visit matterhorn switzerland

The 6 Best Ways to See the Matterhorn in Zermatt – A Complete Guide

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: August 17, 2023

Categories SWITZERLAND

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

If you’re looking for the best ways to see the Matterhorn in Zermatt, keep reading.

There are countless reasons to visit Zermatt all year round.

In Winter, it turns into a wonderland of snow-capped chateaus, a magnificent ski resort to try out the slopes, and the buzz of Apres-ski.

In Summer, you can surround yourself with snow-capped mountains, green hills pocketed with flowers, and countless walks which look like something straight out of a scene in The Sound of Music.

The best reason, in my humble opinion, is to meet the magnificent Matterhorn! This iconic mountain is better known as the Toblerone mountain which is featured on their triangular packaging.

It is a sight to behold when you’re in southern Valais. Its jagged peak is rather dramatic in all seasons if you can catch a glimpse of it.

You have to be quick though, the clouds come in rather quickly! Here are the best ways to see the Matterhorn in Zermatt.

A quick overview of Zermatt in Switzerland

The picturesque Swiss town of Zermatt is a car-free resort.

So, if you are approaching by car from Bern or Zurich, you will need to park up and catch the Zermatt shuttle through to the town.

The main location to do this is Täsch.

Don’t worry about finding a parking space, the car park is massive!

From here, you can catch the shuttle which runs around every 30 minutes back and forth.

Parking is quite reasonably priced for the day and if you’re staying for longer there are parking packages to invest in.

When you’re on the shuttle, you will get some great views of the valley and mountains if you sit on the left.

When you arrive in Zermatt, the station is ideally placed next to the Gornergratt Bahn, which will transport you to meet the Matterhorn!

Although it is a car-free resort, there are numerous Bolero’s to take you through the town or taxi you back to your chalet after a night on the town.

When is the best time to visit the Matterhorn in Zermatt?

If you’re flexible with your itinerary, you should try and go up on a crystal clear blue sky day!

This will mean that you get a full view of the mountain. But even with the best intentions, you will get wisps of clouds.

The clouds come in quickly in the afternoon and so try to go up as early in the morning so you can get the best views!

5 ways to see the Matterhorn in Zermatt!

Option 1: take the gornergrat bahn.

The most popular way to see the Matterhorn in Zermatt is to take the train up to the Gornergrat Bhan.

Trains run every 30 minutes and a spectacularly busy, to get some great views make sure you sit on the right-hand side of the train.

The main station is located around 1,604 metres above sea level and as you ascend, you have some amazing views of the mountain range!

2. Take in the view from Gornergrat Bahn

When you arrive at the station, this is where you can get the best views of the Matterhorn. You’ll definitely feel the altitude in your legs!

But, it’s all worth it for the stunning views of the mountains, glaciers, and the magnificent Matterhorn.

You can get your official pictures taken with it by dressing as a historic mountain climber.

Years ago, when I first visited here, there were Great Bernards with whiskey barrels also but no more – they’re now edited in!

There are plenty of platforms to take your own pictures though and the background really is incredible. People will think you’ve been photoshopped in!

3. Drink a beer while overlooking the Matterhorn

There is plenty to do when you arrive at the Gornergrat Bahn summit, the obvious one being to take in the amazing panoramic views.

If you would prefer to sit and relax in the setting, there is also a cafe selling the most amazing apple strudel I ate while I was in Switzerland and the portions don’t come up small!

You can also sample their own bier speciale, Calanda.

4. On the hike from Gornergrat to Zermatt

There are three options for you to get back down to Zermatt;

• Get the train all the way back down
• Use your ticket to stop at the platforms along the way
• Get walking!

The great thing about buying a ticket on the Gornergrat Bahn is that you can stop off at all stations along the way.

So if you just wanted to stop off and get a different view of the mountains, that’s okay.

Also, you could just walk a little of the way or between stations – so it’s completely flexible.

One of the highlights of walking is you get to see their amazing lakes which should, on a clear, sunny and completely non-windy day give you a clear reflection of the peak of the Matterhorn.

But, as I said earlier, the clouds come in quickly! Despite this, the walk down is stunning and there are some cute cafes, bars, and hotels to visit on your way down.

5. In the Backdrop of Zermatt

After you have been up the Gornergrat and come back down, you’re probably exhausted if you did some hiking on the Bergweg.

Zermatt is the perfect place to come back to as it’s packed with restaurants and cafe’s in the compact city.

Plus, you can see the Matterhorn in the backdrop if it’s a clear day.

However, if nothing can stop you from spending your Swiss Francs there are plenty of shops to bag your souvenirs!

You can buy anything from designer watches, yummy swiss chocolate, and the ultimate super tourist cowbells!

Watch out for the Horse and Carriages, busy transporting lucky guests to the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof!

Zermatt Matterhorn Viewpoint

Lastly, there is a way to get a beautiful view of the village of Zermatt with the Matterhorn in the backdrop.

It’s a viewpoint at the top of Mürini Hill that takes about 15 minutes from the central station.

There is a lot of steps required to visit but it’s so worth it for these spectacular views. Especially at sunset.

Click here for my complete guide for the Zermatt Matterhorn Viewpoint

Those are 6 ways to see the Matterhorn in Zermatt

As I was making my way back to Täsch on the shuttle, I couldn’t help but think back to what an amazing place Zermatt was.  

Visiting here is a must when you come to Switzerland and it will definitely be a trip that will stick with you.

The Matterhorn is such an incredible mountain and coming up close to meet was just awesome. Make sure you add this one to your bucket list!

Read more on Switzerland!

A complete travel guide for Mürren

Heading up to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

A day trip to Saas-Fee

A boat trip on Lake Brienz

Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg walking guide

Visiting the Giessbach Hotel

A quick guide for Lucerne

The famous Kapellbrücke Bridge

A Sherlock Holmes guide for Meiringen

The best afternoon tea in Interlaken

A 007 guide for Schilthorn Piz Gloria!

ZermattChris

Saturday 27th of January 2024

You've missed the **ultimate** way to view the Matterhorn in Zermatt... From a Tandem Paragliding flight.

It's really the only activity here that is available to *almost* everyone (you need to be able to follow instructions on the take off and have enough fitness to run some steps). Skiing, Mountain Climbing, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Snowboarding, etc. all require a decent amount of fitness and "go for it" attitude. Being a passenger on a Swiss Tandem Paraglider is available to a much wider group of people.

Disclaimer: I'm a professional tandem pilot here in Zermatt (have lived here most of my life) and have flown passengers from the ages of 3 to 94.

After 10 years as a partner with FlyZermatt (the largest operator here), I've started my own company. Have a look and say hi: https://swissparaglide.com

Sophie Pearce

Sunday 28th of January 2024

Hi Chris, WOW that does sound like a fun time in Zermatt and an adrenalin rush! Thanks for sharing. Sophie x

The Matterhorn

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

The Matterhorn - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

The Most Beautiful Lakes

Foods to Try

Best Restaurants

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Switzerland Airports

Getting Around

Places to Visit in Switzerland

Top Things to Do in Switzerland

Top Things to Do in Geneva

One Week Itinerary

Most Scenic Train Routes

Switzerland's Nature Parks

How to Go Skiing

The Top Hikes

Matterhorn Complete Guide

Matterhorn: The Complete Guide

With its iconic pyramid shape, the Matterhorn is one of the most recognizable mountain peaks in the world. At 14,692 feet (4,478 meters) tall, it's the 12th-highest mountain in the Alps, and one of about 80 that are taller than 4,000 meters. The pointy mountain has four distinct sides, or faces, which make it clearly stand out from other neighboring peaks. Though the Matterhorn is most closely associated with Switzerland (just take a look at the Toblerone chocolate logo), the mountain is shared by both Switzerland and Italy—it straddles the border, though only the south face is actually within Italy.

Tourists visiting the Matterhorn typically do so from Switzerland, though it's possible to see the peak from Italy as well. Use this complete guide to the Matterhorn to plan your trip, choose your base for exploring, and find out what to do during all seasons on the Matterhorn.

