Nestled in a deep valley enclosed between steeply scarped mountains in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is a tiny car-free village with the highest and largest ski area in the world. It is dominated by the huge and graceful pyramid of the Matterhorn, one of the world’s most famous mountains and whether you are the ultimate adventure seeker or just want to sit under the sun and soak in the unbeatable views; Zermatt makes an unforgettable vacation. Check out our Top 7 Things To Do In Zermatt.
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Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
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The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a year-round ski area with the highest aerial cableway and summit station in Europe which is located 3,883 meters (12,739 ft) above sea level. It is absolutely stunning and worth the trip up, which is an experience itself. The majestic panorama of the Italian, French and Swiss Alpine range is breathtaking from the top. On a clear day you can even see the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the few places in the world where you will find snow 365 days of the year.
Zermatt Igloo Village
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There is the self-built original igloo made of blocks of snow. The Igloo-Village Zermatt at Rotenboden offers an unrivaled experience at 2,700 meters (8,858 ft) above sea level. Drink at the Igloo Bar, relax on the sun terrace and admire the breathtaking views. Stay in The Igloo-Village Zermatt at least for one night and soak in one of the outdoor jacuzzis, it is truly an amazing experience.
St. Mauritius Church
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St. Mauritius church was built in 1913, replacing an old church that stood there since 1587. World War I interrupted the completion of the St. Mauritius and it was not until 1932 that the church was completed with the installation of three new bells. With its good acoustics, it is also a regular venue for the classical concerts of the annual Zermatt Festival which takes place each September. For lovers of classical music, this is a great opportunity to enjoy Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi and other master composers at the foot of the Matterhorn. Source: travelsignposts
St Peter’s (English Church)
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The pretty, whitewashed Anglican St. Peter’s Church, otherwise known as “The English Church,” stands on a rocky ledge overlooking the village and holds a special place in Zermatt’s history. St Peter’s is the church for Zermatt’s English-speaking, it was built by ICS, one of the Church of England’s international mission agencies, who continue to maintain and staff it. Go inside to see the plaque-lined walls that honor past mountain climbers.
Gornergrat Bahn
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Full-day excursion (approx. 40 minutes from Zermatt to the top). Switzerland’s first electric coqwheel railway (built in 1898) takes you up to this popular sightseeing point. The train crosses impressive bridges, galleries and tunnels; in the midst of idyllic forests and alpine meadows, past rocky gorges and tarns; accompanied by the majestic mountains, first and foremost by the Matterhorn. On its 9.3 km (5.8 miles) up to the summit, the train stops at the luxury resort-hotel Riffelalp, then at Riffelberg (also with hotel and restaurant), and at Rotenboden before reaching the Gornergrat with the Kulmhotel – the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps. Source: swissvacations
Bahnhofstrasse
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Bahnhofstrasse, the main street of Zermatt, has a variety of shopping opportunities, the street is packed with restaurants, cafes, bars, discos, and clothes, outdoor equipment and jewelry stores.
Gorner Gorge
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Gorner Gorge is the name of the unique wonder of Nature in the immediate vicinity of the Blatten hamlet, between Furri and Zermatt. The gorge was formed by the river “Gornera” during thousands of years and is marked by bizarre formations and spectacular waterfalls, and was first opened up in the years 1886/87. The wooden walkways leading between the towering cliffs provide a dramatic insight into the power of nature. Make sure to cross the Hängebrückenweg Furi suspension footbridge thats soars 90 vertical meters (295 ft) above the Gornerschlucht gorge.
Just So You Know…
- The nearest airports are: Zürich 248 km (154 miles) away / Geneva airport 244 km (151 miles) away. Travel time by train from both airports to Zermatt is roughly 3 hours.
- The Matterhorn is the tenth highest mountain in Switzerland and one of 48 Swiss peaks that is above 4,000 meters in height.
- Up until 1831, Zermatt was actually referred to as “Prato Borni” (meadow among natural springs). This is no coincidence since Zermatt has a total of 94 natural springs and is at the junction of four mountain rivers: Gornera, Triftbach, Zmuttbach and Findelbach.
- The only vehicles in Zermatt are bicycles, miniature taxis, and small golf cart-type service vehicles
- About an hour and a half from Zermatt is Findeln, a group of hamlets in the canton of Valais with a romantic mountain view setting and lush summer pastures around.
- The city has tons of accommodation options. Check out our list of 11 Best Hotels in Zermatt.
Get Some Culture:
Grab A Bite:
- Restaurant Stadel – A charming little restaurant with three kinds of cheese fondue and great view of the Matterhorn.
