10 Scenic Spots In Zermatt (With The Views Of Matterhorn)

Zermatt is one of the most beautiful villages/small towns in the Swiss Alps. It is famous for being the best place to view Matterhorn—one of the most famous peaks in the world. 

In this blog post, you will discover different viewpoints of Matterhorn, the scenic spots in Zermatt, and other attractions/things that make Zermatt worth visiting. This post should benefit you when you are already in Zermatt or still planning to travel. If you are into hiking or love hanging in the great outdoors, this post is perfect for you!

You will also find a map of the scenic spots in Zermatt, how you can visit Zermatt, and practical information on visiting Zermatt in this article. Let’s get started!

10 Best Views in Zermatt (With Matterhorn)

Everyone, especially the full-blooded wanderers and hikers, will love Zermatt. It is the gateway to some of the most epic scenery in the Swiss Alps, made even more spectacular by Matterhorn.

(Zermatt isn’t only about scenic views and Matterhorn. Learn more from my post: 10 reasons to visit Zermatt)

Are you wondering where are these epic views in Zermatt I’m talking about? Whether you’re still planning to visit or are already there in Zermatt, worry no more. Because here are the Zermatt’s scenic spots all are eager to see:

1. Kirchbrucke
2. Sunnegga
3. Riffelalp Resort
4. Riffelsee
5. Schwarzsee
6. Gornergrat
7. Arbenbachfall
8. Bench on Höhbalmen
9. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise 
10. Viewpoint Le Petit Village at Mürini

Note: See the map I created to find their exact locations.

For these 10 scenic spots in Zermatt, you shall know the following:

• What you can expect to see during clear weather (why you will visit)
• How to visit each
• Other tips, either of the following:
  • When is the best time to see
  • Photography tips
  • Next scenic spot to visit next

Do you need a Switzerland Itinerary? I have a post to give you an idea about how you can visit Switzerland in 3 to 14 days (Zermatt included). You can use the Swiss Travel Pass to save money on public transportation if you plan to visit Switzerland for a week or longer.

If you need a place to stay in Zermatt, you can find the best hotel deals in Zermatt here. Use the map function of the hotel browser so you can quickly find where’s the most accessible/convenient place to stay.

Let’s go!

Scenic Spot #1: Kirchbrucke

Let’s kick off the list of scenic spots in Zermatt with Kirchbrücke, the easiest to visit, located in the heart of the town. It connects two parts of Zermatt, halved by the valley’s main river, Matter Vispa.

Standing in Zermatt’s Kirchbrücke, facing south and perpendicular to the bridge, you see a picturesque view of Matterhorn together with the pine trees and flower-embellished chalets. 

What is the best time to visit Kirchbrücke? The most desirable time to go to Kirchbrücke is before sunrise, a few minutes before the first golden hour of the day. It is when you shall witness the sun slowly brush the face of Matterhorn from its pinnacle to its base with warm, bright colors.

Since Kirchbrücke could probably be the nearest scenic spot to your hotel, I recommend making Kirchbrücke one of your options for your first itinerary for the day. 

A better option for watching the sunrise in Zermatt is on Riffelsee. You will know why later in the following sections.

It’s just a short spectacle that lasts only for a few minutes. Don’t be late and waste that sunrise opportunity for awe! 🙂

Scenic Spot #2: Sunnegga

A few-minute walk going north from Kirchbrücke, you can find the Sunnegga-Rothorn Valley Station, our way to Zermatt’s second scenic spot. 

From the valley station, ride on a 5-minute funicular trip to Sunnegga, the closest elevated scenic location from the town center of Zermatt. Sunnegga is the most accessible place to visit from the town center, where you can get a wide-open view of the Alps and Matterhorn.

Rotate the 360-image above to see Matterhorn at the back.

At an elevation of 2,288 meters above sea level, visitors at Sunnegga can now see Matterhorn closer to eye level together with the rugged skyline of the Pennine Alps.

Some people eat breakfast in the Buffet Bar Sunnegga, just beside the funicular station. It’s a lovely place where you can energize your day while staring at Matterhorn. That will be the case if you don’t mind the high price, which, for a simple fries meal, you’d be charged 9.9 CHF or 10 USD.

In Sunnegga, you can find the Buffet Bar Sunnegga to eat breakfast after watching the sunrise in Kirchbrücke. That is if you don’t mind the price. A simple fries meal is priced at 9.9 CHF, approximately 10 USD. 

