Top 23 Unforgettable Activities in Zermatt, Switzerland

We had visited Switzerland two times previously and had yet to experience the iconic Matterhorn. However, on our third visit, while embarking on our Grand Tour around Switzerland this summer, we dedicated four wonderful days to Zermatt, the home of the majestic Matterhorn. This renowned mountain destination draws prominent figures to its slopes, offering year-round skiing. The pedestrian-only streets are adorned with high-end boutiques showcasing watches priced at $60,000 (which we personally witnessed), and the lively downtown area is beautifully situated in the Matter Valley, encircled by breathtaking mountains awaiting exploration.

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Things to do in Zermatt Switzerland

As is the case with many locations in Switzerland, we developed a great affection for Zermatt. During our stay, sleep was scarce as we endeavored to maximize the invaluable moments spent in this mountainous haven. Therefore, we aim to impress you with the remarkable array of activities available in Zermatt, Switzerland. Are you prepared?

How to Get to Zermatt

As previously noted, automobiles are prohibited in Zermatt. If you choose to drive, you will need to proceed to Matterhorn Terminal Täsch. A large covered parking facility is available there, where you can leave your vehicle and take the shuttle train that transports visitors to the village of Zermatt.

The Zermatt shuttle operates every 20 minutes, taking exactly 12 minutes to journey from Matterhorn Terminal Täsch to Bahnhofstrasse (the primary pedestrian street) in Zermatt. The transit from Täsch to Zermatt is included in your Swiss Travel Pass (Train Pass for Swiss Railways); for further details, consult the Swiss Travel Pass here.

We opted to stay at Hotel Aristella Swissflair, a boutique hotel providing complimentary electric vehicle shuttles. We notified them once we boarded the train in Täsch about our arrival, and they awaited us promptly upon reaching the terminal. If your accommodation does not offer shuttle services, you have the option to hire electric taxis or walk to your lodging. For information regarding parking and trains from Matterhorn Terminal Täsch, visit their website.

Getting from the Train Station to Hotel

Zermatt is situated in the Canton of Valais in the southwestern region of Switzerland. Motorized vehicles are not permitted within Zermatt, yet e-bikes and electric cars navigate the bustling streets as visitors make their way from one gondola or train to the next in this upscale mountain resort.

The most effective way to explore the mountains and engage in the various activities available in Zermatt is by purchasing an all-inclusive lift package, which you can research for your needs at the Zermatt tourism website. The downtown area is relatively small and easy to traverse on foot; however, if extensive exploration of the mountainous trails is desired, renting a mountain bike or e-bike is also an excellent option.

Things to do in Zermatt

Having arrived in the village, let us now explore the diverse activities Zermatt has to offer.

1. Marvel at the Matterhorn

It is essential to mention that no article about Zermatt would be complete without including “View the Matterhorn” as a primary attraction. It is the Matterhorn that originally attracted tourists to Zermatt and continues to entice visitors eager to hike and bike through its stunning landscape.

From Gornergrat to the 5 Lakes hike and even from the village below, the Matterhorn towers majestically overhead. Numerous vantage points provide captivating views of one of the world’s most recognizable peaks, so be sure to look skyward wherever you go. Read more at: 5 Lakes Hike Zermatt – Incredible Matterhorn Views

2. Sunrise at Lake Stellisee

One of the optimal ways to experience the Matterhorn is to wake early for sunrise at Lake Stellisee. The reflection of the Matterhorn in the lake presents one of the most iconic vistas of the mountain. It is advisable to secure your ticket in advance, as only a limited number of visitors are permitted to ascend to Lake Stellisee at sunrise. In the morning, plan to arrive at the Sunnegga-Rothorn valley station at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure.

Timing will vary based on the sunrise schedule. You will then board the underground funicular to reach Sunnegga and subsequently transfer to the gondolas ascending to Blauherd. From there, a 20-30 minute hike leads to the lake, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views. Additionally, camping is permitted at Stellisee, with several campers present when we arrived.