How to Get to the Matterhorn from Switzerland

Zermatt , in the Swiss canton of Valais (Wallis), is the closest town to the Matterhorn and is widely considered the stepping-off point for exploring the mountain and surrounding area. Zermatt is a car-free village—only small electric buses run in the town. The closest parking lot is in Tasch, about 6 kilometers away, where residents and visitors alike have to leave their cars and take a 12-minute train ride to Zermatt. More frequently, travelers catch the train at Visp, which is a one-hour ride to Zermatt. The scenery along the way is stunning year-round, and the train ride is a highlight of a visit to Zermatt. Regional trains from Visp run every 40 minutes, or you can take the Glacier Express , an epic, panoramic train ride that connects St. Moritz to Zermatt and passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps. The entire journey takes about 8 hours, but you can also board the train at different stops along the way.

Once in Zermatt, you're still several miles from the Matterhorn but on a clear day, there are views of the peak from the town center. A system of incline railways, cable cars, and ski gondolas depart from Zermatt and take riders to high-elevation viewing platforms, several of which offer recreation areas with restaurants and bars, as well as trailheads for hikes further into the mountains or back down to Zermatt.

How to Get to the Matterhorn from Italy

On the Italian side of the Matterhorn (known as Monte Cervino in Italy), the closest town to the mountain is Breuil-Cervinia in the Aosta Valley. It's a winter and summer resort town developed specifically for Alpine tourism, and is reached by a single road, the SR46, which connects to the rest of the northern Aosta region. The system of ski lifts and gondolas above the town are known as Cervino Ski Paradise , and actually connects to the Matterhorn system on the Swiss side—so in the winter it's possible to ski between Italy and Switzerland and in the summer, it's possible to hike across the high-altitude border.

Should You See the Matterhorn from Italy or Switzerland?

Our take on the Swiss vs. Italian sides of the Matterhorn? There's more to see and do when you approach the Matterhorn from Zermatt, especially if you're not a skier or into hiking. Zermatt is a more historic village with traditional buildings, and because it's car-free, it has a charming Alpine feel. But Zermatt is more exclusive and expensive than Breuil-Cervinia and Switzerland, in general, is more expensive than Italy. So while travelers on a budget might save some money by seeing the Matterhorn from the south, for the classic Matterhorn views and Alpine experience, Zermatt is the better choice.

Things to Do

What you do when you visit the Matterhorn depends on your physical fitness and interests and what season you visit.

This is peak season all around the Matterhorn, when a ski "arena"—a network of slopes and ski lifts—is buzzing with skiers and snowboarders. The three main ski areas are Klein Matterhorn-Schwarzsee, Gornergrat-Stockhorn, and Sunnegga-Rothorn, the last of which is best-suited for beginners. There are also a limited number of hiking and snowshoeing trails that are maintained in the winter, as well as snow parks for tubing and sledding. Though there is year-round skiing on a handful of the highest slopes of the ski arena, the winter ski season runs from November to April, depending on temperatures and snowfall. Zermatt's apres-ski game is strong, with bars and restaurants both in town and on the mountainsides heading down from the pistes.

Springtime around the Matterhorn might seem a lot like winter, with ski slopes open and snowfall possible at any time. But sunnier, longer days take hold, and there are more trails open for hiking and mountain biking. This is a good time for non-skiers to visit Zermatt, as crowds are less dense after March and hotel rooms are easier to find. Consider a trip to the Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt to learn about the history of mountaineering in the area. Remember that you'll still need to bring plenty of warm layers, especially for any mountain excursions.

The summer season around the Matterhorn is brief and brilliant, with pleasant temperatures at lower elevations, sunny days, and big opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. The same gondolas and lifts that transport winter skiers also operate in the summer, to take hikers and sightseers up to excellent trailheads and Matterhorn viewing points. A ride on the Gornergrat scenic cog railway is great this time of year, especially when combined with a hike to the Riffelsee, a high-altitude lake with unparalleled views of the Matterhorn and one of our favorite lakes in Switzerland . Daytime temperatures might reach into the low 70s in July and August, but can still drop to the 40s at night, so pack accordingly.

As shoulder season in the Alps, autumn is a fine time to visit if you want to avoid crowds or don't want a full program of skiing, since most pistes and many cableways close for a few weeks in the fall. Hiking trails remain open, as do most in-town attractions and the Matterhorn's scenic railways. Consider a visit to the Gorner Gorge , a beautiful river cavern within walking distance of Zermatt, or ride to the top of the Sunnegga funicular and walk back down into Zermatt, stopping for lunch at one of the cozy mountain huts in Findeln (try the traditional Swiss rösti at Findlerhof ).

The Best Time to Visit the Matterhorn

Winter and summer are the most popular times to visit the Matterhorn for two reasons—the weather and outdoor activities. But they're also the most crowded and expensive periods to visit. If you want to ski, yet still save some money and have a little more elbow room on the pistes, springtime is the best time to visit. For non-snow sports and sightseeing without the crowds, early fall is the best time to visit.

Where to Stay Around the Matterhorn

Zermatt, and Breuil-Cervinia in Italy, are quite simply filled with hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals, and simple guesthouses. Around Zermatt, there are several storied 5-star hotels, including the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof , right in the center of town, or the Riffelalp Resort , reached via the Gornergat railway. Hotel Bellerive is a friendly 3-star option in the town center.

In Breuil-Cervinia, Saint Hubertus Resort is an upscale 4-star with great Matterhorn views, while 3-star Hotel Marmore is a dependable choice right in the town center.

Tips For Your Visit

• You don't have to be an active traveler to plan a trip. Many tourists visit the Matterhorn simply to look at it, and never set foot on a ski piste or hiking trail. That said, if you can get on a cable car, ski gondola, or scenic railway and ride to higher elevation, you'll have better views of the famous mountain and surrounding peaks.
• Dress for any weather. Temperatures and conditions in the mountains can change on a dime, and a sudden storm can blow in. Even in the summer, it's wise to carry an extra layer or two of protection and in colder months, wear waterproof, insulating layers. On sunny days, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses are must, especially in the winter. If you plan to do any walking or hiking, we recommend bringing along a set of hiking poles—they'll help you keep your footing on steep, uneven, or slippery terrain.
• Don't count on Matterhorn views. It would be a big disappointment to go to the Matterhorn and not actually see the iconic peak. But it does happen—rainy days or high cloud cover can obscure the peak, though you'll often have better luck by taking mountain transportation to a Matterhorn viewing site, where you might catch some heavenly views of Europe's most famous mountain.

Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide

Skiing in Switzerland: The Complete Guide

Switzerland to Debut the First Ritz-Carlton Ski Resort in Europe

The Top Spots for Skiing and Winter Sports in Italy

Switzerland Travel Guide

The Top 20 Things to Do in Switzerland

The 9 Best Ski Resorts in Italy

Lake Como Guide: Planning Your Trip

The 5 Best Day Hikes in the Swiss Alps

The Best 17 Places to Visit in Switzerland

The Best Time to Visit Switzerland

The Most Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland

10 Best Honeymoon Destinations in the Mountains

Aosta Valley Map and Travel Guide

The 12 Best Hikes in Switzerland

13 Top Things to Do at Lake Tahoe

Your Complete Guide To The Matterhorn In Switzerland

What is the matterhorn in switzerland.

Where is the Matterhorn Switzerland?

Where should you stay to see the matterhorn, switzerland.

Switzerland

How to Visit Matterhorn Switzerland: Different Ways to Experience the Mountain

Hiking and trekking.

Five Lakes Walk: This popular trail takes you to five crystal-clear mountain lakes with reflections of the Matterhorn. It's a relatively easy hike and offers incredible photo opportunities.

Hörnli Hut Hike: For a closer view of the mountain, consider a more challenging trek to the Hörnli Hut, the base camp for Matterhorn climbers. You'll get a unique perspective of the mountain and the climbers' route.

Cable Cars and Funiculars

Gornergrat Railway: Take a cogwheel train to the Gornergrat, one of the best viewpoints in the region. You'll be treated to a panoramic view of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.