With that, after watching the sunrise in Kirchbrücke, I’d instead go back to my hotel and claim a complimentary breakfast and then proceed to Sunnegga or see other views in Zermatt. 

During summer, you can start a Five-Lakes hike from Sunnegga or visit the cute marmots located in the marmots-watching station, a few walks from Sunnega. Also, a hiking trail is located west of Sunegga Jumptrail to get a bird’s eye view of the town of Zermatt 500 meters below.

A small lake called Leisee lies just 7-minutes away on foot from Sunnegga. You should be able to spot the lake from Sunnegga; just follow the muddy trail going southeast. The lake has a tiny beach with a couple of benches you can sit for a while to enjoy the scenery.

Lake Leisee is one of the lakes in Zermatt where you can photograph Matterhorn with reflections on the water’s surface. I mentioned two others in this post that you would really want to discover!

Scenic Spot #3: Riffelalp Resort

I haven’t heard anyone swim in Lake Leisee in Sunnegga yet. But in the third scenic spot in Zermatt I found, you definitely will! Especially if you have the luxury to give. 

Located at the 2000-meter-ish mountains south of Zermatt, we can find Riffelalp Resort 2222m – the place where absolute heaven-on-earth mountain relaxation awaits. Based on the Riffelalp Resort’s website, they are the highest spa in Europe, where you can access a pool with views of the Pennine Alps and Matterhorn.

Imagine you’re on a heated pool staring at Matterhorn, admiring the wonders of the Pennine Alps in complete relaxation. That’s the dream, right!? 

Below is a sample of the view from the Riffelalp Resort’s Pool. Try to swipe the 360-image to the left to see the Matterhorn and the rest of the mountains nearby.

Here is the link to the Riffelalp Resort arrivals page to guide you to reach the hotel. You can book accommodation at that link as well. 

Scenic Spot #4: Riffelsee

Since I cannot afford the accommodation and service at Riffelalp Resort yet, I guess I have no choice but to enjoy and embrace the fun adventures in nature first. Who’s with me?!

So, let’s now move on and talk about Riffelsee, the most picturesque lake for Matterhorn reflection shots – our next scenic spot in Zermatt.

Riffelsee, situated at an elevation of 2757 meters above sea level, is the most accessible lake from Zermatt that is ideal for taking excellent photos of the Matterhorn. The lake’s distance to Matterhorn, size, reflectivity, and stillness allows photographers to capture Matterhorn in an absolutely stunning way.

Going to Riffelsee

How do you get to Riffelsee? Rotenboden is the closest train station to Riffelsee and is only one train ride away from the valley station. It usually takes 30 minutes to reach Rotenboden from the Zermatt valley station.

However, it will be more practical and efficient if you go straight to Gornergrat to see more views and then hike down to Riffelsee. That way, you will no longer need to hike upwards or get another train ride if you want to visit Gornergrat, which is another Zermatt scenic spot. 

Rotenboden and Gornergrat are serviced by a single train line, Gornergrat Bahn.

When to Visit Riffelsee

Is it possible to visit Riffelsee to watch the sunrise? Yes, it is possible! Actually, Riffelsee is one of the best places to watch the sunrise, with the best views of the Matterhorn. Gornergrat Bahn from Zermatt offers a Sunrise Trip to Rotenboden early in the morning.

The Sunrise Trip costs 99 CHF for adults at regular prices. 

When to visit Riffelsee? There is no specific time of the day best to visit Riffelsee not unless you’re an enthusiast wanting to see the Matterhorn in a spectacular sunrise or sunset. However, Riffelsee is usually frozen during winter. You would not see Matterhorn’s image inverted on the water when it’s frozen; thus better to skip it during the chilly months.

Why Visit Riffelsee

Just imagine the clear skies slowly turning brighter and brighter, and the peak of Matterhorn is finally hit by the first ray of light from the sun! Minutes passed, and half of the Matterhorn was painted golden. What’s even better? You see Matterhorn reflected over the calm Riffelsee!

It’s the most spectacular thing you could ever witness in Zermatt!

How long will I stay in Riffelsee? If it’s not the sunrise, Riffelsee could only be a quick stop if you arrive at the site with clear skies, seeing Matterhorn at its full glory right away. Probably, I would stay for a while in Riffelsee and wait for the sky to clear up when Matterhorn is hiding behind the clouds.

