10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Zermatt, Switzerland
Did you know where the mountain in the box of Toblerone is? It’s in Zermatt—a mountain town in Switzerland that’s one of the most expensive countries to visit. So, should you visit Zermatt?
Zermatt is one of the most beautiful villages in the Swiss Alps and one of Switzerland’s top destinations. It is visited by millions every year for several reasons. Besides the iconic Matterhorn, the alpine culture, picturesque lakes, and breathtaking train rides make Zermatt worth visiting.
But, the list of reasons why people come to Zermatt does not end there. In this post, you will find the most beautiful things I think you can find in Zermatt. Apparently, they can further explain why you should visit Zermatt.
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Use the table of contents to skip to topics.
Let me start our discussion by convincing you further to visit Zermatt! 😉
Is Zermatt Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Zermatt is worth visiting because it’s a destination for some extraordinary alpine experiences. In Zermatt, you can find Matterhorn—the most iconic mountain; Klein Matterhorn Aerial Tramway—Europe’s highest cable car; and Gornergrat Bahn—one of Switzerland’s most scenic trains.
If you’re a person with a travel bucket list for the world’s best experiences, going to Zermatt will cross out three items on your list right away!
However, Zermatt is not only for people wanting extraordinary experiences. Suppose you’re like me, a person who loves nature and discovering things with historical/cultural value. In that case, you won’t leave Zermatt empty-handed.
How? Within the village center of Zermatt, you can stroll on Hinterdorf Street or have a quick visit to the Matterhorn Museum. The Hamlets of Zmutt and Herbrigg can also be quite a fascinating discovery!
And… definitely, Zermatt is worth visiting for travelers seeking adventures and outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and more.
There are many things to do in Zermatt, no matter the season.
10 Reasons To Visit Zermatt
As I keep mentioning, Zermatt is worth visiting. Yet, it’s not the only one that’s also worth your time and money.
In this part, I will mention the things you might miss if you skip Zermatt. And I hope they help you decide to visit Zermatt!
In quick summary, here are the 10 reasons that make Zermatt worth it:
- Matterhorn and Scenic Hikes
- All Year Destination
- Alpine Culture
- Picturesque Lakes
- Beautiful Countryside
- Engineering Marvels
- Breathtaking Train Rides
- Glacier Experience
- More Natural Beauty
- Unique Accommodations
Let’s kick off the list with the main reason why you should be in Zermatt: the Matterhorn.
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1. Matterhorn And The Scenic Hikes
I believe Zermatt would be just like any other ski resort and hiking destination in other parts of the world if Matterhorn wasn’t here. Matterhorn makes a trip to Zermatt special because it’s simply a kind of spectacle only found in very few places in the world.
Matterhorn is the 6th tallest peak in the Alps, reaching 4478 meters or 14692 feet. Anyone in Zermatt can easily point out where Matterhorn is because of its pyramidal figure that has fascinated thousands of hikers and photographers all over the world.
Have a look at Matterhorn here:
Matterhorn, when viewed from Zermatt, is definitely a marvelous mountain. It can make you wonder how creative nature is, even if it’s only a coincidence that it was formed that way.
What’s so nice about going to Zermatt to see Matterhorn? You don’t have to hike far and ride cable cars to see Matterhorn. Even right in the middle of the village (in Kirchbrücke), a view of the Matterhorn awaits.
Don’t come to Zermatt and go immediately in a day! You must at least spend 1 night in Zermatt.
There are several reasons for it…
But the first I should mention is the spectacular appearance of the Matterhorn during the golden hour (sunset or sunrise). It’s when the warm light of the rising or setting sun paints the tip of Matterhorn with a pinkish color.
For some photographers, it’s a dream come true to photograph that moment.
The best places where you can witness a golden hour in Zermatt are in my list of 10 scenic spots in Zermatt.
You might also like to stay for more than a day in Zermatt because it has fantastic hiking trails. I suggest you spend at least two or three days like this:
- Day 1: Zermatt’s best attractions like Gornergrat + Riffelsee
- Day 2: Hiking and outdoor activities
- Day 3: Relaxation in a spa + village tour
I think hiking is an unmissable activity, especially in Zermatt, because:
- The views from the hiking trails in Zermatt are graced by the unique beauty of Matterhorn and other 4000-meter-tall mountains.
