Zermatt
Switzerland
Rest below the Matterhorn
The destiny of the obscure village of Zermatt changed in 1865 after the Matterhorn was first summited. Although most of the brave mountaineers who tacked it did not survive, they attracted a wave of copycats, who took a liking to the humble village sitting beneath the mountain. Now you can comfortably get close to the Matterhorn itself, by taking the riding a cable car to the Little Matterhorn, the highest place in Europe reachable by transportation (and thus the continent's highest observation platform). Zermatt itself is car-free, to prevent air pollution from smudging its famed view. You can take the Glacier Express from St. Moritz, or drive to a nearby town, and take an electric vehicle into Zermatt.
Zermatt has amazing views no matter where you turn your head. It's why you're visiting. But for the absolute best views, ride the Gornergrat Railroad, Europe's highest open-air cog railroad, into the sky. En route to the summit of the Gornergrat, you'll traverse dramatic canyons, pass through galleries, tunnels, and forest, ascending past mountain lakes. At the top, you'll see the Dufourspitze (Switzerland's highest peak), the second largest glacier in the Alps (the Gorner Glacier), and if the weather cooperates, 29 mountains standing over 4,000 meters high, including the Matterhorn in full glory.
Where to stay in Zermatt
All of the accommodation options we offer in Zermatt have been hand-picked, and provide the perfect base for exploring this beautiful village. From cozy family-run chalets to modern places strategically located on hilltops and by cable cars, to apartments that come with a home theater, spa, butler, and Michelin-starred private chef, we have plenty of memorable options. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary, we will present our recommended options for you to select from.
Charming Traditional Hotel
A small and cozy family-run hotel, renovated in an authentic alpine style with a warm and home-like yet fairytale atmosphere.
Traditional Ski-lodge Hotel
Mountain chalet-style hotel with amazing views and a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
Luxury Design Hotel
Luxury mountain retreat with an amazing location and exceptional wellness facilities.
Things to do in Zermatt
The Matterhorn! If you're in Zermatt, you're there for the mountain. And if you somehow aren't, it will still be your constant companion, looking over you during your stay! The Matterhorn transformed this obscure village into a destination after its tragic first ascent, so naturally this car-free town's main attraction is the cable car to the Little Matterhorn, the highest place in Europe reachably by transportation. The view is spectacular, as is the skiing. The Gornergrat Railroad offers astounding views, and will take you to a peak sitting above a glacier, close to the Dufourspitze, Switzerland's highest mountain. The hiking around Zermatt is impressive, as local guides can prove, but even downhill, there are charming towns and villages to explore, and local cheeses to try! When we send you your customized itinerary, you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package, or consider adding later.
Gornergrat by Rack Railroad Excursion
Täschalp and Cheesemaking Private Tour
Blauherd and Stellisee Private Hike
Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Zermatt
Spend some time in Zermatt on a tour that takes in other cities in Switzerland and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Zermatt and other destinations make traveling in Central & Eastern Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Zermatt
How can I get around Zermatt?
Zermatt is small, but more than punches about its weight in terms of possibilities. If you're with your family, you're eligible for a Swiss family Card, which lets kids ages 6-16 travel for free on public transportation (kids below the age of 6 already travel for free). For serious hikers, we recommend getting a Zermatt Peak Pass, which includes free public transportation and unlimited rides on the most frequented cable cars and mountain railroads. If you arrive by train, the transfer to your accommodations is included with your overnight stay.
How long should I stay in Zermatt?
If you're looking to hike, Zermatt deserves three nights (two full days). Conquering the Gornergrat and Matterhorn at an enjoyable pace, exploring sites and tasting local snacks on the way should not be done in a rush. If Zermatt is a more scenic stop on a culturally-focused trip, then two nights are fine. If you're rushed for time, you can catch the sunset at the Gornergrat, and leave the following day.