Of course, only if there’s a possibility for a clearing.

Around Riffelsee, you shall see the image of Matterhorn very similar to what’s printed on a Toblerone box.

Scenic Spot #5: Gornergrat

Gornergrat is a scenic spot in Zermatt and Switzerland’s most visited excursion destination since 1898. It is an observation deck perched on a rocky ridge of the Pennine Alps, directly located in the East of Matterhorn and overlooking the Gorner Glacier southeast.

It’s a two-in-one-package destination that will absolutely take your breath away.

Going to Gornergrat

How do you get to Gornergrat? From Zermatt, take the cogwheel train heading to Gornergrat. The train ride should last for 30 to 35 minutes, with stops at Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelberg, and Rotenboden.

Get your skip-the-line ticket for the cogwheel train here:

Why Visit Gornergrat

Why should you not miss Gornergrat? Because you’ll be checking another two items on your travel bucket list if you visit Gornergrat. The Gorner Glacier you’ll see in Gornergrat is the second-largest glacier in the alps.

At the same time, you will ride Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel train to Gornergrat. 

Besides, if you are looking for the best scenic spot to visit from Zermatt, Gornergrat is the place to be. It may not be the best spot to see Matterhorn, but a trip to Gornergrat will always be a win situation. If Matterhorn gets shrouded with clouds, you still get a view of the beautiful Gorner Glacier on the other side of the observation deck.

People visiting Gornergrat are made speechless by the scenery, even when they haven’t arrived at the site. The views along the train tracks are already stunning, and the mountain breeze is just so refreshing.

When to visit Gornergrat

When to visit Gornergrat? Don’t go to Gornergrat if you know that the weather will not allow you to see any views. Zermatt tourism website has a webcam you can watch to check if the sights above are worth a trip. You can have this Gornergrat live camera as an example.

You might not recognize Gorner Glacier very well during winter as it can be covered with thick snow. But sometime during late spring to autumn, you should be able to spot the glacier right away from Gornergrat. 

Scenic Spot #6: Schwarzsee

To the west of Gornergrat, over the Gorner Glacier valley, we can find Schwarzsee. It is a lake in an area located midpoint of Matterhorn and the town of Zermatt, where the ascents of the Matterhorn begin. Schwarzsee is the head trail of the Matterhorn Glacier Trail.

Why Visit Schwarzsee

It is impossible to see an inverted Matterhorn in Schwarzsee because of its deep location. However, Schwarzsee has a chapel by its shores that’s often reflected on its calm surface. This chapel is called “Maria zum Schnee,” and Matterhorn climbers come here after a successful climb to thank God for a safe hike and legendary experience.

The best view of Schwarzsee is along the Matterhorn Glacier Trail, located south of the lake. In calm and pleasant weather, you shall see Maria zum Schnee reflected in Schwarzsee and the peaks Zinalrothorn, Wellenkuppe, and Ober Gabelhorn.

But before you go to the best view of Schwarzsee or start the hike to Matterhorn, you might like to view the town of Zermatt from the vantage points located east of the Hotel Schwarzsee. The area near Schwarzsee is definitely one of the best vantage points you can easily visit to observe Zermatt from above.

When to visit Schwarzsee

What is the best time to go to Schwarzsee? If you don’t plan to hike Matterhorn, you must go to Schwarzsee before sunset. The dusk will be the time when you get to see the town of Zermatt in the valley start to glitter with the night light.

Just be mindful of the last cable car ride back to the valley if you plan not to hike down from Schwarzsee.

Going to Schwarzee

Cable cars are servicing Schwarzsee, and the cable car trips from Zermatt to Schwarzee have two segments: Zermatt to Furi, then Furi to Schwarzsee. Coming from Zermatt, the total travel time would be around 14 minutes.

Scenic Spot #7: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn)

The scenic spots bucket list destinations in Zermatt will not be complete without going to Klein Matterhorn (Little Matterhorn), the highest peak reachable by aerial tramway. This is the climax of this list of scenic spots in Zermatt since this is the highest that we can go. Of course, unless you want to climb Matterhorn. 

Why visit Klein Matterhorn

The cable car ride to Klein Matterhorn is undeniably costly at 104 CHF because the scenes up there are absolutely worth it, particularly during clear sunny days. So far, Klein Matterhorn is the only place you can conveniently visit from Zermatt, where you see the highest points of three countries at once spot.

