one day trip zermatt

One Day in Zermatt: Day Trip Itinerary, Map & Planning Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 14, 2024

Thinking of visiting Zermatt, Switzerland, for 1 day and wondering how to best plan your time so that you can see all the best sights of Zermatt in one day ? In this guide, you can find the suggested Zermatt 1-day itinerary that covers the ‘musts’ in the most efficient way.

No matter if you are visiting in summer or in winter, this itinerary will help you make the most of your Zermatt day trip. Find out!

Zermatt is one of the most popular mountain destinations in the Swiss Alps. Best known as home to the most iconic mountain in Switzerland, the Matterhorn , and the steepest open-air railway in the world, Gornergrat Railway , Zermatt is one of those places that many consider a must-see in Switzerland .

And while there is so much more to see and do in Zermatt than you could cover in a day or even two, it is possible to see the ‘musts’ if you are visiting Zermatt for one day .

You won’t be able to see and experience everything, but you can certainly cover the two main places that make Zermatt world-famous: Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise . In addition – if you plan your day well – you can also see some other nice places in Zermatt.

In this article, we show you how to best plan your time so that you experience the very best that Zermatt has to offer in just one day. To make it easier to understand where everything is, we also created a map indicating all the places mentioned below. You can find it at the end of the article, together with a detailed 1-day itinerary with time indications . Take a look!

READ ALSO: Switzerland Itinerary

TIP: While you can make a day trip to Zermatt and still see some of the best places, we recommend staying in town for two nights and spending at least 1 full day in Zermatt . It’s located quite far away from all the main towns in Switzerland, and so just getting there and back will take a long time. Even if you can only spend one night in Zermatt, it’s still better than just visiting Zermatt as a day trip.

But yes, even a day trip to Zermatt is possible . Here are some tours and – further below- you’ll find our tips on how to best do it if you plan your own trip. Even if you start your day later or leave earlier, you can still see the same ‘must-see’ places on this itinerary. It will simply mean that you’ll have less time to explore them deeper.

Good to know: Our recommended 1-day Zermatt itinerary includes some places and short hikes that can only be done in summer. However, the main landmarks of Zermatt can be visited the whole year. And so this itinerary will work for a winter trip as well, minus the hiking.

Important: You’ll need 2 different tickets for this itinerary – the Gornergrat Railway day ticket and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise day ticket . Or you can get a Peak Pass which – for one day – costs the same as these two separate tickets and is probably easier.

The Peak Pass is really expensive if you only buy it for 1-2 days, but offers great value for a longer stay. With two days in Zermatt, it would be better to buy two tickets separately and visit one area per day. But with just one day in Zermatt (and if you want to see ALL the musts), there’s really no cheaper way to do it unless you decide to visit only Gornergrat OR Matterhorn Glacier Paradise but not both.

TIP: The Swiss Travel Pass gives you big discounts on all tickets in Zermatt, plus it includes all the trains to get to Zermatt (and kids travel free – see our detailed guide via the link below for more info).

LEARN MORE: Swiss Travel Pass: Complete Guide

How to use this guide: First, you can find a detailed program with all the necessary information for the places we recommend visiting in Zermatt in one day. At the end of the article, you’ll also find a short overview of this itinerary , with time indications that will give you a good idea of what your day could look like.

We also included a shorter 1-day itinerary for those of you who are visiting Zermatt as a day trip and can’t get there early in the morning. Take a look!

Here’s how we recommend spending one day in Zermatt:

Gornergrat Railway

Time needed: 33 minutes for the train journey up the mountain.

Start your day in Zermatt with an early morning ride on the Gornergrat Railway . If you are staying in town, we recommend taking one of the earliest trains (7 am or 8 am). Not only will you beat the crowds, but you will also be able to enjoy some of the best scenery by going early (more info below).

Gornergrat Railway was built over 100 years ago and even today, it’s the steepest open-air cog railway in the world. It’s a very scenic ride that takes you to an altitude of 3,089 meters (10,134 ft) in just 33 minutes.

Along the way, you can admire the stunning Alpine Scenery. Depending on the season, you might start your 30-minute journey in the warm summerly weather down in the village and then step out on the snow on the mountain.

TIP: Sit on the right side of the train when going up (the side of the Matterhorn) for the best views. Also, be sure to choose a seat where the windows can be opened – that way you can take nicer pictures from the train. On the other hand, the views to the other side are also nice, especially when the views of the Matter Valley open up. A good thing is that if you take the train early in the morning, you’ll probably be almost alone and will be able to enjoy the views in any direction.

Time needed: If you only visit Riffelsee, count 20-30 minutes. This will give you plenty of time to walk to the lake, enjoy the views, and take some nice pictures.

Riffelsee is a tiny mountain lake best known for the picture-perfect mirror image of the Matterhorn . When there’s no wind and the water is calm, you can see the most beautiful reflections of the Matterhorn and the other mountains on the surface of this lake.

TIP: The best time for reflections is early morning. Therefore, we recommend that you visit Riffelsee first, before going all the way to Gorngergrat.

Good to know: Riffelsee Lake is just a short 5 minutes walk from the Rotenboden train station , which is one before the last station on the Zermatt – Gornergrat railway line. For more practical tips and info, please see our detailed guide to visiting Riffelsee.

LEARN MORE: Riffelsee Lake

An additional tip for early birds & in summer only. If you have 1 hour to spare, take a short and easy hike from Riffelsee to Riffelberg before continuing to Gornergrat. However, with just one day in Zermatt, you may have to be very selective about where you go, so only do this if you start your day early in the morning.

Time needed: 30-60 minutes, depending on what exactly you choose to do.

After visiting Riffelsee, walk back to Rotenboden and take the next train to Gornergrat. During the peak season and after 8 am, trains run every 24 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long.

At Gornergrat, explore all the viewing platforms, do the short 360° Scenic Loop hike (just 20 minutes), visit Zooom the Matterhorn experience, a small chapel, and check out the shops at Gornergrat Kulmhotel. There’s also a restaurant here where you could also have some coffee.

LEARN MORE: What to See & Do at Gornergrat

Gornergrat Scenic Trail to Rotenboden

Time needed: 40-60 minutes.

After visiting Gornergrat, you could take a train back down towards Zermatt. However, if the weather is nice and you want to enjoy more of the spectacular views of this area, we recommend that you do some hiking here .

One of the nicest short hikes that you can do in Zermatt is a downhill trail from Gornergrat to Rotenboden , aka Gornergrat Scenic Trail, or hike nr. 15.

This short hike offers spectacular views of the glaciers, the Matterhorn, and also of the Gornergrat Railway. If you want to take some nice pictures of the train and the Matterhorn in the background, this is an excellent place for that.

This hike goes to the Rotenboden railway station. So if you want to, you can also stop at Riffelsee Lake once again (or if you haven’t done it first thing in the morning).

LEARN MORE: Gornergrat Scenic Trail to Rotenboden

Make Your Way to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (& Quick Lunch)

Time needed: 40-90 minutes.

After visiting the Gornergrat area, you have two options for how to get to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at Klein Matterhorn: via Furi or via Zermatt town. The first option will only work in the high season when the Furi gondola is running and only if you have the Peak Pass. Whereas the second option will work the whole year and can be done if you have two separate tickets for the Gornergrat and the Matterhorn areas.

1. Take a train to Riffelberg, which is just one station lower from Rotenboden or two stations from Gornergrat. From Riffelberg, you can take a gondola to Furi, where you can jump directly on the gondola to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. If you didn’t pack a picnic lunch, you’ll find plenty of restaurants at all bigger gondola stations, just keep in mind that it will take some more time.

Also, the Furi – Riffelberg gondola only runs during the ski season and on the weekends in summer. No worries if it’s not running, though – you can still get to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise; but it will take a bit longer. See the second option below.

2. The second option – available in any season – is to take the train all the way down to Zermatt, walk through town, and then take the gondola to Klein Matterhorn from there. This will take you at least 40 minutes longer, so keep that in mind, but you could save time for lunch, so all in all it might be about the same.

When walking to the Matterhorn gondola through town, you could grab something small for lunch. There are supermarkets in Zermatt town center and also bakeries, cafes, etc. With just a day in Zermatt, I wouldn’t recommend having lunch at a restaurant as that would take up too much of your precious time.

TIP: It’s better to take a picnic for lunch or buy something small and eat it along the way, and then have a relaxing dinner in Zermatt after all the sightseeing.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Time needed: 1 hour.

Located at Klein Matterhorn, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is another must-see in Zermatt. It’s a totally different experience than Gornergrat, but equally impressive. It would be really difficult to choose just one or the other, and that’s why we recommend visiting both these places, even if you only have a day in Zermatt.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest easily accessible mountain peak that you can visit in Zermatt. No matter what time of the year you visit, there is always snow here . People come to ski at Klein Matterhorn in summer!

There are several things to do at Matterhorn, including shops, restaurants, etc. The musts are the viewing platform and the Glacier Palace .

From the viewing platform , you have the most amazing views of the Matterhorn and countless other mountain peaks including the Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps.

Glacier Palace is located inside the glacier and deep under the eternal ice. You can walk through man-made ice tunnels and see all kinds of spectacular ice carvings and ice sculptures. There’s also a slide inside an ice tunnel – fun for young and old.

Good to know: Also in summer, you’ll need a warm sweater here. A windproof rain jacket is also good to have because you never know how the weather will be in the mountains.

TIP: On your way to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you can upgrade your ticket for the last section of the gondola ride, from Trocknersteg. For a small additional fee, you can then take the Crystal Ride – a glass-bottomed luxury cable car that offers unparalleled views of the glacier right under your feet. It’s one of the most impressive things we have done in Zermatt and well worth a small extra fee.

LEARN MORE: What to See & Do at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Trockenersteg

Time needed: 30 minutes.

After visiting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, take the same cable car one stop down and disembark at Trockenersteg . Before continuing your journey further down to Zermatt, we recommend that you walk to a small glacier lake right next to the cable car station.

This is where the Matterhorn Glacier Trail starts, one of the most beautiful hikes in Zermatt . With just a day in Zermatt, you won’t have time for this 3-hour hike, but you can at least see some of the best scenery at the beginning of this iconic hike.

Just a few decennia ago, this area was covered by a retreating glacier and the scenery here is really unique. Plus, you are really close to the Matterhorn and can get some nice pictures of the mountain and the lake.

After visiting the lake, return back to the cable car and take it one stop further down the mountain – to Schwarzsee.

Schwarzsee & ZERMATT Sign

Schwarzsee is one of the many small mountain lakes in Zermatt where you can also see reflections of the Matterhorn. However, you’ll likely be here in the afternoon, so the chances for reflections are low. Not even to mention that people will likely be swimming here if you visit on a warm summer day.

Nevertheless, Schwarzsee Lake is worth a quick visit. You can also see a small chapel where the Matterhorn climbers come to pray before their ascent.

Another reason to stop at Schwarzsee is the ZERMATT sign . It’s a nice place to take some cool souvenir pictures of your day in Zermatt.

By the time you’ve seen all the places mentioned above, it will likely be late afternoon. Time to head to Zermatt and explore the town just a little bit. You can take a cable car from Schwarzsee all the way down to Zermatt town.

Zermatt Town

Time needed: ideally at least 1-1.5 hours.

It would be a pity to visit the Zermatt area and not see the town itself. So even if you only have a day in Zermatt, in addition to the Gornergrat and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, we recommend that you plan to spend some time in town as well .

One of the nicest things to do in Zermatt is to simply walk down the main street that leads to the railway station. It’s called Bahnhofstrasse (Station Street) and is lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels. You can find pretty much everything here – from Swiss chocolates to the most expensive watches, and from McDonald’s to fancy gourmet restaurants.

If you have at least half an hour to an hour to spare, we highly recommend visiting the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis as well. It’s located on the main town square and its entrance looks like a giant glass igloo – you can’t really miss it.

The museum itself is hidden under the ground and is presented as a mid-19th-century village of Zermatt. It’s a great place to learn more about Zermatt’s history, the first mountaineers that climbed the Matterhorn, and see how a small village transformed into a world-famous mountain resort.

Right next to the museum, there’s also a big church. Behind it, you can find Mountaineers Cemetery . It’s just a small graveyard, where some of the famous mountain climbers are buried, but it’s really interesting to see. Ideally, you visit the museum first and then the cemetery.

One more place that’s really worth seeing and only takes a few minutes is the old part of town, aka Hinterdorf . This is where you can see some of the traditional wooden houses on stilts, typical to the Valais region in southern Switzerland.

TIP: You can find more information about all these places in our guide to the best things to do in Zermatt .

And that’s enough sightseeing for the day – time for dinner!

By now, you’ll probably want to sit down, rest your legs, and have a nice meal to end your day in Zermatt.

There are lots of really good restaurants in town . However, it can also get very busy and some of the nicest hotel restaurants will often be fully booked in high season. So if you want to dine at a specific restaurant, be sure to reserve a table in advance, before you arrive!

But no worries if you didn’t plan anything upfront – there is plenty of choices, and you can find pretty much any cuisine here too.

TIP: We recommend looking for a nice local restaurant that serves Swiss dishes and trying some Swiss fondue, raclette, or other regional specialties. After all, you don’t travel all the way to Switzerland to eat pizza, hamburgers, or Asian food…

Suggested Zermatt 1 Day Itinerary & Map

So, this is our recommended Zermatt 1-day itinerary. Here’s a short recap once again, with hours indicated just for your reference (and based on the current summer train schedule). This is just meant to give you a better idea of how you could plan your time.

