Nestled in the southern end of Switzerland’s Matter Valley under the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn, lies the small but world-famous ski-resort town of Zermatt. Over the summer, we got the chance to finally spend two days in Zermatt and what a dream it was! Lush meadows, roaring river, towering mountains, and a sleepy town – it was everything we had hoped for and even more.
Located at an elevation of 1620m (5276ft) in the Canton of Valais, Zermatt is surrounded by some of Switzerland’s highest peaks (29 to be precise!)– the most famous one being Matterhorn.
Zermatt is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland – be it in the summer or in the winter months. Stunning hikes, picturesque Alpine lakes, scenic cable car rides, and its famous year-round ski slopes welcome visitors into a dreamy Alpine setting.
I am assuming that if you happened to come across this post, you are most likely considering visiting this Swiss town. So, here’s a photo-essay and a travel guide on how to spend two days in Zermatt – how to reach there, where we stayed and things to do in Zermatt.
Arriving in Zermatt by train: When the journey is as beautiful as the destination itself!
The easiest way to reach Zermatt is by train. In fact, Zermatt is a car-free village where the only electric vehicles that you might see are those that are operated by hotels, local businesses and emergency services. There are horse carriage rides available in Zermatt and one can even rent bicycles to enjoy some mountain biking in the area. Note though – biking is not allowed along the Bahnhofstrasse and can result in a fine.
If you are considering arriving in Zermatt by car, then you will have to park your car in the parking lot located in the Matterhorn Terminal in nearby Täsch before boarding the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to Zermatt.
We arrived in Zermatt though by train from Italy and the views along the way left me speechless.
From Milan to Zermatt: A scenic train ride
After touring Italy, our next stop was Zermatt, Switzerland. In order to reach Zermatt from Milan, we took the train from Milan to Visp (via Brig) which took about two hours to reach Visp. The train journey from Milan to Visp took us past the beautiful Italian countryside and Lake Maggiore before entering into the Simplon Tunnel on its way to Switzerland.
At Visp, we changed trains to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn which brings its passengers to Zermatt in just a little over an hour. Our ride on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn was one of the most scenic train rides I’ve ever taken.
It is a good idea to purchase the tickets for the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn in advance as it is a very popular route in the peak tourist seasons.
Although we were traveling with the Eurail pass, we had to pay an additional (discounted) fare for our ticket from Visp to Zermatt – about $67 per person one way in the first class, purchased from Rail Europe. Tickets can also be purchased online via the SBB site.
From Visp, the train traveled via Kalpetran, the cute village of St. Niklaus, Herbriggen, Randa, and Täsch before finally arriving in Zermatt’s train station – Bahnhofplatz.
This scenic train ride took us along one of the deepest valleys of Switzerland as it climbed up the steep, narrow rack railway towards Zermatt. The stunning views of some of the highest mountains of the region took my breath away.
I could hear distinct whoops of joy from passengers as our train approached Zermatt and we caught a lovely glimpse of Matterhorn.
Another extremely popular way to reach Zermatt is by taking Glacier Express. The Glacier Express starts from St. Moritz and travels via Davos and Chur on its way towards Zermatt.
It takes nearly seven-and-a-half-hours for the Glacier Express to reach Zermatt from St. Moritz.
This famous panoramic train rewards passengers with incredible views as it crosses over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels on its way.
Since we visited Zermatt from Italy, we didn’t get a chance to ride on the Glacier Express though. However, I would love to do so in the future – especially during the winter months.
Panoramic Pass Vs Peak Pass:
Zermatt is a small town and touring the town itself takes about half a day. The major draws for tourists are its spectacular cable car rides and scenic train rides to the higher peaks in the region. In particular, the cable car to Klein Matterhorn, the Gornergratbahn, the lift to Sunnegga, and the cable car to Rothorn are amongst the must-see experiences when visiting Zermatt.
However, Zermatt is also quite an expensive town and these cable car rides are no exception. A budget-friendly option is to head off on scenic hiking trails. However, if the weather is good and the lifts are open, then the glorious views from its famous vantage points are well worth it.
I found the Zermatt website very helpful for the online purchase of the tickets, timetables, and for planning out which pass would be the best option for our stay. In general, if you plan on staying 3 days or longer in Zermatt, then the Peak Pass can be a good value as it offers unlimited rides to Matterhorn glacier paradise, Sunnegga-Rothorn summit, and the Gornergrat.
