ZERMATT & MATTERHORN
Zermatt, a charming car-free village, sits at the foot of the magnificent Matterhorn, the world’s most famous and photographed peak. It is the ultimate Swiss alpine sanctuary.
This alpine paradise offers year-round adventure, from world-class skiing on the glacier to scenic cogwheel railways and breathtaking hiking trails above 3,000 meters.
Most Popular Attractions
Iconic Mountain Viewpoints & Railways:
Matterhorn: The iconic, pyramid-shaped peak, a symbol of Switzerland and the central focus of the entire region.
Gornergrat Railway: Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel railway, offering one of the most spectacular journeys up to 3,089m.
Gornergrat: A stunning mountain ridge and viewing platform at the end of the railway, surrounded by 29 peaks over 4,000m.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn): Europe’s highest cable car station (3,883m), offering year-round skiing and panoramic views spanning three countries.
Sunnegga: A sunny terrace accessible by funicular, providing one of the easiest and best viewpoints of the Matterhorn.
Rothorn: The highest point of the Sunnegga-Paradise area, known for its breathtaking sunrise views and a unique perspective of the iconic peak.
Breithorn: Considered one of the easiest 4,000m peaks to summit, often done with a mountain guide for a first alpine adventure.
Glacier Express: The world’s slowest express train, which begins or ends its highly scenic route in Zermatt.
Alpine Hiking & Natural Wonders:
Riffelsee: A small, pristine alpine lake famous for capturing a perfect reflection of the Matterhorn on a calm, clear day.
Five Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg): A classic, moderately challenging hike that links five picturesque mountain lakes, each offering a unique Matterhorn reflection.
Gorner Gorge (Gornerschlucht): A deep, mystical gorge carved into the rock by glacial waters, explored via secure boardwalks and steps.
Matterhorn Glacier Trail: A high-altitude hike that leads across moraines and offers close-up views of the glaciers and the Matterhorn’s south face.
Hörnlihütte: The Matterhorn base camp and the starting point for climbers attempting the Hörnli Ridge, offering incredible close-range views.
Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge: Located near Randa, this is one of the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges, spanning 494m.
Furi Suspension Bridge: A shorter, more accessible suspension bridge that crosses high above the Gorner Gorge.
Glacier Garden Dossen: An outdoor park showcasing geological formations, including glacial mills (potholes) and polished rock formations left by the ice age.
Zermatt Village Core & Culture:
Hinterdorfstrasse: The oldest street in the village, preserving the authentic look of Zermatt with traditional, sun-blackened wooden chalets and barns from the 15th-19th centuries.
Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis: An underground museum detailing the history of the village, focusing on its transformation from a farming community and the dramatic story of the first Matterhorn ascent.
Mountaineer’s Cemetery: A poignant memorial located next to the church, dedicated to the climbers who lost their lives on the surrounding mountains.
Parish Church of St. Mauritius: The village’s main church, known for its ornate interior and a historic symbol of the community.
Kirchbrücke (Church Bridge): The most famous photo-spot in Zermatt, offering an unobstructed, iconic view of the Matterhorn towering over the river.
Glacier Palace: An ethereal world inside the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, featuring artistic ice sculptures deep within the glacier.
Forest Fun Park: An adventure park offering ropeways, zip lines, and suspension bridges among the trees near the village for all ages.
Mountain Carting: A thrilling, unique descent from Sunnegga down to Tuftern on a specially designed three-wheeled mountain cart.
Activities & Experiences
Go Skiing or Snowboarding in the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Experience one of the world’s highest and most expansive ski areas, offering year-round snow on the Theodul Glacier.
Take a Cogwheel Train to Gornergrat: Ride the scenic Gornergrat Railway to a 3,089-meter-high viewing platform for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and 29 other four-thousander peaks.
Hike the Five Lakes Walk (5-Seenweg): This classic summer hike connects five stunning mountain lakes (Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee), each offering a unique, picture-perfect reflection of the Matterhorn.
Ride the Matterhorn Glacier Ride: Take the highest 3S cableway in the world up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn), home to Europe’s highest viewing platform and a beautiful Glacier Palace.
Explore the Gorner Gorge: Walk the wooden walkways suspended over the raging glacial river in this dramatic, narrow gorge, a refreshing activity in the summer months.