- More than 400 kilometers of hiking trails await you in Zermatt, and there’s one for each level of hiker or climber.
Do you like some quiet hikes to renew and gain inner peace? Or is it an adventurous climb you want? There’s one for you in Zermatt. Here’s a map showing you all the hiking trails in Zermatt (with their classification and live status).
Either way, you can expect to encounter so much alpine beauty on Zermatt’s hiking trails. And if you’re lucky, you might even see cute alpine animals ( i.e., black-nosed sheep, ibex, and Capricorns) along the way.
Click here to get a guided hike in Zermatt.
By the way, if you are looking for beautiful places in the Alps to have the most unforgettable hikes of your life, the places below can be an alternative to Zermatt:
- Chamonix — is a village in the French Alps, sitting just below Mont Blanc, the tallest peak in the alps. See all the reasons why Chamonix is worth visiting here.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo — is a village surrounded by multiple spectacular mountain peaks and lakes in the Italian Dolomite mountains. Learn more about the best places to visit in Cortina d’Ampezzo here.
- Bavarian Alps — the southernmost portion of Germany, where you can find hiking trails with a view of a magical castle (Neuschwanstein Castle). Here’s how you can spend 3, 7, and 10 days in the Bavarian Alps.
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2. All-Year Destination
Another reason to visit Zermatt is that Zermatt is beautiful all year round, and there are plenty of things to do, whether it is summer or winter. Essentially, Zermatt is both a popular hiking destination and a ski resort town.
Did you know? Even during the summer, you can still ski in Zermatt. You can find kilometers of pistes if you go to Klein Matterhorn.
Some pistes in Zermatt, like the ones in Klein Matterhorn, are situated 3883 meters or 12739 feet above sea level; thus, it is kept frozen all year. (The higher the elevation, the colder it is)
On the flip side, you can also hike in Zermatt, even during winter. How did I know? Follow these steps:
- Open the map of the hiking trails in Zermatt. (I suggest you open it on a PC so you can see the entire map of Zermatt without zooming)
- Click any of the lines on the map indicating a hiking trail. (Yellow Orange—hiking trail, Red—mountain hiking, Blue Green—alpine hiking)
- After you click, you should see the details of the trail:
- Distance
- Hike duration (one way)
- Elevation gain (Höhenunterschied)
- Access (months) and other information (current condition).
After hiking, you will surely need rest and some relaxation. And in Zermatt, you can find many hotels, spas, and wellness centers to help you soothe your feet and tired legs (regardless of the season).
Relaxing in Zermatt can be extraordinary. What do you think of waking up with the view of Matterhorn or having a jacuzzi while watching Matterhorn’s appearance during the golden hour?
Although paragliding in Zermatt can be pretty expensive, it’s another one of the bucket list activities you can do in Zermatt, whether it is summer or winter. You should try at least once
- To see Zermatt’s stunning mountain panorama from a whole new different perspective.
- To feel like a bird while adrenaline rushes into your bloodstream—it’s a fantastic feeling you won’t forget!
- Paragliding can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and in Zermatt, with the views of the Matterhorn, it can be more special!
Zermatt is also an all-year destination for people who want to uncover pieces of history in the alps and are curious to learn about the culture in the region.
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3. Alpine culture
As a person interested in learning history and, at the same time, a mountain lover, I consider Zermatt one of the best places to visit in the world. Let me tell you why.
Zermatt is a real-life alpine village, and it still has preserved chalets to give you a picture of what life was like then. There is a street in Zermatt (Hinterdorf Street) similar to an open museum showcasing centuries-old chalets in Zermatt.
The houses, whose architecture is primarily made of wood, will make you wonder how strong they are. Note that these houses in Zermatt weren’t built decades ago, but centuries!
The oldest chalet/house you can find in Zermatt is Haus Salzgeber. Believe it or not, Haus Salzgeber was built in 1607 (as written on its wooden facade). It’s more than 400 years old today!
