Things to do in Zermatt

Why go to Zermatt

• The Matterhorn

  The world's most photographed peak looms over the village and is jaw-dropping from every angle, no ticket required just to stare.

• Gornergrat Railway & Summit

  A cogwheel train climbs to 10,135 ft for panoramic views of 29 peaks over 13,000 ft, including Monte Rosa.

• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn)

  Europe's highest cable car station at 12,740 ft delivers year-round snow and a glacier palace carved into the ice.

• Zermatt Village & Bahnhofstrasse

  Wander the car-free cobblestone streets past 16th-century mazot huts, chapels, and the famous Matterhorn backdrop.

• Five Lakes Walk (Fünfseenweg)

  A legendary half-day hike passing five mirror lakes each reflecting the Matterhorn, one of Switzerland's most beautiful trail days.

Good to know in Zermatt

• Transit: Zermatt is car-free, park in Täsch ($16/day) and take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn shuttle train ($15 round trip) into the village; the Swiss Travel Pass covers this train and saves heavily if you're touring Switzerland.
• Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Switzerland, service charge is included by law; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated but optional.
• Tap water: Zermatt's tap water is pure alpine spring water, completely safe, free, and better than any bottled water you'll find.
• Free-entry days: The Matterhorn Museum offers free entry on selected Swiss National Day events (August 1) and occasional cultural festival days, check zermatt.ch/en for the current schedule.

Trip essentials