Exploring the Best Places to Visit in Zermatt

Zermatt is a stunning alpine village, located in the Swiss Alps. Nestled at the base of the Matterhorn, this picturesque village is filled with traditional chalets and winding cobblestone streets. It’s a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, here’s a guide to the best places to visit in Zermatt.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest cable car station in Europe, located at 3,883 metres. To get there, you’ll take two cable cars, the first from Zermatt to Trockener Steg, and then the second from Trockener Steg to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. You’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks. Once you’re there, you can take a scenic walk around the edge of the mountain, explore the glacier, or ride the Skyway Monte Rosa, an enclosed cable car that takes you to the highest point on the mountain.

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise also offers a range of activities for all levels, from beginner to expert. You can go mountain biking, take a paragliding tour, or explore the Via Ferrata, a protected climbing route with steel cables and ladders. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, you can try the Glacier Swing, a unique swing that takes you over the edge of the mountain, suspended by a cable.

Gornergrat

Gornergrat is a stunning peak rising 3,100 metres above sea level, located just north of Zermatt. To get there, you’ll take the Gornergrat Bahn, a cogwheel railway that takes you to the top of the mountain, with views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and the surrounding peaks. Once you’re there, you can explore the many hiking trails, or take a gondola up to the Klein Matterhorn, the highest ski resort in Europe.

Gornergrat is also home to the Matterhorn Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Matterhorn and its first ascent. The peak also offers plenty of activities for all levels, from beginner to expert. You can take a guided mountain tour, go ice climbing, or take a snowshoeing tour. Or, for the more adventurous, you can go heli-skiing in the surrounding mountains.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, you can also take a ride on the Glacier Express, a luxury train that takes you from Zermatt to St. Moritz. The journey takes about eight hours and takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the Alps.

Zermatt Village

Zermatt village is a charming alpine village, located at the base of the Matterhorn. Here, you can explore the winding cobblestone streets, lined with traditional chalets and quaint cafes. There’s plenty to do in the village, from shopping in the local stores, to exploring the many museums and galleries. You can also take a cable car to the top of the Matterhorn, or take a leisurely stroll around the lake.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, you can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the village. Or, for the more adventurous, you can go paragliding or take a helicopter tour of the Matterhorn. And, of course, there’s plenty of skiing and snowboarding to be done in the surrounding area.

At night, the village comes alive with restaurants, bars, and clubs. There’s something for everyone, from traditional Swiss restaurants, to lively nightlife. And, of course, you can’t miss the local Swiss cuisine, including fondue and raclette.

Matterhorn Museum

The Matterhorn Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the Matterhorn. Located in the centre of Zermatt, the museum is filled with artefacts and exhibits that tell the story of the first ascent of the mountain. You can also learn about the geology of the area, the local flora and fauna, and the culture of the region.

The museum also offers a range of activities, from guided tours of the mountain, to interactive exhibits. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a guided climb up the Matterhorn. There’s also a restaurant and bar in the museum, where you can relax with a drink and some traditional Swiss cuisine.

Gorner Gorge

Gorner Gorge is a stunning canyon, located just outside Zermatt. Here, you can take a walk through the canyon, passing through tunnels and crossing bridges. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains. The trail is well-marked and suitable for all levels, so you can take it at your own pace.

At the end of the trail, you’ll find the Gorner Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps. Here, you can explore the ice caves, or take a guided tour of the glacier. You can also take a boat ride on the lake, or take a lift up to the top of the glacier, where you’ll be rewarded with incredible views.

Furi

Furi is a quaint village, located just outside Zermatt. Here, you can explore the traditional chalets, lined with flower boxes and cobblestone streets. You can also take a cable car up to the top of the mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks. There’s also plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as a range of restaurants and bars.

Furi is also home to the Matterhorn Glacier Park, where you can take a guided tour of the glacier or go ice climbing. You can also take a ride on the Glacier Express, a luxury train that takes you from Zermatt to St. Moritz. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a heli-skiing tour of the surrounding mountains.

Sunnegga

Sunnegga is a charming village, located just outside Zermatt. Here, you can explore the traditional chalets and cobblestone streets, or take a cable car up to the top of the mountain. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks. There’s also plenty of activities for all levels, from beginner to expert, including mountain biking, hiking, and paragliding.

Sunnegga is also home to the Matterhorn Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Matterhorn and its first ascent. The museum also offers a range of interactive exhibits, as well as a restaurant and bar. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a heli-skiing tour of the surrounding mountains.

Klein Matterhorn

Klein Matterhorn is the highest ski resort in Europe, located at 3,883 metres above sea level. To get there, you’ll take the Gornergrat Bahn, a cogwheel railway that takes you to the top of the mountain. Once you’re there, you can explore the many ski slopes, or take a cable car up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. You can also take a guided tour of the glacier, or go ice climbing.

Klein Matterhorn is also home to the Matterhorn Glacier Park, where you can take a guided tour of the glacier or go ice climbing. You can also take a ride on the Glacier Express, a luxury train that takes you from Zermatt to St. Moritz. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a heli-skiing tour of the surrounding mountains.

St Niklaus

St Niklaus is a charming village, located just outside Zermatt. Here, you can explore the traditional chalets, lined with flower boxes and cobblestone streets. You can also take a cable car up to the top of the mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks. There’s also plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as a range of restaurants and bars.

St Niklaus is also home to the Matterhorn Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Matterhorn and its first ascent. The museum also offers a range of interactive exhibits, as well as a restaurant and bar. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a heli-skiing tour of the surrounding mountains.

Riffelalp

Riffelalp is a stunning alpine village, located at the base of the Matterhorn. Here, you can explore the winding cobblestone streets, lined with traditional chalets and quaint cafes. You can also take a cable car up to the top of the mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks. There’s also plenty of activities for all levels, from beginner to expert.

Riffelalp is also home to the Matterhorn Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Matterhorn and its first ascent. The museum also offers a range of activities, from guided tours of the mountain, to interactive exhibits. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a guided climb up the Matterhorn.

Rothorn

Rothorn is a stunning peak, located just outside Zermatt. Here, you can take a cable car up to the top of the mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks. At the top, you can explore the many hiking trails, or take a gondola up to the Klein Matterhorn, the highest ski resort in Europe.

Rothorn is also home to the Matterhorn Glacier Park, where you can take a guided tour of the glacier or go ice climbing. You can also take a ride on the Glacier Express, a luxury train that takes you from Zermatt to St. Moritz. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a heli-skiing tour of the surrounding mountains.

Conclusion

Zermatt is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. From the highest cable car station in Europe to the highest ski resort in Europe, there’s something for everyone in this stunning alpine village. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, Zermatt is the perfect place to explore the best of the Swiss Alps.