Here’s what your 1 day in Zermatt could look like:

• 8:00 Gornergrat Railway – from Zermatt to Rotenboden.
• 8:30 Riffelsee (#1 on the map).
• 8:52 Take a train to Gornergrat.
• 8:57 Gornergrat (#2 on the map).
• 10:00 Hike from Gornergrat to Rotenboden (#3 on the map).
• 11:12 Take a train from Rotenboden to Zermatt (OR – if possible a cable car from Riffelberg to Furi).
• 11:51 Arrive in Zermatt, get something small for lunch & walk to the Matterhorn cable car (walk from #4 to #5).
• 13:00 Take a cable car to Klein Matterhorn (gondolas run continuously).
• 14:00 Explore the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (#6 on the map).
• 15:00 Take a cable car to Trockenersteg and walk to the lake (#7 on the map).
• 15:45 Take a gondola to Schwarzsee, visit the lake, and take pictures with the ZERMATT sign (#8 on the map).
• 16:30 Take a gondola to Zermatt (#9 on the map).
• 17:00 Visit the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis, Mountaineer’s Cemetery, and Hinterdorfstrasse.
• 18:30 Dinner.

TIP: If you can start your day at 7 am, I recommend also doing the short hike from Riffelsee to Riffelberg , then on to Gornergrat. For the rest, follow the same itinerary as above.

Good to know: Here you can find the timetable for the Zermatt – Gornergrat railway. As already mentioned, the first train is at 7 am and after 8 am and before 4-5 pm in the high season, the trains run every 24 minutes. So even if you miss a train here or there, it’s not a big deal. During the low season, trains run every 48 minutes, so you’ll need to plan a bit more carefully.

Further below, you can also find an alternative itinerary if you are planning an even shorter day trip to Zermatt .

And here is a map of Zermatt indicating all the places mentioned above.

SHORTER ITINERARY – if you arrive in Zermatt later and HAVE LESS TIME, I recommend starting with the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise first and leaving the Gornergrat area for later.

This is for a few reasons. First, the Gornergrat Railway gets very busy between 9-11 am and the trains also run later in the evening than the gondolas, so it will be more relaxed to turn it around.

Your Zermatt day trip itinerary could look something like this:

• 10:00 Arrive in Zermatt & walk or take a bus to the Matterhorn cable car (walk from #4 to #5).
• 10:15 Take a cable car to Klein Matterhorn.
• 11:00 Explore the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (#6 on the map).
• 12:00 Take a cable car to EITHER Trockenersteg OR Schwarzee (#7 or #8 on the map).
• Take a gondola to Zermatt, get something for lunch, walk through town, maybe also visit the Matterhorn Museum and Hinterdorfstrasse (#9 on the map).
• 15:12 Gornergrat Railway – from Zermatt to Gornergrat (#4 on the map).
• 15:45 Gornergrat (#2 on the map).
• 16:45 Hike from Gornergrat to Rotenboden (#3 on the map) & visit Riffelsee (#1 on the map). The later you come here, the more chance you have to see the reflections on the lake. The reflections are usually best early morning or late evening.
• 18:23 Take a train from Rotenboden to Zermatt. Keep an eye on the train schedule – there is just 1 train per hour after 4-5 pm, and the last train to Zermatt is usually at around 8 pm (in summer).
• 18:59 Arrive in Zermatt and dinner.

If you have even less time, you could shorten this by not doing the hike at Gornergrat and/or skipping Trockener Steg, Schwarzsee, or the museum in town. If the gondola between Furi and Riffelberg is open, that could also save you some time.

If you have more time, visit both – Trockener Steg and Schwarzsee.

Use these suggestions just as an indication and adjust the itinerary based on your own interests!

Getting to Zermatt

Zermatt is located in the Valais region in southern Switzerland. It’s separated from central Switzerland by high mountains with some serious mountain passes to cross.

So if you are just visiting Zermatt for a day from Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne, or other biggest towns, it’s best to take a train (free with the Swiss Travel Pass ). Driving to Zermatt by car for just one day would only make sense if you are already staying somewhat nearby and the drive is not more than 2 hours one-way.

Good to know: Zermatt is a car-free village and so no matter where you come from, you’ll have to take a train from Täsch to Zermatt. The train ride from Täsch to Zermatt takes 12 minutes and the trains run every 20 minutes. If you are coming by car, use the big parking garage by the Täsch railway station.

Zermatt Day Trips & Tours

You can easily get to Zermatt and see everything on your own, but there are also day tours available from some bigger cities and there are guided tours available once you get to Zermatt. See here for what’s available at the moment .

These day tours are very expensive, but so are the train tickets to get to Zermatt, not even to mention the tickets to Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

So if you add it all up, it’s a very expensive day trip, no matter how you do it – alone or with a guide.

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from Lucerne

Where to stay

While you can visit Zermatt as a day trip, depending on where you are coming from, it will be a very long and rushed day. So if you can adjust your itinerary, we highly recommend spending at least one or two nights in Zermatt.

As already mentioned, even if you can stay just 1 night, it will already be more relaxed. But ideally, you spend at least 2-3 nights in Zermatt, so that you have 1 or 2 full days to explore.

Here are some hotel suggestions for a short stay in Zermatt:

• €€€€€ The Omnia .
• €€€€ Backstage Boutique SPA Hotel .
• €€€ Hotel Butterfly .
• €€ Hotel Alpina .

So, this is our guide to visiting Zermatt for a day. I hope that this helps you plan your time and see the very best that this stunning mountain resort has to offer.

TIP: If you found this guide useful, be sure to check out our Switzerland travel guide . It contains an overview of all our articles about a big variety of popular destinations in Switzerland. Alternatively, see some of our favorites below!

Some of our favorite places in Switzerland:

• Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe
• Mt Pilatus from Lucerne
• Mt Pilatus Golden Round Trip
• Lucerne Day Trips
• Grindelwald-First
• Trübsee (Engelberg)
• Schynige Platte
• Skiing in Wengen & Skiing in Engelberg

The nicest cities:

• Best Things to Do in Lucerne
• Best Things to Do in Geneva
• Best Things to Do in Bern

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

Some of our favorite hikes in Switzerland:

• Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge Hike (near Zermatt)
• Best Hikes at Schynige Platte (near Interlaken)
• Oeschinensee Hike (close to Interlaken)
• Four Lakes Hike in Engelberg (near Lucerne)
• Bachalpsee Lake (Grindelwald)
• Stoos Ridge Hike (possible from Lucerne or Zurich)
• 5 Lakes Hike in Zermatt

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Friday 19th of April 2024

Hi Jurga, great article that is helping to plan my trip in July. I have 1 doubt. you state that the Furi-Riffelberg gondola is only on weekends in the summer? Is that still the case? I went to the timetable and it shows 29/6 - 18/8 only and doesn't say restrict to weekends only? thanks for help confirming as I want to do both in the same day.

Saturday 20th of April 2024

Hi Sue, I am not 100% sure but the schedule I found for the summer 2024, says that the Furi-Riffelberg gondola will be operating between June 29 and August 18 without mentioning any more details. So it looks like they are planning to keep it open daily in the peak season. You can just ask what the situation is like when you are there. As said in the article, even if this gondola wouldn't be open, you can still visit both areas; it just takes a bit longer.

Thursday 21st of March 2024

This is amazing and EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED. Thank you so much for the awesome write up and all of the details and advice. This is absolutely fantastic. We are going to Zermatt for the first time this summer (2 nights, 1 full day) as part of an insane 30 day trip to Europe where we are going to see nearly half the continent. I want to make sure we get the most out of each stop and I feel like I am going to succeed now that I have discovered your site.

Glad to help, Ali. Sounds like you are planning quite an adventure. Try to slow down and simply be in the moment once in a while. Enjoy Europe! PS We have tons of similar guides to many other popular destinations in Europe, so take a look at our destinations page or simply use the search button if you are looking for something specific.

Thursday 9th of November 2023

Hi! First of all, thanks for all the suggestions, they are great! I live in Zurich and my mum is visiting from Ecuador. I have bought a tageskarte for Saturday the 6th of January and the plan is to go to Zermatt. My mum is 70 years old and we can't do lots of hiking, we would like mainly sightseeing. That said, do you think is worth it only doing Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the museum in Zermatt? Do you have any other suggestion? We have to be back in Zurich at maximum 10pm. I mainly want to spend quality time with my mum and see the wonderful landscape.

Thanks a lot!

Friday 10th of November 2023

@Jurga, Thanks for the suggestions! :)

Hi Fernanda, there are a few things to keep in mind - first, you can't predict the weather in advance. Second, hiking in January is out of the question (unless snowshoeing or at much lower altitudes than what is described in this article). And finally, the days are very short at that time of the year so it gets dark very early. So if you get to Zermatt early in the morning and the weather is nice, then you could do Matterhorn as well as Gornergrat, and also the museum after you get back to town. Since you bought a day ticket already, try to make the most of it! As I said, you can't hike at that time of the year anyway, so you'll need much less time at the top and you should be able to visit both main mountain peaks. Also, since it's ski season, the gondola connecting the two areas (Furi to Riffelberg) should also be working which would make it even easier to visit both areas in a short time. Enjoy!

Saturday 16th of September 2023

Hi I want to visit Zermatt, but have a really a very very limited time. I may reach between 1 pm - 2pm (half day) in Zermatt and needs to go back to Zurich at night (have to check maybe the 2nd to the last train trip to Zurich) Even if I want to see Matterhorn closer, most probably I can roam around the Old Town Center only. However I still would like to know, if with this short period, if it's still possible to see Matterhorn closer? Where to? If not, any particular place in Zermatt where at least I can have a photo background of iconic Matterhorn?

Thank you so much

Sunday 17th of September 2023

@Jurga, Thanks a lot! :)

Hi Alma, you can see Matterhorn from the village, but if you want to get closer, take a gondola to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. On the way back, disembark at the Trockener Steg and walk to the little lake near the gondola. You have a pretty nice close view of the mountain there too. That being said, you really need a good 3-4 hours for a proper visit there and gondolas stop running at around 4-4.30pm, so if you only arrive in Zermatt at 2pm, it's not really worth going up anymore, or just to Trockener Steg at best (it's much cheaper than going all the way up too). Another way is to take a train to Gornergrat and also stop at Riffelsee Lake (or hike down to the lake). You have a great view of the Matterhorn from there even though it's technically further away. The advantage of this is that the trains to Gornergrat run much later in the evening, so you don't have the same time pressure as at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Plus, the train to Gornergrat departs very close to the main railway station in the old town where you'll arrive to start with. Otherwise, just stay in the village and you can see Matterhorn (in the distance) from pretty much anywhere. One more thing to keep in mind that if it's cloudy or rainy you may not see it at all, so maybe check the weather forecast before deciding if it's worth such a long trip. Even in the good weather, a short afternoon is really not enough to appreciate what Zermatt has to offer. Hope this helps.

Monday 14th of August 2023

Thank you for these wonderful suggestions and insights into how to get the best of a limited time in Switzerland. Very very useful and practical. I had one general question - if I were to need some transportation between towns, are there any websites or apps that help with arranging some drivers to take you from one place to another? It seems like the more organized transportation service tend to get quite expensive. Since Uber is not available outside of the main cities, I was wondering. Thank you so much in advance for your help.

Hi Shyam, if you are not renting a car, by far the best way to travel around in Switzerland is by train. Alternatively, for certain destinations, you can also find guided tours. Depending on where exactly you go, sometimes these tours may give you better value than purchasing all the separate segments (train, bus, gondolas, etc.) by yourself. This is because many tours use their own buses and get group discounts. But otherwise, train is the way to go. You may want to look into different passes and discount cards available to figure out what would be cheaper for your specific itinerary, but it takes a lot of time and research to compare all different options and your specific situation (e.g. kids of certain age have different discounts than adults or seniors, etc.).

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Home > Switzerland > One Day in Zermatt: The Perfect Itinerary With Things to Do

One Day in Zermatt: The Perfect Itinerary With Things to Do

By Dymphe / January 10, 2023

One day in Zermatt is incredible to experience and it's the perfect amount of time to explore the town. Zermatt is an amazing destination in Switzerland and there's so much to do!

In a day, you can see all highlights of the town. You can ride the Gornergrat Railway, see a mountain, visit a museum, go skiing and do so much more!

If you're spending 24 hours in Zermatt, you will definitely have a wonderful time.

I'll first start with some information to know before traveling to the town. After that, you can find the perfect itinerary for one day in Zermatt! And this guide ends with some other things to know, such as where to stay during your time in the town.

Table of Contents

Why Spend One Day in Zermatt

Zermatt is one of the most beautiful places to travel to in Switzerland. Many people know this wonderful destination for its skiing. 

As the mountains are very high, you can go skiing for the whole year. So it's even possible in summer! This makes the destination very unique.

For that reason, it’s a very popular ski destination. If you love skiing, this is the most important reason why you should travel to this town.

But besides that, Zermatt has so much more to offer. So it’s not only a great place to travel to if you like skiing!

For example, the town looks wonderful and wandering around there is amazing. It’s so magical to see all mountains and the beautiful buildings.

Another amazing reason to go to Zermatt is that it’s a movie location as well! This makes the destination even more special. You can see the town in the Third Man on the Mountain. This is a Disney movie. 

So if you travel to Zermatt you’ll experience what it’s like to be in a Disney movie in real life.

Also, if you love hiking, this is a great destination too. If you're spending 24 hours in Zermatt, hiking is one of the most fun activities.

And Zermatt has even more to offer! For example, you can see the Matterhorn Museum there. There’s definitely something for everyone’s liking in this town.