Visit the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis: Delve into the fascinating history of Zermatt, including the tragic first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865 and the lives of the early mountain farmers.
Take a Paragliding Tandem Flight: Experience the ultimate thrill by soaring high above the valley with a professional pilot for unparalleled views of the iconic peak and the surrounding Alps.
Enjoy a Meal at a High-Altitude Mountain Hut (e.g., Fluhalp): Hike or ski to a traditional mountain restaurant for authentic Swiss food like Rösti (a dish of grated potatoes) or a classic Cheese Fondue with a view that can’t be beaten.
Hike to the Hörnlihütte Base Camp: For serious hikers, trek up to the base camp hut for the Matterhorn, offering incredibly close-up and dramatic views of the mountain’s famous north face.
Ice Skate or Curl at the Zermatt Ice Rink: Enjoy a classic winter activity right in the heart of the village center, which often hosts curling tournaments.
Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight: Splurge on a “Matterhorn Roundtrip” flight to see the famed peak and surrounding glaciers from a spectacular aerial perspective.
Stroll through the Old Village (Hinterdorf): Wander through the quaint, preserved section of Zermatt with its traditional, sun-blackened wooden barns and stone houses on stilts, offering a glimpse into 16th to 19th-century life.
Local Tips & Transport
Car-Free Zermatt: The E-Taxi System: Zermatt is famously a car-free village. Private internal combustion engine vehicles are not allowed past Täsch, a village 5 km away. This policy keeps the air clean and the village quiet. From Täsch, you must take a shuttle train (runs every 20 minutes) to Zermatt. Once in Zermatt, transport is handled by small, silent electric taxis, hotel shuttles, and electric buses.
Walking is Essential: Zermatt is compact and highly walkable. Most of the village, including the train station, Sunnegga-Rothorn cable car, and Matterhorn Museum, can be reached on foot.
Mountain Lifts & Railways: Your primary mode of transport to the ski slopes, hiking trails, and major viewpoints will be the extensive network of cable cars, gondolas, and the two crucial railways (Gornergrat and Sunnegga-Rothorn). Consider a Peak Pass if you plan to use the lifts extensively for multiple days.
Swiss Travel Pass: If you are traveling around Switzerland, a Swiss Travel Pass covers the train from Täsch to Zermatt and often offers a discount on the mountain railways, making it a good investment.
Acclimatization: Zermatt sits at an altitude of over 1,600 meters, and the mountain stations like Matterhorn Glacier Paradise are much higher. Take your first day easy, stay hydrated, and be aware of the signs of altitude sickness, especially if ascending quickly to the highest points.
The Matterhorn’s Moods: The Matterhorn’s visibility can change in minutes. To maximize your chances of seeing the peak clear, plan your high-altitude trips (like Gornergrat or Rothorn) for the early morning. The air is often clearest right after sunrise.
Hiking Gear: Even in summer, mountain weather is unpredictable. Always carry layers, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, and sun protection. Check the forecast and the trail conditions before setting out on any mountain trek.
Traditional Swiss Fare: Be sure to try local specialties. Raclette (melted cheese scraped onto potatoes), Fondue (melted cheese with bread), and Valais-style dried meat and cheese plates are regional favorites. Don’t forget Swiss chocolate and the local apricot liqueur, Abricotine.
Lunch Etiquette: It’s common for hikers and skiers to stop at the numerous mountain huts for lunch. These range from quick snack bars to full-service restaurants. Reservations are often not necessary, but during peak lunch hours (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM), be prepared for a brief wait.
Hidden Gems:
Riffelsee: On the Gornergrat hike/train line, this small lake is famous for offering the most perfect and still reflection of the Matterhorn. Go in the early morning for the best photo opportunity.
Schwarzsee (Black Lake): Located at the base of the Matterhorn, this small lake features a charming chapel, Maria zum Schnee (Mary of the Snows), and offers a beautiful, peaceful view of the peak’s west face.
Findeln Hamlet: A tiny, idyllic collection of traditional chalets high above Zermatt. It’s home to some of the area’s most highly-regarded gourmet mountain restaurants, such as Chez Vrony and Findlerhof. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy a luxurious lunch with a world-class view.
Language: While the local language is (Swiss) German, Zermatt is very international. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and mountain transport. French is also common due to the proximity of the French-speaking Canton of Valais.
