Discover Zermatt

Zermatt has been car-free since 1961 and is associated with the Matterhorn. When planning a stay, the different destinations and routes can help: high-altitude viewpoints, routes to lakes and hamlets, and historic places in the village each offer their own highlights.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Zermatt is accessible by train; from Täsch, continue by shuttle train or taxi. The Gornergrat Railway's valley station is 50 meters from Zermatt railway station. From there, the train travels to Gornergrat at an altitude of 3,089 meters. Check train schedules for your trip, as operating hours may vary.

It is also worth considering the different elevations when choosing excursions. The viewing platform at Gornergrat offers views of 29 peaks over 4,000 meters and several glaciers. The platform at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is at 3,883 meters; from there, you can see 38 peaks over 4,000 meters and 14 glaciers in three countries. Both viewpoints combine elevation with sweeping views, but differ in altitude and in the number of peaks and glaciers mentioned.

Viewpoints, Ice and Lakes

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise includes the Glacier Palace, which lies 15 meters beneath the ice surface. Its features include ice sculptures, ice tunnels, a crevasse and an ice slide. Gornergrat is also home to the interactive exhibition ZOOOM the Matterhorn. As individual installations may change and the exhibition's availability should be checked before your trip, it is advisable to check the latest information before planning to visit these destinations.

The 5-Lake Trail offers a different kind of excursion: it passes Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee. The Matterhorn and its surroundings can be reflected in Stellisee, Grindjisee and Leisee; whether this is visible depends on the weather and water conditions. Leisee is at 2,232 meters and has a swimming beach, a children's playground, barbecue and picnic areas, a picnic pavilion and a play raft. Use of the facilities may vary seasonally.

Trails and Nature Experiences

The Marmot Trail runs for 3.8 kilometers from Blauherd at 2,571 meters to Sunnegga at 2,288 meters. Marmots can be spotted along the trail, but sightings are not guaranteed. Information panels about the animals' lives are available in German, English, French and Japanese; there are also various wooden sculptures along the trail.

Those interested in a gorge can reach Gornerschlucht with a 15-minute walk from the southern end of the village. Its lower section can be traversed without special equipment. Wooden walkways lead through a landscape shaped by the force of water and rock faces. Access and trail conditions may vary seasonally; check conditions before your visit. The Z'Muttweg connects Zermatt with the hamlet of Zmutt and ends there.

From July to September, around 125 sheep graze in the meadows on Gornergrat, with views of the Matterhorn. GPS trackers help locate the animals in their natural habitat. This seasonal experience differs from the trails and viewpoints described as available year-round; encounters with the sheep are limited to the stated period.

Walser Architecture and Local History

Around 30 historic buildings showcasing traditional Walser architecture stand in the old village quarter next to the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. Some barns and granaries are up to 500 years old. The barn on Herbrigg is considered one of the oldest in Europe. Those wishing to combine the buildings with a walk can follow the Kulturroute, a described route from Kirchplatz via Herbrigg down the valley to the hamlet of Zmutt and back to the village via Furi. 26 information stations with QR codes complement the route.

The Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis traces Zermatt's development through the story of the Matterhorn's first ascent. It features original houses from Zermatt, a multimedia room and original objects from the first ascent. The municipal historical journey offers another perspective on local history: it presents thousands of historical images, arranged chronologically, documenting the municipality's development from 1855 to 1980.

Winter Activities

In winter, family activities in Zermatt include groomed toboggan runs, husky sled rides, winter hiking and snowshoeing. The Wolli beginner park in Sunnegga is for novice skiers. These seasonal options complement excursions to lakes, historic sites and viewpoints; which ones suit your travel plans depends on the activities you want to include during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Gasenried, Visp, Törbel, Baltschieder, Zeneggen, Täsch, Stalden, Staldenried.

Back to the main travel overview: Visp.