Zermatt Travel Guide and Checklist for Mild-Weather Months
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For many, Zermatt is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Its high cost, remote location in the Alps, and iconic status make it a place that requires careful planning. If you’re thinking about going, there’s more to consider than just the main attractions.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything I always take into account before visiting Zermatt and what I think no one should overlook. This is a detailed guide designed to help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip. But, just a heads-up—this guide focuses on travel during the warmer months, specifically spring, summer, and early fall.
Before planning your trip to Zermatt, think about whether it’s the right place for you. Are you truly interested, or just following the trend? Either way, if you focus on the amazing experiences Zermatt has to offer, your trip will be unforgettable. Picture yourself surrounded by incredible landscapes and exciting activities—you probably won’t have any doubts about going.
To me, Zermatt isn’t just another Alpine destination. Its dramatic scenery, shaped by the iconic Matterhorn, makes it one of a kind. Yes, it’s expensive, but if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience with unbelievable views, would you really turn it down?
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Remember, Zermatt isn’t the only place in Switzerland that offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you don’t know when you’ll be back, it’s worth exploring more of the country while you’re there. Switzerland may be small, but it’s full of incredible places to see and things to do.
To see what I mean about the amazing places to visit in Switzerland (Swiss Alps focused), check out my 2-week Switzerland itinerary or my one-week itinerary for central Switzerland.
Short answer: For first timers, the summer and shoulder seasons are the ideal times to visit Zermatt.
Most tourist attractions and restaurants in Zermatt are open during the summer and shoulder seasons, making it a great time to visit. Longer daylight hours give you more time to explore, and various festivals and events add something special to your trip.
The weather is usually pleasant, and the landscapes are even more impressive—spring brings colorful meadows, summer is full of lush greenery, and autumn transforms the mountains with vibrant fall colors.
Just keep in mind that summer is the busiest time, so you might encounter longer lines and more crowds at popular spots like scenic lakes and hiking trails. Still, the advantages of visiting during these seasons make up for it.
I wouldn’t completely rule out a winter trip to Zermatt, especially for those who love winter sports. The village has a well-developed infrastructure, and a modern app provides real-time updates on ski pistes, cable cars, and cogwheel trains, making it easy to enjoy the snow.
That said, there are a few downsides to visiting in winter. While the village looks like a winter wonderland, Zermatt’s scenery isn’t at its best during this season. The scenic lakes, which usually reflect the Matterhorn, are frozen, and the Five Lakes Walk is inaccessible.
Some of the most beautiful hiking trails, like those leading to the Hamlet of Zmutt and Hamlet of Herbrigg, may also be closed. Even the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, the longest of its kind, is off-limits.
A summer visit, on the other hand, gives you access to all these incredible spots. And here’s the best part—you can still ski and sled in Zermatt during summer! As a summer ski resort, Zermatt offers skiing on the Klein Matterhorn, just a cable car ride from the village.
In short, you can see Zermatt’s highlights—the Gornergrat or Klein Matterhorn, take a quick hike to a scenic viewpoint, and visit a lesser-known spot—all in two days. But if you’ve come from far away, it’s worth staying longer to fully enjoy the experience. Make the most of that expensive plane ticket!
Honestly, how long you stay in Zermatt depends on a few things. Ask yourself the same questions I did: Am I traveling to Switzerland mainly for Zermatt? Am I visiting other places with similar experiences? What’s my budget for this trip? When am I going?
If Zermatt is your dream destination and you’re visiting outside of winter, you can easily fill four days with unforgettable experiences.
- On your first day, explore the village and learn about the Matterhorn’s first ascent at the Matterhorn Museum. In the evening, head to one of the lakes near Sunnegga to watch the sunset.
- Dedicate your second day to Gornergrat. Take a ride on the scenic cogwheel train, see the Gorner Glacier, hike down to Riffelsee, and capture photos of the Matterhorn. In the evening, unwind at a spa to recharge for the next adventure.
- On your third day, go for a hike. You could tackle the Matterhorn Glacier Trail, the Zermatt Höhbalmen Loop, or the route to the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge. If you have extra time, try tandem paragliding for a bird’s-eye view of Zermatt.
- Wrap up your trip with a visit to Klein Matterhorn on the fourth day. Afterward, treat yourself to some authentic Swiss dishes in the village.