Our stay at charming Hotel Romantica, Zermatt
We had an amazing stay at the cozy, boutique Hotel Romantica for two nights during our summer visit to Zermatt. Hotel Romantica was conveniently located in an alley close to the main street of Zermatt (Bahnhofstrasse). It was also just a short walk away from the train station itself.
Our room was exceptionally clean and the generous breakfast served included juices, meats, eggs, cheeses, and a variety of breads. I absolutely loved the lovely view of the hotel’s beautiful summer garden from our room.
There is also a really nice bakery located on the main street, just near the corner from where we purchased snacks for picnics. I genuinely appreciated the helpful advice and information offered by the owners of the hotel -Thor and Michelle. Overall, Zermatt is a lovely place to visit and staying at Hotel Romantica made it an even more memorable experience.
Two days in Zermatt, Switzerland: The best things to do to make the most of your visit
A visit to Zermatt has plenty to offer to both those who seek adventure as well as to those who prefer a more laid back and relaxing holiday. With its abundant hiking trails, year-round skiing, and popular activities like paragliding and mountain biking, Zermatt is a delight for those seeking Alpine thrills.
At the same time, it is also a great destination for those who wish to explore this town on a more relaxed note thanks to its easy walking paths, spas, a variety of scenic cable car rides, and even a museum located in the town itself.
We thoroughly enjoyed spending two days in Zermatt during the summer. Although we are not skiers, we loved hiking in the region and taking the cable car rides to its spectacular vista points.
Having said so, here’s our list of some of the best things to do over two days in Zermatt, Switzerland.
Contents
1. Take in the stunning view of Matterhorn
First things first – what draws visitors from all over the world to Zermatt is the chance to get to see one of the world’s most famous mountain in person- the Matterhorn.
At 4478m, Matterhorn is actually not the tallest peak in the region – the tallest one being the nearby Monte Rosa peak at 4634m. However, the allure of Matterhorn brings tourists from all over the world to Zermatt.
It’s no wonder that Matterhorn is an iconic symbol of Switzerland. Even chocolate lovers who’ve eaten Toblerone can probably recall seeing the image of this iconic mountain on the cover of this delicious Swiss chocolate.
Zermatt is located close to the border of Italy and Switzerland. Visitors are able to marvel at Matterhorn from even the Italian side since Matterhorn is actually situated in both Italy (Aosta valley of northern Piedmont) as well as in Switzerland. In fact, on the Italian side, Matterhorn is called Monte Cervino and it can be viewed from the Italian ski resort – Breuil-Cervinia.
It is easy to see Matterhorn from nearly everywhere in town. However, for some of the best views of Matterhorn from Zermatt, head over to one of the bridges over River Vispa.
For another spectacular view of Zermatt, cross over (via Zumsteg) to the side of the town that lies on the opposite bank from the train station. From there, turn left and walk along Vispastrasse before taking a slight right turn on to Wiestistrasse. A short uphill hike on Wiestistrasse results in a gorgeous view of Zermatt and Matterhorn in the distance.
2. Get oriented to Zermatt by taking a leisurely stroll around the town
Given its popularity, Zermatt is visited by plenty of tourists during the daytime. We noticed though that by evening Zermatt returns to its quieter side after several day-trippers head back.
We preferred to take the hikes and scenic cable car rides during the early morning hours (which is also when peaks tend to be clearer generally). By evening, a leisurely stroll along the banks of River Vispa in Zermatt was a perfect way to unwind from a busy day up in the mountains.
The town of Zermatt itself is actually quite small and so it is very walkable. Its main street – Bahnhofstrasse – runs from the train station towards the church. This street is lined up with Swiss chalets made with dark timber and adorned with bright blossoms.
There are plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops along this main drag. We even came across shops selling hiking and skiing gear along this street.
Heading off into alleys and cross streets that run between the three main streets of Zermatt, one comes across pockets of charming, rustic homes and well-tended gardens.
A must-see alley is the Hinterdorfstrasse. This narrow alley runs between the Bahnhofstrasse and the banks of the river. Walking along this oldest street in Zermatt, one comes across the old dwellings (mazots) and barns from the 16th and 17th centuries. Mazots are traditional larch wood timber dwellings covered with shingles made from stone slabs. The base of these mazots is raised by stilts and stone to keep critters and insects out.
