Zermatt & the Matterhorn: Switzerland’s Most Iconic Alpine Destination
Zermatt sits in the shadow of the most recognisable mountain on Earth — the Matterhorn. As Switzerland’s premier car-free alpine resort, Zermatt offers pure mountain air, world-class skiing and hiking, and views that stop you in your tracks. The town itself is a charming collection of traditional wooden chalets, luxury hotels, and rustic mountain restaurants, all connected by electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages.
Why Visit Zermatt?
Zermatt is the Matterhorn’s front-row seat. The entire town is oriented around the mountain, with views of its distinctive pyramid visible from almost every street. Zermatt’s car-free policy (arrive by train, get around by electric taxi or on foot) keeps the air fresh and the atmosphere peaceful. The village has over 360 kilometres of ski slopes, 400 kilometres of hiking trails, and lifts that run year-round. It’s expensive, yes — but for many travellers, Zermatt is the Swiss Alps experience they came for.
Zermatt is also surprisingly accessible for day trips from other Swiss cities. The Glacier Express connects it to St. Moritz, and direct trains run to Zurich, Geneva, and Milan. Even a single day in Zermatt — arriving early and leaving late — can be enough to experience the Gornergrat Railway, hike a short trail, and have a meal with Matterhorn views.
Top Attractions in Zermatt
1. Gornergrat Railway
The Gornergrat Railway is Zermatt’s essential experience. Built in 1898, this cogwheel railway climbs to 3,089 metres above sea level, offering jaw-dropping views of the Matterhorn and surrounding 29 four-thousand-metre peaks from its summit station. The 33-minute journey passes through five stations, each with progressively more dramatic views. At the top, the viewing platform presents one of the most extraordinary mountain panoramas in Europe.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of 29 Alpine peaks over 4,000 metres
- Unobstructed Matterhorn view (better than from Zermatt village)
- Gornergrat observation deck at 3,089 metres
- The Monte Rosa Hut hike down from Rotenboden station
2. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
At 3,883 metres, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest cable car station in Europe and the closest you can get to the Matterhorn without climbing it. The journey involves three cable cars from Zermatt via Furi, Trockener Steg, and Kleine Matterhorn. At the top, you’ll find a viewing platform with 360° views reaching into Italy and France on clear days, plus the Glacier Palace — an ice cavern carved 15 metres into the Theodul Glacier.
Highlights:
- Highest cable car station in Europe — 3,883 metres
- Glacier Palace — walk through tunnels in a real glacier
- Year-round skiing on the Theodul Glacier
- Cinema showing the story of the Matterhorn’s first ascent
3. Five Lakes Trail (5-See-Weg)
The Five Lakes Trail is Zermatt’s most beautiful and popular summer hike. The 9-kilometre trail passes five alpine lakes, each reflecting the Matterhorn in a different light and colour. The trail starts at Blauherd (reachable by cable car via Sunnegga) and ends at Sunnegga. The full hike takes about 2.5 hours and is moderate in difficulty, with well-marked paths and gentle elevation changes.
Highlights:
- Five distinct alpine lakes with Matterhorn reflections
- Stellisee — the most famous reflection photo spot
- Wildflowers in summer (June–August)
- Mountain restaurant at Sunnegga with lake-view terrace
4. Zermatt Ski Area
Zermatt’s ski area is the largest and most reliable in the Alps, with 360 kilometres of pistes and year-round skiing on the Theodul Glacier. The interconnected network spans Zermatt and Cervinia (Italy), meaning you can ski across international borders. The Rothorn and Gornergrat sectors offer steep, challenging runs, while Sunnegga and Blauherd provide excellent intermediate terrain. The ski season runs from November to May, with glacier skiing available through summer.
Highlights:
- 360 km of pistes — one of Europe’s largest ski areas
- Ski across the border to Cervinia, Italy
- Glacier skiing year-round on the Theodul Glacier
- Excellent lift system with minimal queues (high capacity gondolas)
5. Zermatt Village & Old Quarter
Zermatt’s car-free village centre is a delight to explore on foot. The old quarter (Hinterdorf) features centuries-old traditional wooden Valais barns raised on stone mushroom-shaped pillars to protect against rodents — a unique piece of Alpine architecture. The main street, Bahnhofstrasse, is lined with shops, bakeries, and restaurants, while the side lanes lead to quiet spots with wildflower meadows and mountain views.
Highlights:
- Hinterdorf — historic quarter with traditional raised barns
- St. Mauritius Church and its modern spire design
- Matterhorn Museum — tracing the first (and tragic) ascent of 1865
- Horse-drawn carriage rides through the village
6. Swiss Raclette & Fondue in Zermatt
A visit to Zermatt isn’t complete without properly eating your way through Valais cuisine. The region is famous for raclette — melted cheese served with potatoes, pickled onions, and dried meat. Zermatt’s mountain restaurants serve this traditionally, often at long wooden tables with panoramic views. Fondue, rösti, and hearty Valais platters are also excellent. For a truly special experience, dine at an alpine hut reached only by ski lift or hiking trail.
Highlights:
- Whymper Stube — historic bar named after the first Matterhorn climber
- Chez Vrony in Findeln — rustic mountain restaurant with Matterhorn terrace
- Restaurant Walliserkanne — traditional Valais cuisine in the village centre
- Mountain cheese and dried meat from local producers
Budget Breakdown: Zermatt
Budget per person per day (excluding accommodation):
- Budget Traveller: CHF 80–120
- Mid-Range: CHF 150–230
- Comfort: CHF 280–450
Sample Costs:
- Gornergrat return ticket: CHF 98 (half with Swiss Travel Pass)
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car return: CHF 120
- Five Lakes Trail cable car (up): CHF 45
- Mountain restaurant lunch: CHF 25–40
- Supermarket picnic: CHF 10–15
- Hostel dorm: CHF 45–65
- Mid-range hotel double: CHF 160–280
Disclaimer: Prices, lift schedules, and trail conditions vary significantly by season. Always check Zermatt tourism office for current opening dates of mountain restaurants and cable cars.