Is Zermatt Worth Visiting?
Absolutely yes! Well, we’ve spoiled the surprise a little early, but we wanted to let you know straight away.
The answer to the question - is Zermatt worth visiting? - is unequivocally, yes!
Don’t let us convince you with one word, though.
In this article, we are going to highlight all the reasons why we believe Zermatt is worth visiting, all year round.
Towards the end, we will actually give you an example of one scenario where we don't think Zermatt is worth visiting, despite us loving this cute alpine village so much.
Stick around to find out why we believe Zermatt is totally worth the hype and why we consider it to be the best year-round destination in Europe!
So, let’s dive into: Is Zermatt Worth Visiting?
Disclaimer - this blog post contains affiliate links where we can earn a commission, if you make a purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).
Disclosure: we were fortunate enough to be invited to visit Zermatt by Zermatt-Matterhorn, the official tourism board. While Zermatt-Matterhorn hosted us, all of the opinions and thoughts shared in this article are genuine and our own. We only recommend activities and places that we would pay to visit… and Zermatt is definitely one of those!
Is Zermatt worth Visiting?
Is Zermatt worth visiting? Quite simply, yes. It is the most magical little alpine village imaginable. Surrounded by mountains and overlooked by arguably the most iconic peak in the world - the Matterhorn!
Zermatt is perhaps most famous for being a world-leading skiing destination. While this means Winter is the most popular time to visit, Zermatt is actually an incredible year-round destination that should be visited in all seasons.
How many days should I spend in Zermatt?
We think the answer to this depends on what season you are visiting Zermatt, and whether you are a skier or not.
If you plan to visit Zermatt in Winter and want to ski, we recommend spending at least 5 days in Zermatt. This gives you enough time to explore all 3 major ski areas and a couple of spare days to see all the other sights in Zermatt.
In summer, we recommend spending at least 3 days in Zermatt. This gives you enough time to complete a couple of hikes and see as many viewpoints of the Matterhorn as possible.
Is Zermatt worth visiting? With views like this, we absolutely think so!
When is the best time to visit Zermatt?
Although Zermatt is an exceptional year-round destination, we recommend visiting Zermatt in late January if you want to experience the alpine village in the snow. Snow is guaranteed year-round in Zermatt, but January gives you the best chance of the freshest powder with the least crowds.
If you want to visit Zermatt in the summer, then we’d recommend early June. In June, the hiking trails will be fairly empty, and the temperatures will be manageable. Zermatt is a wonderful, adventurous destination come the summertime.
Reasons to visit Zermatt
What better way to give you reasons to visit Zermatt than outlining all the best things to do in Zermatt? We have tried to highlight the best activities to suit different seasons, so if you visit this wonderful Swiss village in summer or winter, you will find something that appeals to you here.
Best Things to do in Zermatt
Skiing/Snowboarding
Perhaps the most popular activity in Zermatt, the town gives you access to 3 major ski areas - Sunnegga, Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
With over 360km of skiable terrain and guaranteed snow 365 days of the year, it’s easy to see why so many flock to go skiing in Zermatt. The thing we loved about snowboarding in Zermatt was that because there are so many chairlifts and gondolas, once you get up to the hill in the morning, everybody spreads out, so you get many of the runs to yourself.
Empty ski runs, panoramic views, brilliant Aprés scene - no wonder we think Zermatt is one of the best European Ski Resorts for Couples!
Did you know? From the panoramic Matterhorn Glacier Paradise gondola, you can ski directly into Italy to visit the resorts of Cervinia and Valtournenche.
Orla getting ready to hit the slopes in Zermatt
2. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Gondola Ride - Europe’s Highest Cable Car Station
Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Zermatt, in any season, is to ride the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to get to Europe’s highest cable car station.
The panoramic station sits at 3883m above sea level and provides unrivalled views of the Matterhorn, the Matterhorn Glacier and all the surrounding mountain peaks.
We would say that the views from the viewpoint here are worth visiting Zermatt for on their own, regardless of any of the other incredible things you can do here.
Don’t miss: you can actually go deep inside the glacier by visiting the Glacier Palace. It’s a magical underground world filled with beautifully carved ice sculptures!
The view from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car
3. Gornergrat Cog Railway
Europe’s highest open-air cog railway is a delight to see in all seasons and one of the main reasons you should visit Zermatt.
Celebrating 125 years of operation in 2024, the Gornergrat Cog Railway is voted one of the most scenic train rides in the world, time and time again, and it’s easy to see why!
Sitting on the right-hand side of the train (when facing forward) as you wind your way up the mountain, you are greeted with incredible views of the iconic Matterhorn Peak and wider views over the whole of the mountains. It really is one of the most breathtaking train journeys we have ever taken!
Good to know: People often ask if the Swiss Travel Pass covers Zermatt - thankfully, yes, it does. Get 50% off the Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Sunnegga Funicular and more! Here’s everything you need to know about Zermatt and the Swiss Travel Pass.