A walk along Hinterdorfstrasse gives a sense of what life must have been like in the 16th century when agriculture was the backbone of the economy. It was quite a contrast to walk along Hinterdorfstrasse and then return to the main streets to see the modern chalets and grand hotels.
Walking further along Bahnhofstrasse, we came across the Matterhorn Museum as well as the church in the town center. Located close by was the mountaineer’s cemetery. This cemetery is a memorial to the mountaineers who lost their lives while trying to ascend the peaks in the region.
A walk around Zermatt is certainly not complete without heading to the bridge across Vispa and then further onto Wiestistrasse to take in the stunning view of Matterhorn and Zermatt from a higher vantage point.
We loved getting lost in the cute alleys of Zermatt but the view of Matterhorn from pretty much everywhere we went in Zermatt helped us get oriented to the city and find our way around the town.
3. Take the cable car ride to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise on Klein Matterhorn
Klein Matterhorn, the 3883m high peak located between Breithorn and Matterhorn, has been made accessible via cable car.
The cable car ride from Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise located on Klein Matterhorn is an absolutely fantastic experience.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise happens to be the highest cable car station in Europe, located at an elevation of 3883m on Klein Matterhorn.
The ride to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise actually consists of a series of three gondolas/cable cars.
To begin with, the Matterhorn Express gondola takes visitors from Zermatt to Furi. From Furi, a gondola leads visitors to Trockener Steg (2939m). However, for an even more scenic experience (especially on the way back), take the gondola that runs between Furi and Trockener Steg via Schwarzsee.
From Trockener Steg, the cable car brings visitors to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The views of the surrounding glaciers and towering peaks in the distance are captivating.
As our gondola arrived at the Glacier Paradise, to our pleasant surprise, it started snowing, adding to the charm of the experience. Moreover, the snowfall only last for about 15 minutes during which we enjoyed sipping on hot chocolate at the restaurant located at this elevation (it’s quite expensive though!). By the time we had finished the hot chocolate and stepped out to the viewing area next to the ski slopes, the weather had cleared up and we were able to enjoy soaking in the gorgeous view Matterhorn and the breathtaking Alps in front of us.
If you enjoy skiing and are visiting Zermatt in summer, then the only year-round ski slopes are the ones located near Klein Matterhorn. On a clear day, the observation deck at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offers a commanding view of some of the highest mountains of Switzerland and even those of France and Italy.
A word of caution – Klein Matterhorn is located at quite a high elevation and so those prone to altitude sickness should take appropriate precautions before taking the cable car up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Acclimatizing to the altitude of Zermatt a day or two before taking this cable car ride is a good idea.
4. Visiting the highest glacier cave in the world – Matterhorn Glacier Palace
Visiting the Glacier Palace is a unique experience as this glacier cave is said to be the highest Glacier Palace in the world. A lift near Matterhorn Glacier Paradise marked as Gletschergrotte takes visitors 15m below the ice surface.
Following this, a brief walk along the walkway carved through ice leads to a grotto filled with beautifully carved ice sculptures. Illuminated ice sculptures of chalets, wildlife, the Matterhorn and even a dragon are a sight to behold.
5. Enjoy skiing on the world-famous ski slopes near Zermatt
Zermatt is famous for its fantastic, year-round ski slopes and is actually Switzerland’s highest ski resort as well. The most popular ski slopes are the ones located near Sunnegga, Gornergrat, Klein Matterhorn and Schwarzsee. If you visit Zermatt during the summer months though, the only ski slopes that are open are the ones at Klein Matterhorn near the Matterhorn ski paradise. There are both ski rental shops (on Bahnhofstrasse) as well as ski schools located in Zermatt that can help those interested in skiing on the nearby slopes have the best experience possible.
While we didn’t end up skiing during our visit to Zermatt in summer, we could see the beautiful ski slopes as we stepped out on to the viewing platform at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
6. Enjoy a relaxing picnic at Lake Schwarzsee in the shadow of Matterhorn
On the way back to Zermatt from the Glacier Paradise, we stepped out at the Schwarzsee cable car stop and headed towards Lake Schwarzsee.