This is an itinerary for one day in Zermatt. That’s because, in a day, you can see all highlights of the town. It’s the perfect amount of time to visit the town for the first time. But this itinerary is also perfect if you go back there, but don’t have a lot of time to be there. 

The best time to travel to Zermatt

You can visit Zermatt every month. Every season, the town has something else to offer. 

But I'd recommend traveling there in summer. In summer, it's not very cold in Zermatt. The average high temperature is about 68°F (20°C) in summer. So that’s a great temperature!

And at the same time, it’s still possible to go skiing. That makes summer an amazing time to go there. You can both enjoy the warm weather and enjoy skiing!

So if you're spending 24 hours in Zermatt, summer is great!

But traveling here in winter is amazing as well. Winter is very popular for those who love skiing. The temperatures are low, but that's a great experience too! It's also very magical to experience Christmas here. There's a lot of snow, so it will feel like a Christmas movie. 

You can also go here during autumn or spring. The average temperatures are higher than in winter but lower than in summer. So if you like that, it's pleasant to go here in these seasons as well. 

Itinerary for One Day in Zermatt

It's time for the itinerary! You're going to spend a wonderful day in the town.

Whether it's summer, fall, spring, or winter, this guide is perfect! You'll definitely make the most out of your time here.

Have fun exploring the amazing Swiss town!

Start your one day in Zermatt with breakfast

It is the morning of your 24 hours in Zermatt. First things first, let's go for breakfast!

Typical breakfast in Switzerland consists of bread, butter, and jam, or other toppings. Furthermore, people drink milk, hot chocolate, or coffee with it.

When you are only a day in Zermatt, you want the most authentic experience. So I'd recommend getting some typical Swiss breakfast.

A great place for this is Bistro Fuchs. There are a few locations in Zermatt. Here you can try out authentic Swiss bread with toppings and a good cup of coffee. This place has a lovely atmosphere.

Also, while you are here, you should definitely try out their homemade Swiss chocolate.

Ride the Gornergrat Railway and see the Matterhorn Mountain

One of the best things you can do in the town of Zermatt is to ride the Gornergrat Train. This is a train that goes from Zermatt to Gornergrat. Along the way, you can see beautiful views of the landscape of Switzerland. The total train journey takes about 33 minutes.

What's unique about this train ride is its altitude. The train ride starts in Zermatt at an altitude of 1604 meters above sea level. From there it goes to the railway station of Gornergrat. This station is 3089 meters above sea level, which is very high.

In fact, this railway is the second-highest railway in Europe. That's a unique experience you definitely have to have when you are only one day in Zermatt.

From the top, you have a beautiful view of the Matterhorn mountain. But you can see much more from there. You have a panoramic view here, with many high mountain peaks that are spectacular to see! And if you like photography, this is also a good place to visit!

What's great is that you can do this train ride all year. In summer, hiking from the top at Gornergrat is amazing. And in winter, this is a popular place for skiing.

So riding the Gornergrat Train is a great thing to do. And it leads you to many other great things to do in Zermatt!

Go to the Matterhorn Museum

After this, it's time to visit a museum!

The Matterhorn Museum is a very interesting museum to visit in the morning of your one day in Zermatt. And it is a more unusual thing to do in Zermatt. If you want to learn something new, this is an incredible experience!

This museum focuses on the history and culture of the town of Zermatt. You can see how people lived here in the 19th century. Furthermore, you can learn a lot about the first people that went up Matterhorn mountain.

You can see here real old buildings from the town. In these houses, you can see many historical objects from the town. This is very interesting and adds to your experience of your 24 hours in Zermatt.

In the town of Zermatt, there are several places for lunch. There are many options to choose from, so you can have whatever you like.

One of the best places for lunch is Cervo Kitchen in Madre Nostra. There are a lot of lunch dishes to choose from here. You find here soups, burgers, salads, fondue, and more. And there are many vegetarian options as well, which is always great.

Another great place for lunch is Restaurant Vegistube. This is a vegetarian restaurant that serves both classic and new dishes. Furthermore, the place has an atmosphere you would expect from a Swiss restaurant.

Go hiking or skiing

In the afternoon, you can go hiking or skiing depending on what you like most. You can go by the Gornergrat Train, which you already rode this morning. Or you can use one of the lifts in Zermatt.

Zermatt is very popular for skiing. It is the highest ski resort in Europe and many people go here. So if you are one day in Zermatt, you too can't miss out on doing this.

There are lots of pistes and ski lifts. And a lot of skiing areas to choose from. In fact, there are more than 360 kilometers of pistes during winter.

What's great is that you can also ski in summer. In some areas, there is always snow throughout the year. This is because of the high altitude of Zermatt.

To get to these areas, you have to take the Klein Matterhorn cable car. This cable car is the highest of its kind on earth and leads you to Matterhorn glacier paradise. The view from the top is incredible. And you find here lots of winter activities.

Besides that, Zermatt is a great hiking destination in the summer. There are more than 400 kilometers of hiking trails, which is impressive.

If you are one day in Zermatt and you like hiking, then this is a great activity to do in the afternoon.

Along the way, you can see the most beautiful natural scenery in Zermatt. There are 38 peaks of four thousand meters or more in the surroundings of Zermatt.

And because there are so many trails, there's always a hike for you. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced hiker, there is a route that you can choose. Hiking here can be a very relaxing experience or a challenge.

It's time for dinner! After spending one day in Zermatt and seeing this lovely town, I'm sure you're hungry.

Zermatt has many amazing restaurants. So you'll definitely love having dinner here. You can wander around the town and go to a restaurant you like.

But there is one restaurant I'd recommend! Restaurant Julen is one of the most amazing places for dinner in the town. The chef of this restaurant is Joe Lackner.

He's an amazing chef and with his team, he makes new menus each day! This is a great place for lunch in Zermatt, but you can also reserve a table for dinner.

One of the dishes on the menu I'd recommend is the Massaman Thai curry. It's with vegetables and potatoes and it's so delicious! But there are so many other delicious dishes on the menu you can choose from. 

Furthermore, the place looks very nice from the inside. It's a great restaurant to spend your evening at!

How to get to Zermatt?

It is very easy to get to Zermatt. That's because there are good connections to the town. This is also why it's great to spend 24 hours in Zermatt.

But you cannot get to Zermatt by car. In Zermatt, there are no cars allowed. Thus, if you want to travel by car to Zermatt, you have to take public transport after that.

When traveling by car you have to go to Täsch first. In Täsch, there is a shuttle train to the town of Zermatt. Or you can take a taxi from there.

You can also travel to Zermatt by train. This is the best option, because along the way you can see the beautiful scenery of the mountains. And it is the fastest way to travel.

The train is a convenient way to travel if you are coming from cities in Switzerland, Italy or France.

If you want to travel by airplane, you have to go to an airport that is near first. From there you can take a direct train to the town of Zermatt. Close airports are those of Geneva and Zürich. From there the journey by train takes about 4 hours.

Besides that, you can reach Zermatt by taxi or by helicopter. But those options are less convenient, because of the cost.

Where to stay in Zermatt for one day?

If you are only one day in Zermatt, you want to make the best of your time here.

In other places, this would mean choosing a place to stay that is near the activities of the place. But that's not needed for Zermatt.

The town of Zermatt is a very small town, so staying anywhere in the town is great. Each hotel is in or very close to the center of the town. Because of that, it doesn't matter where you stay. And your choice should depend on the hotel, rather than the location of the hotel.

There are some great hotels in Zermatt. Depending on what you want and your budget, one might be best for you.

A great hotel in Zermatt is the Wellness Hotel Alpenhof. You find here all you need for a relaxing stay. There is a great spa area, a pool, a sauna, and much more.

But there are so many other hotels that are great to be in! So there are enough places to stay during your 24 hours in Zermatt.

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1-Day Zermatt Itinerary

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• Zermatt in 1 day
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• 5-Day Zermatt Itinerary

Table of contents

1-day itinerary.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Gorner Gorge

Zermatt bergbahnen ag, pfarrkirche st. mauritius, matterhorn museum - zermatlantis, where to eat, 1818 eat & drink, restaurant schäferstube, sonnmatten restaurant & suite.

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Popular road trips from zermatt, what's the weather like in zermatt.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Zermatt for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Zermatt in January
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Explore nearby places

• Breuil-Cervinia
• St. Niklaus
• Saint Jacques
• Valtournenche
• Gressoney-la-Trinite
• Alagna Valsesia
• La Magdeleine
• Riva Valdobbia
• Antey Saint Andre

All related maps of Zermatt

• Map of Zermatt
• Map of Tasch
• Map of Randa
• Map of Breuil-Cervinia
• Map of Zinal
• Map of Saas-Fee
• Map of St. Niklaus
• Map of Saint Jacques
• Map of Macugnaga
• Map of Saas-Grund
• Map of Valtournenche
• Map of La Sage
• Map of Graechen
• Map of Ayer
• Map of Champoluc
• Map of Grimentz
• Map of Embd
• Map of Gressoney-la-Trinite
• Map of Saint Jean
• Map of Chamois
• Map of Anniviers
• Map of Antagnod
• Map of Ayas
• Map of Alagna Valsesia
• Map of Vissoie
• Map of Saint-Luc
• Map of Stalden
• Map of Toerbel
• Map of La Magdeleine
• Map of Riva Valdobbia
• Map of Antey Saint Andre

Zermatt throughout the year

• Zermatt in January
• Zermatt in February
• Zermatt in March
• Zermatt in April
• Zermatt in May
• Zermatt in June
• Zermatt in July
• Zermatt in August
• Zermatt in September
• Zermatt in October
• Zermatt in November
• Zermatt in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Zermatt?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Valtournenche Itinerary
• 1-Day Macugnaga Itinerary
• 1-Day Gressoney-la-Trinite Itinerary
• 1-Day Breuil-Cervinia Itinerary

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A day trip to Zermatt: See the Matterhorn and die

Of course, I am exaggerating a bit, but I had this feeling when I first saw the giant with its characteristic and unmistakable shape towering above Zermatt. Another item on my Swiss bucket list checked, and I don’t have to see more from Switzerland (haha, of course, I have to, there are still a lot of places that I would like to visit). But guys, this is the Matterhorn! For most people, seeing the Matterhorn is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

And when I was thinking about a trip to celebrate our five-year anniversary in Switzerland, I had no doubt where I wanted to go.

Before the trip

Before we set out, I carefully read the blog posts of my blogging colleagues to get as much information as possible (you can find the list of these inspirational posts at the end of this post). Maybe you find it a bit exaggerated, after all, like “a day trip, and so what, you’ve already made plenty of those”. But not a trip to Zermatt! Mainly because the way how to get there is not the easiest one. And I also know that my colleagues have children themselves, and I know that I can rely on their judgment about places and family-friendly activities.

Getting to Zermatt

Zermatt is a car-free village, so you have to park your car in the village of Täsch , about 6km from Zermatt. Here is a large Matterhorn Terminal parking lot near the train station.  It cost 15,50CHF to park there for the day.

From Täsch, shuttle trains run every 20 minutes and the journey takes 12 minutes. Return tickets cost CHF 16.40/adult, CHF 8.20/child, Swiss Travel Pass holders travel for free, Half-fare and Junior cards are accepted. More information here . You can also splash out and take a ride to Zermatt with an electric taxi or a horse-drawn carriage 😉.

We decided to go to Zermatt by train . Of course, I was wondering if such a one-day trip is worth spending 6 hours on the train. But yes, it is definitely worth it! Mainly because our municipal office (Gemeinde) had free day passes (Tageskarte) for the planned day of the trip (you can read about traveling through Switzerland with the day pass for 45 francs in this post) , so my biggest concern was “only” the weather forecast.

From Bern , the train ride takes slightly above 2 hours. If you leave Bern at 8:06 with the InterCity train, with switching to the regional to a regional train in Visp, you will be in Zermatt at 10:14.

Tourists from all over the world travel to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn – a majestic mountain with a characteristic Toblerone-shape that is typical of Switzerland as the Eiffel Tower is typical of France. The once small mountain village is now a place where the tourist season is in full swing all year round and where people from all over the world meet.

As soon as our train arrived in Zermatt we headed for the Tourism Office next to the station. The number of tourists buying tickets for the well-known cog railway at Gornergrat has confirmed our initial idea of going in another direction, to Sunnegga.

Along the way to the funicular station, we had a view I had been waiting for five years!

A one-way funicular (which is also called “metro” because it runs through a tunnel in the mountain) ticket costs 8 francs with Halb-fare card. SBB Day passes are not accepted here, but children under 8 years of age are free and Junior Cards are accepted. With the Swiss Travel Pass, you get a 50% discount.

A quick four-minute ride takes you to a height of 2,288 meters above sea level. And here you can enjoy the wonderful views of the Matterhorn.

Leisee lake & Wolli’s Adventure Playground

The Wolli Lamb is the mascot of the local children’s ski area and playground. To get to the lake, you can either walk through the tunnel to the elevator leading directly to the playground (a great option for those with a stroller) or take a 5-minute walk there.

Needless to say that this place is great for taking pictures where you can capture Matterhorn twice – one in the background and the other reflecting on the surface of the lake.

And the playground itself is absolutely fantastic. Our children spent most of their time on the slide, playing with the water features and pulling themselves on the rope raft back and forth across the lake (and “forced” me and my husband to try it too).

There are wooden sun chairs, a picnic hut and plenty of grills. We didn’t make a barbecue here, but at least we drank a toast to celebrate our five-year anniversary.