If you seek that kind of incredible experience, you must visit Klein Matterhorn.

If the weather permits, the entire Pennine Alps, together with Mont Blanc (4,810 masl) in France and the Gran Paradiso (4,061 masl) in Italy, will all be within your sight. Most importantly, Klein Matterhorn is also where you can quickly go to see the south face of Matterhorn. It’s something unique among all the scenic spots in Zermatt.

Other experiences await you in Klein Matterhorn, too, not only the scenic views. You can go inside the mountain, try Glacier Paradise, or even watch a film in a Cinema Lounge.

Going to Klein Matterhorn

Klein Matterhorn is serviced by the world’s highest 3S cableway, called Matterhorn Glacier ride, linked to another station connected to Zermatt. Go to Klein Matterhorn from Zermatt, and follow these cable car segments:

1. Zermatt – Furi (Matterhorn-Express)
2. Furi – Trockener Steg (cable car)
3. Trockener Steg – Matterhorn glacier paradise

Book your visit to Glacier Paradise here:

When to visit Klein Matterhorn

Visiting Klein Matterhorn is worth it if the skies are clear and sunny. But, at an altitude slightly lower than 4000 meters, the weather at Klein Matterhorn’s summit could be very different from the town. Before you go, check first the live cameras on Zermatt’s website (click here to see).

Scenic Spot #8: Arbenbachfall

Suppose you are looking for a unique scenic spot destination you can visit from Zermatt. In that case, Arbenbachfall is what you need to see. 

Arbenbachfall is a 60-meter tall waterfall located midway through the Eidelweiss Path at the farthest point from Zermatt (others refer to it as the Zmutt area). This waterfall has vantage points wherein the background will be the glorious northern face of the Matterhorn.

It’s a scenic spot we can consider the hidden gem of Zermatt.

How to visit Arbenbachfall? The only way you can go to Arbenbachfall is by hiking 7.5 kilometers from Zermatt on an unpaved mountain trail. It will probably take you 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours of a hike to reach Arbenbachfall.

Here are the exact details of the path you’ll be following:

Click the box above the zoom (plus and minus) buttons to recenter the map.

When should I visit Arbenbachfall? It’s best to see Arbenbachfall during late spring when Arbenbachfall has an enormous amount of falling water. This is due to the melting snow on top of the mountains. It looks most majestic on a sunny day when a rainbow is created by the small water particles produced by the cascade.

Scenic Spot #9: Höhbalmen

Eidelweiss path passes through several scenic points and beautiful hamlets in Zermatt. Arbenbachfall is one of these beautiful spots, and Höhbalmen is another.

Why visit Höhbalmen

Unlike most of the places I mentioned here, Höhbalmen is just a low-key scenic spot where you will have nothing to do but relax and enjoy the presence of the 4000-m peaks around. It’s like the best spot you can visit from Zermatt for soul searching or finding oneself.

Actually, it seems to be a place straight out of an indie music video on Youtube.

During summer, the area in Höhbalmen is primarily meadows with small rocks scattered all around. You can find alpine animals roaming here, like mystical ibex and mountain goats. Most importantly, At 2665 meters, Höhbalmen gives you one of the best vantage points for admiring the north face of Matterhorn with the Hörnligrat ridge.

Here is a 360-view of Höhbalmen on its iconic bench:

You can also virtually tour Höhbalmen using the Street View of Edelweiss Path below:

When to visit Höhbalmen

Höhbalmen is a simple yet scenic place in Zermatt. There’s no particular time best to visit Höhbalmen. However, it would be better to go to Höhbalmen during Summer when the snow is gone, and the meadows are lush again.

You can just lie down on the grass with Matterhorn beside you and feel carefree more than ever!

Going to Höhbalmen

How to go to Höhbalmen?

Hiking is the only means of reaching Höhbalmen at the moment. From Zermatt, follow the Eidelweiss Path that also leads to Zmutt and Arbenbachfall. By the time you get to Arbenbachfall, continue hiking up to the mountains and follow Eidelweiss Path still. Within 2 hours, you should finally be in Höhbalmen.

To go back to Zermatt, just continue hiking along Eidelweiss Path. Here is a route you can follow to visit Höhbalmen from Arbenbachfall:

Click the box above the zoom (plus and minus) buttons to recenter the map.

