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Mont Cervin Palace, Zermatt

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Zermatt

Updated 1 October 2026 · 12 things to do

Pictured: Mont Cervin Palace

Zermatt has one of the world's great skylines. The Matterhorn, a lone pyramid of rock that looks as if a child drew it, sits at the head of the valley, and almost everything in this car-free village revolves around looking at it, climbing towards it or skiing beneath it. Dozens of other peaks above 4,000 metres crowd round the village, too.

It's a place for all seasons. Winter brings some of the Alps' highest skiing and snow-sure runs, and summer fills the mountains with walkers, cog railways and glacier views. Either way, the village is charming: timber chalets, narrow lanes and electric taxis whirring along the main street.

Don't miss

  1. 1Gornergrat
  2. 2Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
  3. 3Five Lakes Walk
  4. 4Matterhorn Museum
  5. 5Raclette and fondue

Matterhorn views

You are never more than a short lift ride from a famous view.

  1. Gornergrat

    Landmark

    The Matterhorn seen from the Gornergrat above Zermatt
    Photo: Hans Hillewaert, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A cog railway climbs from Zermatt to the Gornergrat ridge, a belvedere above 3,000 metres with a panorama over the Matterhorn, the Gorner Glacier and a ring of 4,000-metre peaks. It's the classic Zermatt excursion, and one of the great mountain journeys in the Alps.

    Ride up in the morning, when the Matterhorn is usually clear, and walk down part of the way if you feel energetic.

    Tip: Clouds often build later in the day, so go up early. Dress warmly, because the top is much colder than the village.

  2. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

    Nature

    The cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with the Matterhorn behind
    Photo: Whgler, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Reached by cable car from Zermatt, this is one of the highest cable car stations in Europe, with an observation deck above a sea of glaciers and peaks on the Swiss and Italian sides. Inside the glacier itself, a tunnel leads to the Glacier Palace, an ice cave of sculptures.

    Tip: The air is thin up here. Take it slowly and bring sunglasses and sun cream.

  3. Five Lakes Walk

    Nature

    The Matterhorn reflected in the Stellisee
    Photo: kuhnmi, CC BY 2.0

    In summer, this easy hike links five mountain lakes above the village, including the Stellisee, where the Matterhorn reflects in the water on calm days. Most of the route is downhill after a lift ride, making it a good option for families and casual walkers.

    Tip: The lakes are best on a still, clear morning for the reflection.

In the village

  1. Bahnhofstrasse

    Neighbourhood

    Bahnhofstrasse, the main street of Zermatt
    Photo: Abxbay, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Zermatt's main street runs from the station past boutiques, bakeries and bars, all in timber chalet style. There are no cars, just electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages, which makes it a relaxed place for a stroll. Look up and the Matterhorn appears between the buildings.

  2. Matterhorn Museum

    Museum

    The Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt
    Photo: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Housed in an underground village-style complex, the Matterhorn Museum tells the story of Zermatt, from a farming hamlet to a mountaineering capital. It includes the rope that broke on the first ascent in 1865, when four climbers died on the way down, a dramatic part of Alpine history.

  3. Hinterdorf

    Neighbourhood

    The old quarter of Zermatt keeps a cluster of dark-timber barns and houses on stone stilts, perched above the village centre. These were built by local farmers, and are a reminder of how the area looked before tourism arrived.

Winter and beyond

  1. Skiing to Cervinia

    Activity

    Zermatt's ski area is linked by lift to Cervinia, in Italy, so you can ski across the border for lunch and take the lifts back. The terrain is big, high and often snow-sure, with long runs beneath the Matterhorn.

    Tip: Take your passport or ID card, and keep an eye on the closing times of the lifts back to Switzerland.

  2. Glacier Express

    Day trip

    The Glacier Express crossing the Landwasser Viaduct
    Photo: Kabelleger / David Gubler, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The slow train from Zermatt to St Moritz crosses viaducts and tunnels through the Alps in big panoramic windows. It takes most of a day, so many people travel one section, or ride the whole route as part of a longer trip.

  3. Gorner Gorge

    Nature

    The Gorner Gorge near Zermatt
    Photo: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A short walk from the centre, a series of wooden walkways leads you through a narrow ravine, carved out by the glacial meltwater. It's a cool, shady summer walk, and an easy one for families.

Eat and drink

  1. Raclette and fondue

    Food

    Raclette served with potatoes in Switzerland
    Photo: Ka23 13, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Valais is raclette country: melted cheese scraped on to boiled potatoes and served with gherkins and onions. Fondue is the other classic, a pot of molten cheese and white wine eaten with bread. Both are the right reward after a day outdoors.

  2. Mountain-hut lunches

    Food

    Zermatt's slopes and trails are dotted with mountain restaurants, from simple huts to terraces with Matterhorn views. A long lunch in the sun, with a plate of rösti and a drink, is one of the pleasures of the place.

    Tip: Popular terraces fill up quickly at midday, so book ahead where you can.

  3. Valais wines

    Food

    The Valais is Switzerland's biggest wine region, and the wines suit the food. Look for Fendant, a crisp white made from chasselas, and Petite Arvine, and try the local cellars for tastings. Many of the best bottles rarely leave Switzerland.

Where to stay in Zermatt

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Zermatt →

Getting around

Zermatt is car-free. Park or leave your car in Täsch and take the shuttle train to the village, then walk or use electric taxis and buses. Lifts, cog railways and cable cars link the surrounding peaks. Check the timetables, since the schedule changes between seasons.

When to go

Winter ski season runs from around late November to April, with some glacier skiing in summer. July to September is the main walking season. Spring and late autumn are quiet, and some lifts and restaurants close, so check before you travel.

Questions about visiting Zermatt

What is Zermatt best known for?
The Matterhorn, car-free streets, high-altitude skiing and mountain railways such as the Gornergrat.
Is Zermatt worth visiting in summer?
Yes. Walking trails, the Five Lakes Walk, the Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise make it a great summer base, with cooler air than the valleys.
What is there to do in Zermatt with kids?
The Gornergrat railway, the Five Lakes Walk, the Gorner Gorge and sledging and easy skiing in winter are all good family days.
How many days do you need in Zermatt?
Three days lets you fit in the Gornergrat and Glacier Paradise. A week suits a ski holiday or a walking break.
Do you need a car in Zermatt?
No. The village is car-free. Drive or take the train to Täsch, then ride the shuttle train in and use the local lifts, electric taxis and cog railways.

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