Hiking back to Zermatt via Findeln and Tiefenmatten

When I was planning our trip, I didn’t have any hike in my mind. I thought we’d just walk to Lake Leisee and take the funicular back. But when the lady behind the counter assured us that the hike didn’t take long (ca 2 hours), and we had a lot of time before the train was supposed to leave, we set out on the road. Right behind Lake Leisee, we headed right to Findeln .

Numerous cozy restaurants with culinary delights and sun terraces with views of the Matterhorn (including the Instagram favorite Chez Vrony or the Enzian and Findlerhof) attract tourists in this tiny village with characteristic wooden alpine houses.

We went on in the direction of Tiefenmatten. Basically, we have copied the “Gourmetweg” theme route. The descent was now not so steep, we walked about 3 kilometers through the forest along the contour and occasionally great views (of Matterhorn, how else 😀) opened to us.

Then again, rather steep 1-kilometer descent to Zermatt. You can shorten your way to the train station by boarding the lift opposite the Cervo Hotel (which you will come across as soon as you leave the forest), which will take you down to the Sunnegga funicular station. From here it is a short walk to the train station.

Probably I don’t have to say that this trip will be an unforgettable experience.

• The hike took us about 2 hours it was about 7km long.
• Not suitable for strollers.
• The Sunnega funicular is open from the end of May till Mid-October for the summer season , for the winter season , it is open from the end of November till the end of April.
• If you would like take the cog railway to Gornergrat , you can buy a return ticket from the conductor already on the train to Zermatt. It costs 98 francs, with a Swiss Travel Pass or Halbtax card costs half. However, if you want a combined ticket (for example, you only have to use the cog railway to go to Rotenboden, walk to Riffelberg and get back to the cog railway station), you must buy it either at the tourist office or at the Gornergrat Bahn ticket office.

Other great day trips we made with the SBB day pass:

• Through Berner Oberland to Montreux and back via the Simmental valley
• A day trip to Geneva
• A boat trip to France and to the Tulip Festival in Morges

Would you like to visit Zermatt in winter? Check this post:

Skiing in zermatt – the complete resort guide + map & tips, my inspiration for our day trip to zermatt:.

• Tanya from Swiss Family Fun: Zermatt Switzerland: Family Guide
• Kristin from Swiss Family Travel: Visiting Zermatt for one day
• Laura from Let’s explore: Zermatt – Matterhorn
• Kate from Mom in Zürich: The Most Beautiful Playground in Zermatt At Sunnegga

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6 Comments . Leave new

[…] is approaching, and it would be nice to take another “extra” trip (like last year to Zermatt), another nice bonus came: in mid-August, in our local Migros, I came across Branches chocolate […]

[…] 1. Zermatt […]

[…] and quiet, Saas-Fee is one of only 15 Swiss resorts where cars are not allowed. Others include e.g. Zermatt, Stoos, Mürren, Melchsee-Frutt, or Wengen. There is a large parking garage at the entrance to the […]

[…] 6. Zermatt […]

[…] see. When the weather is good, you’ll catch a glimpse of Alpine giants including the iconic Matterhorn, the Mont Blanc massif, the Eiger, and […]

[…] my next trip with Day Pass, I chose Zermatt for the second time. The first time we were here was in the autumn of 2019 and we celebrated our 5 years in Switzerland. Also, what other place to choose to celebrate the […]

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Visiting Two peaks of Zermatt in One day

Zermatt is situated at the end of the Matter valley, at one of the most scenic spots in the Swiss Alps. Zermatt is extremely picturesque and most popular ski resort in Switzerland. In addition to winter sports, Zermatt offers a charming and bustling village, high mountain scenery, hiking trails and many other activities, but the first thing comes in our mind is, The Matterhorn. The Matterhorn is the ultimate symbol of Switzerland marketed worldwide and recognized even by children because of the Toblerone chocolate. Its triangular shape and the logo both are inspired from this mountain.

How to reach Zermatt

Zermatt is a car free town, so if you want to come to Zermatt by car, you have to park your car in Tasch, 5 KM from Zermatt, and ride the Zermatt shuttle train. If you are starting your journey from Interlaken or Bern, you have to take the train for Visp. After reaching Visp, you have to change the train here from main line to mountain train. When you get off the train, look for the stairs or ramp down to the underpass. Underpass is clearly signposted for Zermatt, go to that platform and catch the train for Zermatt. There is a ramp along with steps so you can easily carry your luggage. The train form Visp to Zermatt runs on meter gauge and cog railway, so it’s much slower than normal intercity train. Train climbs almost 1,000 m from Visp to Zermatt. The scenery from visp to Zermatt is mesmerizing. We have seen the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland during this trip. Travel time from Visp is slightly more than 1 hour.

Outside Zermatt station the main street Bahnhofstrasse is lined with boutique shops, hotels and restaurants. Supermarket is in front of the station. There are many activities to do in Zermatt, but our destination was Klein Matterhorn. For going to Klein Matterhorn, you have to walk cross the town and reach the cable car station.

Zermatt is car free, so the only way to get around in the town is on foot, small electric taxis and horse carriage. We decided to walk through this beautiful town. From station walk on this beautiful Street Bahnhofstrasse till the square where you find village Church. From church square, turn left and walk into the street for some time. Walk over the river bridge turning right at the first street. This will take you to the cable car station.

How to get to Klein Matterhorn

Zermatt is in the backyard of the world’s most photographed mountains – the Matterhorn. You can reach Matterhorn only if you are a climber, but we want to go to the Little Matterhorn (or Klein Matterhorn in German) which is possible for non-climbers along with children’s by a set of cable cars. From the top of the Klein Matterhorn you can enjoy spectacular views of many 4000 meters upward peaks, in Switzerland, ltaly and France.

The trip starts from the Zermatt valley station and You need to take 3 different cable cars to get to the Klein Matterhorn. The entire ride from Zermatt takes about 45 minutes to 1 Hour.

• The first from Zermatt to Furi 8-seater cable car, which reaches an altitude of 1867 meters.
• The second from Furi to Trockener Steg 150 people capacity cable car, which reaches an altitude of 2939 meters.
• Third from Trockener Steg to Klein Matterhorn reaches an altitude of 3883 metres. There are two lifts from Trockener Steg. The old cable car and the newly opened 3S Bhan (three-cable system) which will take you to Klein Matterhorn in under 9 minutes.

At Trockener Steg cable car station you can visit the lnfoCube – 3S Bahn. The InfoCube is an experience centre where visitors set off on a virtual trip over the glaciers using VR goggles. Interactive information & Videos about Klein Matterhorn and the construction of 3 cable car can be viewed here.

Things to do at Klein Matterhorn

So, once you reach on the top of Klein Matterhorn, other than sightseeing from the observation platform, you can enjoy glacier Paradise, cinema Lounge and shopping.

As you reach the last Klein Matterhorn cable car station, you can find signs pointing towards an elevator that would take us to the observation platform. This is the highest observation platform in Europe. After leaving the elevator, climb the stairs and you are at the observation platform. From here you will enjoy the 360 degrees panorama and 38 Alpine peaks of more than 4000 meters with 14 glaciers.

we went there on a clear day and manage to see most of the peaks. Neither we know the name of the peaks nor we have counted but the views were breathtaking. The views where so mesmerizing that you can spend hours here without doing anything. The time we reach there suddenly one cloud came and stuck on the Matterhorn restricting the full view of Matterhorn. Till the time we were there, the cloud was also stuck there.

After this we went to the snow play area. Our kids want to play with the snow and we spend maximum time here. This area is the starting point of skiing slope. Other than skiing and playing with snow the only activity available at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is snow tubing which is available for free. You can do snow tubing as many times as you like. When the kids are done with throwing snow ball on each other and snow tubing, they quickly make their snowman.

At Klein Matterhorn there is also a Glacier Paradise. We skip this Glacier Paradise because a day before we have already visited the same type of glacier Paradise in Jungfraujoch. You have to take a lift and get down to the Glacier Paradise, since it’s below the restaurant and shop level.

After spending sufficient time at Klein Matterhorn, we move to our next destination Gornergrat, for that we had already purchased Peak2Peak ticket.

Peak2Peak Ticket

The Peak2Peak tickets lets you discover Zermatt’s two must see viewpoints, the Matterhorn glacier paradise and Gornergrat, on a single excursion. The Peak2Peak ticket is available from July to August and from November to April. The only “shortcut” the Peak2Peak Pass would enable you to do would be Furi to Riffelberg. From Riffelberg you have to catch a train and go to Gornergrat. On the return trip from Gornergrat catch the train and come to the Gornergrat Bhan station which is next to the Zermatt main station.

Gornergrat (3,089 m) is one of the places one must visit when you are in Zermatt area. The Gornergrat is a rocky ridge of the Pennine Alps, overlooking the Gorner Glacier south-east of Zermatt. It can be reached from Zermatt by the Gornergrat Bhan railway (GGB), the highest open-air railway in Europe. Between the Gornergrat railway station (3,090 m) and the summit is the Kulm Hotel (3,120 m). Two astronomical observatories were installed in1960 in the two towers of the Kulm hotel Gornergrat.

There is an elevator to take you to the level of the hotel where there are rest rooms as well as dining options. You will get a great view of Matterhorn from here. From the back of the hotel, If you can climb, there is a viewing platform where you will be rewarded with better views and great photo opportunities. It offers a far view of Matterhorn and the mountain panorama.

In Zermatt it seems like everything is constructed around Matterhorn in mind. You can see the Matterhorn while travelling from train, from the cable cars or while staying at hotels. You should not miss Matterhorn views even while hiking so at every location you will find a Matterhorn View point.

Many people stop at Rotenboden station to take the reflection of Matterhorn in the lake Riffelsee, but we have a limited time so we avoid that. If you have a round trip ticket you can hop off at any station, catch the views outside and hop on to the next train.

When we are satisfied with near, far and every kind of view of Matterhorn, we catch the next train and came to Zermatt and concluded our trip.

• During summer season also its very cold at Klein Matterhorn. Dress in layers and take warm clothes, caps, gloves, sunglasses and lip balm.
• When you are on the top of Klein Matterhorn, reduce your physical activities and let your body acclimatize with climate conditions. If you feel high altitude sickness or headache go slow.
• If you want to visit Klein Matterhorn and Gornergrat on the same day Peak2Peak tickets are cheaper.
• While going from Zermatt to Gornergrat sit on the right side of the train to get the best views, or left side when returning.

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Best Day Trips From Zermatt: 10 Amazing Places To Explore

Staying in Zermatt for a while and want to explore outside the town while you’re there? Then you’ve come to the right place because this detailed guide includes all the best day trips from the charming Swiss town.

Whether you want to visit a village that’s even smaller than Zermatt, head to a bigger city for the day, or explore the wonderful nature that surrounds this city, we’ve got the perfect day trip for you! Keep reading to see the most popular places for day trips from Zermatt, all of which are easily accessible by public transport in Switzerland!

Table of Contents

Brig is another charming town you can easily visit on a day trip from Zermatt. It’s about an hour and a half away from Zermatt by train, including one train change in Visp. It is also the first stop from Zermatt on the Glacier Express train, which is considered to be one of the most scenic train journeys is on all of Switzerland.

Brig town is best known for its imposing historic landmarks and some great thermal baths. Stockalper Palace is a baroque castle in Brig that attracts tourists from all over the country. You can go on a guided tour of the castle, explore its beautiful formal gardens, and visit the on-site museum to learn more about Simplon Pass and its history.

The World Nature Forum is another popular museum in the town, especially among travelers with young children. The Thermal Baths of Brig is a great destination for travelers who want to relax and unwind briefly, especially after challenging skiing sessions in Zermatt.

Sion is a charming hilly city some two hours outside Zermatt by train. There are no direct trains between the two Swiss towns and you will need to change trains in Visp to reach Sion.

Sion is best known for Valère Basilica, an 11th-century castle that dominates the town’s central area. The castle is on a rocky promontory, and you can see it from most places in the town. The Valais History Museum is situated inside the castle, and it’s worth visiting if you’re in the area.

Domaine des Iles is another very popular attraction in Sion . This is a large park in the southern area of the town, and it’s the perfect place for all outdoor adventurers looking to have some fun in Sion. Visit the adventure park, relax near the lake, or explore the main hiking trails throughout the park.

The Sion Cathedral , Valais Nature Museum , and Lac du Mont d’Orge are other popular attractions in Sion.

Related Reading

11 things to do in sion, switzerland: all the must sees, gorner gorge.

The Gorner Gorge is a fabulous natural attraction near Zermatt that is easily accessible by public transport and hiking trails. A bus will take you there from central Zermatt in about 15 minutes, but it only takes some 20-25 minutes to hike to the gorge on your own.

This natural attraction is accessible only during the warmer months, so between May and October. It’s open from 9:15 AM to 5:45 PM, and the entrance fee for adults is just 5 CHF. It’s worth noting that they only accept cash, so be sure to have enough on hand since the closest ATM is back in Zermatt.

The Gorner Gorge features wooden walking paths between the cliffs that feature some truly beautiful views. The entire gorge was carved out by Gornervispe glacial waters, and it’s absolutely incredible to witness such a majestic natural formation.

Martigny is a little more than two hours away from Zermatt by train, including a change in Visp. The town is popular with tourists thanks to its excellent attractions, landmarks, and surreally beautiful nature that surrounds it.

Perhaps Martigny’s most popular tourist attraction is the Musée et Chiens du Saint-Bernard. It’s an absolute must for all dog and animal lovers in town, mainly because you get to pet and play with St. Bernard dogs and learn a little more about them.

Other interesting attractions in Martigny include Fondation Pierre Gianadda , a popular art museum. The Roman Amphitheater is another interesting historical landmark.