However, Haus Salzgeber isn’t in Hinterdorf Street. It is located on the outskirts 10 to 15-minute walk from the village center, along Winkelmattenweg (Winkelmatten Street), together with other chalets, barns, and wooden houses.
Here’s what Haus Salzgeber looks like:
You might want to do a quick look/stroll before you ride the cable car to Furi, Schwarzsee, or Klein Matterhorn. It’s only a 5-minute stroll to Haus Salzgeber from the valley station.
I think if you have wanderlust burning inside you, these rustic things and scenery you’ll find in Zermatt can satisfy it.
As you wander around, you may find locals performing in the streets. Often, they’re in a group playing local musical instruments while others sing. You might find it amusing if you’re like me, who grew up in a totally different place!
During summer, you can witness an alpine tradition that’s also fascinating. They call it the procession of the goats.
During the procession, you will see around 50 goats, led by cute girls and boys, moving from Zen Stecken to their pasture by the heliport.
As they pass, you’ll hear the tinkling of their bells. And it will make you think you’re in a totally idyllic place—away from the busy life in the city or location you came from.
The procession of the goats occurs every summer, lasting for 6 weeks. Be sure to catch a good spot in Bahnhofstrasse or Bahnhofplatz every 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. They are the parts of the village where the procession passes through.
Here’s a sample video from Rick Steves.
If it is not summer, you can still find interesting things in Zermatt about its history and alpine culture. Where? It is in the Matterhorn Museum, located at the heart of the village.
The Matterhorn Museum can be quite surprising because of how it appears outside compared to what it contains inside.
The Matterhorn Museum’s entrance is pretty modern, built with glass exteriors. But, when you come inside, you’ll see the 19th-century Zermatt.
The museum exhibits are straight out of the movies set in the middle ages in the mountains. You’ll see the cobblestone village square, its houses, barns, stables with farm animals, and more.
You will also find things and stories of the first alpinists who ascended to the top of the Matterhorn in the late 19th century. I must mention that there’s also a stone ax from the Neolithic Age and remains of a 16th-century “Söldner” mercenary in the museum. They’re fascinating discoveries!
Overall, the Matterhorn museum is a time-transporting place. I think a visit to Zermatt is incomplete without the museum on the itinerary.
See what it is like inside the Matterhorn Museum.
swipe the 360° image below to see more views
You can find the visiting information (admission price and opening hours) of the Matterhorn Museum here.
If you like visiting alpine towns to see fascinating discoveries, I suggest Mittenwald (10 things to do) and Garmisch-Partenkirchen (10 reasons to visit) in southern Germany.
The streets of Mittenwald and Garmisch Partenkirchen are like an open book. The facades of the houses in these towns are painted with murals called “Lüftlmalerei.” And they will trick your eyes as they have Trompe-l’œil (3D optical illusion)
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4. Picturesque Lakes
Another reason why you should visit Zermatt is because of its alpine lakes. Especially if you have a hobby in Photography, you should be thrilled to see one of the lakes in Zermatt.
The lakes in Zermatt can be magical, mainly when their surfaces are calm and still. If you view some of them at a certain angle, you’ll see them reflecting the surrounding mountains—including Matterhorn.
There are several lakes in Zermatt. However, there are only two which I think you must not miss seeing. They are Riffelsee and Schwarzsee—the two most beautiful lakes in Zermatt.
Of the two lakes (and perhaps of all the lakes in Zermatt), Riffelsee has the perfect location to view the Matterhorn inverted on its surface. With favorable weather, you’ll spot Matterhorn’s west face reflected on its water.
Take a look at the view in Riffelsee:
On the flip side, Schwarzsee is another picturesque lake in Zermatt, but instead of Matterhorn, it’s the peaks of Zinalrothorn, Wellenkuppe, and Ober Gabelhorn that you’ll see reflected on its surface.
Schwarzsee has a small chapel beside it which can trigger you to photograph the lake many times. Have a look at Schwarzsee here:
You can find fewer hikers and photographers swarming Schwarzsee compared to Riffelsee. This is why it’s more tranquil… and relaxing.