The iconic Gornergrat Cog Railway - one of the premier reasons to visit Zermatt
4. Hiking
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Zermatt in any month of the year. With views as stunning as those that Zermatt provides, it’s easy to see why hiking is so popular.
While the winter trails are magical and draped in snow, it’s perhaps the summer when hiking becomes the most popular.
The Rifflesee hike (Hiking trail no.21), a short 10-minute walk from the Rotenboden Station on the Gornergrat Cog Railway, is perhaps the most popular as it offers the chance to take that famous photo - where the Matterhorn reflects off the lake’s surface. It is truly magical!
How about these views for a winter hike in Zermatt?
5. Snowshoeing
If you want a little fun in the snow in Zermatt, then look no further than snowshoeing - it’s one of the best things to do in Zermatt during Winter!
Strapping snowshoes to your feet and hitting the hiking trails, searching for powder, is a magical experience in Zermatt.
Best of all, it’s an experience that many can enjoy as you don’t have to have any prior experience, and you don’t even need to be a great hiker to enjoy it. Snowshoeing in Zermatt is a magical experience and well worth a try if you visit in the Winter.
6. Zermatt Tandem Paragliding
Do you fancy being able to view the Matterhorn from above while dangling from a parachute? That’s exactly what’s on offer with the Zermatt Tandem Paragliding Experience.
Typically, the flight lasts around 20 minutes, with all equipment, safety briefings and your very own pilot included. During the paragliding experience, you are treated to utterly breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and the countless surrounding 4000m+ peaks in the area.
Bucket list activity. Once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whatever you want to call it, a Tandem Paragliding flight over the Matterhorn is certainly a great reason to visit Zermatt!
Tandem Paragliding - a real bucket list activity in Zermatt
7. Tobogganing
Another winter favourite in Zermatt is tobogganing. Particularly for those who want to experience a winter thrill without skiing, tobogganing is an excellent option.
Zermatt is home to dedicated tobogganing/sledding trails, but our favourite is the Rotenboden to Riffelberg trail, ¾ of the way up the Gornergrat Cog Railway. Best of all, you can rent the toboggan at the Rotenboden station for around 10 CHF pp and drop it off at the Riffelberg station.
8. Sunnegga Funicular
Have you ever ridden an underground funicular through a mountain before? If not, the Sunnegga Funicular in Zermatt is your perfect chance!
The 4-and-a-half-minute ride takes you from the Sunnegga Funicular station near the Vispa River in Zermatt Village all the way to the top of the Sunnegga skiing area.
Of course, in winter, you can ski directly from the station, including visiting Wolli Park, the best area for beginner skiers in Zermatt. But in summer, this area is littered with hiking trails and wildlife, all within the backdrop of that famous Matterhorn mountain we keep mentioning.
The spectacular view that welcomes you at the top of the Sunnegga Funicular in Winter
9. Summer Adrenaline Adventures
If you’re looking for a thrill, something to get the adrenaline pumping, then Zermatt is the perfect summer destination for you!
From mountain biking to rock climbing, Via Ferratas to Paragliding, Zermatt is guaranteed to provide you with an experience to get your heart racing.
The Via Ferrata Schweifinen high above the village of Zermatt is particularly hair-raising during the summer!
10. Stay a Night in a real-life Igloo at Iglu Dorf
It’s difficult to imagine a more magical winter experience in Zermatt than staying a night in your very own igloo hotel room.
Iglu Dorf found halfway up the Gornergrat ski area during the winter, offers you that very chance. With a private bar for guests, as well as a whirlpool for you to enjoy while watching the Matterhorn, it really is a magical experience and one of the most romantic experiences in Zermatt!
Thankfully, Iglu Dorf is open to non-staying guests for Aprés Ski drinks throughout the day, so you still get the chance to enjoy the delights of an igloo in Zermatt!
Imagine this being the entrance to your hotel…
11. Swiss Cheese Fondue on Top of a Mountain
Switzerland is synonymous with its Swiss Cheese and is one of many driving factors for tourists visiting the country.
In Zermatt, however, one of the best culinary experiences you can have is enjoying a delicious Swiss Cheese Fondue on top of a mountain.
During the winter, Iglu Dorf (see above) offers a tasty fondue experience in the most surreal setting, while in summer, the best option is Chez Vrony - a walkable distance from the top of the Sunnegga Funicular.
The Cheese Fondue we had at Swiss Chalet in Zermatt Village
12. Cross-Country Skiing
A great winter activity in Zermatt is Cross-Country skiing, the flatter version of its downhill cousin, skiing.
While it may look easy, cross-country skiing is actually a very tiring physical exertion. It is a beautiful way to see more of the scenery at lower levels in Zermatt.
The best cross-country ski trail in the area is actually in nearby Täsch. One stop on the train from Zermatt Bahnhof, the Täsch Loop is a flat, 10km trail that should take around an hour to complete.
13. Wander around Zermatt Town
An often overlooked activity in Zermatt, there is something very satisfying about just wandering around this charming alpine village and exploring all the little nooks and crannies you can find.
