Destination guide
Zermatt
Switzerland
Zermatt is one of the most famous mountain resorts in Switzerland, and attracts people from around the world. Located in the German-speaking part of Valais, its most popular sight is the iconic Matterhorn, one of Switzerland's most famous mountains.
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AI insights
AI-written from the Wikivoyage listings, transport section and the video stats on this page
Prioritize mountain excursions for the early morning; afternoon clouds and storms frequently obscure the Matterhorn and can compromise safety on high-altitude trails.
When planning high-altitude activities like the Breithorn hike, ensure you depart from the Klein Matterhorn station before mid-morning; the snow softens rapidly in the sun, which can make the return journey to the lift system difficult or impossible.
Carry physical Swiss Francs for dining; some traditional, local-favorite establishments do not accept debit or credit cards.
If you are staying at the Mont Cervin hotel, inquire about their specific 'dine around' program, which allows guests to utilize meal credits at affiliated properties like the Riffelalp.
While Zermatt is small enough to navigate on foot, electric taxis are available throughout the village for those who prefer not to walk or need transport to and from the various railway and cable car stations.
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Ranked by views and how well each landed with the people who watched it, judged against the other coverage of this place — plus a local creator where we found one.
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Zermatt, Switzerland: The Matterhorn and the Swiss Alps - Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide
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Zermatt, Switzerland: Finding Charm in a Tourist-Filled Town - Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide
Zermatt Travel Guide - Best Things To Do in Zermatt Switzerland
10 Best Things To Do in Zermatt, Switzerland
Best time to go
Best window: June–September
January, February, March, November and December are the months to avoid — cold. The window below is when it is genuinely pleasant.
Rated from ten years of daily temperature and rainfall recorded at this destination, via Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Hover a month for its real numbers.
Getting around
By bus
Zermatt has a local bus with two lines. Both lines take the same route through the centre of the village, passing by the main station, as well as the Gornergrat and Rothorn stations.
By train
Gornergrat Railway – A railway to the top of Mount Gornergrat. Pricing is dynamic, but it's at least Fr. 36 one way, but can be up to Fr. 66 one way. Trains depart from a separate station opposite the main station.
On foot
The village of Zermatt, while dense, is geographically very small. There are three main streets which run along the banks of the river Vispa, and numerous cross-streets, especially around the station and the church which forms the centre of the village.
By taxi
There are several companies in Zermatt that run small electric taxis. You can call one of the companies' numbers (printed on side of the taxi) to pick you up at any location in the village or they can be hired from the ranks outside the main train station or…
By cable car
There is a series of cable car runs leading all the way to the summit of the Klein Matterhorn (3883m), presenting the highest scenic outlook platform in Europe. A ride along the entire series costs Fr. 82 round trip.
Transport notes from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
What to see
Places are listed from Wikivoyage and our own sourced research. Worth it means a second, independent source names the place too; “3 sources agree” means three or more do — and each card names them, so you can check.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet and 1 other
Europe's highest-altitude cable car station, at 3,883m, gives access to the Theodul Glacier and year-round skiing beneath the Matterhorn.
Vetted sources
What to do
Matterhorn
4 sources agreeAlso recommended by Rick Steves' Europe and 3 others
One of the tallest mountains in the Alps, straddling the border of Switzerland and Italy. The Matterhorn has a pyramidal shape with four faces facing the four compass points: the north and east faces overlook the town of Zermatt; the south…
Vetted sources
Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche Zermatt ski area
Zermatt has a huge ski area, which connects to the Italian ski resort of Cervinia. A part of the ski area is on the Theodul glacier and the highest point is at the Klein Matterhorn at 3880 metres altitude.
Vetted sources
Breithorn
At 4150 m, it is the easiest 4000er of the Alps. Using the lifts "Furri" (1700 m), "Trockener Steg" (2800 m), "Kleines Matterhorn" (3883 m) you reach the top of the little Matterhorn.
Vetted sources
Monte Rosa
The 4634 m high culminating point of Switzerland. The starting point is Monte Rosa hut at 2795m. The climb requires excellent physical condition, experience in climbing with crampons and prior acclimatisation to the altitude.
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What to eat
After Seven
Worth itAlso recommended by Michelin Guide Switzerland (2 Stars)
Chef Ivo Adam's two-Michelin-star tasting menu inside Hotel Mont Cervin Palace is served as a surprise 4-, 5-, or 7-course journey.
Vetted sources
Chez Vrony
Worth itAlso recommended by Michelin Guide Switzerland
A slope-side chalet restaurant at 2,100m above Findeln serving farm-raised Swiss dishes with a direct Matterhorn view, listed in the Michelin Guide.
Vetted sources
Restaurant Zum See
Worth itAlso recommended by Michelin Guide Switzerland
A tiny wood-cabin restaurant on the mountain trail below Zermatt praised in the Michelin Guide for veal cutlets and rösti sourced from its own farm.
Vetted sources
Restaurant du pont
near the Zermatterhof
Restaurant which offers very good traditional Swiss dishes like fondue or raclette. Does not accept debit or credit cards.
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Manud
Hofmattstrasse 4, 3920 Zermatt· Moderate
Mix of Swiss and Asian food. Many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free choices
Vetted sources
Where to stay
Mont Cervin
Worth itAlso recommended by Michelin Guide Switzerland (2 Stars)
The Mont Cervin has the advantage of being part of a hotel chain, and guests can eat in other chain-owned Zermatt hotels in their 'dine around' program, including the Riffelalp on the Gornergrat glacier.
Vetted sources
Walliserhof
Bahnhofstrasse0
The four-star hotel built in typical Valaisan chalet style is on the main street, 300m from the train station.
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Hotel Bahnhof
Bahnhofplatz 54
Simple accommodation opposite the station. There are rooms with and without bathrooms.
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Schönegg
Four-star superior hotel 300m away from the train station and the city centre.
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Alpenroyal
Three-star hotel 300m away from the train station and the city centre.
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Hotel Allalin
Kirchstrasse 40
A beautiful hotel that is in the centre of the action in Zermatt. The hotel features incredible woodwork a friendly and accommodating staff and some rooms feature views of the Matterhorn.
Vetted sources
Travel content from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Encyclopedic context from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Videos via the YouTube Data API.