape on the Toblerone wrapper.
The village bans petrol cars, and electric taxis and carts move along the main street, which keeps the air clean and the mood calm. Around it are more than 35 lifts and trains, including the Gornergrat cog railway, which climbs to 3,089 metres for a panorama of the Monte Rosa massif and the Gorner Glacier, and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car, which reaches 3,883 metres, the highest in Europe.
Zermatt is expensive, but the setting is unbeatable. In summer there are walks such as the Five Lakes trail, where each lake mirrors the Matterhorn if the water is calm, and in winter there is skiing, which is possible on glaciers almost all year. It takes about three and a half hours from Zurich or Geneva, and is best with two nights.
Why visit
Zermatt gives the best view of Switzerland's icon and a car-free village to enjoy it in.
Visible from the village streets.
A cog railway to a 3,089-metre balcony.
The Five Lakes walk and Riffelsee.
Electric taxis and clean air.
Glacier slopes.
Main attractions
The village is the base, and the lifts do the work.
A cog railway climbing to a 3,089-metre viewpoint with a panorama of 29 peaks over 4,000 metres and the Gorner Glacier.
Tip Take an early train for clear skies.
A small lake at 2,757 metres where the Matterhorn reflects on calm mornings, reached by a short walk from Riffelberg station.
Tip Go at sunrise if the weather is calm.
A village of wooden chalets, shops and restaurants, with the Matterhorn Museum and the Hinterdorf old quarter.
Tip Look at the mountain at dusk.
The view from the summit terrace, over glaciers, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn.
Tip Take warm clothes.
A cable car to 3,883 metres, with an ice palace and views into Italy.
Tip Go early.
An underground museum about the first ascent and the history of Zermatt.
Tip Good for cloudy days.
Things to do
Zermatt is about views and walking.
Take the cog railway to the top.
Tip Buy a return ticket, or walk down.
A hike past five mountain lakes.
Tip Start early.
A lake and chapel at the foot of the Matterhorn.
Tip Take the cable car up.
Year-round runs at high altitude.
Tip Check the snow report.
Mountain huts serve cheese and rösti.
Tip Book for sunset.
A short walk through a gorge.
Tip Open in summer.
Local food
Zermatt's food is Valais cheese, meat and wine.
Cheese melted and scraped over potatoes.
Where to try it Village restaurants.
A pot of melted cheese.
Where to try it Mountain huts.
Air-dried beef and ham.
Where to try it Butchers and restaurants.
Fendant and Pinot Noir.
Where to try it Restaurants.
A dark, dense Valais loaf.
Where to try it Bakeries.
Accommodation
Zermatt is expensive, so book early or stay in the valley.
Transport
Zermatt is reached by train only.
The village is small and walkable.
When to go
Zermatt suits summer hikers and winter skiers.
Some lifts closed.
Hiking and clear views.
Clear skies and fewer crowds.
Skiing and snow.
Worth planning around: Cloudy days, since the Matterhorn may hide.
Itinerary
Gornergrat and lakes.
The big view.
Five Lakes or Glacier Paradise.
Travel tips
A few tips help you make the most of Zermatt.
FAQ
No. Park in Täsch and take the train.
4,478 metres.
Two or three.
Yes, among the priciest Swiss resorts.
Early morning, when the sky is clear.
Yes on the high glacier.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Zermatt, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Bernese Oberland, central Switzerland, Switzerland
The Bernese Oberland's base for Lauterbrunnen's waterfalls, Grindelwald and the Eiger, the Jungfraujoch railway, Lake Brienz and Thun, with hiking, paragliding and cog railways.
Don't miss The train to Jungfraujoch, climbing through the Eiger itself to the highest railway station in Europe.
Explore Destination — Interlaken and the Jungfrau RegionVaud, Lake Geneva, Switzerland
A UNESCO-listed stretch of vineyard terraces on Lake Geneva, with hillside Lausanne, its cathedral and Ouchy waterfront, the Château de Chillon at Montreux and lake steamers.
Don't miss Walking the Lavaux terraces with a glass of chasselas, the lake shining below and the Alps across the water.
Explore Destination — Lausanne, Lavaux and MontreuxGeneva, south-west Switzerland, Switzerland
A French-speaking lakeside city, with the Jet d'Eau, the old town and St. Peter's Cathedral, the Reformation Wall, UN and Red Cross sites, watches and chocolate.
Don't miss The Jet d'Eau shooting 140 metres into the air, with the Alps and Mont Blanc behind on a clear day.
Explore Destination — GenevaRead next
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