Your stay in Zermatt might be shorter if you’re also visiting other similar places in Switzerland. For example:
- If you’re exploring the Jungfrau Region and other spots in the Swiss Alps, you might not need to visit Zermatt’s lakes. Planning to see Grindelwald and Bachalpsee or Kandersteg and Oeschinensee? Then skipping the lakes in Zermatt makes sense.
- If Lucerne and Mount Pilatus are on your list, you might want to save the Gornergrat cogwheel train experience for another trip. Thinking about visiting Interlaken and Jungfraujoch? The experience there is quite similar to Klein Matterhorn.
Just look over your entire Switzerland itinerary and compare what you plan to see in Zermatt with other towns. That’ll give you a better idea of how much time to spend there.
Now that you have an idea of how long you’ll be in Zermatt, let’s talk about where to stay. You’ve got three main options: the village, the resort area just outside the village, and a nearby town called Täsch. Each has its own pros and cons.
For a quick answer—if you’re on a budget, Täsch is your best bet. If you want easy access to restaurants, shops, and public transport, staying in the village center makes the most sense. But if you’re all about adventure and want to focus on a specific activity, the resort area is the way to go.
Let’s get into the details of each of these options.
- The Village is the heart of Zermatt. It’s the place where you’ll arrive by train.
- The Resort Area refers to the regions surrounding the village. It’s the hub of all activities and adventures.
- Täsch is an area located very close to Zermatt. Travelers can park their cars here before proceeding to Zermatt, which is a car-free village. We’ll discuss how to reach this village later.
| Area in Zermatt | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Zermatt Village | Zermatt village is the ideal base for exploring the area. Major tourist attractions such as Sunnegga, Gornergrat, and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise are easily accessible from the village via cable car or cogwheel trains. In addition, this location offers a broad selection of hotels and restaurants. Two of Zermatt’s top attractions, the Matterhorn Museum and Hinterdorf Street, are also located here. I recommend staying here if it is your first time in Zermatt and you want to have the convenience to fully experience Zermatt. | Given the convenience this location offers visitors, accommodation and meal prices in the village can be significantly higher. This is particularly true during peak season. At these times, you can also expect bustling scenes with streets filled with people. This may not be ideal for travelers seeking a more peaceful stay. |
| Zermatt Resort Area | The area outside the village is scattered with accommodations, providing quick access to top attractions, outdoor activities, and stunning views of the Matterhorn. One such place is the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat. These accommodations offer a unique variety, from mountain huts and chalets to luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels like Riffelalp 2222. There’s even accommodation in the form of an igloo during the winter season! Compared to the village, the resort area offers quieter accommodations. | Depending on the location, accommodation options can be very limited. This is particularly true for areas like Gornergrat. Also, your itinerary in Zermatt may not be very flexible, especially if your chosen location is secluded. Most importantly, when choosing a place to stay in the Zermatt Resort Area, it’s important to always consider the transportation services’ schedule and the weather. |
| Täsch | Compared to the Zermatt village and Resort Area, hotel prices in Täsch are relatively lower. Additionally, if you’re traveling by car in Switzerland, you may be able to take advantage of the free parking provided by the hotel. | While the prices in Täsch are lower, it’s important to remember that it’s a bit further away from Zermatt and the area’s top attractions. Täsch also offers fewer amenities. And if you choose to stay here, you’ll need to plan your day in Zermatt carefully. Since you can’t easily return to your hotel during the day, perhaps for a rest or to pick up something, a well-thought-out itinerary is essential. |
While staying in Zermatt for at least two days is recommended, a day trip is still an option—especially if you only have three or four days in Switzerland. The good news is that you can visit Zermatt in a day from Switzerland’s major cities, and even from Milan!
Just keep in mind that getting there takes time since Zermatt is deep in the mountains. If you’re coming from Zurich or Basel, expect a one-way trip of at least 3 hours and 15 minutes. From Bern, it takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. If you’re traveling from Milan, a scenic 3-hour-and-30-minute drive will get you to Zermatt (Täsch).
Now that we’ve planned the timing of your trip and where you’ll stay in Zermatt, let’s talk about how to get there. One of the best things about traveling in Switzerland is how easy it is to get around. The country’s train system is excellent, making trips to places like Zermatt simple and stress-free. If you prefer traveling without a car, you’ll really appreciate the difference—especially compared to other mountain destinations like Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy’s Dolomites.