The village itself is made up of cobblestoned streets and wonderfully crafted wooden houses with those cute traditional window shutters. It really is like wandering through a scene from a fairy tale.
Whether it’s in the depths of winter with a light dusting of snow on the roofs or in the height of summer when the Matterhorn’s reflection can be seen in shop windows, there is something really beautiful about walking around Zermatt Village.
Traditional alpine buildings in Zermatt Village
14. Relax in a Spa
We appreciate that most people flock to Zermatt for the outdoors - with the Mountains, lakes and wildlife on offer, it’s easy to see why - but did you know that one of the best things to do in Zermatt is usually indoors?
That’s right, relaxing in a spa is one of the most serene and enjoyable experiences you can have in Zermatt. Honestly, we would recommend anyone to visit Zermatt just for the Swiss Alpine Hotel Allalin spa experience alone!
Ben relaxing in an Alpine Spa in Zermatt
15. Visit the Matterhorn Museum
Usually, we can be hit and miss with museums when we go travelling. Sometimes, they are overpriced and contain far too much information to actually absorb.
So we were very pleasantly surprised when we visited the Matterhorn Museum in the heart of Zermatt Village. It is a relatively modest size, making all the exhibits easy to digest, and contains a fascinating recount of the history of the first recorded Matterhorn ascent.
Entry to the museum is 12 CHF per person or free with a Swiss Travel Pass, and it is open all year round.
Matterhorn Museum - one of the reasons to visit Zermatt
16. Helicopter Tour of Zermatt
If you haven’t already gathered, there are many ways of experiencing the incredible views in Zermatt. Perhaps the most astonishing option of them all though is to get a helicopter tour of Zermatt.
Seeing the Matterhorn from the skies is something you’ll never forget! Just imagine for a second, flying in and out of 4000m peaks and getting as close as possible to the Matterhorn.
Air Zermatt provides Sightseeing Flights and they are guaranteed to be one of the best things to do in Zermatt.
Air Zermatt helicopter ready to take off in Zermatt
Is Zermatt worth visiting if you don’t ski?
100%! There are plenty of great options for non-skiers when visiting Zermatt, from snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to cheese fondues and sightseeing on the iconic Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
On top of the amazing outdoor activities on offer, Zermatt is also home to over 50 bars and 100 restaurants, meaning guests in Zermatt will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining and culinary options.
Is Zermatt Expensive?
In a word, yes. Zermatt is expensive, but, in general, you get what you pay for. It is possible to visit Zermatt as cheaply as possible, but that doesn’t make it a budget-friendly destination.
Take skiing, for example; a one-day all-access pass to ski in Zermatt begins at 83 CHF per adult. This makes it one of the most expensive ski resorts in Europe. But, in Zermatt, you are guaranteed snow 365 days a year, and you have an incredible network of modern, high-speed and efficient cable cars and chairlifts at your disposal.
Perhaps less appealing is the price of food and drink - at minimum, you’ll pay 30 CHF each for a basic main meal. A 500ml bottle of water on the ski hill will set you back at least 7 CHF. A bland coffee in town is going to cost at least 5 CHF.
So yes, Zermatt is expensive, but the views of the Matterhorn and the incredible number of 4000+ peaks surrounding you certainly make it easier to bear the burden of the inexplicable prices.
What is Zermatt best known for?
Zermatt is best known for 2 things - Skiing and the Matterhorn!
Skiing in Zermatt is like nowhere else in the world - there are over 360 km of skiable terrain with 365 days of guaranteed snow.
The village also boasts truly breathtaking views of the Matterhorn - the iconic 4478m peak shaped like a jagged tooth recognisable all over the globe!
Is Zermatt worth visiting for a day trip?
So, by now, you may have noticed that we love Zermatt quite a lot, and we want to recommend it to everybody! However, we are not sure that Zermatt is worth visiting for just one day. Hear us out…
To get to Zermatt, you’ll pay anywhere from 20-200 CHF for a return train ticket, depending on where you’re coming from.
Then you have the cost of the Gornergrat or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise - upwards of 90 CHF each per person. You shouldn’t come all the way to Zermatt and not experience at least one of these.
Factoring in drinks, snacks, and lunch, you’re adding another 30 CHF (bare minimum) to the tally.
Overall, this takes you to around 250-350 CHF, per person, for a one-day trip!!
Zermatt is an incredible year-round destination, one of our favourites in the world for that matter, but we’re not sure that a day trip that is so expensive is worth it.
We think it’s better to save some money and return to Zermatt when you can spend at least 3-4 days in this wonderful alpine village.
There we have it, folks, our round trip to the question - is Zermatt worth visiting? In our humble opinion, we’d have to say that Zermatt is 100% worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. Yes, it is expensive, but the impeccable skiing conditions, the unrivalled hiking trails, and the incredible panoramic views of the Matterhorn lead us to believe that it’s one of the best year-round destinations in Europe, if not the world!
