Zermatt, Switzerland — home to the iconic Matterhorn — is a famous tourist destination for a reason. These are the best things to do in Zermatt!
With such a stunning background for skiing, paragliding, and even helicopter sightseeing, who wouldn’t want some time in this stunning mountain village!
Table of Contents
Best Things To Do In Zermatt
Paragliding
Taking a paragliding flight in Zermatt is one of the best ways to see views of the Matterhorn and the village from the sky. It is an absolute must-do activity when visiting Zermatt. The best part? Anyone from age 1 to 100 can do it!
Be sure to book 3-4 days in advance, and don’t bother looking at Google weather — it can change in an instant!
Visit Schwarzsee Lake
Take Schwarzsee gondola to Schwarzsee Lake for neat cultural and a fun day trip in one. The “black lake,” as Schwarzsee is known, is named for its dark reflection and is the final destination for climbers who have successfully reached Matterhorn’s peak. See the church that was allegedly built by two passer byes once lost in the fog who pledged to build a chapel if they were saved!
Read more: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kandersteg & Lake Oeschinensee
Hike to Edelweiss Restaurant
Just a short 45-minute hike up from Zermatt is Edelweiss, a sweet little restaurant for lunch or an espresso. This is also the perfect place to stop in the morning if you plan to do a longer day hike farther up!
Helicopter Sightseeing Tour
Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? You can actually take a helicopter tour over Zermatt for a bird’s eye view of the Matterhorn and Swiss Alps! The pilot will give you a traditional “tour” experience, but the surroundings alone are worth it. This is definitely a bucket list-worthy adventure!
Take the Train to Gornergrat
Zermatt is a town of heights! Take Europe’s highest open-air rack railway, the Gornergrat, 3,089 meters to the continent’s highest hotel and stay the night; checking out the observatory at night is a must. Book a moonlight visit in winter, and even see an igloo village!
Take the Sunnegga Express
The Sunnegga Express — and underground railroad — will take you up to Sunnegga, a well-known ski area with plenty to offer visitors and tourists. In addition to prime mountain biking trails are summer and winter hiking trails, restaurants, and of course plenty of opportunities for great skiing.
Read more: Women’s Packing Guide For Switzerland
Ride the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Take the highest cable car station in Europe to Glacier Paradise, Matterhorn’s “Ice Palace.” Enjoy a meal at the restaurant, relax in the cinema lounge, and take in a view so cool it’ll make your jaw drop.
Winter Sports
Skiers come from all over the world year-round to ride the 25 km from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to Zermatt, the longest descent on the entire continent of Europe. The killer view of the Swiss Alps is just a perk! Not a skier? Zermatt is the perfect place to fall in love with the sport, but you can also have plenty of fun snowshoeing and sledding.
Read more: 10 Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland (And Where To Stay!)
Visit Gorner Gorge
Looking for a little adventure beneath the mountains? The beautiful blue waters of the Gorner Gorge can be trekked around on foot, and makes for an awesome day hike! Be sure to come prepared with 5 francs for the fee.
Visit Matterhorn Museum
Nobody comes to visit the Matterhorn without learning a little about its unique history! At the Matterhorn Museum, it’s really interesting to read the stories behind the town of Zermatt & the Matterhorn, including the first successful ascent and video footage of helicopter rescue crews.
Read more: How to Travel Switzerland on a Budget
Plan Your Trip to Zermatt
Flights:
- Scott’s Cheap Flights is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. If you sign up for their email alerts, you’ll receive flight deals at up to 90% off. I have traveled all over the world using their flight deals.
Where to Stay:
- I stayed at the Mont Cervin Palace which is located right in the heart of town and only 950 feet from the train station. This 5-star hotel offers balcony views of the Matterhorn, a breakfast buffet and an indoor spa.
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Will be in Zermatt for NYE but next to impossible to find accommodations for 3-4 nights. Any suggestions? Hotels require a minimum stay and all seem to be fully booked already.
That’s so tough – I’m sorry you can’t find anything available! I would check all the sites – like Airbnb and VRBO. Beyond that, maybe staying slightly outside of town would be a good option. Good luck!
We’ll be heading through Switzerland next year on our tour of Europe. Seriously can’t wait to get started on some of these hiking trails. The landscape is absolutely breathtaking!
So fun! I wish I had a week there to hike around. Enjoy!