Seeing the tranquil, clear waters of Lake Schwarzsee, located at 2,552 m near the foot of Matterhorn was a highlight for us. We had packed our lunch from the bakery near our hotel in Zermatt and thoroughly enjoyed a picnic near Lake Schwarzsee.
It was also really interesting to learn that the famous Matterhorn Hörnligrat Ridge – one of the most popular mountaineering routes – is clearly visible from Schwarzsee. No wonder, well trained and experienced mountaineers planning on ascending the Matterhorn take the cable car up to Schwarzsee before heading off to Hörnlihutte to start the climb to Matterhorn’s summit via Hörnligrat the following day.
7. Soak in the Alpine views from Sunnegga along with picnics and hikes nearby
A budget-friendly option is to take the funicular to Sunnegga – a popular springboard for family-friendly activities such as picnics near Lake Leisee, hikes of varying levels of difficulty and snow activities in the winter months. We took the funicular from the Sunnegga-Rothorn express station located in Zermatt.
The underground funicular from Zermatt to Sunnegga brought us up to the terrace at Sunnegga that had a beautiful view of Matterhorn in the distance.
From the station, we also saw several people heading off to various hiking trails near Sunnegga. There are long but easy trails that also lead hikers down from Sunnegga to Zermatt through meadows and lush forests.
8. Witness the panoramic view of the Alpine peaks from Rothorn
A ride up the cable from Sunnegga to the summit station of Rothorn (Unterrothorn) is another popular activity for tourists and hikers. From the summit, the classic view of Matterhorn, the Alpine peaks of the canton of Valais and the glaciers are a sight to behold.
The weather had started to become cloudy by the time we arrived at Rothorn. While several of the peaks started to get covered, it still seemed so beautiful. I can only imagine how beautiful the view would be on a clearer day from Rothorn. We stopped by the café located at the Rothorn station and enjoyed some Irish coffee before heading back to the valley.
One of the most glorious sunrises over the Matterhorn can be seen from Rothorn. This is certainly something we would love to experience whenever we visit Zermatt in the future. Rothorn is also the base for several challenging hikes for experienced hikers and starting point for ski lifts (open in winter months only).
9. Marvel at nature’s grandeur at Gornergrat
Visiting the Gornergrat observation deck by taking the Gornergrat Bahn is a must-do for many tourists visiting Zermatt. Panoramic views of the rocky ridge of Valais Alps (including Matterhorn and Monte Rosa) and the Gornergrat glacier leave visitors spellbound. The Gornergrat Bahn is actually the highest open-air railway in Europe and the train departs from its own station that is located across from the main Zermatt train station.
10. Learn about the history of Zermatt and mountaineering in the region at Matterhorn Museum
Matterhorn Museum (Zermatlantis) is located in the heart of Zermatt near its church. It is a fun underground museum where one can learn about the history of Zermatt, the first successful climb to the summit of Matterhorn which ended up in a tragic accident and also about the rise in the popularity of mountaineering in the region.
A tour through the Matterhorn Museum takes about an hour and starts at the main hall where there are plenty of original buildings (mazots) with traditional furnishings that showcase how people lived earlier in Zermatt when agriculture was the backbone of the economy.
There are also exhibits of the old hotel that was first built in Zermatt when it started gaining popularity as a mountaineering destination after the first ascent in 1865.
The museum also highlights the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865 by the seven mountaineers along with explaining the tragic accident that occurred during their descent in which four of the mountaineers lost their lives. The rope which snapped on the descent is preserved inside a glass case to this day in this museum.
There was an interesting display of cameras that have been used for photography over the years in the mountains.
11. Watch the goat parade through town in the summer months
If you happen to be in Zermatt during the months of July-mid August and are in town in the morning around 9 am or in the evening around 5 pm, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the daily goat parade through the town.
These Valais black neck goats have characteristic black colored heads and white rears. The goats are herded to the pastures by local youngsters every day during July-mid August at about 9 am via Bahnhofstrasse. They return from the pastures by 5 pm. It was quite a unique experience watching the goat parade along Bahnhofstrasse in the evening.
12. Indulge in delicious Swiss cuisine at some of the best restaurants in Switzerland
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Zermatt that offer delicious, traditional Swiss must-eats such as Fondue, Rösti, and Raclette. Indulging in some fondue at Cafe Du Pont Zermatt was a delightful experience.
