Top 9 Things to See & Do in Zermatt, Switzerland
- Steph Hagan
- Jul 3
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Let me answer your question - YES, you should visit Zermatt even if you don't ski! We don't ski, and Zermatt was still one of our favorite stops on our Switzerland adventure. Here are the top 9 things to see & do in Zermatt, Switzerland! 🇨🇭
Zermatt is a charming alpine village nestled in the heart of southern Switzerland, in the Valais Canton. Perched at an elevation of 5,315 feet, this picturesque resort town is renowned for its world-class skiing, cozy chalets, and car-free streets that invite you to slow down and take in the scenery. Towering above it all is the legendary Matterhorn — one of the most iconic peaks in the world, with its jagged, snow-draped summit cutting sharply into the sky.
We don't recommend a day-trip to Zermatt because you might miss your chance at seeing the Matterhorn. It's common for the peak to be covered by clouds throughout the mid-morning and afternoon, depending on the season. Plan for an overnight (or two) so you can see the Matterhorn in its glory (usually in the early hours)!
Yes, Zermatt can be pricey, especially in peak season, but we promise you'll want to be close to the village center, where you'll have access to everything!
If you've been dreaming of splurging on a Swiss Chalet, this is the place to do it!
HOW TO GET TO ZERMATT
Zermatt is a completely car-free town, which means the only way to get there is by train. But don’t worry about getting around once you arrive - the town has electric shuttles and taxis available to help you get wherever you need to go, no car required!
If you plan to travel throughout other regions of the country as well as Zermatt, and want to be spontaneous with your travels, we recommend purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass. We've used this pass for all our travels in Switzerland so far, and it's saved us so much money!
Here are a couple different ways to get to Zermatt.
1) The Iconic Glacier Express
If you’re someone who lives for snow-capped peaks and cozy winter magic, this is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Switzerland. Yes, it’s a bit of a splurge - but this iconic train ride is pure bucket list material, and the kind of memory you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
You'll start this 8-hour, scenic train journey in St. Moritz, where you'll have the option to order food and drink while enjoying the views! There are options for shorter trips on the Glacier Express, and you can find them HERE!
When booking, you can choose between 1st, 2nd, and Excellence class. If you can swing it, we recommend Excellence Class because it includes champagne, an aperitif platter, a 5-course menu, soft drinks, and coffee!
Yes, this trip is covered with the Swiss Travel Pass, but seat reservations are mandatory even with the pass.
Seat Reservation Prices:
1st and 2nd Class - CHF 49.00
Excellence Class - CHF 490.00
Be sure to select from St Moritz to Zermatt.
2) The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn
The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn is the most budget-friendly way to reach Zermatt - and it’s far more than just a basic train ride. This scenic journey winds through dramatic alpine landscapes, charming Swiss villages, and along turquoise rivers, giving you an unforgettable first impression of the region.
We caught the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn
from Visp on our way from Interlaken, and took it straight to Zermatt Station! If you take this train, we recommend sitting on the left side for the best views!
This train journey is covered with the Swiss Travel Pass, and no seat reservations are required!
WHERE TO STAY
We highly recommend staying right in Zermatt Village - because trust us, once you’re here, you won’t want to leave. There's something magical about waking up in a cozy chalet, sipping your morning coffee with uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn right outside your window. Also, you'll want to be in walking distance to all the cable cars, hiking trails and restaurants!
Here are some accommodations we recommend:
Hotel Parnass:
Hotel Parnass is located right in the center of Zermatt and a great bang for your buck! While it's a no-fuss, casual hotel, it offers amazing views of the Matterhorn AND includes breakfast! You can book a room here!
Backstage Boutique Hotel:
This modern hotel is a little more high end, but offers a luxury feel that's worth splurging on! Not only does this hotel have unique, modern rooms, it has a spa, the Vernissage bar (one of the best in Zermatt) and it includes breakfast! You can book a room here!
If Zermatt is too much of a splurge, you can stay in Täsch, which is a short 12-minute shuttle ride. The shuttle from Täsch to Zermatt (and back) runs every 20 minutes. It costs CHF 17.20 for the round-trip ticket, but it's free with the Swiss Travel Pass!
1) Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
You must experience the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise if you're visiting Zermatt! This is the highest mountain station in Europe and the highest glacier palace in the world!
It's a short 45-minute, cable car ride from Zermatt village to the Klein Matterhorn mountain peak. This includes the heated cable car ride from Trockener Steg to the summit over the Theodul Glacier. It's an experience like you've never experienced before, with views that will leave you speechless!
Once at the top, you'll have access to the panoramic viewing platform that sits 12,739 feet above sea level, where you'll take in the majestic views of the largest glaciers and 38 of the largest peaks in the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps. You'll also have access to the Cinema Lounge, where they show videos of Zermatt through the ages, and the Ice Palace, which includes an ICE SLIDE! This Ice Palace is the best and most unique one we've ever been to!
2) Tandem Paragliding
If you haven't already paraglided in Switzerland, or even if you have, you MUST paraglide in Zermatt! This experience will leave you feeling like a VIP, thanks to the unique views and proximity to the world's most iconic mountain, the Matterhorn.
If the idea of paragliding makes you a little nervous, rest assured - these highly experienced pilots take the time to walk you through every safety measure, helping you feel comfortable and confident before takeoff!
I can guarantee that this is an experience you'll never forget, and you'll continue to watch the videos and look at the pictures for years to come (yes, these come at an additional fee).
