10 Lesser-Known Experiences in Zermatt for a Unique Trip

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Many visitors go straight to Gornergrat or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to check off a bucket list experience when they visit Zermatt. After that, they move on to other towns, thinking it will make their trip to Switzerland more worthwhile. In a way, I get it. But what many don’t realize is that Zermatt has a lot more to offer. There are lesser-known spots that are just as incredible and memorable.

If you’re planning a trip to Zermatt, these places are worth considering, especially if you enjoy quiet, scenic locations. Some of the unique and overlooked places I’ll mention in this post are surprisingly easy to get to. They’re either right in town or just a short hike away. Visiting them can make your time in Zermatt even more rewarding. So, let’s check them out!

Kirchbrücke

View of Matterhorn from the village center of Zermatt, Switzerland

Did you know there’s an easier way to take in the view without hiking or taking a cable car? Kirchbrücke, a bridge in the heart of Zermatt near the cemetery and Pfarrkirche St. Mauritius, offers just that. While many visitors walk across it, not everyone realizes it provides a great view of the Matterhorn.

To me, this bridge could be considered one of the nicest spots in the village for admiring the mountain. It’s an unexpected but beautiful place to take in the scenery, especially at sunrise. If you’re staying in the village, it’s a convenient place to watch the Matterhorn glow with shades of orange and pink during the golden hour. With the mountain framed by lush trees along the riverbank and the sound of the water flowing below, the view feels even more special.

Hinterdorf Street

Centuries old chalets and wooden houses in Zermatt, Switzerland

When people think of Zermatt, they often picture mountain views, scenic hikes, and great ski trails. It’s a well-known spot for skiing and hiking, but many don’t realize it also has a historic district that feels like a step back in time. This lesser-known area is called Hinterdorf Street.

What makes Hinterdorf Street special?

Walking down Hinterdorf Street, the oldest part of Zermatt, feels like stepping into the 16th century. This area has over 30 buildings, each showcasing the traditional architecture of the upper Valais. It gives a glimpse into what life was like for Zermatt’s residents in the past. As you walk along the cobbled street, you’ll see larchwood buildings with heavy stone slabs on their roofs, a traditional design built to withstand the elements.

Finding Hinterdorf Street is easy. Start in the village center at Pfarrkirche St. Mauritius. From there, walk along Englischer Viertel, the charming lane between the church park and the Matterhorn Museum. Keep going straight until you reach Fontaine Inderbinen. Once you get there, look to your left, and you’ll see Hinterdorf Street.

The Hamlet of Herbrigg

The Hamlet of Herbrigg, a small settlement at 1,754 meters, has deep roots in farming and agriculture. From here, you get a wide view of Zermatt below. The village is known for its traditional Walser-style barns, made of larch and raised on stilts with flat stones to keep out mice. Terraced fields climb up to 2,000 meters, showing the area’s long farming history.

When you visit, you can walk through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and spot birds and butterflies, including the Apollo butterfly. Local folklore adds to the atmosphere, with tales of ghosts and the lives of the people who once called this place home.

This ghost was known for sneezing all the time. The people living in the town got used to this strange sound, but no one was brave enough to find out more. One day, a brave milkmaid working in Herbrigg heard the ghost sneeze. Without thinking, she said “Bless you!”. To everyone’s surprise, the ghost appeared and thanked her, saying “May God bless you, too.”. He explained that he had been waiting for someone to bless him so he could leave the barn.

The hamlet is also home to the oldest barn in Europe. Seeing it in person, you might wonder how a wooden structure has lasted so long. According to the official Zermatt website, this barn has stood since 1261.

Wondering how to reach the Hamlet of Herbrigg? It’s conveniently located just above Zermatt’s ZenStecken bus station. However, you can also make your way directly to Herbrigg from the center of Zermatt. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Start at the Church of Saint Mauritius and head south, following the direction of the iconic Matterhorn.
When you reach the first fork in the road, take the path on the right.
Continue walking and you’ll soon come across another fork. Once again, choose the path on the right which will lead you to Schälpmattgasse.
As you stroll along Schälpmattgasse, you’ll notice a stairway leading upwards. Take these stairs and you’ll find yourself on Herbriggweg, the path that leads directly to Herbrigg.
Follow Herbriggweg and in just about 15 minutes, you’ll find yourself in the charming Hamlet of Herbrigg.