The view here can make you imagine that you’re in your own adventure movie—like on a quest to pursue something magical or legendary. It reminds me of the scenes from Lord of the Rings.
Ultimately, there are only a few places in the world where you can behold lakes with such beauty; thus, I think they’re a reason why you should visit Zermatt.
If you want to know where exactly these lakes are (how to visit and when to visit), check my article about Zermatt’s 10 scenic spots. You can also find a map in that post indicating their exact location.
Before you visit Zermatt for these lakes, make sure you check other beautiful lakes in the Alps. They are more spectacular than Riffelsee and Schwarzsee in some ways. These lakes are:
- Oeschinensee — to some people, it’s the most beautiful mountain lake in the Alps. Its turquoise water, surrounded by spectacular cliffs and mountains, will surely take your breath away. Oeschinensee is one of the things to do in Kandersteg; see more here.
- Bachalpsee — Bachalpsee is the version of Riffelsee and Schwarzsee in the Jungfrau Region. It’s so beautiful that Google decided to make it a background of one of its Gmail themes. The easiest way to get to Bachalpsee is through the cable car in Grindelwald (learn more).
- Konigssee and Obersee — These two lakes are the most beautiful in Germany. They are located in the Bavarian Alps, and you can visit them from Berchtesgaden.
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5. Beautiful Swiss Countryside
Another reason to visit Zermatt is that Zermatt is in the beautiful Swiss countryside.
Definitely, Zermatt has evolved into a major tourist destination. Its village center is swarmed by tourists, especially during the peak season. But Zermatt still has many idyllic and rustic places that are simple to visit.
And if you are looking for a place where you can have some peace and quiet away from all the stress in the world, Zermatt won’t let you down! Look at the countryside scenery you’ll find in Zermatt:
Can you imagine more?
Especially during late spring and summer, you’ll see more lush meadows with ice-capped mountains in the backdrop. As you stroll, you’ll see edelweiss and gentian flowers blooming right beside your feet.
It’s a paradise. And it’ll satisfy all your escapism desires.
To see more blissful places in the Swiss countryside in Zermatt, I suggest you visit the hamlets of Herbrigg and Zmutt. These hamlets are straight out of a movie!
And you can imagine yourself a wanderer in the middle ages, happily lost in the mountains for the lovely hamlets you found.
Did you know? The hamlet of Zmutt dates back 500 years ago. With the hamlet’s appearance, you’ll quickly see that it is ancient. It is so quaint that you’ll be transported back in time, centuries ago, once you arrive.
Also, Hamlet of Zmutt has around 40 structures (traditional dark wooden houses and barns) with a few shops and beer gardens—perfect for a rest after hiking.
Yes, you need to hike to get to the Hamlet of Zmutt. The one-way hike to the hamlet from Zermatt will take you slightly more than an hour.
On the other hand, compared to the hamlet of Zmutt, the hamlet of Herbrigg is much closer to Zermatt. It is only above the valley where Zermatt sits. It would not take you 30 minutes to reach Herbrigg from Zermatt village center.
You can expect to see traditional dark wooden houses and barns in the hamlet of Herbrigg.
What’s notable about the hamlet of Herbrigg? It’s where you can find the oldest barn in Europe. Believe it or not, that barn in the Hamlet of Herbrigg dates back to 1261!
You can check my other article about Zermatt (in the “More Things To Do In Zermatt” section) to see how you can go to the hamlets of Zmutt and Herbrigg.
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6. Engineering Marvels
Some of the world’s most notable works of men are in Zermatt. They also give absolutely extraordinary experiences which I think is another reason why you should visit Zermatt.
In my opinion, there are two engineering marvels which I think you should not miss experiencing. They are:
- Klein Matterhorn Aerial Tramway — it is the highest cable car in Europe.
- Charles Kuonen Bridge — it is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world.
Reaching an altitude of 3883 meters or 12740 feet, Klein Matterhorn Aerial Tramway is an engineering marvel in Zermatt that will make your jaws drop many times!