Klein Matterhorn Cable Car: This cable car ride takes you to the highest cable car station in Europe. From here, you can see the Matterhorn up close, and there's a viewing platform to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Museum and Cultural Experiences

Helicopter tours, paragliding.

Hiking to Matterhorn Peak Switzerland

Experience and Preparation: Climbers attempting the Matterhorn should be experienced in alpine climbing, and rock climbing, and be in excellent physical condition. This is not a route for beginners.

Acclimatization: Spend several days in Zermatt or the surrounding area to acclimatize to the high altitude.

Guide: It's highly recommended to hire a certified mountain guide who is familiar with the route and can help ensure your safety.

Equipment: Proper gear is crucial. This includes ropes, harnesses, helmets, climbing shoes, crampons, ice axes, and clothing suitable for extreme alpine conditions.

Weather: Check the weather forecast rigorously. Sudden weather changes are common, and a clear window is necessary for a safe summit attempt.

Permit: Check if any permits or reservations are required, especially for the Hörnli Hut.

Route Description: The Hörnli Route involves technical rock climbing, steep ice and snow slopes, and a notorious section known as the Hörnli Ridge. The climb is long and demanding, and you'll start in the early hours of the morning to reach the summit and return to the hut before the weather deteriorates.

Safety: Safety should always be the top priority. Be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate or if you or your guide feel that it's not safe to continue.

Fitness and Stamina: The climb is physically demanding, and climbers need to have excellent stamina and endurance.

Rescue Plan: Have a clear rescue plan in case of emergencies. The area is challenging to access for rescue teams.

Hiking Trails Around Matterhorn Switzerland

Five lakes walk, hörnli hut hike, gornergrat panorama trail.

Schwarzsee to Hörnli Hut

The charles kuonen suspension bridge.

Europaweg Trail

Sunnegga to findeln, flower trail, leisee loop.

Read More Switzerland Articles

Sledding Switzerland

Longest via ferrata in Switzerland

St Bernard Hospice Switzerland

Most dangerous hike in Switzerland

Find your next adventure

Tour du Mont Blanc (4-Days)

€775  per person

Hike Mount Toubkal (4,167m)

£319  per person

Canoe Across Scotland

United Kingdom

£600  per person

Hike, Kayak and Wild Camp the Norwegian Fjords

£654  per person

Beginners Ice Climbing

£340  per person

Everest Base Camp Hike (16 Day Trip)

$1,450  per person

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in Zermatt

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is one of the highlights of your visit to Zermatt . It’s easily accessible from town and takes you to the highest gondola station in Europe, at an elevation of a whopping 3,883 meters.

Just imagine the views! Soon, you won’t have to, because you are going too.

On a clear day, you can see the Matterhorn in all its glory and 35+ other summits in Italy, France, and Switzerland. The Glacier Paradise is a unique destination you should visit at least once in your life, and this detailed guide will help you plan every detail of your trip! 

Table of Contents

General Information

How to get to matterhorn glacier paradise.

There are a couple of different ways to reach Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt, including a little bit of walking and lots of breathtaking gondola rides. 

Zermatt – Furi Station – Trockener Steg – Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

• Travel time: 45 minutes
• Price: 95 – 120 CHF (return)
• Gondola frequency: Every 10 minutes 
• Ticket validity: 2-10 days

The easiest way of visiting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is directly from Zermatt. Starting at the village, you first need to reach the bottom station of the Furi gondola, a 15-20 minute walk from the center of the village.

• Infrequent E-buses run to the gondola (both the red and green buses have stops nearby) – Schedule Here
• Take an electric taxi if you don’t want to walk. It’s best to catch them from the train station.

There are two gondola changes during the trip to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise station.

• Catch the first gondola to Furi
• Connect to the Trockener Steg gondola (you can also get to Schwarzsee and Riffelberg from here)
• The gondola to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise / Klein Matterhorn then leaves from Trockener Steg

The final gondola ride is slow but spectacular, with incredible views of the glacier landscapes. It’s important to note that children under three are not allowed to board the gondola from Trockener Steg to Klein Matterhorn because of altitude sickness , so keep that in mind if you’re doing this trip with a young child. 

The travel times are: 

• Zermatt to bottom gondola station: 15 minutes (walk)
• Zermatt – Furi: 7 minutes 
• Furi – Trockener Steg: 10 minutes
• Trockener Steg – Klein Matterhorn 11 minutes 

It takes about 45 minutes to travel from Zermatt village to the Glacier Paradise at Klein Matterhorn.

Alternative Route (Via Schwarzsee)

It’s also possible to reach Glacier Paradise via Schwarzsee. It’s a different and probably more impressive route because the lake offers spectacular views of the Gornegrat, Riffelalp, Klein Matterhorn, and Matterhorn summits. 

It’s also possible to hike from Zermatt to Schwarsee. The trail is well-developed and takes about 4 hours, but the elevation gain is more than 900 meters, so the trail is suitable only for fit hikers. 

The (gondola) route for most other people is:

• Zermatt to Zermatt Matterhorn gondola station 
• Zermatt gondola to Furi 
• Furi to Schwarzsee
• Scwarzsee to Trockener Steg
• Trockener Steg to Klein Matterhorn 

This is slightly more expensive than going directly to Glacier Paradise from Zermatt, especially if you don’t have access to any travel passes with a discount.

It’s worth noting that the Matterhorn Glacier Trail is a hiking path from Trockener Steg to Schwarzsee , which takes about two hours to complete in one direction. 

Related Reading

Things to do in zermatt: thrilling adventures you shouldn’t miss.

The cost of tickets for the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise depends on a few different things, so here’s a quick overview of the average prices: 

You can also get tickets for shorter routes (e.g. Furi – Trockener Steg or Schwarzsee – Trockener Steg). The tickets are most expensive in the summer, the peak season for visits to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

I genuinely think it’s worth it to pay extra if the weather is good on the day you go. After all, the views are the best thing about any trip to Zermatt. 

You can get a 50% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass , Half-Fare Card, and GA Travel Card. Other discounts and reductions to be aware of are: 

• Discount for trips after 1:30 PM
• Children ages 3-9 ride for free
• Dogs ride for free
• 50% discount for kids ages 9-16 

Unlimited Travel Passes

In addition to all that, you can also buy tickets that offer unlimited travel on these gondolas. They’re great for mountain bikers, hikers, and skiers – generally, anyone who plans to spend a few days here exploring the area and engaging in various activities. 

Ski passes are also available in the summer and winter. They’re generally cheaper than gondola passes (85 CHF) but don’t include access to the Glacier Palace. However, you can get in if you pay a few more francs. 

Winter in Zermatt, Switzerland: Fun Things To Do Besides Skiing

Things to do at matterhorn glacier paradise.

A surprisingly large number of people will travel all the way to Klein Matterhorn, hang out on the viewing platform for a little while, and then head back to Zermatt. That’s not how you make the most of your trip to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, so explore all the attractions below! 

Glacier Palace

Of course, the Glacier Palace is probably the most impressive attraction at Klein Matterhorn, apart from the astounding views. It’s a network of tunnels 15 meters below the glacier, with ice sculptures carved into the walls. The entire place is mind-blowing to see, especially considering the work that goes into maintaining it.

Before you head up here, be aware that I found it very cold. It can also get cold outside at these altitudes, but it is always cold in the Glacier Palace. So, be sure to bring a warm jacket and maybe even a beanie and gloves if you tend to get cold. Having layers and options is key. I took a few things off once I left the tunnels,

There’s also a quick sledding run through the walls, although it’s not for claustrophobic people. The sledding run is pretty much just another tunnel carved into the ice wall – it’s short and fun, but the tunnel is very narrow and dark. So, although Ann was ok with it, I was less comfortable as I tend to get a little claustrophobic in tight spaces. Keep that in mind.

Cinema Lounge

The Cinema Lounge is a cool addition to the visitor’s complex at Klein Matterhorn. It’s got several pods you can curl up into and watch cinematic shots of the Swiss Alps and discover even more of Switzerland’s mesmerizing nature. It was all full when we visited, so if you want more space and pods, be sure to get up here first thing in the morning.

