Best Things to Do in Zermatt
Here are the best things to do in Zermatt during your visit.
3/11/20265 min read
Nestled high in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is one of the most spectacular mountain destinations in Europe. Sitting at the foot of the legendary Matterhorn, the village combines breathtaking alpine scenery with world-class skiing, scenic hiking trails, charming streets, and unforgettable mountain experiences.
What makes Zermatt especially unique is that it’s a car-free village. Instead of traffic, you’ll hear horse-drawn carriages, electric taxis, and the crunch of boots on snowy streets. Whether you visit in winter or summer, there’s an incredible range of activities waiting for you.
Here are the best things to do in Zermatt during your visit.
1. Ride the Gornergrat Railway
One of the most unforgettable experiences in Zermatt is taking the historic Gornergrat Railway to the summit of Gornergrat.
This cogwheel railway, which has been operating since 1898, climbs from Zermatt up to 3,089 meters (10,134 ft) above sea level. The ride itself is spectacular, passing alpine forests, dramatic ridges, and sweeping glacier views.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best mountain panoramas in Switzerland. On a clear day you can see:
The Matterhorn up close
The massive Monte Rosa massif
Over 20 peaks above 4,000 meters
There’s also a viewing platform, hiking trails, and a restaurant where you can relax and soak in the scenery.
2. See the Matterhorn Up Close
The iconic pyramid-shaped Matterhorn is the symbol of the Swiss Alps, and Zermatt is the best place in the world to see it.
Some of the best viewpoints include:
Riffelsee Lake
This small alpine lake offers the famous mirror reflection of the Matterhorn, especially at sunrise.
Gornergrat Ridge
From here you get one of the most dramatic panoramic views of the mountain.
Sunnegga Viewpoint
A quick funicular ride from town delivers a beautiful face-on view of the peak.
Even simply walking through the streets of Zermatt, you’ll frequently look up and see the Matterhorn towering above the valley.
Click here for a Matterhorn Paragliding flight in Zermatt (20-25min).
3. Ski in One of Europe’s Best Ski Resorts
Zermatt is home to one of the largest and highest ski areas in Europe: the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Zermatt–Cervinia Ski Area.
Highlights include:
360 km of ski runs
Slopes connecting Switzerland and Cervinia in Italy
Skiing at 3,883 meters, the highest in Europe
Stunning views of glaciers and 4,000-meter peaks
One of the most unique aspects is the ability to ski across an international border, enjoying lunch in Italy before skiing back to Switzerland.
Even if you’re not skiing, the lifts and viewing platforms offer incredible alpine scenery.
4. Visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, located on the Klein Matterhorn, is the highest cable car station in Europe.
Reaching 3,883 meters, this incredible destination offers:
A 360° observation deck
The magical Glacier Palace ice cave
Views of 38 Alpine peaks and 14 glaciers
The cable car ride itself is a thrilling experience as you rise above glaciers and jagged alpine ridges.
For many visitors, this is the ultimate high-alpine experience in Zermatt.
5. Explore the Charming Streets of Zermatt
Beyond the mountains, Zermatt itself is a beautiful place to explore.
The village is famous for its:
Traditional wooden chalets
Cozy cafés and bakeries
Luxury boutiques and outdoor gear shops
Scenic streets with constant Matterhorn views
Don’t miss Hinterdorf, the oldest part of town, where centuries-old barns and houses show what alpine life once looked like.
In the evening, Zermatt becomes even more magical as restaurants and bars fill with skiers and hikers sharing stories from the mountains.
6. Go Hiking in Summer
When the snow melts, Zermatt transforms into a world-class hiking destination.
There are over 400 km of trails, ranging from easy scenic walks to challenging alpine routes.
Some of the most popular hikes include:
The Five Lakes Walk
A stunning trail passing five alpine lakes, several with beautiful Matterhorn reflections.
Stellisee Lake
One of the most photographed spots in Switzerland.
Gorner Gorge
A dramatic canyon carved by glacial water.
Wildflowers, glaciers, and towering peaks make hiking around Zermatt truly unforgettable.
7. Try Swiss Mountain Food
No visit to Zermatt would be complete without enjoying traditional Swiss alpine cuisine.
Some must-try dishes include:
Cheese fondue
Raclette
Rösti (Swiss-style potato dish)
Alpine cured meats
Many restaurants offer terraces with Matterhorn views, making the dining experience just as memorable as the food.
After a long day of skiing or hiking, few things are better than a warm fondue and a glass of Swiss wine while the mountains glow at sunset.
Final Thoughts
Zermatt is more than just a ski resort — it’s one of the most beautiful mountain destinations in the world. From riding scenic railways and skiing across international borders to hiking past glacial lakes and enjoying cozy alpine restaurants, there’s something here for every traveler.
Whether you’re visiting for adventure, scenery, or relaxation, Zermatt delivers an unforgettable Swiss Alps experience.