The most affordable and convenient way to reach Zermatt is by train. You could also drive, but since Zermatt is a car-free village, you’ll have to stop in Täsch, park your car, and continue from there.
Click here to read more information about getting to Zermatt by car.
- If you’re planning to drive to Zermatt, it’s important to know that Zermatt is a car-free zone. This means you can only drive your car up to a town called Täsch, which is about 5 km away from Zermatt. If you drive to Zermatt without permission, you could face heavy fines.
- In Täsch, you’ll find plenty of parking options. The Matterhorn Terminal has over 2,100 covered parking spaces. Plus, there are more than 1,000 additional parking spaces offered by private parties like taxi companies or hotels.
- Once you’ve parked your car in Täsch, you can continue your journey to Zermatt by train, taxi, or limousine. There’s a shuttle train that operates every 20 minutes and the trip to Zermatt only takes about 12 minutes.
- The shuttle service between Täsch and Zermatt is quite convenient. It runs every 20 minutes from early morning until late at night, and even all night on weekends. The journey only takes about 12 minutes.
- You can buy tickets at the kiosk, from ticket machines, or even through the Matterhorn app. A return journey will cost you not more than CHF 20, but the ticket is valid for a return journey within 30 days of your chosen travel date. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you can use it for this journey.
- As for your luggage, there’s a baggage cart that you can push directly to the platform level with the shuttle train cars. Your luggage can travel conveniently in the same shuttle train.
- You can book your parking in Täsch here and the shuttle service to Zermatt here.
If you’re flying into Switzerland and heading straight to Zermatt, the best cities to start from are Zurich or Basel. These are the country’s two largest cities with the most flight connections, and they also have the fastest train routes to Zermatt. Bern is another option, but it mainly handles regional flights. From any of these cities, you can reach Zermatt in about 2 to 4 hours.
Here are some tips:
- Get the SBB App — the Swiss Federal Railways, or SBB, has an app that gives you train times and updates. It’s a great tool for getting around.
- Always be on time — Swiss trains are famous for being punctual. They don’t wait at stations for long, so be ready to get on or off quickly.
- Secure a Swiss Travel Pass — If you’re planning to stay in Switzerland for more than three days and you’re thinking of using the train to get around, a Swiss Travel Pass might be a good idea. It could end up saving you money because it gives you unlimited travel for less than what you’d pay for individual tickets. When it comes to Zermatt, having this pass means you’ll get a discount on several attractions. These include the Gornergrat railway, the Klein Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lift, the Sunegga funicular, and the Rothorn cable car.
Good to know: Zermatt is one of the destinations on Switzerland’s famous Glacier Express, a scenic train ride covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. The route runs from St. Moritz to Zermatt, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels. The entire trip takes about eight hours, and the train runs year-round. With its panoramic windows, you’ll get amazing views of the mountains, and you can also enjoy local specialties from the onboard restaurant.
Zermatt is famous for its incredible outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery, but that doesn’t mean it falls short when it comes to food. Since it’s a popular spot for travelers from around the world, you’ll find a mix of cuisines, including Mediterranean, Italian, French, Asian, Mexican, and Indian. I’m not a foodie, so I can’t recommend specific restaurants, but you can check out Zermatt’s official website to explore your options.
Now, if you’re wondering how to save money on food, you’re not alone. Zermatt is an amazing place to visit, but it’s also expensive—especially when it comes to dining. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well. Here are some tips to help you save money on food in Zermatt:
- Cook your own food: You can save money by buying groceries at local supermarkets or bakeries and making your own meals at your accommodation. You can also pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the trails or at the picnic areas with fire pits.
- Eat out for lunch: If you want to try local cuisine, lunch is usually cheaper than dinner. Some restaurants offer lunch specials that include a salad, a main course, and a dessert. You can also look for restaurants outside the city center or near tourist attractions, where prices may be lower.
- Drink tap water: Drinks are very pricey in Switzerland, especially at kiosks or restaurants. Tap water is safe and tasty in Zermatt, and you can find many fountains with free drinking water around Zermatt. You can also ask for tap water (Hahnenwasser or Leitungswasser) at restaurants, but some may charge a small fee for the glass.
- Choose cheaper dishes: Some dishes are more affordable than others in Switzerland, depending on the ingredients and the preparation. For example, you can order sausage, rosti, or cheese-based dishes like fondue or raclette, which are typically cheaper than meat or fish dishes.