The Hamlet of Zmutt

Hamlet of Zmutt, one of the hidden gems of Zermatt, Switzerland

In addition to the Hamlet of Herbrigg, Zermatt has another lesser-known hamlet—the Hamlet of Zmutt. Tucked deep in the valley, it’s about a one-hour hike from Zermatt. Unlike the busy village, Zmutt sees few tourists. There are no buses, no commercialization—just a quiet, simple way of life. It feels like time has stopped here, a feeling that only deepens as you explore the traditional wooden houses.

Fun fact, the houses in the Hamlet of Zmutt have silently observed over five hundred years of history. That’s according to the official website of Zermatt!

Surrounded by forests, mountains, and alpine pastures, the Hamlet of Zmutt is the perfect escape if you’re looking for the most peaceful settlement in Zermatt. It’s the kind of place you’d seek out when you need a break from life’s stresses.

Beyond the quiet and rustic scenery, walking through the hamlet’s narrow streets gives you a sense of what makes it special. With fewer than 40 buildings—including houses, barns, and a chapel—they stand closely together, almost as if shielding each other from the elements.

While you’re here, take a moment to see the unique depiction of the Ways of the Cross inside the white chapel. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the cluster of houses with the chapel in the background. After exploring, you can stop by the small shops and beer gardens in the heart of the hamlet—a perfect place to relax before hiking back to Zermatt.

Stellisee

For those looking to experience Zermatt’s natural beauty with a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn, the high-altitude alpine lakes are the perfect destination. They offer a peaceful escape and incredible photo opportunities. On calm days, their surfaces turn into giant mirrors, reflecting an inverted image of the Matterhorn.

Zermatt and the Pennine Alps are dotted with these scenic lakes, with Riffelsee being the most famous and photographed. However, if there’s one lake that feels like a hidden treasure, especially for first-time visitors, it’s Stellisee. While photographers often capture its beauty and share their shots on Instagram and other platforms, Stellisee remains a lesser-known gem for many.

In some ways, Stellisee offers a similar experience to other alpine lakes in Zermatt. However, what makes it special is its perfect alignment with the Matterhorn’s Hörnli Ridge. In my opinion, the view from this spot looks just like the Matterhorn on the Toblerone box.

How do you get to Stellisee? Take the funicular to Sunnegga, then a gondola to Blauherd. From there, it’s a 15- to 20-minute walk to the lake. Once you arrive, you can relax, take in the view, or snap some photos. If you’re lucky, you might even see Valais Blacknose sheep grazing nearby.

If you’re up for more adventure, there are other spots to explore. You could stop by Fluhalp for refreshments, visit the Rothorn Viewpoint for more mountain views, or head to Grindjisee, another scenic lake with a view of the Matterhorn.

Schwarzsee

Not all lakes in Zermatt offer a view of the Matterhorn, but some, like Schwarzsee, look like something out of a fantasy novel. It’s not exactly a secret, especially for hikers, since it sits along the Matterhorn Glacier Trail. Still, many tourists overlook it, making it a lesser-known spot worth visiting.

With the Maria zum Schnee chapel on its shores, Schwarzsee is one of Zermatt’s more unique spots. Fun fact: this chapel holds special meaning for those who climb the Matterhorn. Many stop by to give thanks after making it to the top and back safely.

If you’re into photography, Schwarzsee is a place you won’t want to skip, especially on a calm, clear day. Head to the southern part of the lake, where you can capture the Maria zum Schnee chapel reflected perfectly on the water. From there, you’ll also get a clear view of the towering peaks of Zinalrothorn, Wellenkuppe, and Ober Gabelhorn.

How do you get to Schwarzsee? Start in the village of Zermatt and take a gondola to Furi. From there, hop on another gondola that goes straight to Schwarzsee. The entire ride takes about 18 minutes.

Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge

Charles Kuonen Bridge near Zermatt, Switzerland — Charles Kuonen Bridge

Zermatt is surrounded by attractions that are both breathtaking and engineering marvels. From cable cars to mountain-climbing trains, it’s clear that the Swiss have a passion for building impressive structures. One standout example is the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, the longest bridge of its kind in the world. Walking across it is a unique experience in Zermatt.

What makes it even more incredible is its size—it stretches 494 meters, about the length of five football fields. At its highest point, it rises 85 meters above the ground, nearly as tall as the Statue of Liberty.