3. Hike the Five Lake Trail

After witnessing the sunrise over the Matterhorn, breakfast can be enjoyed at Restaurant Fluhalp, located just a short walk from the lake. With a satisfied appetite, you then have the entire day to hike the popular 5 Lake Trail. The five lakes include Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. This hike is a pleasant and accessible trail, primarily downhill, with each lake presenting unique perspectives of the impressive Matterhorn and surrounding mountains. The images below illustrate why visiting each one is warranted.

Grindjisee

The lake Grindjisee provides a lovely reflection view of the Matterhorn.

Grünsee

Lake Grünsee is favored for swimming, featuring a sandy beach and sandy bottom. During our hike, we chose this scenic spot for a snack while admiring the panoramic views and reflections.

Moosjisee

Moosjisee serves as a storage reservoir, providing an ideal picnic location. Its milky blue waters beautifully contrast with the green trees and snow-capped mountains.

Riffelalp

Although most hikers proceed to Leisee to conclude the 5 Lake Trail, we opted for an afternoon journey to Gornergrat. Thus, we headed to Riffelalp, where we caught the train to Gornergrat. The Gornergrat offers one of the most breathtaking viewpoints globally (and we have been to the Himalayas!). Tickets for Gornergrat start at 40 CHF per person; purchase them in advance here.

5. Cogwheel Railway

While a journey to Stellisee is incredible for observing the Matterhorn, traveling to Gornergrat elevates the scenery to a whole new level. The train to Gornergrat was the first fully electric cogwheel train in the world. An excursion on a cogwheel train is essential when visiting the Swiss Alps. The 9.4 km train ride lasts 33 minutes from Zermatt Station, but you can board at other stops as we did. The journey traverses tunnels, passes mountain lakes, and provides splendid views of the surrounding peaks.

6. Gornergrat

At the pinnacle, you are greeted with a vista of glaciers and 29 peaks exceeding 4000 meters (13,000 feet), including The Matterhorn Switzerland’s highest peak, Dufourspitze at 4,634 meters, along with the second largest glacier, Gorner Glacier.

Watch our video of our visit to Gornergrat.

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7. Zooom The Matterhorn

In addition to the stunning views, Europe’s highest hotel features an interactive exhibit titled Zooom The Matterhorn. Here, you can immerse yourself in alpine experiences, and grab a meal at the restaurant before embarking on your descent. This display exceeded our expectations; we initially underestimated it as merely a museum, yet it boasts state-of-the-art features such as virtual reality and an IMAX film that takes you on a visual journey through the Alps.

8. Hike to Rotenboden – Toblerone Viewpoint

The hike to the Toblerone Viewpoint in Rotenboden from Gornergrat takes approximately 30 minutes; however, expect to take longer due to frequent stops to appreciate the views. There are endless hiking opportunities, and one can trek all the way back down to Zermatt, but we found this viewpoint so captivating that we paused every five minutes to admire the glaciers and mountain panoramas.

9. Famous Zermatt Blacknose Sheep

During this hike, you can also search for the renowned Zermatt Blacknose Sheep. Though they are dispersed throughout the mountains, Zermatt has equipped them with collars that allow visitors to track them via GPS. We located a herd beneath a bridge at Rotenboden, accompanied by their herder Debra, who kindly allowed us to pet the friendly and remarkably cute sheep relaxing there in the afternoon sun. Locate the sheep through GPS here.

10. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Another splendid excursion from Zermatt is to ascend to Glacier Paradise. We chose to visit on the morning of our last day, which unfortunately brought poor weather, the only day where we encountered adverse conditions in Zermatt. Typically, you can behold an astonishing 38 peaks exceeding 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) as well as 14 glaciers from the pinnacle of Glacier Paradise. Although we were enveloped in clouds and could only catch fleeting glimpses of the mountains in Italy and France, the trip was still worthwhile.

11. Matterhorn Glacier Ride

The gondola ride alone offers an exceptional experience. It is the world’s highest cableway, and fortunately, the weather was clear during our ascent. This provided us with a bird’s-eye view of the glacier 170 meters (500 feet) below. Both Dave and I noted that ordinarily, one would need to be in a helicopter to witness such views; however, the gondola allows you to enjoy this perspective without ever boarding a helicopter. The ride itself justifies the cost. Tickets start at 53 CHF.