The area around Martigny is popular with hikers, and the area has multiple natural landmarks worth visiting. You can also hike to observation decks very close to the town, to experience gorgeous panoramic views of this quaint Swiss town.

Brigerbad is a village west of Brig and it’s where all the best thermal baths in the area are. If you want to spend a day reaping the benefits of some of the best thermal baths in Switzerland, a trip to this lovely village is exactly what you’re looking for.

You can take the train from Zermatt to Visp, and from there, it’s a little more than 5 minutes by bus to Brigerbad. Here you can relax in indoor and outdoor thermal pools, get massages, hit up saunas, and much more. It’s worth noting that the center doesn’t rent towels; you can either purchase them or use any towels that you bring yourself.

Montreux is a beautiful city on the shore of Lake Geneva, best known for its importance in the life of Freddie Mercury. The iconic Queen frontman lived here while they recorded the last Queen album, and there are many easter eggs dedicated to him and the famous band throughout the town. It’s even possible to stay in the apartment the singer once owned, but it’s a pricey experience.

The Swiss town of Montreux is also known for panoramic lake views, delicious local wine, exciting landmarks, and great museums. It’s also very close to Chilon Castle, an iconic Swiss landmark worth visiting if you have the extra time.

Montreux is about two and a half hours away from Zermatt by train. It’s worth noting that there’s no direct train from Zermatt to Montreux and you will need to change trains in Visp.

Best Things To Do In Montreux (Hikes, Water Sports & More)

Ernen is a municipality close to Zermatt, and a good place for a day trip for travelers who enjoy exploring the great outdoors. The beautiful mountain village is part of the Binntal Nature Park , which makes it a great destination for travelers who love to explore.

It takes about an hour to reach Ernen from Zermatt if you have a car, but some two hours if you travel by public transport. You will need to take a train to Visp and then get a bus from there to Ernen.

Ernen is also known as the musical village, thanks to the Ernen Musical Village Association , which organizes a festival of classical music every year. The festival usually takes place in the summer and it’s certainly not a huge festival, but it is a special experience in a quaint little Swiss village.

Visp is the closest city to Zermatt, only about an hour away by train. It’s not exactly a very touristy place, but if you’re looking for some bigger chain supermarkets or a wider choice of restaurants than in Zermatt, this is the closest place.

Visp is also an important transport hub for the region, and if you want to travel to other towns in the area, you’ll often need to change trains here. Also, because Visp is surrounded by mountains, it’s a starting point for many popular hiking trails. So, if you’re bored with the hiking opportunities in Zermatt and you want to explore a little farther, strap on your best hiking boots and head to Visp for the day.

Lausanne is a gorgeous city on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, accessible by train from Zermatt. It will take you almost three hours to travel to the city by train (two hours if you have a car), so try to catch one of the earliest trains possible to have enough time to explore this beautiful.

Lausanne is famous because it’s the headquarters of the Olympic Committee, so it’s not surprising that the city also boasts a great Olympic Museum . It’s one of the top tourist attractions in town, besides the hilly historic center with beautiful landmarks and architecture.

The Gothic cathedral in Lausanne is considered an absolute masterpiece, one of the highlights of the city’s historic center. There are also quite a few interesting museums here and historical palaces.

The more adventurous travelers can hike to Saubelin Tower to experience gorgeous panoramic views of the city and the lake.

Things To Do In Zermatt: Thrilling Adventures You Shouldn’t Miss

Rhone valley.

Travelers wanting to explore more of Switzerland’s stunning nature should head straight to the Rhone Valley. The Upper Rhone Valley stretches between Sierre and Oberwald, while the Lower Rhone Valley lies between the southern edge of Lake Geneva and Sierre.

Rhone Valley is home to gorgeous nature, which you can explore via hiking trails. Shorter hikes allow you to explore smaller sections of the valley and see some amazing natural landmarks (lakes, gorges, etc.).

Additionally, you should also know that the Lower Rhone Valley offers several great opportunities for rock climbing. The area between the southern edge of Lake Geneva and Martigny is home to quite a few mountains and boulders that attract mountaineers and climbers from all over the country and wider.

Map of Zermatt Day Trips

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The Perfect Itinerary With Things to Do in Zermatt in One Day

One day in Zermatt is incredible to experience and it’s the perfect amount of time to explore the town. Zermatt is an amazing destination in Switzerland and there’s so much to do!

In a day, you can see all highlights of the town. You can ride the Gornergrat Railway, see a mountain, visit a museum, go skiing and do so much more!

If you’re spending 24 hours in Zermatt, you will definitely have a wonderful time.

I’ll first start with some information to know before traveling to the town. After that, you can find the perfect itinerary for one day in Zermatt! And this guide ends with some other things to know, such as where to stay during your time in the town.

Why Spend One Day in Zermatt

Zermatt is one of the most beautiful places to travel to in Switzerland. Many people know this wonderful destination for its skiing.

As the mountains are very high, you can go skiing for the whole year. So it’s even possible in summer! This makes the destination very unique.

For that reason, it’s a very popular ski destination. If you love skiing, this is the most important reason why you should travel to this town.

But besides that, Zermatt has so much more to offer. So it’s not only a great place to travel to if you like skiing!

For example, the town looks wonderful and wandering around there is amazing. It’s so magical to see all mountains and the beautiful buildings.

Another amazing reason to go to Zermatt is that it’s a movie location as well! This makes the destination even more special. You can see the town in the Third Man on the Mountain. This is a Disney movie.

So if you travel to Zermatt you’ll experience what it’s like to be in a Disney movie in real life.

Also, if you love hiking, this is a great destination too. If you’re spending 24 hours in Zermatt, hiking is one of the most fun activities.

And Zermatt has even more to offer! For example, you can see the Matterhorn Museum there. There’s definitely something for everyone’s liking in this town.

This is an itinerary for one day in Zermatt. That’s because, in a day, you can see all highlights of the town. It’s the perfect amount of time to visit the town for the first time. But this itinerary is also perfect if you go back there, but don’t have a lot of time to be there.

The best time to travel to Zermatt

You can visit Zermatt every month. Every season, the town has something else to offer.

But I’d recommend traveling there in summer. In summer, it’s not very cold in Zermatt. The average high temperature is about 68°F (20°C) in summer. So that’s a great temperature!

And at the same time, it’s still possible to go skiing. That makes summer an amazing time to go there. You can both enjoy the warm weather and enjoy skiing!

So if you’re spending 24 hours in Zermatt, summer is great!

But traveling here in winter is amazing as well. Winter is very popular for those who love skiing. The temperatures are low, but that’s a great experience too! It’s also very magical to experience Christmas here. There’s a lot of snow, so it will feel like a Christmas movie.

You can also go here during autumn or spring. The average temperatures are higher than in winter but lower than in summer. So if you like that, it’s pleasant to go here in these seasons as well.

Itinerary for One Day in Zermatt

It’s time for the itinerary! You’re going to spend a wonderful day in the town.

Whether it’s summer, fall, spring, or winter, this guide is perfect! You’ll definitely make the most out of your time here.

Have fun exploring the amazing Swiss town!

Start your one day in Zermatt with breakfast

It is the morning of your 24 hours in Zermatt. First things first, let’s go for breakfast!

Typical breakfast in Switzerland consists of bread, butter, and jam, or other toppings. Furthermore, people drink milk, hot chocolate, or coffee with it.

When you are only a day in Zermatt, you want the most authentic experience. So I’d recommend getting some typical Swiss breakfast.

A great place for this is Bistro Fuchs. There are a few locations in Zermatt. Here you can try out authentic Swiss bread with toppings and a good cup of coffee.

Also, while you are here, you should definitely try out their homemade Swiss chocolate.

Ride the Gornergrat Railway and see the Matterhorn Mountain

One of the best things you can do in the town of Zermatt is riding the Gornergrat Train. This is a train that goes from Zermatt to Gornergrat. Along the way, you can see beautiful views of the landscape of Switzerland. The total train journey takes about 33 minutes.

What’s unique about this train ride is its altitude. The train ride starts in Zermatt at an altitude of 1604 meters above sea level. From there it goes to the railway station of Gornergrat. This station is 3089 meters above sea level, which is very high.

In fact, this railway is the second-highest railway in Europe. That’s a unique experience you definitely have to have when you are only one day in Zermatt.

From the top, you have a beautiful view of the Matterhorn mountain. But you can see much more from there. You have a panoramic view here, with many high mountain peaks that are spectacular to see! And if you like photography, this is also a good place to visit!

What’s great is that you can do this train ride all year. In summer, hiking from the top at Gornergrat is amazing. And in winter, this is a popular place for skiing.

So riding the Gornergrat Train is a great thing to do. And it leads you to many other great things to do in Zermatt!

Go to the Matterhorn Museum

After this, it’s time to visit a museum!

The Matterhorn Museum is a very interesting museum to visit in the morning of your one day in Zermatt. And it is a more unusual thing to do in Zermatt.

This museum focuses on the history and culture of the town of Zermatt. You can see how people lived here in the 19th century. Furthermore, you can learn a lot about the first people that went up the Matterhorn mountain.

You can see here real old buildings from the town. In these houses, you can see many historical objects from the town. This is very interesting and adds to your experience of your 24 hours in Zermatt.

In the town of Zermatt, there are several places for lunch. There are many options to choose from, so you can have whatever you like.

One of the best places for lunch is Cervo Kitchen in Madre Nostra. There are a lot of lunch dishes to choose from here. You find here soups, burgers, salads, fondue, and more. And there are many vegetarian options as well, which is always great.

Another great place for lunch is Restaurant Vegistube. This is a vegetarian restaurant that serves both classic and new dishes. Furthermore, the place has an atmosphere you would expect from a Swiss restaurant.

Go hiking or skiing

In the afternoon, you can go hiking or skiing depending on what you like most. You can go by the Gornergrat Train, which you already rode this morning. Or you can use one of the lifts in Zermatt.

Zermatt is very popular for skiing. It is the highest ski resort in Europe and many people go here. So if you are one day in Zermatt, you too can’t miss out on doing this.

There are lots of pistes and ski lifts. And a lot of skiing areas to choose from. In fact, there are more than 360 kilometers of pistes during winter.

What’s great is that you can also ski in summer. In some areas, there is always snow throughout the year. This is because of the high altitude of Zermatt.

To get to these areas, you have to take the Klein Matterhorn cable car. This cable car is the highest of its kind on earth and leads you to Matterhorn glacier paradise. The view from the top is incredible. And you find here lots of winter activities.

Besides that, Zermatt is a great hiking destination in the summer. There are more than 400 kilometers of hiking trails, which is impressive.

If you are one day in Zermatt and you like hiking, then this is a great activity to do in the afternoon.

Along the way, you can see the most beautiful natural scenery in Zermatt. There are 38 peaks of four thousand meters or more in the surroundings of Zermatt.

And because there are so many trails, there’s always a hike for you. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced hiker, there is a route that you can choose. Hiking here can be a very relaxing experience or a challenge.

It’s time for dinner! After spending one day in Zermatt and seeing this lovely town, I’m sure you’re hungry.

Zermatt has many amazing restaurants. So you’ll definitely love having dinner here. You can wander around the town and go to a restaurant you like.

But there is one restaurant I’d recommend! Restaurant Julen is one of the most amazing places for dinner in the town. The chef of this restaurant is Joe Lackner.

He’s an amazing chef and with his team, he makes new menus each day! This is a great place for lunch in Zermatt, but you can also reserve a table for dinner.

One of the dishes on the menu I’d recommend is the Massaman Thai curry. It’s with vegetables and potatoes and it’s so delicious! But there are so many other delicious dishes on the menu you can choose from.

Furthermore, the place looks very nice from the inside. It’s a great restaurant to spend your evening at!

How to get to Zermatt?

It is very easy to get to Zermatt. That’s because there are good connections to the town. This is also why it’s great to spend 24 hours in Zermatt.

But you cannot get to Zermatt by car. In Zermatt, there are no cars allowed. Thus, if you want to travel by car to Zermatt, you have to take public transport after that.

When traveling by car you have to go to Täsch first. In Täsch, there is a shuttle train to the town of Zermatt. Or you can take a taxi from there.

You can also travel to Zermatt by train. This is the best option, because along the way you can see the beautiful scenery of the mountains. And it is the fastest way to travel.

The train is a convenient way to travel if you are coming from cities in Switzerland, Italy or France.

If you want to travel by airplane, you have to go to an airport that is near first. From there you can take a direct train to the town of Zermatt. Close airports are those of Geneva and Zürich. From there the journey by train takes about 4 hours.

Besides that, you can reach Zermatt by taxi or by helicopter. But those options are less convenient, because of the cost.

Where to stay in Zermatt for one day?

If you are only one day in Zermatt, you want to make the best of your time here.

In other places, this would mean choosing a place to stay that is near the activities of the place. But that’s not needed for Zermatt.

The town of Zermatt is a very small town, so staying anywhere in the town is great. Each hotel is in or very close to the center of the town. Because of that, it doesn’t matter where you stay. And your choice should depend on the hotel, rather than the location of the hotel.

There are some great hotels in Zermatt. Depending on what you want and your budget, one might be best for you.

A great hotel in Zermatt is the Wellness Hotel Alpenhof. You find here all you need for a relaxing stay. There is a great spa area, a pool, a sauna, and much more.

But there are so many other hotels that are great to be in! So there are enough places to stay during your 24 hours in Zermatt.

Source: dymabroad.com

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How to spend one day in Zermatt

When you first see Zermatt you feel as if you are in Wonderland. This charming city in the shadow of the famous Matterhorn Mount has been the center of mountaineering and skiing for many years. The sites we suggest will make Zermatt your favorite vacation spot. And not only in winter.