Top Restaurants
Restaurant Z’mutt [$25-$50] – Located in the picturesque, car-free Z’mutt hamlet, this traditional wooden chalet is a favorite for hearty, authentic Swiss and Valais specialties, perfect after a hike.
Whymper-Stube [$25-$50] – A cozy and rustic restaurant in the village center, known for its traditional Swiss cheese specialties, including several varieties of fondue and raclette, in a setting named after the first Matterhorn climber.
Restaurant Schäferstube [$50-$80] – Tucked away in the Hotel Julen, this charming, rustic spot offers a cozy atmosphere and specializes in lamb dishes from the family’s own flock, as well as classic Swiss cuisine.
Du Pont [$25-$50] – A humble and well-loved local spot in the village for classic fondue and raclette, often cited as one of the best for a traditional, no-frills cheese experience.
Restaurant Julen [$50-$80] – Located in the Hotel Julen, this restaurant offers traditional Valais specialties in a warm, comfortable ambiance, with many ingredients sourced from the family’s own farm.
Alphitta [$25-$50] – A popular mountain restaurant near the Riffelalp resort, offering classic Swiss dishes and a fantastic sun terrace with close-up Matterhorn views.
Stafelalp [$50-$80] – Located below the mighty Matterhorn North Face, this restaurant offers excellent contemporary takes on traditional cuisine, including homemade pasta and venison.
Restaurant Zum See [$50-$80] – A beautiful, non-touristy gem in a tiny, 350-year-old hamlet. It’s famous for its high-quality, gourmet home-style cooking and a tranquil atmosphere away from the village center.
Bergrestaurant Blatten [$25-$50] – A classic mountain spot on the way down from Furi, serving traditional dishes like hearty soups and salads, with a lovely sun terrace and an excellent apéro (after-ski drink) scene.
Restaurant Ried [$25-$50] – A quaint, traditional restaurant located a bit outside the village, popular with locals for its regional food and sunny terrace, often recommended as a quiet escape.
Chez Vrony [$50-$80] – One of the most famous mountain restaurants, located in the Findeln hamlet, known for its chic atmosphere, Matterhorn views, and high-quality, organic local specialties like their house-made burger and dry-aged beef.
Findlerhof [$50-$80] – A beloved, cozy mountain hut in Findeln, offering refined Swiss-Mediterranean cuisine with breathtaking Matterhorn views, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Madre Nostra [$50-$80] – Located in the Cervo Mountain Resort, this restaurant offers delicious Italian cuisine inspired by the mountains of Italy and Switzerland, focusing on homemade pasta and high-quality ingredients.
Brasserie Uno [$80-$150] – A Michelin Green Star and Gault & Millau recognized restaurant focused on modern, sustainable, and seasonal cuisine with minimal waste, offering a creative and unexpected menu.
After Seven [$80-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant offering an innovative and sophisticated 6-course surprise menu by a highly acclaimed chef, housed in the trendy Backstage Hotel.
Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni [$80-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof that offers refined, creative, and modern Valais cuisine, focusing on local and regional products.
Ristorante Capri [$80-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant located in the Mont Cervin Palace, serving sophisticated and refined Southern Italian cuisine.
Grampi’s [$25-$50] – A very popular, family-friendly Italian restaurant in the village center, known for its extensive menu of pizza and pasta dishes.
The Omnia Restaurant [$80-$150] – Offers modern, high-quality, and seasonal gourmet cuisine in an elegant and stylish setting with panoramic views, located in the unique Hotel The Omnia.
CERVO Bazaar [$25-$50] – Part of the Cervo Mountain Resort, this restaurant offers a vibrant, exotic atmosphere and a vegetarian-focused, Middle Eastern-inspired menu.
Restaurant Le Gourmet – Hotel Hermitage [$50-$80] – Known for its creative take on Swiss and international cuisine, with a focus on seasonal and market-fresh ingredients, a good option for an elegant village meal.
Filet et Fils [$50-$80] – A modern grill and steakhouse concept located within the Matthiol Boutique Hotel, specializing in premium cuts of meat and offering unique experiences like fondue in private outdoor huts (Kotas) in winter.
Elsie’s Wine and Champagne Bar [$25-$50] – A classic Zermatt institution and wine bar in the center, perfect for a lighter meal of oysters, escargots, or their famous lobster spaghetti, with an extensive wine list.