Eidelweiss Path is actually a round-trip hike from Zermatt. You can do the opposite way I mentioned just above. But here’s the Eidelweiss Path hiking trail information so you can assess if the difficulty is just right for you:

Click the box above the zoom (plus and minus) buttons to recenter the map.

Scenic Spot #10: Viewpoint Le Petit Village at Mürini 

Finally, we are down to the last scenic spot in Zermatt, the Viewpoint Le Petit Village at Mürini.

If you followed my list of the 10 most scenic spots in Zermatt, you would realize that we just discussed the most beautiful locations around Zermatt in a clockwise direction.

Our discussion started from Zermatt, so we’ll end in Zermatt – similar to what our journey is going to be. We began at a scenic spot in Zermatt for sunrise, so we shall finish it in Zermatt also but at a vantage point best for sunset. Very poetic, eh? LOL.

Anyhow, located in Zermatt’s northern portion, the Viewpoint Le Petit Village at Mürini serves as a perfect spot for taking photographs of Zermatt, with Matterhorn blessing the view above the town.

Sunset is the best time to go here to witness Zermatt’s houses slowly turn on their lights and then glitter as dusk happens.

The Viewpoint Le Petit Village at Mürini is a famous photography spot in Zermatt. So, you might want to go earlier than sunset to get your perfect angle in capturing Zermatt’s and Matterhorn’s combined beauty.

More Things To Do In Zermatt

A trip to Zermatt does not end after seeing Matterhorn and visiting its scenic spots. There’s a lot more to do in town. You can view museums and go to historical sites.

Among those, here are the five worthy things to do that your wanderlust, awe-thirsty self would love to find:

1. Hinterdorf Street
2. Iglu-Dorf
3. Gorner Gorge
4. The Hamlet of Zmutt
5. The Hamlet of Herbrigg

Note: You shall see photos of the views you can expect to see a place/activity at the end of each section.

You can also try the following:

See the map I created to find their exact locations.

Hinterdorf Street

Travel back to the 16th to 18th century with the Zermatt’s traditional larch houses located on Hinterdorf Street. The barns, stables, and homes in this part of town bring you almost 500 years of stories of how the locals thrived in Zermatt.

Full-blooded wanderers and photography enthusiasts will have fun seeing and capturing the quaintness of the place.

Hinterdorf Street is open daily, so you can come anytime. You can join tours to learn more about the history embedded in these traditional barns, stores, and houses. To participate, just go to the Zermatt tourism office and inquire.

Iglu-Dorf

Do you also want the most unique experience when traveling to Zermatt? Why not try to stay or visit Iglu-Dorf, an igloo four-star hotel, bar, and restaurant. For me, just to see an igloo and enter it is already a significant bucket list accomplishment!

They have igloo rooms with fabulous carvings, designs, and lighting. I also learned that they have a whirlpool which is so fantastic as you can see the Matterhorn directly from the window of its room.

You can learn more from Iglu-Dorf-Zermatt’s website, but here’s a sample view you’ll see inside:

Gorner Gorge

Zermatt is known to have one of the most spectacular views of 4000-m peaks. But do you know that it also has breathtaking views underneath and between its gigantic rocks? If you are interested, then you should check out the Gorner Gorge.

Gorner Gorge is a 220-million-year-old ravine, now built with wooden walkways for us to explore. You would see the dramatic rock formations along the trail, with a turquoise river flowing in the middle of the gorge and underneath where you’re walking. Gorner Gorge is for you to have a variety of experiences in Zermatt.

The best time to visit a gorge is when the sunlight enters its rocky openings from above. With the rays of the sun, the ravine shall show spectacular colors so magical to see. In the case of Gorner Gorge, it happens most incredibly between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. in mid-October.

Gorner Gorge is open every day from 9:15 a.m. until 5:45 p.m. It can be easily reached from Zermatt’s town center with only 15 minutes of walking. Just go south, hiking the path beside the river.

The Hamlet of Zmutt

A while ago, I mentioned Edelweiss Path in the discussion of Arbenbachfall and Höhbalmen. As I continued exploring Edelweiss Path, I discovered that these two are not the only exciting places that await you along the trail. There is another one, and it is called Zmutt Village.

