Things to see and do in Zermatt
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What should you do in Zermatt?
With its charming car-free streets, sun-blackened wooden chalets, and a vibrant mountaineering spirit that brings the banks of the Matter Vispa river to life, Zermatt never stops enchanting you. Break up your explorations with a rich, bubbling pot of traditional Valais cheese fondue and a hot tea, or a hearty plate of crispy, golden Rösti paired with a glass of crisp local Fendant wine. Stroll down the bustling Bahnhofstrasse to admire the historic barns of the Hinterdorf, board the historic Gornergrat cogwheel railway, then climb to the towering alpine observatory for sweeping views over the shimmering glaciers and the iconic, jagged peak of the Matterhorn beyond.
Gornergrat Railway
Scenic cogwheel train to iconic Matterhorn views
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Europe's highest cable car and magical ice palace
Sunnegga
A sun-drenched terrace with perfect Matterhorn views
What are the must-see sights in Zermatt?
Gornergrat Railway
Operating since 1898, this historic, open-air cogwheel railway takes you on a spectacular 33-minute journey from the village center up to an altitude of 3,089 meters. As the train winds its way through aromatic pine forests and across dramatic rocky ravines, the Matterhorn remains your constant, majestic companion. At the summit, you are rewarded with an awe-inspiring, panoramic view of 29 towering peaks over 4,000 meters and the sweeping, icy expanse of the Gorner Glacier.
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Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Embark on an unforgettable ascent to Europe’s highest mountain station at a dizzying 3,883 meters. Step out onto the panoramic viewing platform to take in a breathtaking, 360-degree vista of the Swiss, Italian, and French Alps, including the majestic Mont Blanc. Afterward, venture 15 meters below the surface into the Glacier Palace, a magical, shimmering underground world filled with meticulously carved ice sculptures and glittering ice crystals.
Sunnegga
Just a swift, three-minute ride via an underground funicular from the heart of Zermatt transports you to this sun-drenched alpine terrace. Known as the family-friendly side of the mountain, it offers incredibly photogenic, unobstructed views of the Matterhorn. It is the perfect starting point for scenic hikes, or simply a wonderful spot to relax on a restaurant terrace and watch the native marmots play in the surrounding alpine meadows.
Hinterdorf (Old Village)
Step back in time by wandering through the narrow, winding alleys of Zermatt’s oldest neighborhood. Here, you will find more than 30 remarkably preserved traditional barns, storehouses, and chalets dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Constructed from sun-blackened larch wood and raised on wooden stilts with flat stone discs to keep mice away, these rustic structures offer a deeply authentic glimpse into the harsh, traditional farming life of the early Valais region.
Matterhorn Museum (Zermatlantis)
Located beneath a striking glass dome next to the village church, this immersive, underground museum brilliantly brings Zermatt’s dramatic past to life. Walk through a meticulously recreated 19th-century mountain village and uncover the triumphant yet deeply tragic story of the Matterhorn's first ascent in 1865. Seeing the original, infamous snapped rope that cost four climbers their lives is a profound and moving piece of mountaineering history.
Riffelsee
If you have ever seen a photograph of the Matterhorn perfectly mirrored in the still, glassy surface of an alpine lake, it was likely taken here. Easily reached by a short, scenic downhill walk from the Rotenboden station on the Gornergrat railway, this small mountain lake is a photographer's absolute dream. Visit during the calm, early morning hours to capture the most pristine, breathtaking reflections of the iconic peak before the mountain breezes pick up.
Rothorn
Continuing the ascent past Sunnegga and Blauherd brings you to the dizzying heights of the Rothorn at 3,103 meters. Many locals and seasoned mountaineers argue that this peak offers the absolute best, most perfectly proportioned view of the Matterhorn. The rugged, rocky landscape is also an excellent area for spotting high-alpine wildlife, including sure-footed chamois and majestic ibex grazing against the dramatic backdrop of the surrounding glaciers.
Schwarzsee
Nestled directly at the foot of the Matterhorn, the "Black Lake" offers an incredibly close, almost intimidating perspective of the legendary mountain's towering rock faces. Reached by a scenic gondola ride, the dark, mysterious waters of the lake are beautifully contrasted by a tiny, isolated chapel dedicated to "Maria zum Schnee" (Our Lady of the Snows), where climbers traditionally stop to pray for a safe return before attempting the treacherous ascent.
Gorner Gorge (Gornerschlucht)
Just a short, pleasant walk from the southern edge of the village lies a spectacular natural wonder carved over thousands of years by the roaring, glacial waters of the Gornervispe river. A secure network of wooden walkways and dramatic, cliff-hanging staircases allows you to walk deep into the narrow chasm. The sheer power of the turquoise, churning water crashing against the smooth, serpentine rock walls is a thrilling sensory experience.
Mountaineers' Cemetery
Tucked quietly behind the St. Mauritius Church, this solemn, beautifully kept graveyard is a deeply moving tribute to the ultimate price of high-altitude exploration. It serves as the final resting place for numerous climbers who lost their lives attempting to conquer the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. Wandering past the historic tombstones, many adorned with climbing axes or poignant inscriptions, offers a sobering reminder of the mountains' unforgiving power.
Five Lakes Walk (5-Seenweg)
Arguably the most spectacular hiking trail in the Zermatt region, this relatively easy, family-friendly route takes you past five stunningly beautiful alpine lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. Starting at Blauherd and descending towards Sunnegga, the trail weaves through vibrant alpine flora and rugged terrain. Three of the lakes offer absolutely flawless, picture-perfect reflections of the Matterhorn, making it an unforgettable journey for nature lovers.
Bahnhofstrasse
The bustling, car-free main artery of Zermatt is a vibrant blend of rustic alpine charm and high-end luxury. Stroll down the lively street, listening to the gentle clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages and the hum of electric taxis. It is lined with upscale watch boutiques, cozy bakeries selling fresh nut cakes, and world-class outdoor gear shops. It’s the perfect place to grab an après-ski drink and soak in the international, energetic atmosphere of this iconic mountain town.
Practical information for your trip
Navigating the journey to car-free Zermatt and securing tickets for high-demand experiences like the Gornergrat Railway or the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise can be complex. Tourlane handles these logistics for you. We secure your mountain passes, book the necessary Swiss rail connections or private transfers to the village, and upload your complete, ready-to-use itinerary directly into our offline app.
The bustling village center near the Bahnhofstrasse places you steps away from lively restaurants, shops, and the Gornergrat station. The Winkelmatten district offers a quieter, traditional chalet atmosphere with spectacular, unobstructed Matterhorn views, while the areas along the river provide easy, immediate access to the main gondolas. We match your preferences with a vetted boutique hotel situated perfectly for your travel style.
Yes, Zermatt is the ultimate hub for high-alpine adventures, whether you want to hike the Five Lakes Walk, ski year-round on the Theodul Glacier, or take a scenic helicopter flight around the Matterhorn. Instead of you coordinating multiple cable car timetables and booking local instructors, Tourlane builds these excursions directly into your itinerary. We organize the necessary lift passes and expert mountain guides so you can explore seamlessly.
Absolutely. Zermatt is the starting point for the world-famous Glacier Express, offering a spectacular panoramic journey across the Alps to St. Moritz. It also connects easily via the valley town of Visp to Geneva, Zurich, or south into Italy toward Milan. Tourlane specializes in multi-destination itineraries. We coordinate the intricate rail schedules, manage your hotel transfers, and handle the logistical details so you can move smoothly between locations.
