Set at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a Swiss alpine wonderland that attracts countless adventurers and leisure-seekers alike, like us. However, the Matterhorn isn’t all that Zermatt has to offer. While this charming mountain village is renowned for its upscale hotels, it’s also home to a selection of hotels that offer a cozy, budget-friendly alternative without compromising on comfort and access to the Alps. We’re some of the luckiest travelers as we had the chance to stay in the best hostels in Zermatt Switzerland, and today, we’re here to share our experience. From the rustic to the contemporary, these hostels provided us with warm, inviting bases from which to explore the pristine ski slopes and hiking trails. Join us as we uncover the following hostels that fuse affordability with adventures!
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Carina – Design&Lifestyle Hotel
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Most Modern. Carina – Design&Lifestyle Hotel strikes the perfect balance between a convenient location and a serene escape. It’s only an 8-minute stroll from Zermatt’s center and train station, offering immediate access to the village’s vibrant life while providing a haven for relaxation. But aside from the location, this hotel is also an attraction in its own right. When we first stepped inside, we were greeted by a cozy lounge warmed by a crackling fireplace. This inviting space, complete with a dedicated play area, promises both social gatherings and intimate moments by the fire. Even better, Carina prioritizes its guests’ well-being. There’s a spa area that opens upon request. During our stay, we made sure to soothe our muscles in the sauna after a day full of walking.
Carina isn’t like other hostels. Technically, this is a Zermatt hotel, but it does offer a dormitory room for budget-conscious explorers. Of course, we had to stay in the dorm, and our experience was fantastic. The dorm exudes a minimalist elegance. Though small, it was big enough to accommodate six comfortable beds, a seating area, and clothes hangers. We loved how comfortable the dorm was and how it managed to maintain our privacy despite sharing the space. Also, we enjoyed the plentiful breakfast. This is the perfect reasonably priced dormitory-style accommodation that offers the amenities of a hotel.
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Hotel Bahnhof
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Best Location. For travelers looking for comfortable and convenient hostels in Zermatt Switzerland without breaking the bank, Hotel Bahnhof ticks all the right boxes. Its prime location is undeniably one of its biggest selling points. Stepping off the train and into the hotel took only a few minutes for us, and we didn’t need to lug our luggage uphill. Whew! The ski bus, whisking us to the winter wonderland, would stop right outside, saving us both time and energy. We loved to explore on foot, and we were blessed enough that there was a charming array of restaurants to explore within a five-minute stroll. For more activities, read our list of the top things to do in Zermatt, Switzerland!
While not a luxury haven, the Bahnhof exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. The rooms here are furnished with rustic wooden accents and floors. Some even boast balconies with gorgeous mountain views. We stayed in the premium dormitory room and it was amazing. We even had our own clothes hangers and luggage racks. Also, the shared bathroom down the hall was exceptionally clean. Meanwhile, those with more budget choose the accommodations that come with a private bathroom. For independent travelers like us, the shared kitchen and laundry room were lifesavers. But most importantly, there’s a ski storage to keep your precious gear safe!
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Hotel Schwarzsee
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Best Views. Soaring at almost 8500 ft, Hotel Schwarzsee puts you in the middle of the breathtaking beauty of the Valais Alps. Staying here, we had the privilege to wake up to the panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks, with the iconic Matterhorn only a stone’s throw away. That said, this place is for active travelers, especially skiers and snowboarders. That’s because it offers you ski storage and boot-drying facilities, ensuring your fear is ready for the next adrenaline rush. What’s more, we have a feeling you’ll also love the ski-to-door access from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Ski Area, and the convenience of the Schwarzsee Gondola Elevator is only a short walk away.
While the rooms on the property may not be the height of luxury, they do offer a comfortable place to sleep. We booked the quadruple room, which comes with bunk beds and a shared bathroom. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, there are accommodations with a private bathroom, too. If you’re lucky enough, you may even have the chance to snag a balcony with mesmerizing views of the surroundings. Despite being a budget accommodation, there’s a restaurant on-site. The traditional dishes there were delectable and kept us full all the time. After a day of exploring, we would grab a drink at the bar or cozy up in the communal area.
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Zermatt Youth Hostel
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Best Budget-Friendly. Calling all adventure seekers and budget travelers! If you’re planning an Alpine escape to Zermatt, you may want to spend your nights at Zermatt Youth Hostel. With stunning Matterhorn views and convenient access to the city center, this hostel is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the Swiss beauty. Our stay here was nothing short of comfortable. While the focus is on affordability, it doesn’t skimp on the essentials. Thanks to the free Wi-Fi in public areas, we were always kept connected. When bored, the foosball table is waiting, and those who want to share stories and make new friends can spend their time in the lounge. On those chilly evenings, you can warm up with a delicious 3-course meal, which is available upon request.
This is a hostel, so you should expect a lively atmosphere and shared facilities. Lucky for you, the shared bathrooms here are clean. They’re also enough so you don’t have to queue for too long for your turn to take a shower. Luckily, some rooms come with a private bathroom! Speaking of which, this hostel has options to suit all budgets and travel styles. Whether you prefer the privacy of a room with a private bathroom or the social atmosphere of a dormitory, all of them offer an exciting experience. With a social atmosphere, ski elevators just a 10-minute walk away, and clean accommodations, it’s not surprising that it’s the go-to hostel for most travelers.
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Our Verdict!
Whether you’re traveling to Zermatt alone or with your friend, our picks above won’t disappoint. They all offer the right balance of comfort and affordability. However, each hostel has different things to bring to the table, so it can be a hassle to choose which one to book. To make things easier, we’ve categorized each of them based on their highlight. Here’s a quick summary:
- Best Budget-Friendly: Zermatt Youth Hostel
- Best Views: Hotel Schwarzsee
- Best Location: Hotel Bahnhof
- Most Modern: Carina – Design&Lifestyle Hotel
Where to Stay in Zermatt
Zermatt is a car-free paradise nestled amidst the towering Swiss Alps. From seasoned skiers to luxury seekers, Zermatt always has something for everyone. That said, we highly recommend staying in Zermatt Village itself. It bustles with traditional wooden houses and charming shops. Staying here means you’ll be within easy walking distance of everything, from the iconic Matterhorn views to the train station. By the way, did you know that the Matterhorn is one of the most spectacular sunset locations in the world?
In addition to that, you may want to stay in the Sunnegga area. Perched on a sunny plateau, it offers beautiful views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. It’s a favorite among families with its gentle slopes and easy access to hiking trails.
Another highly recommended area is Täsch, which is located just outside of Zermatt. This is a popular area among those on a budget, and you can reach Zermatt by taking the frequent shuttle train. The views along the way are nothing short of stunning.
Is Zermatt Switzerland worth visiting?
Absolutely! With the Matterhorn as its crown, Zermatt is a paradise for travelers looking for breathtaking scenery, charming villages, and endless outdoor activities.
Can you walk everywhere in Zermatt?
Yes, the village of Zermatt is a car-free zone, and the only vehicles you’ll see are electric taxis and delivery vans. This makes the area so walkable and pedestrian-friendly.
Is Zermatt fun if you don’t ski?
Zermatt is the place to be for ski enthusiasts. But if you don’t ski, you can still have a lot of fun. You can take a scenic ride on the Gornergrat Bahn, visit the Matterhorn Museum, explore the spa and wellness centers, and even take a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view of the majestic mountains.