We also loved dining at Restaurant Waldhaus on both the nights we spent in Zermatt. This restaurant had been recommended to us by our hotel staff and after tasting the delicious food at Waldhaus we could clearly see why. Restaurant Waldhaus is located away from the more touristy part of the town, near the Sunnegga hiking trail. We loved the rustic ambiance, beautiful views, delicious traditional food, and friendly service at this restaurant. Their soups, wiener schnitzel, chicken cordon bleu, and homemade pasta were scrumptious.
We also found the Bäckerei Fuchs along the Bahnhofstrasse to be a lovely bakery to purchase freshly made baked goods. We found this to be a really nice stop for purchasing delicious eateries for a picnic. They even packaged the pastries and quiches we had purchased so that we could easily carry them with us on our hiking and cable car adventures.
13. Hike along the Alpine hiking trails and the lakes near Zermatt
Hiking along the amazing trails near Zermatt is a must-do. There are trails of varying levels of difficulty and durations in the region, making it a hiker’s paradise. The Sunnegga trail that lead us back from Sunnegga to Zermatt was a lovely, easy hike through lush forests, sleepy chalets, and blooming meadows. Another easy hike is the one from the Furi gondola station to Zermatt – the brief stop at the Gorner Gorge along the way adds to the scenic charm of this hike.
While we weren’t able to include the Five Lakes Walk (5-Seenweg) in our itinerary due to time constraints, we look forward to hiking this trail when we visit Zermatt next time around. This beautiful, moderately difficult hike can take up to 2.5-4 hour to complete over a span of 9.3 km, depending on of course how often you’d like to stop at the glorious vista points along the way. The 5-Seenweg hike is considered one of the most photogenic hikes near Zermatt as it offers spectacular views Matterhorn and the five lakes – Leisee, Stellisee, Grindjisee, Moosjisee, and Grünsee.
14. Experience the natural beauty of Gorner Gorge near Zermatt
Located merely a 15min walk from Zermatt, visiting the Gorner Gorge is a fun, family-friendly experience. The entry to the Gorney Gorge costs about CHF 5. A well-maintained wooden walkway allows visitors to experience the natural beauty of the gorge. Walking between the towering cliffs on either side of the gorge carved by the turquoise waters of the Gornervispe is a thrilling and beautiful experience.
15. Don’t forget to have fun playing in the snow
If skiing is not up your alley then don’t forget that it’s still always so much fun to play in the snow on the high mountains. What can I say – we definitely let the kid within us loose as we played in the snow at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. From making snow angels to having snowball fights and even making rock stacks (you’re sure to come across these cairns along the trails and at the summit stations) – we did it all and had an amazing time.
There’s a lot to see and do near Zermatt. No wonder it is the perfect springboard for Alpine thrills and is such a famous resort town. The mystical draw of Matterhorn continues to draw throngs of tourists to Zermatt.
If you also enjoy hiking and are planning on exploring Switzerland some more after visiting Zermatt, consider hiking in the Berner Oberland region.
We fell in love with charming Zermatt. When the journey to Zermatt is as beautiful as the destination itself, you know you are in for an incredible experience. We look forward to returning to Zermatt, exploring it some more and heading off on the gorgeous hiking trails in the region.
Until then…. Adieu dear Zermatt (and Matterhorn) !
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Hello ! I’m Aditi …..
Welcome to Land Of Travels – a travel blog that my husband Manish and I started to share our travel stories and travel tips. We are full-time professionals, dedicated parents, foodies, and it is our shared passion for traveling that lead us to become part-time bloggers.
I was born and brought up in Northern India, lived in Bay Area, California for nearly two decades and currently reside in Ontario, Canada. Since childhood, I’ve always had a passion to travel far & wide and experience different cultures. I am passionate about planning our trips and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
My sincere hope is that the travel tips offered on this blog will help you plan your next memorable adventure.
Happy travels!