3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat [$50-$80] – Located at the Gornergrat summit, this restaurant offers high-altitude dining with a phenomenal panorama. It provides a simple, yet high-quality menu for lunch and is also part of special “Dining with the Stars” evening events.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Restaurant [$25-$50] – The highest-altitude restaurant in Europe, offering simple self-service international and Swiss dishes at 3,883m, with breathtaking panoramic views.
Vieux-Valais da Nico [$50-$80] – A popular spot for high-quality, homemade Italian food, known for its delicious pasta and a cozy, authentic atmosphere.
Chez Heini [$50-$80] – Famous for its traditional local lamb dishes and its lively, unique atmosphere with an open kitchen and live music (often a musician playing a guitar/singing), a true Zermatt institution.
Restaurant Riffelhaus 1853 [$50-$80] – Situated on the slopes high above Zermatt, this historic mountain hotel restaurant offers traditional food and exceptional, clear Matterhorn views from its sun terrace.
SayCheese! [$50-$80] – Located in the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, this restaurant is dedicated solely to Swiss cheese specialties, offering a wide array of fondues and raclettes in a stylish setting.
Pollux [$25-$50] – A casual and cozy restaurant in the Hotel Pollux known for its excellent Swiss and international cuisine, popular for its rosti and other traditional dishes.
La Baracca [$50-$80] – An atmospheric, chic chalet serving a rotating menu of European dishes with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients in a lively, fun setting.
Stockhorn by the Rex [$50-$80] – Known for its excellent grilled meats, including Chateaubriand, and regional Valais dishes, served in a lively, traditional setting.
Zermatt Kitchen [$25-$50] – A lovely cafe/restaurant popular for brunch, lunch, and a coffee break, with a sunny patio overlooking the river and the Matterhorn.
Soupi’s [$25-$50] – A charming little to-go soup window offering different daily homemade soups and stews, perfect for a quick, warming, and budget-friendly lunch.
Ferdinand [$50-$80] – Located in the Cervo Mountain Resort, this upscale yet rustic restaurant specializes in Swiss cheese fondue and raclette, with a focus on high-quality, local Valais products.
Walliserkanne [$25-$50] – A long-standing, traditional restaurant in the village known for its wide variety of Swiss specialties, from fondue to grilled meats, with a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
The Grill (BEAUSiTE Zermatt) [$80-$150] – A fine dining steakhouse in the BEAUSiTE hotel, specializing in high-quality grilled meats and fish, with an elegant ambiance.
Restaurant Pasteria Bar-Ristorante [$25-$50] – A very popular casual Italian restaurant in the village, offering authentic pasta and pizza dishes.
Restaurant Pöstli Stübli [$50-$80] – Located in the Hotel Post, this is a popular spot for authentic Swiss specialties like fondue and raclette, known for its lively ambiance.
Spycher [$80-$150] – A small, cozy, and highly-regarded fine dining establishment offering classic French-inspired cuisine with Swiss touches, focusing on seasonal ingredients.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Papa Caesar Lounge Bar: Located in the Hotel Post complex on Bahnhofstrasse (the main street), this is a stylish lounge bar with leather sofas, a heated terrace, and an expansive drinks list, including creative and classic cocktails and a cigar humidor.
Vernissage Lounge Bar: Situated in the cultural center (Backstage Hotel) in the heart of Zermatt, this is a trendy lounge bar and art gallery known for its sophisticated atmosphere and unique architectural design by Heinz Julen. It offers a variety of cocktails and later becomes a club/concert venue.
Bar 55: Found within the Hotel Firefly, this cool cocktail and gin bar is known for its cozy ambiance by an open fire and offers a great selection of cocktails and over 30 gins, alongside complimentary dried meats and cheese.
Wood & Fire Cocktail Bar: Located on Riedstrasse, this bar offers a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for sharing locally inspired aperitif cocktails, natural wines, and mouth-watering bites.
Alex Lounge Bar & Fumoir: Experience alpine charm and exquisite cocktails in this elegant bar within the Hotel Alex, known for its warm atmosphere and sophisticated décor.
Schweizerhof Bar: Bathed in warm, golden light at the Hotel Schweizerhof, this bar invites cocktail and wine lovers to discover innovative creations and a diverse wine selection in a stylish setting.