Even if you spend just five minutes here, you’ll earn bragging rights about watching films at the highest cinema in Europe . The lounge is accessible to all visitors at Matterhorn Glacial Paradise and does not cost any extra.

Europe’s Highest Mountain Restaurant

Of course, there’s a restaurant at Klein Matterhorn, so you don’t have to worry about packing lunch for the trip. There aren’t too many options at the restaurant – you can have the usual Swiss mountain fair:

• main courses with meat, burgers, and fries.

Expect to spend 30-40 CHF per person for a meal with drinks. But, The restaurant is the only place to eat something at Klein Matterhorn. Other options are lower down the mountain if you are prepared to wait until you get down.

So, if you are on a budget, bring a sandwich or something in your bag. You can’t eat it in the restaurant, as they are not big fans of “picnicking,” as they call it. So, eat your food outside.

Viewing Platform

The viewing platform at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offers impressive views of 14 glaciers and 38 summits over 4,000m high. On a clear day, you can see the mountains and glaciers in Italy, France, and Switzerland, so it’s essential to have good weather during your visit. 

There are panorama boards on the railing of the viewing platform that will help you identify which summits you’re looking at. One thing to note is that this is the busiest spot at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It can get so crowded in the peak season that you have to wait in line for a spot at the railing, 

Pro Tip: Check the webcam at the top on the day you are going before buying your ticket to ensure you have great weather. Also, check the weather the day or two before to see if there is a reasonable chance of good weather.

Winter Activities

Visiting Klein Matterhorn is best done in the summer months and shoulder seasons. In winter. it’s icy and better suited for skiing.

However, if you still want to see the views and indulge in some winter activities, I have some good news for you. Winter trips to Glacier Paradise usually include: 

• Winter Hiking

There’s snow at Klein Matterhorn throughout the year, so skiing and snowboarding are always popular in the area. A daily ski pass is 85 CHF and includes access to 200 kilometers of pistes around Zermatt. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is included in the pass, and it’s honestly the best destination if you want to ski with breathtaking views.

The Glacier Paradise has some super easy runs, most suitable for children and beginners. They won’t pose a challenge to experienced skiers, but they will be a skiing experience unlike any other in your life. 

Glacier Paradise is also popular for winter hiking and snowshoeing .

• The Matterhorn Glacier Trail is accessible in the winter if you have snowshoes.
• The winter hike from Schwarzsee to Stafel is also very popular. It follows a path at the base of the north face of the Matterhorn, so during the entire hike, you will be distracted by the views of the Toblerone mountain. And you’ll love it. 

Summer Activities

The most popular things to do in the summer at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise are: 

Mountain Biking

• Summer Skiing

Hiking is popular everywhere in Switzerland, so it shouldn’t be surprising that people love to hike here too.

Zermatt to Schwarzsee Hike

It’s possible to hike from Zermatt to Schwarzsee , and it’s an excellent way to save money on gondola tickets. The 4-hour hike is mostly uphill with a total elevation gain of more than 900 meters and features fabulous views of the surrounding summits.

Breithorn Hike

The trek to Breithorn from Kleine Matterhorn is also very popular amongst advanced hikers. If you want bragging rights for climbing a 4,000-meter summit, this is the easiest way to do it. You’ll need a lot of technical equipment to climb Breithorn (crampons, walking poles, etc.), and it’s recommended to hire a local guide to help you do this 3-5 hour hike. 

Mountain biking is also very popular in the area – so much so, that all the gondolas from Zermatt to Trockener Steg transport bikes and you can get special mountain biking passes . The route from Furi to Schwarzsee is very popular with more experienced bikers, primarily because of the spectacular views of the north face of the Matterhorn throughout the entire trail. 

Year-Round Snow

Finally, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is one of the few places with snow 365 days a year. This is where many professional athletes train in the off-season, and if you go skiing in the summer, you might get to ski alongside them. Summer ski passes are around 80 CHF for a day and include lifts to Klein Matterhorn, but not access to the Glacier Palace. 

Time Needed to Visit 

Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours at the Glacier Paradise to really explore the area. You can easily spend more time, especially if you get out at every gondola station to explore those areas. Also, if you’re going to take the detour to Schwarzsee, that’s at least another hour. 

At most, you can spend six hours on your day out, which should be plenty of time to see everything.

Best Time to Visit

• Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds
• Come in shoulder season for cheaper tickets and less people
• Check the weather before you buy a ticket for the best views

Any time between May and October is an excellent time to visit, because the weather is generally sunny in Wallis, and the snow is mostly gone.

The peak season for visits to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is from the beginning of July to the end of August. This is when the tickets are the most expensive and the crowds at the summit are the largest.

Regardless of the season, visiting first thing in the morning is best to avoid crowds. 

It’s great if you’re in the area for a few days and can wait a while for good weather.

Winter is generally not recommended for trips up to Klein Matterhorn because it’s cold and the days are often shorterand the weather less predictable. However, with a bit of luck, it is possible to have great weather up on the mountain, even at that time of year.

What to Wear When Visiting

• Wear layers to adjust as you climb higher to the summit
• Bring a windproof/waterproof jacket
• Consider bringing a warm hat and gloves

You’ll want to wear layers of clothing because it’s often quite cold at the Klein Matterhorn summit.

You will be starting from Zermatt, where it can be a comfy 20-25 degrees (Celsius) if you’re there in the summer. But the higher you climb, the colder it gets. It’s possible for the temperature to be below zero at the summit. 

It will be below zero (Celsius) at the Glacier Palace, so it’s best to wear proper winter clothes. Bring a hoodie or a sweater, an insulated (windproof) jacket, and wear comfortable and warm shoes. Also bring a warm hat and gloves if you have them, as it can suddenly get cold and windy, no matter what time of year.

Consider wearing waterproof pants if you want to go sledding or use the chairs built into the ice walls. 

Tips for A Memorable Experience

I’ve got a few tips to help you make the most of your trip to the Glacier Paradise: 

• Go early to beat the crowds (if you go early enough you can have an entire gondola to yourself while climbing to the summit)
• Bring a padlock (you can lock it on the viewing platform to leave a permanent mark on the place)
• Check the weather forecast (tickets are valid for 2-10 days and the views are best on clear sunny days)
• Save money by purchasing ski passes (buy them a couple of days in advance in person or on the app, and pay just a few more francs to access the Glacier Palace)
• Get Crystal Ride tickets (the gondolas are decorated with Swarovski crystals and have glass floors so you can see the glaciers below)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is matterhorn glacier paradise worth visiting.

Yes, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is worth visiting. It’s a unique, once-in-a-lifetime destination that will blow you away, and it’s even worth planning your entire trip around it so that you can visit on a clear day for the best views. 

Is Klein Matterhorn the same as Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?

Klein Matterhorn is almost the same thing as the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It’s the mountain where the Glacier Paradise station is, so when you’re buying tickets it doesn’t matter if you get them for the Glacier Paradise or Klein Matterhorn. 

Can you see Matterhorn from Glacier Paradise?

Yes, you can see Matterhorn from the Glacier Paradise, as long as it’s not hiding behind the clouds. You can also see 35+ other 4,000-meter summits, and there are informative images on the viewing platform that will help you discern what you’re looking at. 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Our Free Swiss Tips Guide

Popular destinations, important pages, on social media, travel planning, certified swiss travel expert.

Live & Book

Weather forecast

day after tomorrow

Lift tickets

Live panorama map, timetables & prices, mountain excursions, accommodation.

• Booking in only 3 minutes
• Maximum protection & excellent assistance
• Real guest reviews
• 97% customer satisfaction

Holiday flats

Tickets & Shop

Ski tickets, train tickets, accomodation, monday, 3. june 2024.

• Planning hikes & tours

Matterhorn Tour

• print version
• Share the current page on Twitter
• Share the current page on Facebook
• Share the current page on Google+

This is the ultimate hike around the world’s most beautiful mountain, the Matterhorn. The tour begins in Randa and leads anticlockwise around the pyramid-shaped peak, revealing the iconic mountain’s many different facets.