~ Aditi Sharma ~
Just read your Zermatt post. You have done an amazing job. I am trying to map out an itinerary and this will help immensely. Great information and very well presented. Thanks for doing this
Another area of Switzerland I tend to go back to. I just love using Zermatt as a base for hiking but when I have friends or family with me, we do the train rides and trips up to the mountains and explore the nature there. Once I done Zermatt in the winter and it is so pretty. 🙂
I *love* Zermatt! I’ve been there twice, and I thoroughly enjoyed both trips. I 100% agree with your comment that the train trip there is half the fun of the trip. Your photos and the description of the Bahnhofstrasse brought back some great memories. It was at a restaurant along this street that I first got introduced to raclette…yummy!
Oooo raclette – it’s so delicious! We loved Zermatt and look forward to returning to it to hike around some more. Glad the post brought back fond memories for you.
Switzerland has been on my bucket list for so long! This is so well written,! Pinning it for when I get to go!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed reading the post.
Matterhorn looks too beautiful to miss. Seeing mountains in Switzerland is something I would like to do next year.
Wow! What a beautiful and useful guide! I’m looking for unique places to visit in Switzerland and Zermatt is now on my list!
Thanks – Glad you found the guide informative.
The last time I visited Switzerland was way back in high school! The only thing that’s stuck in my mind is the amazing blue water. Looks like you had a great time 🙂
We did – it’s such a beautiful country! Thanks for visiting the blog.
I had 2 weeks in Switzerland and found it very difficult to fit in everything that I wanted to see, so ended up skipping some places, of which one was Zermatt. What a pity because it looks gorgeous! I would love to take the glacier express from St. Moritz, that’d be a beautiful train journey! And the town of Zermatt, with a view of Matterhorn, looks pretty cool too. How lovely is Lake Schwarzsee!
Zermatt is indeed gorgeous – especially the views from the summit stations and from the hikes in the region. Picnic near Lake Schwarzsee with the view of Matterhorn was a highlight for us. Thanks for visiting the post Medha.
Wow! This looks like a fabulous itinerary! I’d love to visit Italy again and it sounds like it would be totally doable to take a train to Zermatt for a couple days.
What a cool place to travel to! I spend a lot of time in Suisse-Romande but want to travel to some of the other regions – so this looks like a GREAT weekend getaway! Will definitely bookmark!
Glad you enjoyed reading the post, Cate. We loved it in Zermatt and hope you enjoy visiting it as well – happy travels.
This small Swiss town looks so enchanting. Thank you so the vast amount of information! We are travelling in Europe next year and Switzerland is high up on the list! I find it so refreshing that it’s a car-less town – brilliant. I’ll be coming back to your post if we decide to visit this gorgeous place – it’s so hard to choose which towns to visit!
We absolutely loved Zermatt and the villages in the Berner Oberland region. There are of course so many gorgeous places to visit in Switzerland. I know we will keep returning to this charming country to explore its hidden gems. Wish you a lovely trip to Europe next year.
Zermatt looks like a charming and beautiful town to visit! I love how diverse the landscape is. Would love to go hiking there one day!
We fell in love with the beauty of the region and look forward to returning to Zermatt to explore the nearby hiking trails some more. Thanks for visiting the post.
Wow this post would have been so useful before I went to Zermatt. I was so unprepared! And absolutely gorgeous photos. Thanks!
Thank you – glad you found the post informative
Wow, Zermatt looks amazing! I’ve been to Switzerland, but not Zermatt yet – but that view of the Matterhorn! Ah!! Already planning to go back…
Zermatt is so picturesque and the views from nearby summit stations of the Alps are breathtaking. Thanks for visiting the post.
Thank you for the lovely guide! Switzerland is next on our European bucket list. I cannot wait, and I’ll definitely save this and keep Zermatt in mind!
I hope you have a lovely time in Switzerland – there are so many gorgeous places to see there. Happy travels and thanks for visiting the post.
Everything about this looks amazing. Visiting Switzerland is really high on my list and saving this for when I actually get there someday.
Thanks – glad you enjoyed reading the post.
Zermatt is truly beautiful with many surprises. Especially those lovely goats that look casually strolling the town with this good weather. Splendid!
There’s a lot to see and do in the region – it’s so beautiful The goat parade was a pleasant surprise for us as well. Thanks for visiting the post.
Whether during ski season in the winter or when the mountains are green and filled with wildflowers in the summer, Switzerland always looks magical to me. As much as I hate winter, I skied in Switzerland as a kid, but summer in the mountains is way more my style. Your photos are amazing!