Thinking about visiting the bridge? The Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge is in Randa, Switzerland. To get there, you can take a short train ride from Zermatt to Randa. Once you arrive, follow the hiking trail up the mountain. Yellow signs along the way will point you toward Europahütte or the bridge. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and is considered moderately difficult.

Before you go, there are a few things to keep in mind. The bridge is closed in the winter, so it’s best to visit in the spring or summer. Also, if you get dizzy easily or are afraid of heights, this might not be the best experience for you. The bridge sways with each step and can move with the wind, which can be unsettling for some people.

For more information, kindly check the official website of Europaweg.

Arbenbach Waterfall

Arbenbachfalls and the view of Matterhorn near Zermatt, Switzerland — Arbenbachfalls and the view of Matterhorn

Zermatt is full of natural beauty, from mountains and lakes to glaciers. If you look closely, you’ll even find a few waterfalls. Unlike Lauterbrunnen, which is famous for its many waterfalls, Zermatt has only a handful, most of them hidden in remote areas. If you’re interested in waterfalls, the Arbenbach Waterfall along the Zermatt Hohbalmen Loop hike is worth checking out.

It’s truly hidden, tucked away in a far corner of the valley, but the hike to get there is rewarding. Best of all, from the waterfall, you get a unique view of the Matterhorn.Good to know: The Hamlet of Zmutt is also along the Zermatt Hohbalmen Loop. For details on how to reach Arbenbach Waterfall and the Zermatt Hohbalmen Loop, check the PDF below.

en-zermatt-ho-hbalmen-loop Download

Gorner Gorge

Zermatt is famous for its breathtaking views of 4,000-meter peaks, but there’s more to discover beyond the towering mountains. For a different perspective, visit Gorner Gorge, a unique natural formation shaped by the Gornervispe River since the last ice age.

The gorge features greenish serpentinite rock that dates back about 220 million years. Wooden walkways run between the cliffs, giving you a close-up view of the impressive rock formations and the turquoise river flowing below.

Getting there from Zermatt takes about 15–20 minutes on foot from the town center, near the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car base station. Another option is to take a shuttle bus to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise stop and walk about 750 meters to the entrance. You can explore the gorge on your own or hire a mountain guide for a three- to four-hour tour.

The best time to visit is from late June to mid-October. If you’re visiting in mid-October, try to go between 3 and 4 p.m. when the light makes the water turn turquoise.

For more information, please check the official website of Zermatt.

Iglu-Dorf

In Zermatt, even where you stay can be an experience in itself. Take Iglu-Dorf, for example. This igloo hotel, restaurant, and bar lives up to its name. Its well-designed rooms, along with a whirlpool inside an igloo that offers a direct view of the Matterhorn, make it a memorable place to stay.

Sitting 2,727 meters above sea level, Iglu-Dorf Zermatt is more than just a hotel—it’s a place to relax and enjoy incredible views of the Matterhorn while trying out unique activities. You can carve your own snow sculpture, build an igloo, or, if you’re traveling with a group, take part in arctic winter games arranged by the hotel.

Love food? Then you might enjoy having fondue at an outdoor bar. The cheese is locally made, making the experience even more authentic. Just keep in mind that Iglu-Dorf is a seasonal attraction, usually open from December to April. If you’re planning a visit, check the opening dates and book in advance. For details, visit the official Iglu-Dorf website.

Make The Most of Your Zermatt Trip

Before exploring Zermatt’s lesser-known attractions, don’t miss out on the top experiences this alpine village has to offer. Check out my Zermatt Discovery Guide for all the must-see spots. You can also take a look at my list of the best Matterhorn viewpoints and my preparation guide for visiting Zermatt outside of winter to make the most of your trip.

Zermatt Discovery Guide

Matterhorn Viewpoints

Tips Before Visiting Zermatt

Switzerland Itinerary with Zermatt

If you’re visiting Zermatt and the Swiss Alps, check out my two-week Switzerland itinerary. It covers Zermatt, the Jungfrau Region, and some of the best attractions and cities near the Alps.

14-Day Switzerland Itinerary with Zermatt

Discover Jungfrau Region in 4 Days

Learn More: Cities Near the Swiss Alps

Make your trip even more fun and hassle-free.

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