Really? It is not only because of its unbelievable engineering design and the effort exerted during its construction. But mainly because of the scenery you’ll see throughout the ride.
Inside the cable car, you’ll have an opportunity to see the Matterhorn from different angles.
You’ll see the north and west faces of the Matterhorn. The south face of Matterhorn is also visible from the cable car at the later part of the journey, near Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (the last station).
And if you choose the Crystal cabins, it is not only the Matterhorn and the Pennine Alps’ 4000-meter peaks you’ll see throughout the ride. The Crystal cabins have glass floors, and it will allow you to see a few glaciers below the tramway (for example, the Theodul glacier).
The fun doesn’t end after the cable car. Klein Matterhorn Aerial Tramway is only the start! At Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you can also enjoy the following:
- Glacier Palace that is full of man-made ice tunnels and ice sculptures.
- Cinema Lounge
- Observation Platform overlooking Switzerland and Italy
And more.
Riding the Klein Matterhorn Aerial Tramway and going to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is pretty expensive, to be honest. However, the second engineering marvel in Zermatt, Charles Kuonen Bridge, is free to visit!
Although access/walking on Charles Kuonen Bridge is free, visiting it would not be as convenient as the Klein Matterhorn Aerial Tramway. The bridge is a part of an 8.6-kilometer hiking trail which takes 4 hours to finish.
The hiking trail requires intermediate hiking experience, and completing it can be really challenging because of Charles Kuonen Bridge. That is the case if you have a fear of heights!
494 meters long, Charles Kuonen Bridge can make your knees shake for 10 minutes as you cross the bridge.
But don’t lose heart. Just imagine the feeling after reaching the other side of the bridge! That “you made it” feeling shall be so great.
You can learn everything you need to know about Charles Kuonen Bridge from europaweg.ch.
If you want to see more marvelous works of engineering in Switzerland, I suggest you visit Lucerne and take a day trip to Mount Pilatus. Pilatus Railway is the steepest train in the world; you can also see some breathtaking views during the ride.
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7. Breathtaking Train Rides
Switzerland is famous for its scenic train rides that make its visitors feel like they’re traveling in paradise. And if you are looking for one epic train experience in Switzerland, the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt is the one you will absolutely love.
Gornergrat Railway makes a visit to Zermatt more worth it because:
- Riding Gornergrat trains lets you have a nearly constant view of the Matterhorn.
- The tracks where Gornergrat trains run showcase the most beautiful nature and most dramatic infrastructure of Switzerland. You’ll be brought into the pristine forests, beside alpine lakes (Riffelsee) & ravines, through arched bridges & tunnels, and more!
- Gornergrat railway is the highest open-air cog railway. It’ll immerse you in Switzerland’s stunning beauty all throughout your ride!
The train ride lasts for around 30 minutes. It starts at the village of Zermatt and ends at Gornergrat—one of the oldest and most famous excursion destinations in Switzerland.
Apparently, that means Gornergrat Railway is only the start of more fantastic experiences in Zermatt!
After the train ride, you can stay in the Gornergrat observation deck. There, you’ll find a beer garden/restaurant with an unobstructed panoramic view of the Matterhorn and the nearby 29 4000-meter peaks.
You can check my other post about Zermatt (10 scenic spots) to learn more about Gornergrat. Here’s the link where you can book train tickets to Gornergrat.
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8. Glacier Experience
If you haven’t seen a glacier before, you have another reason to visit Zermatt. Several glaciers can be seen from Zermatt, and one of them is really impressive! Zermatt’s most famous glacier is Gorner Glacier—the third-largest glacier in the alps.
The largest glacier in the Alps is called the Aletsch Glacier, located in the Jungfrau Region (Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen). The second is Mer de Glace in Chamonix, France.
If you think that you can see Gorner Glacier close up in Zermatt, you are definitely right!
As its name suggests, Gorner Glacier is in Gornergrat. And from Gornergrat’s observation deck, you’ll be overlooking Gorner Glacier very close!
From the observation deck, you can also spot other smaller glaciers like Grenz, Zwilling, Schwärz, Breithorn, Unterer Theodul, and Oberer Theodul. There will be panel boards to show you where exactly these glaciers are.