My thoughts too Sage. We love hiking so summer is ideal for that in Switzerland. Would love to experience skiing in the winter though on these magnificent slopes. Glad you liked the photographs.
Switzerland has long been on my to do list – It is so beautiful!
I’ve never come across this place but it looks exactly how you’d imagine Switzerland! I love that it’s car free. The views of Matterhorn are amazing.
Zermatt is a lovely town to visit in Switzerland. Thanks for visiting the post.
Zermatt looks amazing! I had no idea about the Glacier Palace, but it looks incredible. Thanks for all the great tips – it’s definitely on my list!
I am glad you found the tips informative. We loved Zermatt and all those scenic cable car rides. Thanks for visiting the blog.
what a stunning place to visit. Yes added to my never-ending list of places to visit.
Zermatt is beautiful, just like so many other amazing places in Switzerland. Thanks for visiting the blog.
Wow what an amazing way to see Switzerland. Love your photos.
Thanks Julie.
Switzerland is such a dream destination. The train ride from Milan to Zermatt looks splendid. Your pictures speak for itself how beautiful your entire experience was!
Yes, we really loved the scenic train ride to Zermatt. Glad you enjoyed reading the post.
Zermatt and its surrounding peaks sound like a dream to visit. Thanks for the detailed post!
Thank you. Glad you found the post informative
What a lovely destination. I should have visited when I was in Milan last year. Stunning views and your photos are lovely. I have never heard of the Glacier Palace. And the goat parade, how adorable!
Thank you – I am glad you enjoyed reading the post. The goat parade was really quite a unique sight to see. Hope you get to visit Zermatt whenever you plan a trip to Switzerland. Happy travels.
As someone like yourself who travels the world, how can you top this trip!? I loved that people actually erupted into cheers when reaching Zermatt, this has to be such a bucket list destination for people, it’s iconic. As I’m looking at pictures of the Matterhorn I’m realizing ubiquitous in film, I can’t imagine what it must have been like to see it in person, the chair lift is probably a surreal experience! I like your idea of getting acquainted with the town. It’s so dream like you probably need to pinch yourself as you’re walking around!
You summarized my sentiments so well Stephanie. It’s true- it is a surreal feeling to be standing at the base of Matterhorn amidst such spectacular landscape. We loved Zermatt, and I know now that when we visit it next we will also be exploring several more of its iconic hiking trails. So much to see and do in the region! Thank your for sharing your thoughts and visiting the post.
Train ride to Zermett must have been splendid. Your pictures speak for itself. I hope to visit there soon some day. It’s just too expensive for us Indians 😩
Thanks for visiting the post Suman. I agree, Switzerland is expensive – but it’s such an amazing destination at the same time. For us, buying the Peak Pass for Zermatt and booking the hotel well in advance really helped us get the best deal possible while still providing the best experience.
I’ve been to Bern in Switzerland but this seems even more gorgeous! I particularly love the view from the Gornergrat observation deck. Train journeys are easily the best way to get around Europe in my opinion, and Switzerland is no exception!
We haven’t been to Bern yet but I’d love to do so during our next trip. We love taking train journeys as well while traveling through Europe. Thanks for visiting the post.
We have been snowboarding in Zermatt two times already and is with no doubt my favorite village in the alps. Everything is so clean and pretty! (and expensive)
We loved it in Zermatt as well as the villages in Berner Oberland region – both regions have so much to offer. Thanks for visiting the post.
Your photos are really beautiful! I would love to visit Zermatt preferably via a panoramic train like the Glacier Express. I prefer hiking to skiing so sounds like I should visit in the summer.
Thank you! If you prefer hiking, then summer’s probably the best time to visit. Beautiful views and blooming meadows. Zermatt has ski slopes open year-round so that’s always a major draw for those who love to ski.
I have a huge dream of going to the Swiss alps and enjoying some gorgeous hikes. This town looks perfect and I love that it’s car free! Another great guide Adit!
Thank you, Ann! I loved the fact that it was car-free too! Plus it’s a small town, and so walkable – loved exploring it.
I love the alps. The mountains, the villages, the people, everything is so beautiful there. It looks like you had a lot of fun there. Beautiful pictures of the Matterhorn!
My sentiments exactly Paulien. Thank you – glad you enjoyed going through the post.