Getting around Zermatt is easy with trains, electric buses, and cable cars, but be ready to walk a lot, especially if you plan to visit scenic viewpoints. Make sure to wear your most comfortable hiking shoes. If you’re up for an adventure and want to reach places without public transportation, renting a bike is a great option. Zermatt offers a cycling program that lets you explore in a different way.
You can buy bike tickets to access cable cars and lifts that take you to higher altitudes, where you’ll find incredible views and challenging trails. There are also bike packages that include accommodation, rentals, and lift tickets. For more details on biking in Zermatt, check the official website.
Here are some tips you might find useful in getting around Zermatt:
- For your convenience, you can use the Matterhorn App to buy tickets to the different public transportation in Zermatt. The app is an all-in-one tool you can use in nearly all essential activities in Zermatt.
- You can use the buses for free if you have a lift pass or ticket for any of the main cable cars or trains in Zermatt. You can also use the buses for free if you have a season pass or a Swiss Travel Pass.
- You can check the live status of the cable cars and lifts on the Zermatt website to see which ones are open and how busy they are.
- Before you go to your mountain destination using the cable cars or cogwheel train, check the live webcams to see if the view is worth it.
- Make your trip around the village seamless by checking Zermatt e-bus schedule and the status of each bus stop in Zermatt.
- For a special experience, you can enjoy some special privileges by booking a VIP gondola on the 3S Matterhorn Glacier Ride, which has a glass floor, leather seats, and a champagne service.
If you want to make your trip to Zermatt twice more convenient, you got to download the Matterhorn App. The Matterhorn App is an app that gives you live updates and tips for your visit to Zermatt. You can download it for free from the app store or Google Play. It works in German and English.
With the app installed on your phone:
- You can see the weather, webcam images, and news.
- Check the status of the lifts, slopes, bike and hiking trails, and roads.
- Discover the best places to eat, drink, shop, and have fun in Zermatt.
- Book your tickets, accommodation, and packages for your trip.
Before you head to Zermatt, make sure you bring all the essential things you might need to use during your visit. Here is the checklist:
- Hiking boots or shoes. Zermatt is a paradise for hikers, with over 400 km of trails that offer stunning views of the Matterhorn and other peaks. You will need a pair of hiking boots or shoes that are comfortable, sturdy, and waterproof. You can also rent hiking poles or snowshoes if you want to explore the winter hiking trails.
- Layers of clothing and accessories. Zermatt has a mountain climate, which means it can be cold, windy, and snowy even in spring and autumn. You will need to dress warmly and wear layers that you can adjust depending on the temperature and activity. Some essential items are:
- A waterproof jacket (spring to autumn)
- a fleece or sweater (spring to autumn)
- a hat (spring to autumn)
- gloves (spring to autumn)
- scarves (spring to autumn)
- sunglasses (spring to autumn)
- sunscreen (spring to autumn)
- such as shorts (summer)
- t-shirts (summer)
- sandals (summer)
- jacket or a sweater for the evenings or higher altitudes. (summer)
- A power adapter and a converter. Switzerland uses type C and J plugs. You will need a power adapter to plug in your devices, and a converter to match the voltage if your devices are not compatible with 230V.
- A reusable water bottle and a thermos. Zermatt has many public fountains where you can fill up your water bottle for free, and the water is fresh and clean. A thermos will keep your drinks hot or cold, depending on the season and your preference.
- A headlamp and a whistle. If you plan to go hiking or skiing in the dark, you will need a headlamp to see the trail and a whistle to alert others in case of emergency. These items are also useful for camping or staying in mountain huts.
- A first aid kit and some medication. Zermatt is a high-altitude destination, which means you might experience some symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, or dizziness. You should bring some medication to prevent or treat these symptoms, as well as a first aid kit for minor injuries or illnesses.
- For Europeans: a valid passport. Switzerland is not part of the European Union, so you will need to show your passport at the border and have adequate insurance coverage in case of emergencies.
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Get the Best of Zermatt
A trip to Zermatt wouldn’t be complete without visiting places like Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. WanderInEurope’s resources below will help you discover these popular spots, along with lesser-known gems and the best viewpoints. Take a look!
Go Beyond Zermatt
Zermatt is just one of the must-visit destinations in Switzerland. Head to Central Switzerland, and you’ll find even more, all close to each other. Many of them are in the Jungfrau Region, with Lauterbrunnen being the most famous for its breathtaking scenery—often called Heaven on Earth.
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