Zermatt, home of the Matterhorn

Facts about Zermatt

• Location: in the Alps
• Region: Matter valley (Valais)
• Zermatt can be reached by train
• Popular attractions: Glacier Express, Gornergrat, Klein Matterhorn - Glacier Paradise
• Town size: town
• Zermatt is car-free
• Zermatt is a winter sports resort
• Elevation: 1605 m (5266 ft)
• Travel time from Zurich: 3h10 by train, 4h55 by car

What is so unique about Zermatt

Zermatt is the ideal place for anyone who is looking for perfection: a car free village in a perfect landscape with the best shops, hotels, restaurants and chalets. If you've never been to Switzerland, a picture perfect town like Zermatt is probably what you have in mind when thinking about your first visit. It is easy to reach by the world famous Glacier Express!

Location and scenery

Zermatt is situated at the end of the Matter valley, at one of the most scenic spots in Switzerland. The highest peaks of the Alps can be found here. The most prominent one is the famous Matterhorn.

The town is located at a high altitude and it is surrounded by mountains, conifer forests and ski slopes. It has its own micro climate, which can work out in your favour, or not.

Pros and cons of Zermatt

The alpine scenery ranks in the absolute top of what the Swiss Alps have to offer. The car free village offers a relaxed way to enjoy nature in peace and quiet. Zermatt itself is a tourist hotspot, especially in summer and winter months. To some, it's too touristy.

The mountains either block clouds from coming in or keep them in one place. It can rain for days or not at all for weeks. You'd best be prepared for anything. Zermatt is perfect for outdoor activities, but if weather is bad the isolated location makes it time consuming to go somewhere else. If you don't mind a full day of traveling, you can consider trips to the Upper Rhone valley or even the Jungfrau region though.

You can enjoy winter sports all year long in Zermatt. In summer, the glacier at Klein Matterhorn is the place to be for skiing and snowboarding.

Zermatt is beloved by many tourists, and thus this isn't a low budget destination. Check out the suggested hotels for information about (affordable) accommodation.

Zermatt during winter

Zermatt is perfect for winter activities in December, January, February and March. Snowfall is likely in town and almost guaranteed on the surrounding mountains.

There are lots of pistes for experienced skiers and snowboarders. But you’ll also find easy slopes and special classes for children and beginners.

Skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only way to enjoy the snow. You can go winter hiking and snowshoe hiking, sledging, curling, tobogganing and paragliding. Or you can watch the snow-capped peaks from mountains such as Gornergrat, Klein Matterhorn and Sunnegga.

The nearby towns of Täsch, Randa, St. Niklaus and Grächen also have lots of pistes and winter activities. The ski area of Saas-Fee in the neighboring Saas valley can be reached too, but a single trip takes about 2 hours.

Zermatt is a nice Christmas destination. You can enjoy dining and shopping in the illuminated main street. From mid-December, there’s a large Christmas tree that’s lit during a ceremony. Don’t expect a large Christmas market or holiday festivals.

Bad weather activities

Zermatt is all about outdoor activities, so we recommend to stick to those if at all possible. In case of severe weather, here's what else you can consider:

• Visit the Matterhorn Museum: www.zermatt.ch;
• A city trip to Brig;
• A city trip to Sion;
• If you don't mind a long day, city trips to Bern or Lausanne are possible as well.