What a fantastic itinerary! Switzerland has been on my bucket list for a long time. Your pictures are beautiful and I love ( and will save) all of your great tips!
I’m glad you enjoyed reading the post and found it helpful for a future visit to Zermatt. Happy travels.
You had me at horse carriage rides! And you’re so right that the journey is just as beautiful as the destination. I’ve always wanted to take a scenic train ride and I just might have to do that in Switzerland now. Good to know about the additional fare too and I didn’t even know about the glacier palace. It looks epic!
Glad you found the post informative. The scenic trains in Switzerland are so worth it! Their panoramic windows give the best possible views to passengers of the stunning landscape.
I would love to visit the Matterhorn Mountain. I imagine that the Toblerone factory might be close to the area.
Tourists can actually visit the Klein Matterhorn (which is different from Matterhorn) and Schwarzsee. The views of Matterhorn from Gornergrat, Rothorn, Schwarzsee and Klein Matterhorn are spectacular.
Zermatt has been on my bucket list for years now! I hope I can make it there before I turn 30! My husband and I love hiking and we would have a blast there! The views are amazing and thank you so much for putting so much effort and detail on this post! it is so helpful.
Zermatt is a hiker’s paradise. So glad you found the post informative.
Wow, this is absolutely beautiful! Seems like a wonderful trip. We have yet to visit Switzerland, but we’ll be adding Zermatt to the list. I love the goats being herded through town – that’s so cute and authentic! Thanks for all the info about this gorgeous destination we hadn’t heard of!
Yes seeing the goat parade was fun and unique experience – it only happens in the summer months though. Glad you enjoyed reading this post.
With that view, I’m taking the scenic train too ! The view of Matterhorn peak is stunning from all angles ! Good to know there’s option for skiing in the summer too ! Thanks for this comprehensive guide ! =)
Zermatt and its surrounding peaks have a lot to offer year-round. We look forward to returning to Zermatt and exploring the hiking trails some more – there are so many of those! Thanks for visiting the blog.
Wow, you really make use of your two day itinerary in Zermatt. Truly, this is a place like no other. It has so much to offer, especially the panormic view of the mountain – the Matterhorn. As an adventurous myself, and love hiking, I guess I would never run out of activities to do here. Hopefully I can visit here soon, and spend a month maybe. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
If you love hiking, you’ll love visiting Zermatt. It’s a hiker’s paradise. Thanks for visiting the post.
Zermatt looks amaaaaazing! Seriously, this looks like heaven for hikers. I loooove those views. It’s great that you can mix in walks with the gondola rides up to truly epic views. That view of the Matterhorn is spectacular!!
p.s. I love your jumping photo Aditi!!
Thank you Josy. We loved Zermatt and look forward to exploring those magnificent hiking trails some more. Glad you enjoyed reading the post.
Pretty awesome trip. The photos look very similar to what one can see in the mountain area of my home country, Romania. 🙂 Though the altitude is higher in Zermatt.
Romania is on our bucket list! Hopefull can get to visit soon. Thanks for visiting the blog.
Looks like you had real fun. I loved your photos. Very beautiful! And such an informative post
Thank you. Glad you found the post informative.
Loved your guide on Zermatt & especially Matterhorn – I’ll surely use this as a guide for my future visit. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Yara! Glad you found the post informative.
I will definitely be using this guide for my visit!
Wow.. this is really a great place to spend time and hike. Love your guide and hope to take some moment to be there
Glad you enjoyed reading this post. Highly recommend a visit to Zermatt
Wow, you sold me on this one Aditi. I would love to come here if we can visit Switzerland. My kids and hubby enjoy skiing, and I think it’s the best place to visit if you enjoy this kind of sports. I can sip hot cocoa and read books while waiting for them. Hahaha. Thanks for sharing adding it in our bucket lists!
Zermatt seemed to have a perfect mix of activities for both those who’d like to see and those who prefer not to. We loved it there and I look forward to heading out for some more hiking adventures next time we visit Zermatt. Glad you enjoyed reading the post.
Zermatt and the whole Switzerland is beautiful beyond words. I hope I would get to ride all 4 panoramic trains once in my life.
Very true. Can’t wait to revisit Switzerland and explore it some more. Thanks for visiting the blog