Travel Insights

Zermatt is a post-card perfect Swiss town nestled at the base of the iconic Matterhorn – a luxurious holiday destination for skiers (365 days of snow!) and non skiers alike. By the way, did you know that Zermatt has been car-free since the 1970s? Don’t worry though, there are plenty of electric buses and taxis to ferry you from one place to another. Another great option is to simply walk around and take in the majestic view and immerse yourself in the culture of the quaint Swiss town.
Until four British mountaineers bravely ascended the Matterhorn, Zermatt was a small, sleepy agricultural town. But now, thousands of tourists flock to this quaint mountain town to soak in a special Swiss experience.
If you’re an ardent skier, the best time to visit Zermatt is between December and Easter. But if you’re looking for non-skiing activities, planning your visit in the summer months between June to September is your best bet.
Let’s find out what are the top things to see and experience in this beautiful Alpine town.

1. The Matterhorn up close

The Matterhorn dominates the landscape of three countries that are vying to claim the majestic peak as their own. The French call it Mont Cervin, the Italians Monte Cervino, but Switzerland firmly maintains that the Matterhorn is a Swiss icon. Whether you want to climb it or simply snap a photo for your Insta grid, you can’t help admiring it’s rugged yet perfect proportions – the four faces of the mountain actually face the four cardinal directions!

Lots of hiking trails can take you up close to the mighty Matterhorn.

2. Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis

In 1865, the first successful ascent of the majestic Matterhorn was led by British mountaineer Edward Whymper, however, the expedition ended on a disastrous note when a rope snapped during their descent, claiming the lives of four climbers.

The Matterhorn Museum does a fantastic job of retelling the history of Zermatt, including dramatizing the race Whymper and Italian ace climber Jean Antoine Carrel to conquer the peak through clips from Luis Trenker’s film Der Berg ruft.

The museum contain artifacts that showcases the 19th century life in Zermatt as well as its mountaineering history. The rope that snapped during Whymper’s expedition and other mountaineering accessories from the first ascent are also exhibited.

You can visit the museum Monday to Sunday (except a brief period in November to December) between 3 PM and 7 PM.

3. Village Tour of Zermatt

You’ll be obsessed with this quaint Alpine town the moment you set foot on its cobbled streets. Zermatt village has been shaped by a curious integration of tradition and modern touristy culture. Did you know that horse drawn carriages were the only mode of transport in Zermatt even 40 years ago? And now, Zermatt residents and tourists alike rely on electric cars to get around!

A village tour of Zermatt takes little more than an hour. The older part of the town still showcases ancient buildings that embody the traditional architecture of the Walser residents. The main square – the Bahnhofstrasse – is a merry place to stroll around with plenty of restaurants, bars, bakeries, and souvenir shops.

4. 5-Seenweg

You can’t miss the 9.3 km long 5-Seenweg or the five lakes walk if you’re in Zermett. The hiking path leads to five lakes – Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee – each with its unique characteristics and views.

For example, Lake Leisee is great for swimming and is also safe for children. The Grünsee gives you a more rugged view, and the shores of the Grindjisee are home to some of the rarest and most exotic alpine flowers.

5. Gourmet Sightseeing Flight

This unforgettable experience involves a helicopter flight among the mountains around Zermatt with a phenomenal view of the Matterhorn. That’s not all though. Once you step out of the helicopter in Unterrothorn (3,103 m), you can enjoy a typical local meal at Restaurant Rothorn that has fantastic views of Matterhorn.

The flight time can be anywhere between 20-40 minutes, and the routes vary according to the time of day.

6. Zermatt Matterhorn Brewery

Although beer has always been a part of Zermatt’s culture, the beverage gained mass popularity in the 1800s due to German influence. If you’re a beer lover, you can’t miss your visit to the Zermatt Matterhorn Brewery – the first brewery of the town and one that has a unique take on sustainability.

7. Matterhorn glacier ride

Planning your visit to Zermatt post winter 2018? You cannot miss the world’s highest 3S cable way to Klein Matterhorn (Little Matterhorn). This luxury cable car ride connects Matterhorn glacier ride connects Trockener Steg with the Matterhorn glacier paradise station at a staggering height of 3883 m!

And here’s more – the new cable way is also launching four special cabins whose outer frame will be studded with Svarovski crystals! Talk about a deluxe ride!

8. Matterhorn glacier paradise

The Matterhorn glacier paradise at a height of 3883 m gives you the unique view of 38 4000 m peaks and countless glittering glaciers. The Glacier paradise also features in its upper levels a cinema, a fine dining restaurant, and unmatched ski slopes. And if you go a little lower to Trockener Steg or Schwarzee, there are numerous hiking and biking trails for nature-loving travelers.

9. Glacier Express one day round trip (with private tour guide)

This day trip starts from Zurich with a tour of Chur, the oldest town of Switzerland, before you board the glacier express. Experience the majestic Swiss Alps as you chug along through the Grand Canyon of Switzerland to Disentis (Rhine valley), and make your way to Andermatt and Brig. Keep your eyes peeled for the unforgettable views of the Swiss Alps, and then travel along Lake Thun’s incredible shoreline on your way back to Zurich.

10.Mountaineers’ Cemetery

This tranquil site is a memorial to all the great climbers who lost their lives chasing the ultimate thrill in Zermatt. If you’re a mountaineering enthusiast, this site will prove to be a humbling visit.

11. Photopoint Kirchbrucke bridge

We don’t blame you if you plan on getting a quick view of the majestic Matterhorn at every opportunity you get, and this site provides just that at any point of the day. However, if you want to see the magical sight of the sun’s rays hitting the pinnacle of the Matterhorn, we suggest you get here before sunrise.

12.Dossen Glacier Garden

A 30-minute walk from the Furi cable station, the Dossen Glacier Gardens shows the effect of retreating glaciers (after the last ice age) on the present landscape. The garden is dotted with glacier mills and is also home to the remains of a soapstone quarry.

The Wrap

Zermatt is the ultimate Alpine ski destination that has plenty to offer to non-skiers too. Moreover, since Zermatt shares a border with Italy, you’re bound to have a great foodie experience here! Lastly, the museums and memorial sites give you plenty of opportunities to soak in the town’s history and evolving culture as well.