• Type Multi-day hike
• Difficulty hard
• Duration 60,00 h
• Distance 147,3 km
• Ascent 10353 m
• Descent 10143 m
• Lowest point 1403 m
• Highest point 3316 m

Description

A tour de force for expert and fit hikers with extensive experience of the high mountains. 60 hours of hiking, 13,000 vertical metres and 148 effective kilometres: a supreme adventure! The route leads high and low, via countless famous locations: Zinal in the Val d’Anniviers, Lac de Moiry, Arolla, Haut Glacier d’Arolla, Col Collon. And then into Italy: Lago Place Moulin, Tola, Torrente Marmore and Breuil/Cervinia, Zermatt’s neighbouring resort, familiar to skiers. The trail finally leads back into Switzerland via the Theodul Pass and the Theodul Glacier.

• The Matterhorn from all sides
• Circuit of the Weisshorn, Dent Blanche and Matterhorn
• Wide variety of villages with different mountain cultures
• Tour through Switzerland and Italy
• Numerous operators in Switzerland and Italy feature this tour as a guided trek in their programmes

1. Randa - Topali (7h) 2. Topali - Jungu (6h) 3. Jungu - Gruben / Turtmann valley (5h 15) 4. Gruben - Zinal (6h 20) 5. Zinal - Les Haudères - Arolla (10h) 6. Arolla - Prarayer (8h 40) 7. Prarayer - Valtournenche / Breuil (8h 30) 8. Valtournenche / Breuil - Theodul (4h 15) 9. Theodul - Zermatt (3h 45) Variant: Zermatt – Europa Hut (6h 35) und Europa Hut - Grächen (5h 30)

We recommend:

• Good, sturdy footwear
• Hiking poles (optional)
• Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
• Food and water

Additional equipment for glacier crossings: crampons, climbing harness, 1 rope per group of 4, suitable clothing

Reservations recommended at mountain huts and accommodation in mountain villages .

The mountain landscape along the Tour Matterhorn is known for its breathtaking panoramas, attractive mountain villages and wealth of fauna and flora.

• Plan every mountain tour carefully and adapt to participants’ fitness level as well as the weather and season.
• Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
• Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible avoid going alone.
• Do not leave the marked routes; do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
• Please be considerate to other walkers and to plants and animals.
• Take note of the warning signs drawing attention to the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs.

Important! This is a demanding alpine trek; stages may include glacier traverses. We therefore recommend the services of a mountain guide with local knowledge. Tip: “Be searchable”. Equip yourself with an additional RECCO rescue reflector*. Whether summer or winter. Available in our Online-Shop or our information desk. *The additional reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon.

Map and arrival

Experiences & activites

Gift Vouchers

Attracting winter guests for the summer

Meet the Sheep - The cuddliest visitors on the Gornergrat

Rooftop-Ride Zermatt – Furi

Tips of the day

Room / Appartment 1

Room / Appartment 2

Room / Appartment 3

Room / Appartment 4

Navigate to myswitzerland.com

Destinations

Your swiss holiday time.

Holiday destinations

• Summer holiday destinations
• Winter sports & ski resorts
• Family destinations

Attractions

• Top attractions
• UNESCO World Heritage sites / biospheres
• Travel by train, bus or boat
• Top museums
• Swiss Parks
• Scenic nature

Experiences

Additional content about subnavigation experiences.

• Family excursions
• Food & Wine
• Group excursions
• Guided tours

Summer & Autumn

• Bicycle & Mountain bike
• Adventure & Sports Summer
• Zoo & animal experiences
• Ski and snowboard
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoe and winter hiking
• Tobogganing
• Winter excursions
• Christmas in Switzerland

Cities & culture

• Parks, Gardens and Squares
• Architecture

Experience Tour

• Car, motorcycle - Grand Tour
• Train, bus, boat – Grand Train Tour
• Mountain excursions

Accommodation

• Typically Swiss Hotels
• Wellness & Spa
• Family Hotels
• Bike Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Inspiring Meeting Hotels
• Swiss Historic Hotels
• Luxury hotels
• Winter sports hotels

Other types of accommodation

• On the farm
• Bed and Breakfast
• Mountains huts
• Group accommodation

Transport & Stay

• Travel to Switzerland
• Barrier-free travel
• Tickets public transport
• Service & support
• Money and shopping

About Switzerland

• General facts
• Custom and tradition
• History of Switzerland
• The Swiss Art and Culture Scene
• Health Travel
• Sustainability

Weather & Climate

• Climate in Switzerland
• Snow Report
• Water and pool temperatures
• City offers
• Touring offers
• Wellness offers
• Nature and outdoor offers
• Offers for families

Where are you from?

• België (Nederlands)
• Belgique (Français)
• Deutschland
• Netherlands
• Russia (Россия)
• Schweiz (Deutsch)
• Suisse (Français)
• Svizzera (Italiano)
• Switzerland (English)
• United Kingdom
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• China 中文简体
• China 中文繁体
• Gulf countries العربية
• Japan 日本
• Korea 한국어
• United Arab Emirates
• New Zealand
• International

Language, region and important links

• Slovenština

Service Navigation

• Help & Contact

Matterhorn (4,478 a.s.l.) - Symbol for Switzerland

The Matterhorn and Switzerland are inseparably linked to each other. The pyramid shaped colossus of a mountain, which is very difficult to climb, is said to be the most-photographed mountain in the world. The Klein-Matterhorn ("Little Matterhorn"), which can be reached via a funicular, lies adjacent to the Matterhorn.

Description

The first ascent of the Matterhorn in the year 1865, which cost the lives of four out of seven alpinists, changed the region (which had been isolated until then) forever. The Matterhorn became world-famous, and ambitious mountaineers aspired to climb it. Even today the ascent of the Matterhorn is very challenging and can only be achieved by expert mountaineers with excellent equipment and a competent guide. At the foot of the most popular route stands the Hörnli Hut  at 3,260m, home to the Matterhorn Base Camp (reopened in 2015 after a full renovation) and the Matterhorn mountain inn. One has a fantastic view of the world's most photographed mountain from the Klein-Matterhorn (Matterhorn glacier paradise), which is only separated from the Matterhorn by the Theodul Pass and Glacier. Visitors can board the aerial cable car  in Zermatt . The mountain station at 3820 meters above sea level is the highest cable car station of the Alps.

Experiences & Activities

Tracking edward whymper, skiing to italy and back, zermatt summer snow park, run with views of the horu, ice skating, sunnegga - rothorn, photo spot matterhorn, dirtscooter and kickbike, testa grigia – the pinnacle of alpine adventures, gorner gorge, hotel monte rosa 4 stars.

Zermatt, Valais

Hotel Dufour Alpin 2 Stars

Hotel national 4 stars, mont cervin palace 5 stars.

Hotel Riffelhaus 1853 4 Stars

Le mirabeau hotel & spa 4 stars, tradition julen hotel 4 stars, hotel sonne 4 stars, hotel matterhorn focus 4 stars, hotel alpenblick 3 stars, current offers, hotel daniela, zermatt discover zermatt.

Price per person in double room valid: 02.06.2024 - 20.10.2024

Zermatt Ski Zermatt, stay at the Zermatterhof Hotel

• Restaurants

Restaurant Chez Vrony

Bergrestaurant chämi-hitta, restaurant ritti, ferdinand by cervo, restaurant ried, restaurant sonnmatten, bergrestaurant simi, bergrestaurant blatten, hotel mirabeau: restaurant veranda, bergrestaurant stafelalp.

• 29 Jun Chasing Cancellara Berne - Zermatt Zermatt, 29.06.2024
• 29 Jun Chasing Cancellara Zürich - Zermatt Zermatt, 29.06.2024
• 6 Jul 21. Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon Zermatt, 06.07.2024
• 28 Jul Täschalp Run with Alpine Festival Täsch, 28.07.2024

Advertisement

Travel information: zermatt, destination.

