If you’re wondering “Zermatt what to do?”, you’re in the right place. Zermatt, Switzerland, is more than just a ski resort town it’s a bucket-list Alpine destination filled with jaw-dropping views of the Matterhorn, world-famous train journeys, romantic fondue huts, thrilling hikes, après-ski vibes, and charming Swiss chalets. Whether you’re traveling in winter for skiing or visiting in summer for scenic trails and glacier adventures, there are endless things to experience in this car-free mountain paradise.
For the ultimate Switzerland trip, you don’t have to choose between them you can enjoy both! Start with Interlaken to soak in activities like lake Thun cruises, Harder Kulm viewpoints, and mountain sports, then head to Zermatt to discover glacier excursions, panoramic train rides, and cozy evenings with Swiss fondue. This way, you’ll never miss out on the best of the Swiss Alps while knowing exactly what to do in Interlaken and Zermatt what to do.
Getting to Zermatt: How to Start Your Alpine Adventure
Before we dive into the experiences, let’s tackle the logistics because Zermatt is unique.
- Car-Free Town: Zermatt is a no-car zone! You can only arrive by train, making it one of Switzerland’s most eco-friendly and pedestrian-friendly villages.
- From Geneva or Zurich:
- Fly into Geneva or Zurich Airport.
- Drive or take a train to Täsch station.
- Park your car in Täsch and hop on the 12-minute shuttle train (CHF 17.20 return).
- Hotel Transfers: Many Zermatt hotels (like BEAUSiTE Hotel or CERVO Mountain Resort) send electric shuttles to pick you up at the station.
Epic Train Journeys in Zermatt
1. Glacier Express: The Bucket-List Ride
The Glacier Express is the ultimate Swiss train journey an 8-hour ride from St. Moritz to Zermatt. You’ll pass through 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and stunning Alpine valleys, all while sipping wine in panoramic luxury.
Comparison:
| Train | Duration | Route | Best For | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glacier Express | 8 hrs | St. Moritz → Zermatt | Luxury, bucket-list | $$$ |
| Bernina Express | 4 hrs | Chur → Tirano | Scenic, shorter ride | $$ |
| Gornergrat Bahn | 30 mins | Zermatt → Gornergrat | Matterhorn views | $ |
If you’re short on time, go for the Gornergrat Train instead (see below).
2. Gornergrat Train: Iconic Matterhorn Views
The Gornergrat Bahn is Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel railway, climbing to 3,089 meters.
At the summit:
- Panoramas of 29 peaks above 4,000m (including Dufourspitze, Switzerland’s highest).
- Views of the Matterhorn and Gorner Glacier.
- Restaurants, shops, even an astronomical observatory.
Travel Tip: If you love hiking, walk down from Gornergrat to Riffelberg for bonus views.
3. Zermatt–Sunnegga Funicular
A hidden gem: the underground funicular that shoots you up the mountain in 4 minutes.
- Cost: ~£18 return.
- Activities at the top:
- Skiing in winter
- Summer hiking trails
- Dining at Paradise Restaurant or Chez Vrony
Iconic Matterhorn Experiences
4. Sunrise at Kirchbrücke Bridge
Wake up early and head to Kirchbrücke Bridge for a golden sunrise on the Matterhorn. Watching the peak glow from dark purple to fiery orange is pure magic.
5. Matterhorn Viewpoints & Hikes
- Matterhorn Viewpoint (via town steps) → short hike with breathtaking views.
- 5 Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg) → Half-day hike with reflections of the Matterhorn in Stellisee.
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise → Gondola rides take you to Europe’s highest cable car station at 3,883m.
6. Sunset at the Matterhorn Viewpoint
If sunrise feels too early, sunset views of the Matterhorn are equally legendary. Pro tip: bring a jacket evenings get chilly even in summer.
Zermatt Food & Drink: Fondue, Champagne & More
No “Zermatt what to do” guide is complete without food.
7. Fondue Experiences
- Witch’eese Fondue Hut (BEAUSiTE Hotel) → Cozy and romantic.
- Paradise Restaurant (mountaintop) → Fondue with a view.
- Chez Vrony → Legendary mountain restaurant.
8. Bars & Après Ski
- Infinity Terrace Bar (Schönegg Hotel) → Cocktails with Matterhorn views.
- Champagne Bar on the slopes → Sip bubbly mid-mountain (walkable if you don’t ski).
- Harry’s Ski Bar → Iconic après-ski vibes.
- Joseph’s Bar (Mont Cervin Palace) → Cozy fireplace dining.
- Grampi’s → Italian pizza & pasta (because Zermatt is close to Italy).
Best Hotels in Zermatt (Budget → Luxury)
| Category | Hotels |
|---|---|
| Budget | Hotel Alpenroyal |
| Mid-range | BEAUSiTE Hotel, Relais & Chateaux Schönegg |
| Luxury | Schweizerhof Zermatt, CERVO Mountain Resort, Mont Cervin Palace |
Insider Tip: Always book early, especially in winter ski season and July/August hiking season.
Zermatt What to Do in Winter
- Skiing & Snowboarding (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise = year-round skiing!)
- Après Ski at Harry’s Bar
- Winter fondue huts
- Glacier Express ride through snowy valleys
- Christmas markets in Old Town (Hinterdorf)
Zermatt What to Do in Summer
- Hiking (5 Lakes Trail, Stellisee reflections, alpine meadows)
- Mountain biking trails
- Paragliding over the Matterhorn
- Summer skiing on the glacier
- Lake picnics & outdoor fondue
Exploring Zermatt Village
- Old Town (Hinterdorf) → 16th–18th century wooden chalets.
- Bahnhofstrasse → Zermatt’s main street with shops, cafés, and even Rolex boutiques.
- Local shops → Souvenirs, Swiss chocolate, and outdoor gear.
Adventure Activities in Zermatt
- Paragliding over the Matterhorn (thrilling and scenic).
- Rock climbing & alpine hiking.
- Snowshoeing in winter.
- Summer festivals & events.
Final Thoughts:
So, when it comes to “Zermatt what to do”, the answer is simple: everything. From riding the Glacier Express to hiking the 5 Lakes Trail, sipping champagne on the slopes, watching the Matterhorn glow at sunrise, and indulging in endless fondue Zermatt is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
One important thing to remember is that Zermatt is a car-free village, so if you’re planning on driving in Switzerland, you’ll need to park in Täsch and take the short train ride into town. This makes the journey part of the adventure while keeping the charm of Zermatt intact.
Zermatt FAQs
Q: Is Zermatt worth visiting if I don’t ski?
Absolutely! With train rides, fondue huts, hikes, and viewpoints, there’s plenty for non-skiers.
Q: What’s the best time to visit Zermatt?
Winter (Dec–Feb) for skiing & snow; Summer (Jun–Sep) for hiking & paragliding.
Q: How expensive is Zermatt?
Expect Switzerland-level prices but you can balance luxury (CERVO, Glacier Express) with budget (Alpenroyal, picnic hikes).