12. Glacier Palace

We were astonished to discover that there exists a glacier palace above Zermatt reminiscent of the ice palace we encountered in Grindelwald. To our delight, we had the chance to venture 15 meters beneath the icefield and traverse an ice cave at an elevation of 3883 meters (12,739 feet). With a labyrinth of ice tunnels and sculptures, it represents an adventurous outing. They also feature an ice bar and an ice slide!

13. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Attractions

In addition to the Glacier Palace and the viewing platform, Glacier Paradise offers numerous activities to engage visitors. Notably, it is the highest skiing area in the Alps where skiing is available year-round! Facilities include a restaurant and a cinema lounge, allowing you to take your time and enjoy what the peak has to offer. We ventured to the viewing platform three times while hoping that the weather would clear; unfortunately, it never did, but we thoroughly enjoyed our time nonetheless. As previously stated, the gondola ride was indeed worth it!

Watch our Video

14. Go Downhill Mountain Biking in Zermatt

Our most enjoyable day in Zermatt was undoubtedly when we boarded the train at the Sunnegga-Rothorn valley station with our mountain bikes, ascending once more to Sunnegga via the gondola. We utilized e-bikes for this adventure; nevertheless, the route from Sunnegga is predominantly downhill, thus making them unnecessary. However, since we had rented the bikes for the entire day, we were grateful for them once we exited the mountain, enabling us to swiftly navigate through the hilly town of Zermatt to explore the other side. We covered considerable ground. You can rent mountain bikes at Slalom Sport – Intersport.

15. 4 Lakes Bike Tour

This well-liked mountain bike tour in Zermatt leads you along scenic paths to view both lakes and mountains. The 4 Lakes bike tour encompasses some of the lakes already mentioned in the 5 Lake Trail, but it offers much more than just these lakes. The trails are steep and exhilarating, occasionally quite challenging, yet they are wide enough to prevent any worries about tumbling into the abyss. Once you leave the hiking route (with cyclists traversing different trails than hikers), particularly after Moosjisee, the path descends into steeper and narrower territory. There were moments when I dismounted my bike to walk, but Dave persevered like a seasoned pro!

16. Oberer Höhenweg Bike Tour

It was during our detour from the hiking path that we discovered an exhilarating single-track route through the woods. At one point, we feared we might have taken a wrong turn and crossed beyond our capabilities, especially upon encountering a rock face with a narrow path cascading alongside the cliffside. Here, we opted to dismount our bikes to navigate on foot. I was grateful we made that choice, as the vista was stunning, prompting us to pause for some photos before continuing. (Additionally, I could almost swear we encountered Sting while hiking along this path!)

We were uncertain about what awaited us for the remainder of the ride, but once we circled around the rock face and distanced ourselves from that dizzying edge, the single track led us through a forest trail. It was a spectacular excursion, and we wished it could go on indefinitely! If we return to Zermatt, we would certainly rent mountain bikes for the full three days.

17. Window Shop on the Bahnhofstrasse Pedestrian Street

We returned to Zermatt via the hiking trails, which eventually intersected with paved roads, and rode our bikes downtown. Since bicycles are not permitted on the pedestrian-only section of Bahnhofstrasse, we secured them before engaging in some exploring. Zermatt’s pedestrian street is filled with upscale retail establishments. Never before had I encountered such an abundance of watch shops! We examined the displays, noting timepieces for sale ranging from $3000 to $60,000!

I must express my astonishment; if you have $60k to spend on a watch, perhaps it is prudent to reconsider your financial priorities! After feeling somewhat dejected regarding the state of consumerism, recognizing that individuals are willing to spend $4k on an unattractive sweater while effortlessly investing $30k-$50k in a watch, we resolved to depart this street and return to a sense of normality.

