Zermatt Tourism Guide: Best Attractions, Hotels, and Experiences in the Shadow of the Matterhorn

Tucked away in the Valais canton of southern Switzerland, Zermatt is a stunning alpine village known globally as the home of the Matterhorn — one of the most iconic peaks in the world. This car-free resort town offers a harmonious mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and luxury charm.
 

Whether you come for skiing in winter, hiking in summer, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, Zermatt promises a Swiss mountain experience unlike any other.

📍 Where is Zermatt?

Canton: Valais (Wallis)

Elevation: 1,608 meters (5,276 feet)

Language: German (Swiss-German dialect)

Nearest city: Visp (via Täsch)

Zermatt lies at the end of the Mattertal Valley and is surrounded by 38 peaks over 4,000 meters, making it a paradise for mountaineers and nature lovers.

🌟 Why Visit Zermatt?

🏔️ Unmatched views of the Matterhorn (4,478m)

🚞 Home to the Gornergrat Railway — one of the most scenic train rides in the world

🎿 Skiing and snowboarding on 365 days of the year

🥾 Hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails in summer

🚗 Car-free village with a peaceful, alpine atmosphere

🛍️ Charming old town, luxury hotels, boutiques, and gourmet restaurants

Zermatt is ideal for families, couples, solo travelers, and outdoor adventurers seeking a blend of thrill, serenity, and luxury in the Alps.

🗺️ Top Things to Do in Zermatt

1. 🏔️ See the Matterhorn – The Star of the Alps

No trip to Zermatt is complete without admiring the pyramid-shaped Matterhorn, one of the most photographed mountains on Earth.

Best viewpoints:

Sunnegga: Especially beautiful at sunrise

Gornergrat: Panoramic platform at 3,089 meters

Riffelsee Lake: Mirror reflection of the Matterhorn

Klein Matterhorn / Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

You can see the Matterhorn from almost every angle in the village — and it never looks the same twice!

2. 🚠 Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Altitude: 3,883 meters (12,739 ft) — highest cable car station in Europe

Access from: Zermatt via Furi and Trockener Steg

Top highlights:

Ice Palace deep inside the glacier

360° viewing platform over 38 peaks

Year-round skiing and snowboarding

Snow tubing and beginner slopes

This is a must-visit, even in summer. On clear days, you can see into Italy and France.

3. 🚞 Ride the Gornergrat Railway

Duration: ~33 minutes from Zermatt to summit

Highest station: 3,089 meters

Panoramas: Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Gorner Glacier

This is one of Switzerland’s most scenic train rides. You’ll pass alpine forests, bridges, and wildlife (look for marmots and ibex!) as you ascend to breathtaking views.

4. 🥾 Hike to Riffelsee Lake

Trailhead: Rotenboden (second-highest station on Gornergrat line)

Distance: ~30 minutes easy walk

Why go: Picture-perfect reflection of the Matterhorn in the lake, especially early morning

One of the most iconic photo spots in Switzerland — ideal for families and photography lovers.

5. ⛷️ Ski and Snowboard the Matterhorn Ski Paradise

Area: 360 km of slopes

Season: Year-round — Europe’s only glacier ski resort open 12 months

Linked to: Cervinia and Valtournenche in Italy

Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, the slopes of Zermatt offer well-groomed pistes, off-piste areas, and snow parks, all with Matterhorn views.

6. 🏘️ Explore Zermatt Old Town (Hinterdorf)

What to see:

Traditional blackened wooden chalets (some from the 16th century!)

Stone barns on stilts (used for grain storage)

Narrow cobbled streets and artisan shops

This is the cultural soul of Zermatt, offering insight into life before tourism transformed the village.

7. 🧗 Visit the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis

Location: Near the church square

Exhibits include:

First ascent of the Matterhorn (1865)

Climbing equipment from early alpinists

Life-size reconstructions of old Zermatt homes

A great stop on a rainy day or for anyone interested in mountaineering history.

8. 🚵 Summer Activities: Biking, Paragliding & More

Mountain biking trails range from easy to extreme

Paragliding over the Matterhorn for those seeking aerial views

Via ferratas for adrenaline junkies

Zermatt isn't just for skiers — it’s a 4-season adventure destination.

🛌 Where to Stay in Zermatt

🌟 Luxury Hotels

Mont Cervin Palace (5⭐): Elegant, classic luxury with spa and fine dining

The Omnia (5⭐): Modern design perched on a cliff with Matterhorn views

CERVO Mountain Resort: Eco-luxury with ski-in/ski-out and Michelin-starred dining

🏡 Mid-Range

Hotel Bellerive: Stylish with great breakfast and Matterhorn views

Hotel Alpenhof: Wellness hotel with pool and great service

💰 Budget-Friendly

Youth Hostel Zermatt: Clean, comfortable, affordable — and great views

Zermatt Lodge Chalets: Great for families or groups

🍽️ Where to Eat in Zermatt

Swiss Cuisine

Chez Vrony: Alpine chic and organic farm-to-table food at Sunnegga

Restaurant Schäferstube: Traditional Swiss dishes — raclette, fondue, lamb

Zum See: Rustic chalet with gourmet flair, ideal in summer after a hike

International Flavors

Myoko: Japanese-style sushi and teppanyaki

Grampi’s: Italian pasta and pizza with a view

🚆 How to Get to Zermatt

Zermatt is car-free — visitors must park in Täsch and take a shuttle train (12 mins)

From Zurich/Geneva/Bern: Take a train via Visp or Brig

Trains run every 30–60 mins from major cities

Tip: Use the Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card for better rates.

📅 Best Time to Visit Zermatt

Zermatt is a year-round destination, with something different each season.

📸 Top Photo Spots in Zermatt

📍 Riffelsee Lake (for the perfect Matterhorn reflection)

📍 Gornergrat viewing platform

📍 Sunnegga picnic area

📍 Hinterdorf village street

📍 Matterhorn Glacier Paradise panoramic deck

🧭 1-Day Zermatt Itinerary (Summer Example)

Morning:

Take the Gornergrat train

Visit Riffelsee for Matterhorn photos

Stop at the viewing platform for mountain panoramas

Afternoon:

Lunch in the village

Hike from Sunnegga to Findeln or ride up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Evening:

Stroll through the old town

Dine at Chez Vrony or enjoy a traditional fondue experience

🧠 Fun Facts About Zermatt

The first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865 ended in tragedy — four of the seven climbers fell to their deaths.

Zermatt has no gas-powered cars — only electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages.

The Matterhorn logo is used by Toblerone chocolate!

You can ski from Switzerland to Italy in a single run.

✨ Final Thoughts: Why Zermatt Belongs on Your Bucket List

Zermatt is more than just a mountain resort — it's an alpine legend. With the majestic Matterhorn as its crown jewel, this village offers unforgettable adventures, cozy charm, and stunning nature in every season.

From world-class skiing and glacier excursions to charming old-world streets and gourmet dining, Zermatt invites you to discover the magic of the Alps in one perfect destination.