The hamlet of Zmutt is a charming small village with not more than 40 houses and shops built in the traditional Upper Valais style. Situated in the vast meadows with mountains all around, it can be the idyllic place you might be looking for.

There are small shops and beer gardens in the middle of the Zmutt village where you can rest and relax after an hour of a hike from Zermatt.

The Hamlet of Herbrigg

If you want to see idyllic places like the hamlet of Zmutt but you have limited time in Zermatt that hiking for hours wouldn’t make it possible, worry not. Because not too far from Zermatt, another beautiful rustic village called the hamlet of Herbrigg is just on the outskirts of Zermatt – and it’s very easy to visit.

The hamlet of Herbrigg is located just above Zermatt’s ZenStecken bus station. However, you can go straight to Herbrigg from Zermatt’s center. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. From the Church of Saint Mauritius, walk south following the direction of Matterhorn.
2. At the first fork way, choose the path on the right.
3. Continue walking, and you shall encounter another fork after a few steps. Again, choose the path on the right, and you will be in Schälpmattgasse.
4. Along Schälpmattgasse, you shall see a stairway going up. Proceed to this, and you will be at Herbriggweg – the path to Herbrigg.
5. Follow Herbriggweg, and within 15 minutes, you shall be in the hamlet of Herbrigg.

Here is the map to visualize the route you’ll be taking:

During summer along the Herbriggweg, you shall see meadows with small barns built scattered in the place. It has lovely scenery, especially when it’s sunny. 

But why would you visit the hamlet of Herbrigg?

Not only the hamlet of Herbrigg is an idyllic place, but it’s here in the hamlet of Herbrigg that you will find the oldest barn in Europe. Since it is elevated at around 2000 meters, the hamlet of Herbrigg serves as an excellent viewing point above Zermatt, too. 

This oldest barn in Europe, located in the hamlet of Herbrigg, is said to have been built in 1261. It’s impressive for a wooden structure to last that long! Actually, it blew my mind to think that it is older than other civilizations in the world. 

Interestingly, the hamlet of Herbrigg has been the source of folklores. Like, the tale of the ghost who was banished to sneeze forever in a barn in the village. The spirit was only freed from the curse after a milkmaid told him, “Bless you!”

Map of Scenic Spots and Activities in Zermatt

Here are the exact locations of all the places we talked about a while ago. Read back: Zermatt scenic spots, Zermatt things to do

You can see from this map how many things to do in Zermatt. Chamonix, a town like Zermatt and the best destination in the French Alps, has many attractions too. If you want to visit places like Zermatt, discover Chamonix and the 10 reasons why you should visit Chamonix.

For a mix of fairytale and scenic alpine towns, it’s southern Germany or Bavarian Alps (itinerary) you must see.

Things to Know When Visiting Zermatt

With all the scenic spots, scenic hotels, and lovely hamlets, it seems I can spend more than a month in Zermatt in a full retreat. It’s just one of the most beautiful we all dream about, right?

In this part of the blog, you will learn essential things to know when going, staying, and exploring Zermatt. So without further ado:

Going to Zermatt by Private Car

How to go to Zermatt by car? 

Zermatt is a car-free town in the Swiss Alps, only accessible by public transportation and electric taxis. You can only bring your vehicle to Täsch and park it at Täsch Matterhorn Terminal. From there, you must use the trains or get an e-taxi ride to your destination or hotels in Zermatt.

Matterhorn Terminal Tasch lets you park with a fee on its 2100 covered parking lots. You can reserve slots/tickets from their website.

Going to Zermatt by Public Transportation

How to go to Zermatt by public transportation?

All cities and almost every town in Switzerland, including Zermatt, are connected by public transportation. To save a lot of money on moving around using trains and buses, I suggest you check the current promos like Supersaver tickets and Saver Day Passes. It could save you money, as much as 70% compared to the original fares.

Airports near Zermatt

If you are from somewhere far from Zermatt or Switzerland, you will certainly be traveling by plane and then land transit. Choosing which airport you will be arriving at could sometimes be crucial as it involves time and money.