The Gornergrat Railway

Try to get up earlier and don’t forget your skis. 8 am is just the perfect time to get the train. The Gornergrat Railway is deemed the 2nd world highest railway. Opened in 1898, it was the first fully electrified cog railway in Switzerland. In fact, Gornergrat is a crossroads of excursion routes. There is much to see: Gornegrat lies surrounded by 29 peaks and the stars of the winter show-program – several glaciers, including the amazing Gorner Glacier. The train is slow, which means that you can make excellent pictures on the way. The train stops five times and you can go out, take a walk, and continue your journey again.

Gornergrat Railway

View over Matterhorn from Gorner Glacier

Why try it? The railway snakes vaguely through forests, hills, goes through tunnels: you will see the most incredible mountain views in all of Europe. Getting off at the terminal station, be sure to visit the panoramic observation platform to admire the Matterhorn. Then put on skis and ski down quick as the wind.

Gornegrat lies surrounded by 29 peaks and the stars of the winter show-program – several glaciers, including the amazing Gorner Glacier.

You will never forget the time you spent in the igloo, an ingenious invention of the Eskimos. Or a show hut, in simple words. The Iglu Dorf on the Matterhorn slope was arranged by famous designers, so that the decor of ice, wood and warm fur hides looks very stylish. This is a hotel complex with jacuzzi, sauna, bar, and restaurant. However, if you travel with children, it’s better not to stop here for the night but just to come for a lunch. For adults, a night in the igloo will be a great adventure. In any case, the combination of cold and heat has a fantastic effect on health and beauty.

Iglu-Dorf Zermatt

Decorations made of ice, warm plaids and fireplaces with a cozy crackling fire: there is something primitive in these wonderfully furnished interiors. Especially when you look at the fire… Afraid of the cold? Don’t be. The prudent staff has already thought of everything. For example, there are several options for warming up: tea, hot mulled wine, sauna, and spa. We highly recommend to visit the ice bar and enjoy warming cocktails there.

Why try it? To get new experience. After all, it is quite extraordinary to have a glass of glühwein (German word for mulled wine) and fondue in a great company of adventurers after skiing.

You will never forget the time you spent in the igloo, an ingenious invention of the Eskimos. Or a show hut, in simple words.

A Lunch in the Highlands

Tired of skiing? Don’t even take off your ski, just get to Riffelhous 1853. Since opening, they have been serving excellent Swiss classics: cheese fondue and rösti with smoked salmon. No wonder that there are regular customers who come to the restaurant for this speciality. And of course this is the place where all ski coaches come. Rösti ingredients are the simplest: potatoes, salt, pepper, onions, and bacon. Nevertheless, cooking at an altitude of 2500 meters above sea level is an art itself. Not less popular are the top local dishes like jerk meat with herbs accompanied by excellent Swiss wines.

Hotel Riffelhaus 1853

Restaurant Riffelhaus 1853

Why visit? To have the famous cocktail with the funny name Caipiroska invented by climbers to restore energy. It is made of equal parts of red wine and Swiss sparkling wine which are heated like mulled wine (by the way, they do not serve mulled wine here). Enjoy your hot energy drink and admire the views of Matterhorn from above dreaming of the new peaks you wish to conquer.

Cooking at an altitude of 2500 meters above sea level is an art itself.

Up to the Glaciers

Only here, at the highest mountain lift station in Europe, on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you can enjoy the cleanest mountain air. By almost 4 km mountain lift you will get so high that you will feel as if you are sliding on the clouds. The terminal station, which is at the same time the observation platform, offers incredible panoramic views of Swiss, Italian, and French Alps. We like safari-skiing here. This means that you can travel more than a dozen kilometers per day without using the same lift twice. Start with Rothorn, then Riffelberg, Theodul Glacier, Trockener Steg, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Breuil-Cervina, and finish with Testa Grigia. Return to Zermatt via Stafelalp. You will never have more amazing experiences!

Matterhorn glacier paradise

Matterhorn Mountain (4478 m)

Why visit? Because this paradise of ice is the highest skiing area in all the Alps: the most extensive and with the best infrastructure. You can try heliskiing too (jumping from a helicopter on the virgin snow), free-riding, snow park, and all the snowboarding joys. By the way, if you are a skiing-lover, you can ski on the glacier even in summer.

By almost 4 kn mountain lift you will get so high that you will feel as if you are sliding on the clouds.

A true ski-lover is unmindful of time. Time flies when you’re having fun. We have something special for such lucky people. As soon as the lifts start to close, you can ski to the lively Chez Vrony restaurant along the panoramic piste. You probably did not know, but this is one of the best places for après-ski. Chez Vrony hid in a small wooden farmhouse which was transformed into a place of meeting and recreation for skiers. By the way, this family restaurant has been serving food for a hundred years already. Generation by generation, the owners do not stop to please their visitors with rustic mountain cuisine, which, like no other, can warm you even in the severe frost. Farmers use only organic local products grown using pure spring water in the soft Swiss sun. The family cooks all their delicacies, from sausages to cheese, by traditional recipes passing from father to son together with the restaurant. We recommend to reserve a table here in advance.

Chez Vrony Restaurant

Why visit? Because the restaurant is included in the Michelin Red Guide and ranks top positions on TripAdvisor. You can eat both inside and outside, right in the snow, wrapped in a blanket. Ravioli, Ribeye, hamburgers or mulled wine are so tasty that gourmets will undoubtedly leave their heart here. It seems that culinary magicians have special spells for the products. Don’t miss the chance to taste local tomato soup adding some vodka to it as the owners advise. Be sure, you won’t regret. Moreover, it has the proper name: it is called Bloody Mary.

Chez Vrony restaurant is included in the Michelin Red Guide and ranks top positions on TripAdvisor.

Shopping Time

Zermatt is just a great place for shopping. Not only all the main stores are concentrated in the center but also the city is car-free, which will make your way simple and easy. Whatever you want to buy: watches, jewelry, fashionable ski clothing or chocolate, Zermatt offers the best of the best. We would like to focus on chocolate stores like charming Chocolaterie Läderach. A sweet tooth will find everything here but the main heroes here are big chocolate bars, which they will break for you in any quantity and size. Do not limit yourself to traditional flavors. Try chocolate with pepper, pistachios or fruit… Buy some sausages, ham, cheese and wine at Metzgerei Bayard – the place for those who are not interested in sweets.

Chocolaterie Läderach in Zermatt

Curling in Zermatt

Why try it? You will be pleasantly surprised with the range of goods Zermatt stores offer. Many collections appear here much earlier than in other cities. While the ladies are busy, their halves, who are not enthusiastic about shopping, can visit Zermatt Curling Club. It is something like hockey, but without skates and with special stones instead of a puck. A wonderful way to warm up the body before going to the spa.

You will be pleasantly surprised with the range of goods Zermatt stores offer. Many collections appear here much earlier than in other cities.

Cold & Hot

The Swiss having rest in Zermatt prefer visiting the spa at the Mont Cervin Palace Spa Hotel. There is nothing better than to know of a spa and a well-earned dinner awaiting for you after a busy day spent on the pistes and in the shops. Of course, it is best to take an hour-long relaxing massage and then do warming water treatments. The five-star Mont Cervin Spa will offer you saunas, steam rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, and aroma showers, to make you feel refreshed, help you get rid of fatigue and put the body and inner world in order.

Mont Cervin Palace Spa

Capri Ristorante

Spa at Mont Cervin Palace

Why visit? The place is loved by the locals and that says a lot. Moreover, after beauty rituals, you can visit the Michelin-starred Capri Italian restaurant.

There is nothing better than to know of a spa and a well-earned dinner awaiting for you after a busy day spent on the pistes and in the shops.

Cheese, Cheese, Cheese!

To dive in the typical and carefree style of Zermatt rest, visit Ferdinand restaurant in the Cervo hotel. They serves the best raclette in Zermatt if not in Switzerland. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should know that raclette is a famous Swiss specialty with melted cheese and added meat or potatoes. It sounds simple until you taste it. The dish warms you incredibly in the frosty mountain weather and gives you extra energy. The decor of the restaurant is quite simple as if telling you that interior is not the main thing here at all…

Cervo Mountain Boutique Resort

Ferdinand Restaurant at Cervo

Why visit? If you love cheese in all its guises or have not yet had time to know its true charm, then this place is yours. You can try many varieties of fondue at the Cervo restaurant. Order their Champagne and Truffle.

Raclette warms you incredibly in the frosty mountain weather and gives you extra energy.

Zermatt in the evening

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Top Travel Destinations in Zermatt: Best 1 Day Zermatt Itinerary

by Trip.com

December 19, 2022

Day 1 | Morning

Matterhorn glacier paradise.

Opening Hours: Open from 9:00am-4:15pm

Ticket Price: 50 CHF

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Schluhmattstrasse 28, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is located on the Little Matterhorn, 3883 meters above sea level, and is the highest viewing platform in Europe. Here you can see the Matterhorn and the surrounding snow-capped mountains up close, as well as the magnificent glaciers. The endless snow and ice world The top of the glacier paradise is covered with snow all year round, with an endless view of the snow field. From the front of the viewing platform, you can see the Matterhorn in close proximity, with the Theodulgletscher underfoot and the Gornergletscher behind. Arrive at the cable car station and viewing platform. Take the 8-seater cable car from Zermatt to TrockenerSteg via Furi and Schwarzsee. The scenery is changing. When climbing, you can clearly see the log cabins neatly scattered among the valleys. It will enter the cloud belt until the sea of clouds hovers at the foot, the scene is very dreamy, and this cable car can also overlook the black lake in the mountains. Change to a large cable car that can accommodate 100 people at TrockenerSteg. This journey takes only 8 minutes. Not only can you see the glacier, but it will also pass through the intersection of the glacier, which is very steep. The end point arrives at the top of the Little Matterhorn, 3883 meters above sea level. After arriving at the cable car station, take the elevator built in the rocky cliff to the viewing platform and enjoy the 360-degree surrounding mountain scenery. to Jungfrau. High Altitude Glacier Palace There is also the world's highest Glacier Palace (Glacier Palace), located 15 meters below the surface of the glacier. Take the elevator directly into the Ice Palace and see beautiful snow structures, gleaming ice crystals, impressive ice sculptures and breathtaking glacier breaches, as well as experience the fun-filled ice slides.

Reviews from Real Guests:

sweet.bonbon: The magnificence of the Matterhorn is the best gift that nature has given.

Day 1 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Gornergrat next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Location: Gornergrat, Bahnhof Gornergrat 1, 3920 Zermatt

Gornergrat is a mountain ridge near Zermatt . From the viewing platform here, you can enjoy the snow-covered mountains of more than 4,000 meters from the Rosa Peak to the Matterhorn, and overlook the Alps. Panorama of the long Gorner Glacier.

Day 1 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Gornergrat? La Vue Luxury Living Apartments is one of your top choices.

La Vue Luxury Living Apartments

Offering 360-degree views of Zermatt and the surrounding Alpine panorama, La Vue Luxury Living Apartment is located in a quiet part of the village and provides a free spa area featuring a large hot tub, a steam bath and a Finnish sauna. Massages are available on request and for an extra charge. Each day, a breakfast is served in the privacy of the modern, Alpine-style apartments. The property is 500 metres from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the main square is also only a few steps away.Each apartment comes with high-quality furniture, a balcony, and a large living area with electronic devices like an Apple TV, a Blu-ray player and an iPad. The apartments all have at least 2 bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom, a hairdryer and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. Some come with amenities like a fireplace and an additional terrace. Free WiFi is available throughout the apartment house.La Vue Luxury Living Apartments are cleaned on a daily basis and a private chef is available to prepare dinner in the apartments. Grocery deliveries and special diet menus can be requested on site.A shared lounge with Hi-Fi system and a video beamer is provided and there is a large garden with a sun terrace featured.

Airport pickup service

Pets allowed

Check Availability

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.

Table of Content

• Day 1: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Gornergrat

Find What to Do in Zermatt in 1 Day Tour

Zermatt guided day hike, full day 5 hours, half day 3-hour private ski lessons in zermatt, switzerland, matterhorn private skiing day with pick-up from zermatt, private ski and snowboard lessons - 3 hours zermatt, parachuting in interlaken, switzerland丨overlooking jungfraujoch丨high-altitude parachuting experience丨hotel pick-up.

• [No printing] Quickly confirm the electronic ticket without printing, pick up and drop off from Interlaken, worry-free travel [Extreme Challenge] Overlooking the spectacular scenery of Interlaken Jungfrau from an altitude of 4,000 meters [Professional Safety] The old Parachuting company has been operating safely for 26 years, and professional coaches accompany you throughout the process.

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10 Best Day Trips from Zermatt Switzerland

• August 30, 2023 October 19, 2023

Last Updated on October 19, 2023 by Admin

* Disclosure: By clicking on our affiliate links, you may support TouringSwitzerland.com while incurring no additional costs. We appreciate your support!

As the home of the Matterhorn , Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations. Although there are plenty of interesting things to do and places to visit here, such as hiking and skiing, you still might want to take day trips from the mountain resort. Below are some suggestions for   the  best day trips from Zermatt  for those based there.

For day trips from Zermatt, the typical train travel time is one and a half to two hours .

This article discusses the  10 best day trips from Zermatt . Among these are well-known cities and mountain resorts. Let’s go!

1. Gornergrat

A day trip up Gornergrat is one of the most convenient and beautiful day trips from Zermatt. A good day with clear views will reward you with spectacular views of high mountain peaks and glaciers, as well as the iconic Matterhorn .

