Zermatt, nestled at the base of the iconic Matterhorn, is a dreamy spot that's car-free and bursting with outdoor adventures. It literally feels like you’re stepping into a fairytale. You will see Swiss chalets perched on the hills with geraniums pouring out of window boxes. It’s postcard perfect. Whether you're into skiing, hiking, or just soaking up the stunning mountain views, Zermatt is a must see.

The town itself isn’t huge, but you probably want to have time to do some hiking, explore the stops off the train up to see the Matterhorn, and have a little bit of built-in time in case any of your Matterhorn excursion days are cloudy or rainy and the visibility is low.

Zermatt, nestled at the base of the iconic Matterhorn, is a dreamy spot that's car-free and bursting with outdoor adventures. Whether you're into skiing, hiking, or just soaking up the stunning mountain views, Zermatt is a must see.

🥨 Top tip for arrival:

Once you arrive at the Zermatt train station, you’ll pass a Brezelkönig (“pretzel king”) on the way out of the station. Stop and get yourself a pretzel, ideally covered in melted cheese . It’s so good🤤

The town itself isn’t huge, but you probably want to have time to do some hiking, explore the stops off the train up to see the Matterhorn, and have a little bit of built-in time in case any of your Matterhorn excursion days are cloudy or rainy and the visibility is low.

🏚️ Zermatt has preserved much of its traditional character, with charming wooden chalets and narrow streets. I recommend exploring the Hinterdorf area to see some of the oldest houses in the village.

🛍️Explore Bahnhofstrasse: This is the main street in Zermatt lined with shops offering everything from Swiss watches and chocolates to local crafts and souvenirs. It's a great place to find gifts and keepsakes.

Discover unique items such as hand-carved wooden figures, traditional Swiss cowbells, and local textiles in the small boutique stores scattered throughout the village.

🧀Käserei Horu Zermatt: This local dairy shop offers a variety of Swiss cheeses, including raclette, fondue mixes, and other regional specialties. It's a fantastic place to pick up some authentic Swiss cheese to enjoy at home.

🫕 For food check out Zum See and Chez Vrony. They offer not only delicious food but also beautiful mountain views.

📸5 Things to do in Zermatt:

1. Take a scenic hike to the quaint hamlet of Zmutt, known for its traditional wooden houses and stunning views of the Matterhorn. This hike is relatively easy and offers a peaceful experience away from the crowds.

2. Check out Gorner Gorge: Just a short walk from Zermatt, this dramatic gorge carved by the Gornera river features wooden walkways and bridges, offering a close-up view of the gorge’s unique rock formations.

3. Sunnegga Funicular: A quick ride from Zermatt takes you to the Sunnegga Paradise, an area known for its sunny terrace and epic views of the Matterhorn. I recommend this as a great starting point for hikes or just to enjoy the view.

4. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise : Take the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car to the highest cable car station in Europe at 3,883 meters (12,739 feet). Enjoy breathtaking views from the panoramic viewing platform, visit the ice palace, and learn about the glaciers

5. Hike to Riffelsee Lake: If you’re visiting Zermatt, it really is must to get closer to the Matterhorn, the 14,692′ peak and one of the most iconic mountains in the world. Riffelsee lake is the one of the best spots to see the reflections.

The Matterhorn has its very own cogwheel train system called the Gornergrat Bahn! The train takes you up Gornergrat to see the Matterhorn across the way, which is the best way to view it. While the train is not covered under the Swiss Pass, it will give you 50% off on a day pass.