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9. More Natural Beauty
Travelers can surely find a wholesome nature experience in Zermatt. With its lush forest, beautiful meadows, spectacular glaciers, panoramic snow-capped mountains, and glorious Matterhorn, there’s no doubt!
But did you know that more natural wonders are awaiting you in Zermatt?
Zermatt also has a beautiful gorge and graceful waterfall. They should make any nature trip to Zermatt even more worth it.
If you want a “twist” in your overall experience in Zermatt, it’s the Gorner gorge that you must see. Here’s a sample view:
swipe the 360° image below to see more views
Besides the fact that Gorner gorge is the only tourist attraction that does not have a wide-open scenery, it is also the only one that bears witness to a 220-million-year nature’s creativity and immense power.
The rock formations you’ll see as you stroll on Gorner gorge’s 200-meter (650 feet) wooden walkways are the proof. It’s only a tiny gorge, though. You can finish exploring the Gorner gorge within 30 minutes.
If you’re visiting Zermatt in mid-October, don’t forget to see Gorner Gorge around 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It is the time when the sun makes a perfect angle with the Gorner gorge’s top opening, creating spectacular light effects inside the gorge.
Of course, it will still depend on the weather.
But if the skies are clear, you will see the sunlight transform the Gorner gorge into a magical place. The turquoise water down in the middle of Gorner gorge and the moss covering the rocks will look vibrant! Magical.
You can find the visiting information on Gorner gorge from Zermatt’s official website.
Gorner gorge also has little waterfalls inside. But if it’s Zermatt’s beautiful waterfall you want to see, Arbenbachfall is the place to be.
For me, Arbenbachfall is the most beautiful waterfall in Zermatt. Because you can view this 60-meter waterfall at an angle with the Matterhorn in the background. Nevertheless, it also looks graceful when you see it from below.
Here’s how it looks:
Arbenbachfall is one of the scenic spots in Zermatt I think you must see! You can see exactly where Arbenbachfall is and how you can visit Arbenbachfall from my post, 10 scenic spots in Zermatt.
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10. Unique Accommodations
For some, including me, Zermatt is the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime destination. But after looking for a place to stay, I learned that Zermatt is also a destination for once-in-a-lifetime hotel experiences!
There are a lot more beautiful hotels in Zermatt. If you’re planning a luxury trip in the mountains, these hotels in Zermatt can give you the premium experience you’re looking for.
I discovered 2 hotels that I think give the most unique and exceptional accommodations in Zermatt. They are Iglu-Dorf (for winter) and Riffelalp Resort (for summer).
Check out Iglu-Dorf if you like:
- View the Matterhorn straight from a whirlpool inside a real igloo.
- Sleep in simply yet beautifully decorated igloo rooms (isn’t it an adventure?!)
- Relax on a sunny terrace with a view of Matterhorn
- Enjoy a fondue from Iglu-Dorf restaurant
- Cheers and drink beer from Iglu-Dorf snow bar
Here’s the official website of Iglu-Dorf.
swipe the 360° image below to see more views
Try Riffelalp Resort if you want:
- To relax in an outdoor pool (heated at 35 degrees Celsius) with views of the Matterhorn. (Absolutely Instagrammable!)
- Complete wellness facility, from massage chairs to Solarium to Hot tub/Jacuzzi to Hammam!
- A hotel in an idyllic location (outside you can meet alpine animals grazing in the lush green meadows)
- A hotel with quick access to some of the best attractions/outdoor activities in Zermatt
Learn more about Riffelalp Resort here.
swipe the 360° image below to see more views
Do you want to see more hotels in Zermatt? You can start browsing for a hotel here.
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How to visit Zermatt?
Even though Zermatt is tucked deep in one of the valleys of the Pennine Alps, visiting Zermatt is pretty simple.
Switzerland’s immaculate train system connects Zermatt to the country’s primary cities with airports linked to many countries. With all information posted online, you can reach Zermatt even without trying to acquire local knowledge.