Stars Bar: A sophisticated cocktail lounge with an old-world charm, located within the prestigious Grand Hotel Zermatterhof near the church square, offering an impressive array of mixed drinks.
Chämi Bar Fire Place: A cozy bar located in the Hotel Pollux on Bahnhofstrasse, where you can unwind by an open fire. They serve a variety of cocktails, wines, and whiskies, providing a quieter, intimate setting.
Snowboat: Shaped like a three-story boat by the river near the Gornergrat rail bridge, this spot is popular for its premium spirits, fantastic cocktails, and a sun deck open all year.
1907 – Bar & Terrace: Located in the centre of Zermatt, this bar offers exquisite drinks and a beautiful terrace with stunning alpine views, combining charm and an elegant atmosphere.
Hexenbar: A cozy and enchanting bar near the valley station (base of the Sunnegga-Rothorn lift) and Hotel Hexenalm, offering themed drinks and a vibrant atmosphere.
Elsie’s Wine and Champagne Bar: Situated in the middle of Zermatt’s church square, this quaint, cozy, and historical spot is dedicated to fine wine and champagne, but also offers a delightful drinking experience reminiscent of the Golden Twenties.
Cervo Apres-Ski (Cocktail Focus): Situated on the slopes at the bottom of the Sunnegga ski run, this stylish resort has two terraces with Matterhorn views. While a lively après-ski spot, it focuses on delicious cocktails and sophisticated sips.
Adler Hitta (Cocktail Focus): A mountain restaurant and lively après-ski bar on an easy run in Findeln (Sunnegga area), offering breathtaking views and known for its cocktails and mocktails alongside house music.
THE FRAME Pop up & Rooftop Bar: Zermatt’s summer pop-up on the Backstage Hotel balconies, offering a rooftop bar with stunning Matterhorn views and chill vibes, perfect for open-air dining and drinks.
Broken Bar – The Club: A legendary nightclub located in the basement of the Hotel Post on Bahnhofstrasse. Famous for its central wine barrel where patrons dance, it’s known for hard-rock and high-energy music, attracting revelers for generations.
Cuckoo Club: Situated on Bahnhofstrasse, this venue provides a timelessly elegant night out. Dance the night away to classics and sip cocktails, often until the early hours (around 3:30 AM), with a cigar lounge available.
Vernissage Club: Located in the same building as the lounge bar in the cultural center (Backstage Hotel), this unique club offers first-class DJ sets, live acts, and an impressive drinks menu in a unique, art-meets-alpine setting.
Papperla Pub: A cult après-ski and nightlife venue in the village center (near the Kirchbrücke), this Irish-style pub gets packed with a lively crowd, offering live bands, DJs, and often a spontaneous, wild party atmosphere that lasts until late.
Loft Club – Clubbing 25+: Also part of the Hotel Post complex on Bahnhofstrasse, this club caters to a more mature crowd (25+), playing a mix of 70s, 80s, 90s, and chart music on a popular dance floor.
Pink Live Music Bar: Found within the Hotel Post complex on Bahnhofstrasse, this bar is unique in Zermatt for its focus on high-class live music, featuring international bands playing soul, funk, jazz, and R&B.
CLUB Mamacita: A vibrant South American-themed venue on Bahnhofstrasse (near the train station), this elegant lounge bar features live music and DJs every night, adding a Latin flair to Zermatt’s nightlife.
Hennu Stall: Consistently rated as one of the best après-ski bars in Zermatt, this family-run spot is located right on the ski slope between Furi and Zermatt, famous for dancing on tables, a great DJ, and a wild, energetic party vibe.
Brown Cow Pub: Located at street level in the Hotel Post complex on Bahnhofstrasse, this lively all-day cafe/bar is a great meeting point with a cozy pub atmosphere. It’s often busy and is a popular spot for a more pub-like, convivial nightlife experience.
Harry’s Ski Bar: A warm and inviting traditional Alpine chalet bar on the edge of the Old Village, popular for its vibrant atmosphere, lively outdoor terrace, and being a great meeting spot for après-ski and evening drinks.
z’alt Hischi Bar-Pub-Restaurant: Hidden away in the heart of the old village, this authentic Valais bar is known for its traditional wooden charm and, anecdotally, some of the strongest drinks in Zermatt. It offers a unique, rustic nightlife alternative.