Zermatt
About Zermatt
Zermatt is the quintessential Swiss Alpine village, sitting at 1,620 meters at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn — perhaps the most famous mountain silhouette in the world. The car-free village is all wooden chalets, narrow lanes, and fresh mountain air, served by electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages.
Beyond the postcard views, Zermatt offers world-class skiing (365 days a year on the glacier), over 400 km of hiking trails in summer, and a surprisingly vibrant après-ski and dining scene. The Gornergrat railway and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car provide jaw-dropping high- altitude panoramas.
Useful links:
Quick Tips
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF). Cards accepted at most places including mountain restaurants. 1 CHF ≈ €1.
- Transport: Zermatt is car-free. Park in Täsch (5 km away) and take the shuttle train. Within Zermatt, walk or use electric taxis and buses.
- Tipping: Service included. Rounding up for good mountain service is appreciated, especially for guides.
- Peak Pass: Buy the Zermatt Peak Pass for unlimited access to all cable cars and the Gornergrat railway. Saves money if you plan multiple mountain excursions.
- Altitude: Zermatt village is at 1,620 m; cable cars reach 3,883 m. Drink water, take it slow on the first day, and watch for altitude symptoms.
Interesting Places to Visit
The Matterhorn
The 4,478-meter pyramid-shaped peak is Switzerland's most iconic symbol. Best viewed from the village, Gornergrat, or Rothorn. The golden hour at sunrise turns the peak orange — set your alarm for the "Matterhorn glow." Climbing requires guides and experience.
Gornergrat Railway & Observatory
Europe's highest open-air cogwheel railway climbs to 3,089 meters in 33 minutes. At the top, a panoramic platform reveals 29 peaks over 4,000 meters and the Gorner Glacier. The Riffelsee lake reflects the Matterhorn perfectly on calm mornings.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Europe's highest cable car station at 3,883 meters. Features a glacier palace (ice cave), panoramic platform with views of Mont Blanc and the Italian Alps, and year-round skiing. The glass-floored "Matterhorn Glacier Ride" cable car cabin is not for the faint-hearted.
Five Lakes Walk (5-Seenweg)
One of Switzerland's most famous hiking trails, connecting five mountain lakes above Zermatt. Each lake reflects the Matterhorn from a different angle. A moderate 9.5 km hike taking about 2.5 hours. Best June to October.
Sunnegga & Leisee
A sunny terrace at 2,288 meters reached by underground funicular in 3 minutes. The nearby Leisee lake is warm enough for swimming in summer and perfectly mirrors the Matterhorn. Popular with families. Excellent restaurant at the top.
Mountaineers' Cemetery
A poignant cemetery in the village honoring climbers who died on the surrounding peaks. Tombstones tell stories of tragedy and bravery dating back to the first Matterhorn ascent in 1865. A sobering and moving visit.
Matterhorn Museum — Zermatlantis
An underground museum built to resemble an archaeological dig, telling the story of the Matterhorn's first ascent and Zermatt's transformation from farming village to world-famous resort. The broken rope from the 1865 tragedy is displayed here.
When to Visit
Zermatt is a year-round destination with two distinct peak seasons — winter skiing and summer hiking:
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Quieter shoulder season. Warm sun on the slopes (2–12°C in the village) with excellent spring skiing conditions. Some hiking trails still snow-covered until June. Lower accommodation prices.
- Spring skiing with longer daylight
- Fewer crowds at cable cars
- Matterhorn views often crystal-clear
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Best for hiking. Warm days (14–24°C in the village) and all trails and lifts open. Wildflower meadows, the Five Lakes Walk, and glacier skiing. Peak season — book early.
- 400+ km of hiking trails open
- Glacier skiing on Klein Matterhorn
- Zermatt Unplugged music festival (April)
🍂 Autumn (September – November)
Golden larch forests (2–10°C) create stunning contrast with snow-dusted peaks. September is excellent for hiking with thin crowds. Most lifts close late October until ski season begins late November.
- Golden larch season (October)
- Quiet, peaceful village atmosphere
- Clear mountain photography conditions
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Ski season. Cold (−8 to 2°C in the village), deep snow on the mountains. 360 km of ski runs connected to Cervinia (Italy). Christmas in Zermatt is magical with lights and horse-drawn sleighs.
- World-class skiing and snowboarding
- Christmas and New Year celebrations
- Après-ski bars and fondue evenings
Where to Eat (Affordable & Good)
Zermatt is a resort town, so eating out isn't cheap. But these spots offer the best value:
Bayard Metzgerei$
A butcher shop with a small deli counter serving excellent takeaway sandwiches, sausages, and local dried meats. Sandwiches 8–14 CHF (~€7–13). Best budget option in town. Popular with locals and guides.
Whymper Stube$ – $$
Named after Edward Whymper, who first conquered the Matterhorn. Excellent fondue and raclette in a cozy wood-paneled interior. Fondue for two from 56 CHF (~€51). Also serves great Rösti and Valais specialties.
Snowboat$ – $$
Popular restaurant and bar on the main street. Good pizzas, burgers, and Thai-inspired dishes. Mains 18–30 CHF (~€16–27). Lively atmosphere, especially for après-ski. The terrace is great for people-watching.
Sparky's$
Casual spot for pizzas, kebabs, and late-night snacks. Pizzas 14–20 CHF (~€13–18). Open late — a lifesaver after a long day on the mountain. No-frills but tasty and affordable by Zermatt standards.
Restaurant du Pont$ – $$
Traditional Valais restaurant by the river. Cheese dishes, dried meats, and hearty mountain food. Mains 22–36 CHF (~€20–33). The Walliser Teller (platter of local cheeses and meats) is perfect for sharing.
Stefanie's Crêperie$
Sweet and savory crêpes made fresh on the main street. Crêpes 8–16 CHF (~€7–15). A quick, affordable, and delicious option. Try the Gruyère and ham savory crêpe or Toblerone dessert crêpe.
Chez Vrony$$ – $$$
A legendary mountain restaurant at 2,130 m above Zermatt, reachable by hiking or Sunnegga funicular. Stunning Matterhorn views from the terrace. Excellent lamb and Valais specialties. Mains 30–48 CHF (~€27–44). Reserve for lunch on sunny days.