Zermatt Tourismus Bahnhofplatz 5 3920  Zermatt +41 (0)27 966 81 00 [email protected] Website

• Hotel booking
• Holiday rentals
• Swiss Hostels
• Railway timetable

Local Information

• Parks and Squares
• Request brochures
• Family experiences

Winter sports

• Snow report
• Wintersport activities
• Swiss Ski School
• Lakesides / Swimmingpools
• Climatic data
• Swisstravelcenter Hiking Maps
• Swisstravelcenter Mountainbike Maps
• Swisstopo Hiking Maps

Discover Zermatt

Zermatt and the Matterhorn travel guide

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• Switzerland
• zermatt-matterhorn
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

St Moritz may have the glamour, Verbier may have the cool, Wengen may have the pistes, but Zermatt beats them all – Zermatt has the Matterhorn. No other natural or human structure in Switzerland is so immediately recognizable. Plan your trip to Zermatt and the Matterhorn with our guide to Zermatt and the Matterhorn — based on The Rough Guide to Switzerland , your travel guide for Switzerland .

What to expect when visiting Zermatt — your Zermatt and the Matterhorn travel guide

Top attractions and things to do in zermatt, which areas should you visit in zermatt, best places to stay in zermatt, best restaurants and cafés in zermatt, nightlife and entertainment in zermatt and the matterhorn, how to get around zermatt, excursions and day trips from zermatt, sports and activities around zermatt and the matterhorn.

Discover alpine majesty in our Zermatt and the Matterhorn travel guide © Shutterstock

Travel ideas for Switzerland, created by local experts

8 days  / from 2725 USD

Special Golden Round Trip to Switzerland (small group or private)

Stay active on Switzerland's mountains with hikes and cable cars before indulging in delicious Swiss cheese and wines around Lausanne and Geneva. Is there a better way to get a taste of Switzerland than to actually taste it? Pricing is based on a small group tour, enquire for a private tour!

11 days  / from 3597 USD

Unforgettable Switzerland

Discover Switzerland's real natural paradise. Enjoy 11 relaxed days of picturesque scenery, breathtaking views, romantic towns, eternal ice and snow, rural villages and historic buildings. Visit Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Geneva and many other highlights.

7 days  / from 2725 USD

Lakes and mountains for the whole family in Italy & Switzerland

Spend your first 3 nights at Lake Como in Italy, discovering the area by boat or foot, before heading to Zermatt in Switzerland. Zermatt with its peaceful nature is the ideal backdrop for strolls, hikes and other activities with the whole family.

In most people’s minds the Matterhorn stands for Switzerland like the Eiffel Tower stands for France . Ironically, though, the mountain is as much Italian as it is Swiss – the border runs right across the peak.

The Matterhorn's majesty was also one of the reasons you voted Switzerland one of the most beautiful countries in the world .

The pretty little village of Zermatt welcomes everybody, regardless of financial status. Backpackers and hikers rub shoulders with high-society glitterati amid a fluster of tour groups, electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages. Everyone has come to see the mountain.

While Zermatt is busy year-round, the crowds never seem to matter — with a little effort you can easily vanish into the surrounding wilderness, leaving everyone else behind. To find out for yourself, book a Zermatt hiking excursion with an experienced guide .

That said, the quickest way into that wilderness is via the Gornergrat railway, which lifts you to a spectacular vantage point overlooking the Monte Rosa massif.

Alternatively, hop on a cable car to the summits of the Rothorn or Klein Matterhorn – the latter is the highest cable-car station in Europe.

Matterhorn aside, the Zermatt Music Festival , held every September, features classical music concerts, film screenings and exhibitions.

A stunning sunset over Switzerland's Matterhorn © Shutterstock

1. Matterhorn Museum

The subterranean Matterhorn Museum features films and interactive displays on mountaineering, all set around a reconstruction of a nineteenth-century Alpine village.

2. Anglican church

The Anglican church, situated on a low ridge above the main street, is emblematic of Zermatt’s history as a climbing centre — and of a place traditionally favoured by British visitors, many of whom were climbers.

3. Gornergrat railway

In summer, the slopes above Zermatt hold some of the country’s most scenic hiking trails. The ever-popular GGB Gornergrat Bahn leads up from the village across the meadows of the Riffelalp to the Gornergrat itself (3130m).

Hikes between the stations are all rewarding, and top Zermatt and the Matterhorn travel experiences. For example, it’s an hour from Riffelalp station up to the Riffelberg Hotel, set on a spectacular exposed platform overlooking the valley.

4. Sunnegga and the Rothorn

From Zermatt village, an underground funicular tunnels up to Sunnegga (2300m) – on a sunny plateau and linked to the Rothorn summit by gondola.

Walks from Sunnegga are beautiful, weaving for a comfortable hour or two between the tiny lakelets of the Leisee, Moosjesee, Grindjisee and Stellisee out to Fluhalp (2616m).

Hiking is one of the best things to do in Zermatt and the Matterhorn © Swiss Tourism

Zermatt’s main street is Bahnhofstrasse, which stretches away from the station towards the mountains, becoming Oberdorfstrasse after the Catholic church, whose cemetery is filled with memorials to attempts on the Matterhorn and other peaks gone wrong.

Across the road from the church is the worthwhile Matterhorn Museum; meanwhile Oberdorfstrasse dips gently downwards, lined with weathered-wood chalets and traditional mazots, barns raised on stone discs to protect against mice, before reaching the river at Bachstrasse.

Beyond, paths head on past the Forest Fun Park and Gorner Gorge and into high, open countryside.

To see that in style, board the world's highest cable car to discover the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with its spectacular viewing platform, ice palace, and cinema lounge.

There are dozens of hotels in Zermatt, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding somewhere to suit, though book well in advance for the winter and summer high seasons.

It must be said, too, that Matterhorn views from your balcony or window are truly worth paying extra for. Apartments or chalets should also be booked well in advance (some places are reserved a year ahead).

The standard rental period is a Sat-to-Sat week; only a handful of owners are willing to rent for less, and then only in the low season for a minimum of three days.

Zermatt © Swiss Tourism

Best hotels in Zermatt

• Best for Alpine atmosphere: Kulmhotel Gornergrat . Currently the highest hotel in the Alps, day-trippers come here to gawp at the Matterhorn from the terrace. After they've gone, it's a uniquely atmospheric place to stay — its location is likely to be a highlight of your Zermatt and the Matterhorn vacation.
• Best for glamour: Grand Hotel Zermatterhof . As its name suggests, this is the grandest hotel in the canton, and one of the finest in the country, built well over a century ago but glitteringly up to date inside.
• Best for cosy comfort: Hotel Allalin . This hotel boasts modern, folksy decor, a cosy lounge and a spa. Service is outstanding, and there are balconies in all rooms. It’s worth paying extra for a room with a mountain view.

Best hostels in Zermatt

• Best for budget travellers: Jugendherberge (HI hostel) . This large hostel, a 10min walk from the centre, has dorms and private rooms, many with enticing Matterhorn views.
• Best for nature-lovers: Bergheimat Campsite, Saas-Fee . Guests at this campsite – attached to the Hotel Bergheimat – have free access to an indoor swimming pool. It's near a supermarket and the Hohsaas cable car.

Considering the prices in some of Zermatt’s hundred-plus restaurants, opting for picnic fare from the supermarket opposite the train station is a prudent move if you’re on a tight budget.

Otherwise, you'll find a spread of restaurants serving classic Swiss fare, often with Italian influence.

Traditional Swiss cheese fondue © Shulevskyy Volodymyr/Shutterstock

• La Barrique In Hotel Peren : this peaceful, attractive modern restaurant serves mainly Swiss cuisine. This is fine-dining at pretty reasonable prices.
• Café du Pont : a peaceful, cosy little restaurant in the less busy, northern end of town, serving simple, inexpensive Swiss fare including Röstis and fondues.
• Vivanda In Unique Hotel Post : a modern Italian restaurant occupying a beautifully restored wooden chalet, with pizza, pasta and excellent meat dishes.
• Whymperstube : this cosy wood-panelled basement restaurant offers nine kinds of fondue, plus assorted Swiss-style meat dishes.
• Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa, Saas-Fee : the hotel offers gourmet dining in the Cäsar Ritz restaurant, with three-course set menus in a true temple to the art of cooking.