3) Rundweg Zermatt 835 Trail
We'll rave about this trail over and over again! We happened upon this trail the last time we were in Zermatt because everything else was closed due to a huge storm that damaged the cable cars and trains!
The Rundweg Zermatt Trail is a 4-mile loop around Zermatt, providing you with some of the most gorgeous views of the village and the Matterhorn! You'll walk past streams, through smaller villages, and even pass through the Ricola Garden, which teaches you about the herbs used to make the candies!
We love this hike because it's accessible and family-friendly. It has many drop-off points, where you can choose to venture back into town if you don't want to walk the whole thing! It's also a great activity to do if you're trying to save some money between your other Switzerland excursions, which can add up quickly!
4) Gornergrat Train
The Gornergrat Train is a cogwheel train that has been operating for over 100 years, taking people from the heart of Zermatt to the summit of the Gornergrat in just 33 minutes. This train is the world's FIRST fully electric cogwheel train!
We recommend reserving seats on the right side of the train for mesmerizing views of the mountains, bridges, and forests below.
Once you get to the top, you'll scan your ticket again and make your way to the viewing platform that gives you panoramic views featuring the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa (the highest mountain in Switzerland), and glaciers!
This ticket also includes access to the brand-new VR experience - an unforgettable paragliding journey soaring past the iconic Matterhorn! It’s the ultimate way to feel the thrill of flight without ever leaving the ground. If you’ve been curious about paragliding but aren’t quite ready to take the leap, this is the perfect, safe, and exhilarating alternative!
After having lunch at the restaurant, start making your way back down the Gornergrat. Take advantage of your hop-on, hop-off ticket by stopping at the Rotenboden stop and walking 10 minutes to Riffelsee Lake, where you might get lucky with the reflection of the Matterhorn. Maybe you stay here for the rest of the day or continue down to the other intermediate stations before heading back into town.
5) Blauherd to Stellisee Hike
Instead of taking on the 5 Lakes hike, we recommend the Blauherd to Stellisee Hike, which is only 2 miles (3km) long!
You'll arrive at this hike by taking the funicular from Zermatt to Sunnegga, then a gondola to Blauherd! You'll follow the yellow signs "5-seenweg" until you arrive at the first lake on the 5 Lakes Hike, which is Stellisee!
We recommend stopping here and retracing your steps back to Blauherd, especially if you have a short time in Zermatt! The remainder of the hike includes many dirt and gravel paths that can be a bit boring compared to some of the other hikes in the area!
If you want to do the full 5 Lakes Hike, prepare for a 6-mile (9.2 km) hike passing Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee lakes! Luckily, the hike is mostly downhill and will lead you back to Sunnegga, where you'll take the funicular back down to Zermatt!
Tips:
Trail Markers: Follow the yellow "5-Seenweg" signs
Season: Usually runs mid-June to early October. Check if the lifts are running HERE.
Best Time: We recommend starting early morning for clear Matterhorn reflections and fewer crowds.
Gear: Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, food, and swimwear if you plan to go for a dip!
6) Fondue at Chez Vrony
You won't want to miss this restaurant in Zermatt! The views are some of the best, and the food is next level! Yes, Swiss food can be expensive, but we recommend saving up to splurge on some fondue and a spritz at this restaurant!
To get to Chez Vrony, you'll take the funicular to Sunnegga Station and walk down the path to the restaurant! We'd recommend making reservations because this place gets PACKED, especially during peak season! Ask for a table outside facing the Matterhorn when you book!
You can make reservations HERE!
7) Mürini Hill Viewpoint
Mürini Hill, also known as the Matterhorn Viewpoint, is one of the best and easiest activities to add to your Zermatt Itinerary.
Mürini Hill viewpoint is north of Zermatt village. You'll walk about 20 minutes (from the center of town), up some stairs and ramps, to the most amazing view of the Matterhorn and the village below.
You'll probably visit this viewpoint multiple times on your trip to Zermatt, but we highly recommend visiting for sunrise and sunset. The angle of the sun hitting the mountain will turn it shades of pink and purple.
8) Enjoy the View of the Matterhorn
It might sound obvious, but with so much to do in Zermatt, it's easy to forget the simple joy of just sitting and taking in the view. After all, this is what many people come for - and the best part? You don’t have to spend a franc to enjoy it.
One remarkable thing about Zermatt is the abundance of wooden benches and lounge chairs scattered throughout the town. These benches and loungers are so comfortable, we sat on them for hours!
9) Explore Zermatt Village
You’ll want to spend at least half a day exploring charming Zermatt Village - it’s where you’ll shop, dine, and soak in the local vibe.
Though compact, the village's car-free streets are full of character, lined with Swiss staples like Lindt, cozy cafés, and outdoor gear shops. Don’t miss the unique souvenir boutiques offering handcrafted, authentic pieces you won’t find anywhere else. While you're here, wander past traditional wooden chalets, stop by the Matterhorn Museum, and enjoy postcard-worthy views around every corner.
You won't want to miss:
The Mountaineer's Cemetery - This small cemetery holds the graves of around 50 brave climbers who lost their lives pursuing some of the Alps’ most iconic peaks—like the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Täschhorn, Liskamm, Obergabelhorn, and Weisshorn.
The Matterhorn Museum - Entrance included with Swiss Travel Pass
Andy's Musikshop - This is one of our favorite print shops for unique souvenirs and art pieces!
We hope you love Zermatt, Switzerland, as much as we did! This town is somewhere we'll return to again and again!
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