You may find all of Zermatt’s visiting information here. Here are some key takeaways:
- Trains run directly to Zermatt.
- You can find the trains going to Zermatt at Visp or Brig.
- Zermatt is car-free.
- You may leave your cars in Täsch and ride the shuttle/train from it.
- Download the Zermatt App (Available on iOS or Android) to check the weather, availability of public transportation, and other things that may help you visit Zermatt.
If you’re from abroad, and Zermatt is one of the first places on your itinerary, you may choose to arrive in the following cities: Geneva, Bern, Zurich, and Milan. Learn more about these cities below:
- Geneva: 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Geneva
- Bern: Bern 1, 2, 3-Day Itinerary: 22 Best Things To Do In Bern
- Basel: 7 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Basel
- Zurich: 15 Best Reasons Why You Should Visit Zurich
- Milan: 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Milan (Is Milan Worth It?)
Let’s say you’re currently in one of these cities now. Then, you’re now only hours away from Zermatt:
- Geneva to Zermatt: 3.5 hours
- Bern to Zermatt: 2.25 hours
- Basel to Zermatt: 3.5 hours
- Zurich to Zermatt: 3.25 hours
- Milan to Zermatt: 3.5 hours
These are only approximations.
If you need a place to stay in Zermatt, you can find the best hotel deals in Zermatt here. You can get tours, guides, and skip-the-line tickets in Zermatt here. The arranged group tours and skip-the-line tickets can help you save time and reduce the effort of figuring out how to go to a tourist attraction in Zermatt.
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What are the alternatives for Zermatt?
Okay, Zermatt is worth visiting and simple to reach.
But we all know that although Switzerland is a small country, it has many beautiful places. Zermatt is only one of them.
This is why you need to compare Zermatt with other places in Switzerland, especially if you only plan to visit Switzerland for only a few days.
You know, we always aim for the best experience—the one that can satisfy our innermost travel desires!
If you like visiting tranquil mountainous villages with fascinating attractions and breathtaking scenery, you may begin comparing Zermatt to other beautiful villages in the Swiss Alps.
You may find some of Zermatt’s tourist attractions giving similar experiences to the ones in the Jungfrau Region. Mountain top experiences in Zermatt have similarities to Jungfraujoch and Schiltorn.
You can use this article to compare Zermatt with other top tourist destinations in Switzerland, like
- Interlaken: Interlaken (10 reasons to visit)
- Grindelwald: Grindelwald (10 best things to do)
- Lauterbrunnen: Lauterbrunnen (10 reasons to visit)
You may also find my other Switzerland posts helpful in visiting Zermatt and comparing Zermatt with other destinations:
- Switzerland Itinerary 3 to 14 days
- Jungfrau Region Itinerary 1 to 7 days
- Lauterbrunnen Itinerary 1 to 3 days
In my opinion, the Jungfrau region is better than Zermatt.
You can have various activities and see more extraordinary views from the Jungfrau Region. But that does not mean you should not skip Zermatt, especially with the 10 reasons we’re about to discuss now.
Discover: 10 Villages in The South of France: Quaint, Scenic, Romantic
You may also want to go to one of the cities near the Swiss Alps (Sion, Brig, Thun, Montreux, and Lucerne) for a mix of mountain-lake-city experiences. These cities can also be strategic home bases for visiting villages in the Swiss Alps, including Zermatt.
Out of these 5 cities, the closest to Zermatt is Brig. It is also linked to Milan with a 2-hour train ride; thus, it can be a strategic home base for exploring both Switzerland and northern Italy, including Milan, Lake Como, and Bergamo.
You can learn more about the places mentioned in my other blog posts:
- Sion: 5 Best Things To Do In Sion
- Thun: 7 Best Things To Do In Thun
- Brig: Best Things To Do In Brig
- Montreux: 10 Best Reasons Why Montreux Is Worth Visiting
- Lucerne: 15 Reasons Why You Should Visit Lucerne
- Northern Italy: Is Northern Italy Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons
- Lake Como: 10 Best Places To Visit In Lake Como
- Bergamo: 10 Beautiful Reasons Why You Should Visit Bergamo
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