It's fair to say Zermatt and the Matterhorn aren't hotspots for nightlife, with most action focused around hotels, especially the Unique Hotel Post.

Best nightlife venues in Zermatt and the Matterhorn

• Unique Hotel Post : at the centre of Zermatt’s nightlife scene, the Unique Hotel Post is home to five bars and clubs. The best-known is Broken Bar, which occupies an atmospheric stone-walled cellar.
• Elsie’s Bar : this cosy nook is an après-ski institution, with oysters, caviar, snails and foie gras served to help your cocktails go down.

Come evening, head to the Unique Hotel Post to experience one of the best nightlife venues in Zermatt and the Matterhorn © Swiss Tourism

The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn operates the trains from Brig and Visp to Zermatt, which are free to Swiss Travel Pass holders — why not buy your pass in advance ?

Although Brig is the starting point for MGB trains, mainline trains from the west are quite often timed to make the connection at Visp instead (Viège in French) — check the timetable carefully. South of Visp, trains climb to Stalden, the departure point for buses to Saas-Fee.

It’s possible to drive as far as the village of Täsch, where a dozen large parking areas, including the giant Matterhorn Terminal take care of all motorized transport, with everybody bundling onto trains for the final 12min pull into Zermatt.

Don’t be tempted to park in the valley except at designated parking places — you’ll end up with a parking ticket.

The square outside the station is generally full of little electric taxis (higher rates for extra passengers, luggage, and journeys to the edge of the village).

The electric buses that are synonymous with Zermatt serve all points, and are free if you have a ski pass.

By horse-drawn carriage

The carriages you see jangling through the streets are mostly full of guests from the most expensive hotels, though one or two can be ridden on by the less well-heeled — ask the tourist office to book them.

Zermatt chairlift © Swiss Tourism

Lying in the next-door valley to Zermatt, Saas-Fee (1800m) is sometimes overlooked, perhaps because it doesn’t have any train access. However, were it not for the Matterhorn next door, the array of peaks around Saas-Fee would take centre-stage on any Alpine itinerary.

The upper part of the Rhône valley, stretching from Brig to the high Alpine passes, is known as the Goms. Winter sees thick snow covering the whole region, perfect for cross-country skiing at all levels.

Northeast from Brig towards Münster

About 8km out of Brig you’ll pass Mörel, with signs for cable cars rising west to Riederalp and, a little further on, Betten, with cable cars to Bettmeralp. Both these car-free resorts are perched on plateaux, with lifts serving the Aletschwald, one of the highest pine forests in Europe.

Some 9km past Fiesch, where the villages become smaller and more rural, you'll fnd the little community of Münster. This tranquil village is characterized by the traditional Valaisian-style chalets. Clustered together higgledy-piggledy, and burnt a rich dark brown, they're all decorated with pretty geranium window boxes.

The High Alpine passes

Above Münster, the Obergoms (Upper Goms) region lies at the approach to the High Alpine passes. A turning at Ulrichen leads to the Nufenen Pass, or Passo della Novena (2478m), which crosses into Ticino and the Val Bedretto .

Zermatt and the Matterhorn make for exhilerating outdoor activities © Shutterstock

Skiing, snowboarding and hiking at Saas-Fee

With a preponderance of blue and red pistes, Saas-Fee is ideal skiing territory for beginners or intermediates, and its snowboarding facilities have made it one of Switzerland’s top boarding destinations.

The focus of attention is the “Alpin Express” lifts serving the Felskinn (3000m); from here, there are plenty of good blue and red runs coming down the side of the huge glacial bowl that towers all around, plus a snowboarding half-pipe.

From Felskinn, the “Metro Alpin” takes over, the highest underground funicular system in the world, which tunnels up to the Mittelallalin station (3500m), below the mighty Allalinhorn summit (4027m).

Up here are the world’s highest revolving restaurant and ice pavilion (open year-round), as well as a half-pipe, a hatful of scenic red runs on the Feegletscher and a long, exhilarating blue all the way down to Längfluh (2870m).

Hiking routes abound, both in summer, with long treks finding a way between the peaks into the Mattertal, and in winter, when some 30km of trails above the village remain open.

Into extreme sports? Try your hand at tandem paragliding — what a way to view the Matterhorn.

Meander blooming beautiful meadows around the Zermatt and the Matterhorn in summer © Shutterstock

If you're into exhilerating activities, read up on the  best outdoor experiences in Switzerland .

Intrepid female travellers might also want to explore  women only outdoor activities in Switzerland  — all created by and for women.

Inspired by this Zermatt and the Matterhorn travel guide? Read about the wider canton in our Valais travel guide .

In addition, The Rough Guide to Switzerland and our run-down of  things not to miss in Switzerland  will help you plan.

Not a fan of planning? You could book a hassle-free tailor-made trip to Switzerland, with customisable itineraries curated by local experts covering everything from  unforgettable highlights of Switzerland , to  touring the Grand Circle .

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Related articles from the blog

Discover more places in Switzerland

• Travel Guide Morocco
• Travel Guide Namibia
• Travel Guide South Africa
• Travel Guide China
• Travel Guide India
• Travel Guide Indonesia
• Travel Guide Japan
• Travel Guide Laos
• Travel Guide Malaysia
• Travel Guide Myanmar (Burma)
• Travel Guide Nepal
• Travel Guide Philippines
• Travel Guide Singapore
• Travel Guide South Korea
• Travel Guide Sri Lanka
• Travel Guide Taiwan
• Travel Guide Thailand
• Travel Guide Australia
• Travel Guide Fiji
• Travel Guide New Zealand
• Travel Guide Belize
• Costa Rica Travel Guide
• Travel Guide Cuba
• Travel Guide Guatemala
• Travel Guide Honduras
• Travel Guide Jamaica
• Travel Guide Nicaragua
• Travel Guide Panama
• Travel Guide Puerto Rico
• Travel Guide Trinidad and Tobago
• Travel Guide Albania
• Travel Guide Austria
• Travel Guide Belgium
• Travel Guide Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Travel Guide Bulgaria
• Travel Guide Cyprus
• Travel Guide Czechia (Czech Republic)
• Travel Guide Denmark
• Travel Guide England
• Travel Guide Estonia
• Travel Guide Finland
• Travel Guide France
• Travel Guide Germany
• Travel Guide Greece
• Travel Guide Hungary
• Iceland Travel Guide

The Rough Guides to Switzerland and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip prepare for your trip.

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

• Where to Stay
• Zermatt and the Matterhorn
• Inspiration
• Local Guides
• Where to stay
• See & Do
• Travel Tips

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 17.08.2022

Ready to travel and discover Switzerland?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Travel advice

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Destinations

Experiences.

• Photography

Plan Your Trip

See the Matterhorn’s Magnificence

November 8, 2021 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

Today, I’m writing the post about how to see the Matterhorn I wish I’d been able to find. When I searched the internet for information on this topic, I had to sift through dozens of articles (of varying quality), and found my answers only are careful collation.

Which is not to say what I’ve written here is the end-all, be-all. It’s possible some of you may click away from here, be that to another website or to my main Switzerland guide , and feel as frustrated as I did many months ago.

On the other hand, if you need to know where to go to get the best view of the Matterhorn, I provide clear instructions on how to reach all my favorite vantage points. Provided mother nature cooperates, you’ll get your Switzerland money shot in no time!

How to Get to Zermatt

The issue of how to see the Matterhorn is only relevant if you can get close to it! The good news is that Zermatt is easily accessible from anywhere in Switzerland, keeping in mind that it is tucked a way in a corner of the country’s far south. The town of Visp, whether you’re able to get there directly of have to transfer somewhere, is where all the ordinary trains leaving to Zermatt call from.

If you want to take the famous Glacier Express train, meanwhile, you’ll need to make your way to St. Moritz. Keep in mind that this is neither the fastest way to reach Zermatt, nor the most direct—it’s a tourist train. The journey here, as the old proverb from Lord of the Rings goes, is far more important than the destination. Surprisingly, both the Eurail Pass and the Swiss Pass cover the train, which means it won’t impact your financial bottom line much.