In this section, I give you estimates of how much effort, time, and money you will spend if you decide on one of the airports near Zermatt. There are five international airports you can use for arrival when visiting the Swiss Alps or Zermatt: 

• Zurich, Switzerland | 15 Best Reasons Why You Should Visit Zurich
• Geneva, Switzerland | 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Geneva
• Basel, Switzerland | 7 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Basel
• Bern, Switzerland | Bern 1, 2, 3-Day Itinerary: 22 Best Things To Do In Bern
• Milan, Italy | 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Milan

You can also have a day trip to Zermatt from these cities. See the tours below:

Using Rome2Rio.com, one of the most reliable travel planners on the internet, I created the tables below to help you compare the trip from these five airports to Zermatt:

Going to Zermatt by private car from nearby cities with airports:

Cities near Zermatt with airports (IATA code)	Road Distance (kilometers)	Travel Time
Zurich (ZRH)	247.7	3h 55m
Geneva (GVA)	236.9	3h 12m
Basel (BSL)	335.3	4h 14m
Bern (BRN)	239.7	3h 19m
Milan (MXP)	194.9	3h 17m

Going to Zermatt by public transportation from nearby cities with airports:

Cities near Zermatt with airports (IATA code)	Commute Difficulty	Travel Time	Cost (USD)
Zurich (ZRH)	2 train rides	3h 50m	98 to 183
Geneva (GVA)	2 train rides	3h 56m	89 to 167
Basel (BSL)	1 bus ride + 2 train rides	4h 53m	91 to 175
Bern (BRN)	1 bus ride + 3 train rides	3h 24m	57 to 111
Milan (MXP)	3 train rides	4h 28m	77 to 177

See notes here.

Here are my references:

• Zurich to Zermatt
• Geneva to Zermatt
• Basel to Zermatt
• Bern to Zermatt
• Milan to Zermatt

Will you be coming from Milan to visit Zermatt? Make sure you don’t miss visiting northern Italy’s best attractions (reasons to visit). If you like places similar to Zermatt, I recommend going to:

1. Cortina d’Ampezzo — is a town at the center of the best attractions in the Dolomite mountains. Learn more about Cortina and the places you can visit from Cortina here.
2. Bolzano — is the city, gateway to the Dolomites. It has a few unique attractions aside from the breathtaking views of the Dolomites. Discover the reasons why you should visit Bolzano.
3. Trento — is the city south of Bolzano. It’s a great destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts like me. Have a look at the 15 things to do in Trento. 

Zermatt and the Nearby Attractions

Zermatt isn’t the only destination in the Swiss Alps. There are a lot, and they are all incredibly worth a visit too. Here are some of the most beautiful towns in the Swiss Alps you can visit before or after Zermatt:

From Zermatt to	Travel Time (Private Car)	Travel Time (Public Transportation)	Commute Difficulty	References
Lauterbrunnen	3h 12m	3h 22m	4 train rides	Zermatt – Lauterbrunnen
Grindelwald	3h 19m	3h 36m	4 train rides	Zermatt – Grindelwald
Interlaken	3h 3m	2h 41m	3 train rides	Zermatt – Interlaken
Kandersteg	3h 38m	3h 1m	2 train rides	Zermatt – Kandersteg
Saas-Fee	1h 30m	1h 56m	1 bus ride + 1 train ride	Zermatt – Saas-Fee

See notes here.

• Jungfrau Region. A top destination in the Swiss Alps with adventures, scenic trains, and remarkable mountaintop attractions. Check these out:
  • Interlaken (with beautiful lake attractions)
    • 10 Reasons to visit Interlaken
    • Interlaken itinerary 1 day to 7 days
    • Different ways to spend 3 days in Interlaken
    • How long to spend in Interlaken?
  • Lauterbrunnen (heaven on earth valley with rustic villages)
    • 10 Reasons to visit Lauterbrunnen
    • How to visit Lauterbrunnen
    • Lauterbrunnen itinerary 1 day to 3 days
  • Grindelwald (best destination for outdoor activities and adrenaline-pumping adventures)
    • 10 Best things to do in Grindelwald
• Kandersteg. A lovely village closest to Oeschinensee, one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. Learn more: 10 Things to do in Kandersteg.
• Gruyeres (Bonus). A preserved medieval village in the Prealps. Come to taste authentic Gruyeres Cheese and unlimited chocolates! Discover: 10 Reasons to visit Gruyeres.