Gornergrat is a rocky ridge overlooking the Gorner Glacier near Zermatt , Switzerland. It is located between the Gorner Glacier and the Findel Glacier and offers fantastic views of the surrounding Pennine Alps.

Gornergrat can be reached by the Gornergrat Rack Railway (GGB) , the highest open-air railway in Europe. It climbs along the side of the mountain at an average incline of 16% to the observation point in Gornergrat .

Here are some of the high mountains that you can view from Gornergrat :

• Matterhorn – Cervino – 4,478 meters
• Dufourspitze – 4,634 meters
• Nordendspitze – 4,609 meters
• Liskamm (Ostgipfel and Westgipfel) – 4,527 meters and 4,479 meters respectively
• Castor – 4,228 meters
• Pollux – 4,092 meters
• Klein Matterhorn – 3,883 meters
• Dent Blanche – 4,358 meters
• Zinalrothorn – 4,221 meters
• Weisshorn – 4,505 meters
• Allalinhorn – 4,027 meters

Besides seeing all these high mountains, you’ll also get to see the third-largest glacier in the Alps – the Gorner Glacier.

If you are considering visiting Gornergrat , you can check out our article:   Is Gornergrat Worth Visiting?

How do you get from Zermatt to Gornergrat?

To learn more about reaching Gornergrat in Zermatt, take a look at How to Get to Gornergrat in Zermatt .

Connected by the Glacier Express, the lovely town of Brig offers a splendid option for a Zermatt day trip.

Brig is a charming town located in the Swiss Alps known for its picturesque landscapes, historic buildings, and access to nearby ski resorts. The historic town of Brig lies in the  Upper Valais  region of Switzerland. Brig, also officially known as  Blig-Glis , is located in the  Rhone Valley , 691 meters above sea level.

The most famous attraction in Brig is the Stockalper Palace . The Brigerbad Thermal Baths , the largest open-air thermal baths in the Alps, are perfect for those who love to soak and relax.

If you would like to learn more about Brig , check out our article Brig, Switzerland: Where It Is and What You Need to Know .

How do you get from Zermatt to Brig ?

There are direct trains that run from Zermatt to Brig twice per hour. Zermatt to Brig is also served by the famous panoramic train Glacier Express .

Spiez is a scenic day trip destination from Zermatt. A wine resort nestled in a picturesque bay, offering a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Spiez is less than 2 hours from Zermatt.

For those who love nature and the outdoors, Spiez is the perfect destination. This peaceful town is situated on southern the banks of Lake Thun , in a small protected bay, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains of Niesen and Niederhorn. With its beautiful landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, it is the perfect place to unwind and simply spend some peaceful time by the lake.

You can take a leisurely stroll along the Spiez Promenade and soak in the breathtaking views of Lake Thun. Embark on a scenic boat cruise to fully immerse yourself in the serenity of the lake. For history enthusiasts, a visit to Spiez Castle is a must, where you can uncover the secrets of its medieval past.

Furthermore, you can also explore the Alpine viticulture in Spiez by visiting the local vineyards, indulging in wine tastings, and even purchasing some bottles to take home as souvenirs. For outdoor enthusiasts, a hike to Faulensee provides an opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the region.

In addition to the above, Spiez offers vibrant events, swimming opportunities, child-friendly adventures, and the chance to explore the magnificent Niesen Mountain. There are also more fantastic attractions near Spiez for those who want to further expand their exploration of the area.

If you would like to read more about Spiez , you can check out our article 10 Best Things to Do in Spiez, Switzerland .

How do you get from Zermatt to Spiez?

From Zermatt, take the regional train to Visp. In Spiez, take the connecting train to Spiez. The total travel time from Zermatt to Spiez is 1 hour and 40 minutes to 1 hour and 46 minutes, depending on which train you take.

In just under two hours, you can travel to the lovely city of Sion from Zermatt. With its sunshine, unique landscape, history, and wine culture, Sion is one of the best day trips from Zermatt .

The city of Sion is the capital of the Swiss canton of Valais , located in the southwest region of the country. The region is known for its wine, fruits, sun, and proximity to some of Switzerland’s highest mountains. Sion’s history goes back to the first century when the Romans called it Sedunum .

The Sion plateau lies north of the Rhone, dominated by the Valeria and Tourbillon hills. The old town with cobblestone streets is filled with markets, shops, and restaurants. There are many historical buildings in Sion that can be explored on foot. Weather permitting, visitors and locals often eat outside and sip wine.

The underground lake of St. Leonard is a wonderful gem near Sion that I highly recommend visiting.

How do you get from Zermatt to Sion?

Sion can be reached by train from Zermatt via Visp . It takes 1 hour and 47 minutes to travel from Zermatt to Sion.

5. Saas-Fee

A lovely mountain resort without cars, Saas-Fee is known for its glaciers and cute marmots. Saas-Fee is an excellent day trip from Zermatt for experiencing a classic Swiss mountain village and being all around glaciers.

Car-free Saas-Fee offers excellent skiing and a picturesque landscape. The area is surrounded by tall mountains and glaciers. It is located just on the opposite side of the valley with the MIschabel mountain range separating the two.

Saas-Fee can be reached either by bus from Stalden-Saas . There is a parking lot right near the village (Dorfplatz, 3906 Saas-Fee).

Compared to other ski resorts in Switzerland, Saas-Fee opens its ski season in November. Also, there is plenty to do for people of all interests such as brewing beer, trails, bobsleigh runs, glacier trails, gorges, visiting the Mittelallalin station and the Ice Pavilion, rafting, and swimming at Aqua Allalin.  

If you want to visit Saas-Fee, you can check out this article How to Spend 1 Day in Saas-Fee .

How do you get from Zermatt to Saas-Fee?

From Zermatt, take the regional train to Stalden-Saas. In Stalden-Saas, take the bus to Saas-Fee. If you come by car, there is a parking lot ( Saas-Fee Parking ) beside the village.

In just under two hours, you can travel to the lovely town of Thun from Zermatt . As a picturesque lakeside city with an old town, Thun is one of the best day trips that you can do from Zermatt .

Described as the  gateway to Bernese Oberland ,  Thun  in Switzerland is also one of the biggest cities in Canton  Bern . You can find it on the northern part of Bernese Oberland sitting on the northern edge of Lake Thun .  Thun boasts of beautiful castles, the reformed town church on the Schlossberg, an old church, a park, an accessible lower bridge, and majestic views of the mountains.

Between April and October, you can take passenger boats on Lake Thun . Boats in Lake Thun stop in Interlaken West, Neuhaus (Unterseen), Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen, Leissinge, Beatenbucht, Merlingen, Faulensee, Spiez, Gunten, Einigen, Gwatt Deltapark, Längenschachen, Oberhofen am Thunersee, Hilterfingen, Hünibach, and Thun.

If you would like to learn more about Thun , check out our article 10 Best Things To Do In Thun, Bernese Oberland .

How do you get from Zermatt to Thun?

Take the regional train from Zermatt to Visp. In Visp, take the connecting train to Thun. It takes just under two hours to get from Zermatt to Thun.

7. Interlaken

Interlaken, with its breathtaking mountain panorama, two stunning lakes, and adventure sports offers exciting activities amidst stunning backdrops. The journey will take longer than 2 hours, but it will be well worth it.

Interlaken , Switzerland is an incredibly popular tourist hub in the  Bernese Oberland . In Interlaken, you will find walking trails along the River Aare, many souvenir shops, a Japanese garden, and the local mountain Harder Kulm for spectacular views. A red funicular takes you from Interlaken to Harder Kulm in 10 minutes, with one departure every half hour.

As one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist spots, Interlaken is also a hot spot for outdoor sports enthusiasts. It is also conveniently located between two beautiful lakes – Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

For those who are into fun adventures, below are some of the most popular outdoor activities in Interlaken :

• Tandem Paragliding (GetYourGuide): Experience pure serenity as you float weightlessly alongside an experienced pilot and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Jungfrau region from the sky.
• Adventure Park (GetYourGuide): Conquer 9 thrilling rope courses and zip lines soaring up to 23 meters above the ground, with the assurance of a comprehensive safety briefing and top-notch safety gear.
• Kayak Tour of Lake Brienz (GetYourGuide): Paddle through the crystal-clear waters of Lake Brienz with the guidance of an experienced coach, as you soak in the stunning views, including the picturesque Rinngenberg Castle. You may also book this activity in winter (GetYourGuide).
• Canyoning (GetYourGuide): Dive into the ultimate adrenaline rush with a canyoning expedition in Chli Schilere , featuring challenging rappelling, high jumps, fast slides, and an unforgettable adventure in one of the region’s top canyons.
• Scenic Jetboat Ride (GetYourGuide): Experience an exhilarating 45 to 50-minute jetboat ride on Lake Brienz near Interlaken, culminating at Giessbach Falls .

How do you get from Zermatt to Interlaken?

Interlaken can be reached by train from Zermatt via Visp and Spiez . It takes from 2 hours 13 minutes to 2 hours 21 minutes to travel from Zermatt to Interlaken.

If you would like to learn more about  Interlaken , check out our article   Interlaken: 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit .

A day trip to Bern, Switzerland’s de facto capital, is probably one of the most important day trips you can do from Zermatt . This bustling city is a welcome change from the mountain resort of Zermatt thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage site old town, museums, shops, and restaurants.

Nestled along the banks of the  Aare River , Bern offers a variety of attractions for all tastes, whether you enjoy history, art, animals, or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting. It is the  federal city of Switzerland . There is much more to discover when you take the time to explore this charming city.

There is no better place in Bern to start your day than the  Old Town , located across the Aare River. The Old Town of Bern, which consists of a number of well-preserved buildings from the medieval era, was designated a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  in 1983. A famous symbol of Bern, which dates back to 1218-1220, can be seen right at the entrance to the Old Town: the Zytglogge .

If you would like to plan a day in Bern , you can check out our article How to Spend 1 Day in Bern, Switzerland .

How do you get from Zermatt to Bern?

Take the regional train from Zermatt to Visp. In Visp, take the connecting train to Bern. The total travel time from Zermatt to Bern is 2 hours and 11 minutes to 2 hours and 17 minutes.

Verbier could be a great choice if you’re looking for a mountain resort similar to Zermatt. With exceptional skiing facilities and a lively atmosphere, the resort offers a comparable experience .

Verbier is a well-known upscale mountain resort known for its exceptional skiing facilities. In fact, 4 Vallées  is Switzerland’s biggest ski resort, covering Verbier, Bruson, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, and Thyon. It’s a winter wonderland with 410 kilometers of slopes and 92 lifts, so there’s something for everyone. It is a large, high-altitude ski resort.

Mont-Fort , which towers at 3,330 meters, is the highest with breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss and French Alps. From Mont-Fort, you can take in the breathtaking views of the ski resort, including  Matterhorn  and Mont Blanc.

With more than 200 snow machines, snow is guaranteed even at the foot of the runs from December to April.  Piste de L’Ours  is a legendary slope that has hosted numerous winter sports competitions.  Verbier  is famous for its marked off-piste trails, which add to its popularity. And for those who want to have fun, the  longest bobsled  run in western Switzerland can be found in  La Tzoumaz .

In case you were wondering how expensive Verbier is, you can check out this article: Is Verbier Expensive? A Close Look at Its Price and Value .

How do you get from Zermatt to Verbier?

The most convenient way to reach Verbier is to drive from Täsch . Train connections via Visp , Martigny , and Le Châble VS can be quite long (3.5 hours one way), so I recommend taking a car if possible.

10. Montreux

With its vineyards, laid-back lifestyle, lake access, and mountains as a backdrop , this day trip is a relaxing choice. By train, you can visit the beautiful spa resort of Montreux in 2.5 hours .

Montreux is a charming town on the northeastern shores of Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Known for its mild climate, gorgeous views, and Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux has a lot to offer. 

A stretch of eight kilometers runs from Clarens, through Chillon Castle , and up to Villeneuve. Together with Vevey-Montreux, it has an estimated population of 85,000. Atop the Rochers-de-Naye mountain, you can enjoy amazing views of Montreux, the lake, as well as the Swiss Alps.

If you would like to plan a day in Montreux , you can read our article How to Spend 1 Day in Montreux, Switzerland .

Consider visiting the next-door town Vevey if you have time.

How do you get from Zermatt to Montreux?

Take the train from Zermatt to Visp. In Visp, take the connecting train to Montreux. The total travel time from Zermatt to Montreux is 2 hours and 34 minutes.

Summary: 10 Best Day Trips from Zermatt

For those who are staying for a couple of days in Zermatt, Switzerland, and wish to venture out to other places, we hope that this list was helpful.

Due to the panoramic views and train journey, Gornergrat is a great choice if you’re looking for a day trip nearby. On the other hand, if you want to visit a large city with lots of activities,  Bern is the best choice.

If you want to visit small charming towns where you can stroll around, Brig , Spiez , Sion , Thun , and Montreux are all fantastic choices. And in case you want to visit a charming mountain town similar to Zermatt, you can check out Saas-Fee and Verbier .

Considering all the options at your disposal, I hope you will be able to find something from this list that you will enjoy and have a great day trip from Zermatt.

Related Posts: Zermatt

• How to Spend 1 Day in Zermatt, Switzerland
• Is Gornergrat Worth Visiting?
• How to Get to Gornergrat in Zermatt
• Saas-Fee or Zermatt: Which is Better?
• Glacier Express Route: From Zermatt to St. Moritz

Related Posts

• How to Spend 1 Day in Bern, Switzerland
• How to Spend 1 Day in Montreux, Switzerland
• How to Spend 1 Day in Saas-Fee
• Brig, Switzerland: Where It Is and What You Need to Know
• 10 Best Things to Do in Spiez, Switzerland
• 10 Best Things To Do In Thun, Bernese Oberland
• 8 Best Things to Do in Lake Thun, Switzerland

Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.

Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.

• Darla Uhl https://www.touringswitzerland.com/author/tswriter/ Cherry Trail in Frick, Switzerland
• Darla Uhl https://www.touringswitzerland.com/author/tswriter/ 7 Best Things to Do in Seelisberg, Switzerland
• Darla Uhl https://www.touringswitzerland.com/author/tswriter/ Exploring Bauen: A Traveler's Guide
• Darla Uhl https://www.touringswitzerland.com/author/tswriter/ Aathal Dinosaur Museum and Trinity the T-Rex

FUN Things to Do in Zermatt with Kids in Winter

A re you planning a winter holiday in Zermatt with your family and looking for a list of the best things to do in Zermatt with kids in winter ? You’re in luck, you’ve come to the right place!

Skiing is one of the most popular winter activities in Zermatt, but rest assured, this guide will also introduce you to all the best things to do in Zermatt for non-skiers , too. 

Zermatt is an exceptional family-friendly destination in Switzerland, thanks in no small part to the Wolli Card for Children – granting free access on trains and lifts, free child accommodations in many hotels, and exemption on visitor tax to children under 9 when accompanied by an adult that purchases a multi-day ski pass. 

So, are you ready to discover all the amazing things to do as a family in Zermatt this winter? Let’s go!

Best Zermatt with kids winter activities

Whether you are teaching your little ones to ski or just want to see one of the world’s best winter wonderlands when it is draped in snow, there are plenty of things to do in Zermatt with kids during the winter months to keep everyone entertained.

Skiing and Snowboarding 

Skiing in Zermatt is one of the major draws to visiting this wonderful Swiss destination during the winter. With guaranteed 365 days of snow at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and over 320 kilometers of skiable runs, Zermatt is a skiing and snowboarding hotspot in the Alps. 

Despite being such a popular place to ski, the runs are very spread out and accessible via a whopping 53 different ski lifts. This means you will very rarely have to queue for the lifts, and the runs won’t be too crowded, allowing plenty of space for the kids to practice their turns without you worrying about other skiers bumping into them. 

FLYING TO SWITZERLAND FOR YOUR SKI TRIP? ALSO READ: HOW TO FLY WITH SKIS

Is Zermatt good for beginners?

Zermatt has no green runs , which isn’t ideal for first-time skiers. With that said, however, it is home to the wonderful Wolli Park , a beginner-friendly learning area found at the top of the Sunnegga-Rothorn Funicular. 

The park features a number of flatter runs, accessed by 5 easy-to-use magic carpets. This makes the ideal place to begin your day with the little ones so they can get their skiing legs back or take private ski lessons before challenging them with something a little bit trickier. 

For the easiest, most gradual ski runs, stick to the Sunnegga-Rothorn Ski Area, where there are several wide, cruisy blue runs that are great for beginner skiers. 

FIND MORE ON SKI RESORT RATING SYSTEMS AND OTHER SKIING EXPRESSIONS HERE

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise 

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is home to Europe’s highest cable car station and is one of the best places to visit with kids in Zermatt. 

The adventure begins at the Klein Matterhorn Cable Car Station in Zermatt Village. The cable car takes around 40 minutes from here, with a transfer in the middle. 

As is typical in Zermatt, the views during the journey are absolutely incredible, with the iconic Matterhorn peak featuring prominently throughout. 

The last ascent up to the final cable car station is very steep, so it may be a good idea to distract your kids at this stage if you think they may get a little nervous. 

Once at the top, spend some time in the immersive Cinema Lounge , which offers a great introduction to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, before heading up the lift to the main highlight – the 360° Viewing Platform. Countless 4,000+ meter peaks can be seen from the viewing platform, and on a clear day, you can see 3 different countries – Switzerland, Italy and France.

BOOK YOUR MATTERHORN GLACIER PARADISE TICKETS 

Glacier Palace 

Another highlight of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, and arguably the best thing to do with kids in winter in Zermatt, is the Glacier Palace. 

A small elevator takes you 15m down, directly into the glacier itself. Underground, you will be welcomed by an icy paradise that is home to deep crevasses and intricately carved ice sculptures. 

Entry to the palace is included with any Zermatt ski pass or free for kids under 9 with a valid Wolli Card. 

Top tip: Towards the back of the palace, you will find a ‘Glacier ice slide’ that’s amazing for kids and big kids alike. Grab yourself a ‘sliding mat’ each, and head to the top of the slide. It’s great fun, and the kids will love it!

Gornergrat Cog Railway 

Perhaps the most famous winter activity in Zermatt, the Gornergrat Cog Railway is Europe’s highest open-air cog railway and has been transporting eager visitors up and down the mountainside for over 125 years. 

The world’s first fully electric railway was built back in 1898 and to this day, remains one of the highlights of any winter visit to Zermatt for families. 

The 33-minute journey takes you from the Zermatt-Gornergrat station at 1600m above sea level all the way to the summit of the Gornergrat at 3089m. 

At the top, you are treated to unrivaled views of the Matterhorn and surrounding mountain peaks. For an extra fun game for the kids to play, encourage them to try and find the ‘Golden Carriage’ at the top. It may take them a while, but the photos will be worthwhile!

Top tip: For the best views of the Matterhorn, make sure to sit on the right-hand side of the train as it trundles its way up the mountain. 

ZOOOM the Matterhorn

Found at the Gornergrat Summit Station is the immersive, interactive ‘Zooom the Matterhorn’ experience.  

There are 3 separate exhibitions for the kids to enjoy. The first contains periscopes overlooking the various mountain peaks in the area. The second is an interactive 3D Cinema experience showcasing the different landscapes of the Matterhorn throughout the seasons. And the third zoom stage is a virtual sightseeing paragliding flight across Zermatt. 

Entry to ZOOOM the Matterhorn is free with a valid Gornergrat train ticket or with a Wolli Card for children up to 9 years old. 

Snowshoeing 

Look no further than snowshoeing for a fantastic, family-friendly winter adventure in Zermatt. The whole family can enjoy this magical endeavor with multiple dedicated snowshoeing trails to be found in Zermatt. 

The easiest and most enjoyable for families is the Rotenboden-Riffelberg trail commencing from the Rotenboden Station on the Gornergrat Cog Railway line. 

You can rent your snowshoes directly at the station, strap them to your feet, and head straight onto the trail for a spot of snow-filled family fun. 

The Panorama Trail (No. 142), as it is known, is almost exclusively downhill, and the 2.5km trail takes you across the frozen Riffelsee Lake. The trail itself is signposted with bright pink poles, and while the guidebooks tell you it will take 1.5 hours, it is recommended to factor in a 2-hour walk when snowshoeing with kids. 

Take plenty of stops along the way to catch your breath and to take as many panoramic photos of the Matterhorn as possible. 

Another great thing to try in Zermatt with kids this winter is sledding or tobogganing and, once again, the best place to experience this winter thrill is from Rotenboden station, the 5th stop on the Gornergrat Cog Railway. 

Great fun for any age group, you can rent your sleds from the station and head to the dedicated Rotenboden toboggan run. The course itself is around 1.5km long and, depending on your speed, can take anywhere between 10-20 minutes. 

Not long enough for the kids? Well, the great thing is that the train ride from Riffelberg back up to Rotenboden only takes 5 minutes, so you can do as many laps of the course as you like, provided you have a valid ski pass that allows unlimited entries. 

Worth noting: The rentable sleds from Rotenboden don’t have brakes. Instead, you dig your feet into the snow to control your speed. For this reason, it is advisable to share a sled with younger children so they don’t go careering down the mountain.  

Matterhorn Museum 

If you want to introduce your kids to some of the area’s history while you visit Zermatt in winter, the best place to head is the Matterhorn Museum in the center of Zermatt Village. 

The Museum’s exhibits showcase early life in the village and document the village’s rise to being a major global alpinist destination. 

There is a fascinating recount of the ill-fated first ascent of the Matterhorn by Edward Whymper and his team and a tribute to the Gornergrat Cog Railway to celebrate the iconic train’s 125th anniversary in 2023. 

Ice Skating 

The village of Zermatt is home to a free-to-enter ice rink, open daily throughout the winter from 9am-7pm. 

It is possible to rent ice skates in the village nearby and bring them directly to the rink. Some rental places also provide mini penguin skate-aids to help younger children balance while on the ice.

Ice-skating is a great, family-friendly activity and one of the best things to do in Zermatt with kids in winter. 

Family-friendly Accommodations in Zermatt

Because Zermatt is a popular winter destination for families, you’ll find no shortage of accommodations and hotels that offer family suites and other amenities like indoor swimming pools.

Here are three great hotel options with rooms large enough for families for your Zermatt winter trip:

• Tradition Julen Hotel
• Hotel Alpenroyal
• Schweizerhof Zermatt

Tips for visiting Zermatt with Kids in Winter

Zermatt is a car-free village, but watch out for the electric taxis/shuttles – despite being a car-free village, Zermatt still has many electric taxis/shuttles weaving in and out of pedestrians, so make sure to keep an eye on your little ones, particularly on Bahnhofstrasse (Zermatt’s main street).

Make restaurant reservations ahead of time – booking restaurant reservations as early as possible is super important. Particularly when traveling as a family, it is unlikely you’ll be able to find a walk-in booking to fit the entire family. 

Be mindful of the altitude – the village of Zermatt is only 1600m above sea level, but as you progress up the slopes, the altitude increases. Just be mindful of this when traveling with young ones. 

Buy a Toblerone and recreate the iconic photos – for an extra fun activity to do with kids in Zermatt, why not buy a Toblerone chocolate bar and take a photo with the logo of the Toblerone over the Matterhorn peak? The kids will love it!

FAQs about Visiting Zermatt in Winter with Kids

If this is your first time visiting Zermatt, here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about planning a family trip to Zermatt in winter.

What is the best way to get to Zermatt in winter?

Zermatt is an entirely car-free destination, so the closest you can get to the village by car is by parking in the nearby town of Täsch and catching the train from there. 

Alternatively, the easiest way to visit Zermatt in Winter is by catching the train directly from the airport you fly into. Remember that the Swiss Travel Pass can save you money on all train travel in Switzerland. 

Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover Zermatt? Thankfully, yes, it does, but be sure to double-check whether it is necessary for your family because in some instances, it is actually cheaper to skip buying the pass as sometimes children can travel free on trains in Switzerland.

How long should you plan to visit Zermatt in the winter?

Four days is the minimum amount of time recommended to spend in Zermatt, as it is just enough time to enjoy a magical 4-day winter itinerary in Zermatt that covers the main highlights. 

In general, though, if you don’t want to be rushed and have time to factor in a couple of relaxing mornings for the kids, 1 week is perhaps the best length of time to visit Zermatt in the winter. 

To extend your Europe trip, tack on some additional cities in Switzerland, like Zurich or Lucerne, particularly if visiting during the holidays as these are among some of the best places in Europe to spend Christmas .

What is the best time to visit Zermatt in the winter?

Zermatt is a very popular winter destination in Switzerland, but the busiest times are around the festive period (Mid-December to early January). 

Any other time in the winter is great to visit Zermatt and remember that the ‘snow-sure’ resort has guaranteed snow 365 days a year, so you’ll be able to ski as a family regardless of when you visit. 

During winter the high temperatures are only around freezing so be sure to dress like you’re going skiing even if you aren’t planning to hit the slopes.

What is the best family-friendly restaurant in Zermatt? 

Luckily, there are many options for family-friendly restaurants in Zermatt, particularly along the Bahnhofstrasse (Zermatt’s main street). 

A particularly popular choice is the Schweizerhof Kitchen, which serves a number of kid-friendly meals like pasta, pizza and burgers. 

As mentioned earlier, remember to book a table in advance to avoid being disappointed.

Conclusion | A fun winter in Zermatt with kids

There we have it, folks, a conclusive round-up of the best things to do in Zermatt with kids in winter. This lovely alpine village is one of the best family-friendly destinations in Switzerland and is guaranteed to create cherished memories for you and your family.

Whether you’re a family planning the perfect ski holiday in Europe or simply want to experience Zermatt in winter, a trip to this Swiss mountain village promises an unforgettable adventure. 

Do you have any questions about visiting Zermatt with kids during the winter season? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts or questions in the comments below. 

Like it? Pin this guide to winter in Zermatt with kids to save it for later!

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Flying in and out of from UK 3rd week of June and planning itinerary. 7 nights

Apologies for vagueness but only just booked flights and am open to other places suggested. Any assistance appreciated.

2 replies to this topic

I'd think about area's such as Grindelwald , Zermatt and Lucerne to name a few. Don't try to see too much in 7 days, you'll enjoy few stops with longer stays instead. You can easily still do day trips from most of these area's.

If you are flying into Geneva and have chosen (let's say...) to stay in Luzern as your "city base" it would make sense to spend time in either Zermatt or one of the villages in the mountains of the Berner Oberland for your "mountain base".

Personally I think the scenery above Zermatt is the best in the entire Alps. So my suggestion is to land at GVA and then go right to Zermatt. Spend 3 nights. Then train via Visp/Spiez/ Interlaken Ost to Luzern. And stay there. Here are the websites of the tourist offices - use them to find hotels:

http://www.zermatt.ch

http://www.luzern.com/en

For all travel here - http://www.sbb.ch/en And consider getting a half fare card plus Saver Day passes for the days you travel to Zermatt and then on to Luzern. All info about those are on the SBB site.

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