18. See the Old Village of Hinterdorf

As we journeyed toward the historic section of Zermatt, referred to as “Hinterdorf” (the rear village), we made a stop at the church, Pfarrkirche St. Mauritius, located in the main town square. Ascend the stairs for one of the finest views of the old structures. There are 30 historic buildings that have been restored, originating from former barns, stables, and homes dating back to the 16th century. This is how Zermatt appeared before the influx of tourists in the 1800s.

19. Visit the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis

Opposite the church lies the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis, which merits a visit. It offers a journey through history as you traverse various rooms illustrating Zermatt’s evolution into a tourist hotspot. The museum emphasizes the climbing history surrounding the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. Historic climbing gear is exhibited, showcasing both the early endeavors and the modern technology used today. It is an excellent way to spend a few hours. For prices and opening hours, please refer to the museum website.

20. Watch the Sunset from The Zermatt Matterhorn Viewpoint

Numerous locations in Zermatt offer the opportunity to observe the sunset; however, our preferred spot was the Zermatt Matterhorn Viewpoint. Be diligent in allowing ample time before sunset, as the ascent is uphill. We had to jog up the stairs, which proved exhausting. This vantage point is stunning, providing a view high above the town with a direct gaze at the Matterhorn. Travel past the Sunnegga-Rothorn valley station for an additional 10-15 minutes (uphill) to achieve this classic perspective.

21. Take a Stroll Along the Matter Vispa

Another picturesque site for admiring the Matterhorn is along the banks of the Matter Vispa. This swift-flowing river is delightful to walk beside. One of the prime viewpoints of the Matterhorn is from Kirchbrücke (Kirch Bridge). From Kirchbrücke, you can proceed along the river to the forest fun park, where zip-lining challenges await those seeking adventure.

22. Hike to Höhbalmen

If you are seeking an additional hiking opportunity, a simple route leads to Höhbalmen, culminating at a bench that serves as a favored photo opportunity. Though we ran short of time and did not reach the endpoint, we were close. Ambling in this region of Zermatt is lovely and offers a pleasant way to spend the afternoon. Several hikers were present along the trails.

23. Glacier Express

One method to journey to Zermatt is via the Glacier Express. This legendary train route connects Zermatt and St. Moritz. The cost of this journey exceeds that of a standard Swiss Travel Pass. Nevertheless, it ranks among the most exceptional train trips globally. The Classic journey commences at 395 CHF. You can find more information here.

• A Swiss Travel Pass includes:
  • Unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat
  • Public transportation in more than 90 cities and towns
  • Including mountain excursions: Rigi, Schilthorn, Stanserhorn, and Stoos
  • Free admission to over 500 museums throughout Switzerland
  • Get your Swiss Travel Pass Here.
  • Two free informative apps to assist in planning your Switzerland itinerary: Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app and the Swiss Travel Guide app

Where To Stay in Zermatt

The Hotel Aristella Swissflair Hotel & Apartment was exceptional. Its proximity to the Vispa River and within walking distance of the lifts and Bahnhofstrasse makes it an ideal location. This family-operated 4-star hotel exudes warmth and hospitality. Nestled in the heart of the action, shopping and dining options are easily accessible.

Furthermore, dining options are plentiful. Restaurant Spycher appears to be the most popular eatery in town, bustling each evening as guests order flaming flambé dishes. At 3 PM, there is a cocktail hour serving drinks (one included in the half-board package) along with snacks. For further details, visit the Hotel Aristella Swissflair website.

• For more information on traveling to Zermatt, visit Zermatt tourism for planning your itinerary.
• Our trip to Switzerland is in partnership with MySwitzerland.com. Visit their website to begin organizing your journey today.

As illustrated, there exists a multitude of remarkable experiences to enjoy in Zermatt. It is advisable to allocate more than a single day to fully appreciate this stunning mountain destination. Many visitors merely stop by, yet a minimum of three days is warranted to thoroughly absorb its beauty. Moreover, allowing additional time for weather considerations is wise, as mountains may be draped in clouds unexpectedly. You would not want to miss witnessing the Matterhorn if you only had a single day that turned overcast.

Read More About Switzerland

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