Zermatt and the Swiss Alps Cities

Aside from the Swiss metropolises with airports, Switzerland has beautiful big towns and cities near the Swiss Alps that you can also visit quickly before and after exploring Zermatt. They are Montreux, Sion, Brig, Thun and Lucerne. Here is the table showing Zermatt’s distance and travel time to these cities:

From Zermatt to	Travel Time (Private Car)	Travel Time (Public Transportation)	Commute Difficulty	References
Montreux	2h 23m	2h 39m	2 train rides	Zermatt – Montreux
Sion	1h 44m	1h 44m	2 train rides	Zermatt – Sion
Brig	1h 16m	1h 24m	1 train ride	Zermatt – Brig
Thun	3h 22m	2h 10m	2 train rides	Zermatt – Thun
Lucerne	3h 20m	4h 12m	3 train rides	Zermatt – Lucerne

NOTE: the data in all of the tables are only estimates, and values may differ at different times depending on the schedule of the train and buses. Also, weather and traffic should be considered. For public transportation, Travel time includes the time needed for transfers.

Learn more about these cities from my articles below:

1. Montreux — is a town beside Lake Geneva. It has a beautiful promenade. You can quickly visit Chillon Castle, a castle on a lake, from Montreux. See all reasons why you should visit Montreux.
2. Sion — is a town famous for its wines. But I like its church and the ruined castle on top of its two hills. Sion is a picturesque city, and you can learn more about Sion and the 5 best things to do in Sion here.
3. Brig — is a town with great access to many tourist attractions not only in Switzerland but also in Italy. Learn more from my article, Best Things To Do in Brig.
4. Thun — is a town with its own lake, Lake Thun. It has a castle, and you can visit more castles (i.e., Oberhofen Castle) from Thun! See the 7 best things to do in Thun.
5. Lucerne — is a town nearest to Zurich. Come here for a lovely stroll in a medieval historic town center and adventures in Mount Pilatus/Mount Rigi. See all the 15 reasons to visit Lucerne.

If you visit Montreux, you can have a day trip to Gruyeres. It’s a preserved medieval village with its own unique cheese. You can also have unlimited chocolates from one of its attractions. Learn more about Gruyeres here: 10 Best Reasons Why You Should Visit Gruyères Switzerland.

When to go to Zermatt

What is the best time to visit Zermatt?

The scenic views will absolutely make your trip to Zermatt worth it. So, it’s best to go to Zermatt during Summer, particularly in September, when the temperature is pleasant and the skies are clear. During September, Zermatt experiences the lowest precipitation in the entire summer months.

Exploring Zermatt

Zermatt is one lovely destination in the great outdoors. Because it’s vast and would require us to hike, ride trains, or cable cars, planning is quite an important thing to do before going. Here are some of the things you must know when exploring Zermatt:

Zermatt Mobile App (Matterhorn)

Zermatt is perhaps one of the most convenient places to visit today. With its Smartphone App “Matterhorn,” you get all the things you need to explore Zermatt and the mountains. Here are some of the application’s features that will definitely be useful when you visit Zermatt: 

1. The list of all the attractions in Zermatt. You will easily find the “Must-Sees,” shops and restaurants, places you can hike or bike, things to do during bad weather, and the list go on! 
2. You can also check the weather of the high-altitude destinations with the live webcams in the app. 
3. The status of the lifts and pistes is also indicated in the app, telling you if they are operational or not yet.
4. You can also check the overall weather in Zermatt, snow thickness, and avalanche risk in certain places.
5. Most importantly, you can buy and reserve tickets, join a tour, and get different passes from the app. 

Using the app, you can easily plan, find the spots you like to visit, create an itinerary, etc. You can download the app from AppStore or PlayStore.

How many days in Zermatt?

Based on the scenic places and other things to do in Zermatt listed in this post, let’s try to answer the question:

How many days should I spend in Zermatt?

 You must have at least one sunrise in Zermatt to have a chance to see the Matterhorn’s spectacular golden hour. Also, you must consider the weather and give yourself a day of allowance to ensure you can enjoy the scenic views in Zermatt. With those, two days and one night (or longer) trip to Zermatt would be highly recommended.

Photos to Inspire you to Visit Zermatt

Zermatt is sure a beautiful place to be. Mountains will always be awe-inspiring. For some, it is a once-in-a-lifetime destination that all their lives they’ve been dreaming of visiting. If you are traveling to Zermatt, be grateful because you’re really blessed and lucky!

I hope this article helped you or at least inspired you to visit Zermatt and Switzerland.

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