Min. time required: 1:00
Season: all year
Recommended season: early January to late February, early April to late October and early December to late December
Max. altitude: 1678 m (5505 ft)

About this Zermatt town walk Copy link to clipboard

Zermatt is more than just a tourist center, as you will discover during this easy 1-hour walking tour across the village. It's perfect for a quick introduction to the town, whether you plan a long stay or visit Zermatt just for one day. In good weather, Matterhorn views are guaranteed!

You will walk through the popular shopping street Bahnhofstrasse as well as through the rural district of Winkelmatten. You will have the opportunity to visit the Matterhorn Museum (Zermatlantis) and a number of churches, that are usually open to the public. You will pass the valley stations of the gondolas to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the Schwarzsee, so these are possible side trips as well.

The route starts at the main rail station. The station of the cog railway to the Gornergrat is just across the street.

As you can see, there are several opportunities to break your walk and visit a viewing point. Since Zermatt is car-free, it's very relaxing to wander through this town.

Costs for this trip Copy link to clipboard

The walk: free

The hiking route in Zermatt is free.

Tickets to travel to Zermatt

If you're not staying in Zermatt you'll have to get there first. You'll be arriving by train, as cars are not allowed in Zermatt. Rail passes can provide discounted or free traveling to Zermatt. If you don't have a rail pass, you'll have to buy normal full-fare tickets.

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Town walk directions and map Copy link to clipboard

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How to reach Zermatt

Zermatt is car-free and can only be reached by train. Drivers can park in nearby Täsch. There are frequent train services from Täsch to Zermatt. Find all information here.

The route

Please find the route on the map below and use these step-by-step directions:

  • Turn into the Bahnhofstrasse as you leave the station square.
  • Turn right at restaurant Walliserkanne (Bahnhofstrasse 32) after about 250 m (800 ft), and turn left after about 40 m (130 ft). You will pass the post office and walk up the stairs to reach St. Peter’s English Church.
  • At the church, turn left into Chrum.
  • At the end of the street, turn right into the Bahnhofstrasse. You will now pass the Matterhorn Museum and the Catholic church.
  • From the Kirchplatz (church square), follow the Oberdorfstrasse. Turn left into the Winkelmattenweg after about 500 m (1600 ft) to cross the bridge over the Mattervispa.
  • Turn right into the Schuhmattstrasse and pass the valley station of the gondola to Klein Matterhorn and Schwarzsee.
  • Turn left into the Staldenstrasse. Keep following the Staldenstrasse as you pass a chapel after about 75 m (250 ft).
  • At the end of the Staldenstrasse, turn right into the Luchernstrasse. Then turn left into the Steinmattstrasse.
  • Turn left into the Kirchstrasse to cross the Mattervispa again and get back to the Kirchplatz. You will pass by the cemetery for mountaineers at the backside of the church.
  • Turn right into the Bahnhofstrasse to get back to the railway station.

Map of our Zermatt town walk

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Map

Best months Copy link to clipboard

You can do this walk in Zermatt all year long, the best months being early January to late February, early April to late October and early December to late December.

From spring to fall you'll see beautiful vegetation in the valley and on the hills, plus the high snow-covered mountain peaks that surround you, including the Matterhorn.

In winter there are good chances of snow in the town. You can still make this walk, as it's an easy route. The town center of Zermatt serves as a lively ski resort in winter, and the outskirts covered by snow are romantic.

We feel that March and November are slightly less attractive. These are transition months from winter to spring, and from fall to winter. The vegetation in the Matter Valley can look a bit dull.

Weather tips and forecasts Copy link to clipboard

How to dress

Solid shoes are recommended. If you visit Zermatt in winter, you'll need sufficiently warm gear. The town is at high altitude and it can get cold, even during daytime.

Best weather for this hike

Dry or nearly dry weather is preferable. You'll have plenty of options to take shelter from rain or snow in the center of Zermatt, but less so in the outskirts of the town.

Forecasts for Zermatt

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Annika
Page author: AnnikaSince early childhood I've been visiting Switzerland during my holidays and I just fell in love with the country. I spent many summers in the Bernese Oberland, which still feels like my second home, and then started to explore other areas. Traveling, hiking and photographing in the Swiss Alps are my absolute favorite activities.