Where to See the Matterhorn

Zermatt town.

If it’s a clear day when you arrive to Zermatt Town, you will be able to see the Matterhorn as you walk out of the train station. Depending on where you stay and which way your room is facing, you may also be able to see the mountain from your room. I could see it from mine at Hotel Bahnhof !

Most articles about how to see the Matterhorn will rightfully direct you to one of the cable cars that rise out of the town. The first stop on the journey (which actually takes you up a funicular railway, at least initially) is to Sunnegga, which provides a good view of the Matterhorn, but not the best one.

From Blauherd, meanwhile, which is the station immediately after Sunnegga after you transfer from the funicular to a cable car, the view is even better. This is the case both when you’re on the cable car going up to Blauherd Station, as well as from Blauherd itself.

For me, the best place to see the Matterhorn (without embarking on a long or strenuous hike, this is) is Stellisee, which is located about 15 minutes by foot from Blauherd station. This is one of many places near the Matterhorn to see the classic “mirror shot” so many postcards and advertisements depict.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

If you want to see the Matterhorn within the context of the glaciers that exist around it, ride the Matterhorn Gondola (which is located on the other side of town from the cable car) up to the aptly-named Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Note that if you are continuing on to Italy from Switzerland, you can ride the gondola all the way over the border!

Is Matterhorn Worth Seeing?

I’ve seen some of the world’s most stunning mountains, from Everest, to Fuji, to Etna. And I have to say: In spite of how jaded I feared I’d feel when I first looked upon the Matterhorn upon arriving in Zermatt, the emotion coursing through my veins was pure ecstasy. And that was just based on the view I saw from the town, the mountain peak half-covered by clouds!

Indeed, it wasn’t until I reached Stellisee in Blauherd (which I mention in the fourth main section of how to see the Matterhorn above) that the enormity of the Matterhorn, in both a literal sense and a figurative one, dawned on me. There’s a reason people flock here from all over Switzerland, Europe and the world. Frankly, because the Matterhorn is truly that beautiful and amazing!

Other FAQ About Seeing the Matterhorn

What is the best way to see the matterhorn.

The best way to see the Matterhorn is to ride the train to Zermatt, and take a cable car up to Stellisee Lake, accessible via the “Blauherd” stop. Alternatively, you can also take in views of the Matterhorn from Zermatt town, or from certain private sightseeing flights.

How much does it cost to visit the Matterhorn?

Seeing the Matterhorn, officially speaking, is free—there’s no entrance fee or national park levy. However, you’ll need to pay the cost of getting to Zermatt and then up to whatever viewpoint you select, which to be fair may be covered by your Eurail or Swiss Pass. Paying cash, it costs about 200 CHF return to travel to Zermatt from Zurich, and then another 50 CHF return for tickets up and down the main cable car system to Blauherd.

What town is closest to the Matterhorn?

Zermatt is the town literally at the base of the Matterhorn, and where most tourism activities bound for the Matterhorn set off from. However, the town of Visp is also relatively close to the Matterhorn; the Glacier Express train begins in St. Moritz, which is not close at all!

The Bottom Line

I hope I’ve give you many practical tips for how to see the Matterhorn. Whether you take in the views from Zermatt town, or catch the cable car up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, it’s impossible not to feel humbled by the beauty of Switzerland’s most famous mountain—well, unless you’re unlucky enough to get a cloudy day, in which case you might not see the peak at all. Hedge against bad weather by choosing a sunny summer months, and by planning to stay at least a couple of days so you have multiple chances to see the perfect view. Another way to optimize your next Switzerland trip? Hire me as your Travel Coach , and let me sweat the details.

Subscribe to email updates!

Words, images and design ©2009-2024 Robert Schrader, All rights reserved. Read Privacy Policy or view sitemap .

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn): Things to Do & Info for Your Visit

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 18, 2023

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – also known as Klein Matterhorn – is considered a must-see when visiting Zermatt in Switzerland . But what to expect, what is there to see and do at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, and is it worth the price?

In this article, you can find an overview of things to do at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise , practical info and tips for your visit to Klein Matterhorn, as well as our recommendations on how to make the most of your expensive day ticket. Find out!

Note about the names: Klein Matterhorn is a mountain peak near Zermatt, Switzerland. With an altitude of 3,883 m (12,739 ft), it is the highest place in Europe that can be reached by cable car/ aerial gondola. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the name of the mountain destination located at Klein Matterhorn and is a collective name of all the amazing activities you can do there.

So when we talk about Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or Klein Matterhorn, we mean the same place.

Good to know: Klein Matterhorn is a year-round mountain destination that you can visit in any season. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is open 365 days a year . Keep in mind that there is always snow here – in summer or in winter. The scenery will be somewhat different of course, but the activities at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise are pretty much the same no matter when you visit.

What’s different is the things that you can do along the gondola route on your way to Klein Matterhorn. In summer, there are some really nice hikes in this area, and in winter – it’s a paradise for skiers. So in addition to listing the best things to do at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise itself, in this guide we also include recommendations for other nice things you can do in the area using your day ticket .

You can find more practical information on getting there and useful tips for visiting Klein Matterhorn at the bottom of this article. We also include information for families visiting Klein Matterhorn with kids.

But first – what is there to see and do at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Take a look!

Things to do at Klein Matterhorn – Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:

1. Highest Viewing Platform in the Alps

One of the main reasons to visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the unparalleled 360° view from the highest viewing platform in the Alps ! The views from here stretch over three countries: Switzerland, France, and Italy.

On a clear day, you can see 14 glaciers and 38 mountain peaks of over 4,000 meters (13,123 ft) above sea level. You can’t even start to count all the lower mountain peaks around… And there’s no need to either – simply enjoy the amazing views!

And yes, you can see the famous Matterhorn mountain just nearby – albeit from another perspective than in most pictures. Further in the distance, you can easily distinguish the snow-capped peak of the iconic Mont Blanc , the highest mountain in the Alps. And on the Swiss side, you can also see the Eiger , Mönch , and Jungfrau peaks – the most famous mountains of the Jungfrau region in central Switzerland.

Interesting to know : For the romantics who want to pledge eternal love that will prevail through any storm, you can hang a love lock at the Matterhorn viewing platform. If you put the key to the letterbox at the entrance of the elevator, it will then be set in the eternal ice at the Glacier Palace (see below), as a symbol of your everlasting love. You can bring your own love lock or you can simply buy one at the souvenir store on the mountain.

2. Glacier Palace

Matterhorn Glacier Palace is the most special place to visit at Klein Matterhorn. They claim that it is the highest Glacier Palace in the world. It’s definitely one of the more spectacular man-made ice grottoes that we have seen in Switzerland or in Austria (and we’ve visited lots of them over the years).

Located 15 meters (49 ft) deep under the glacier, a visit to the Glacier Palace takes you to a beautiful world of eternal ice. And no worries about getting there – you simply take an elevator.

Matterhorn Glacier Palace is a series of man-made ice tunnels and hallways, all decorated with stunning ice sculptures. Light effects add color and make it all look and feel even more magical. You can also walk through a glacier crevasse and see some impressive naturally-formed ice creations as well.

When we visited, there was also a small ice tunnel that you could slide through using one of the ‘slides’ provided. It’s just a few meters, but quite fun to do, not just for the kids.

TIP: Dress warm, wear sensible walking shoes, and be sure to have your camera ready because you’ll want to take pictures everywhere! Also, keep in mind that batteries drain fast in the cold, so you may want to pack a power bank for your phone, or some extra batteries for your camera.

3. Crystal Ride

Crystal Ride is one of the best attractions of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It actually starts before you get there, and not many people seem to know about it and therefore miss it.

Matterhorn Glacier Ride – the cableway that takes you from Trockener Steg to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – has a few luxury gondolas called Crystal Ride .

At first glance, these cable cars look like the others. But when you look closer, you notice that they are decorated with Swarovski crystals and have super comfy leather seats. But the main feature of the Crystal Ride is the transparent glass floor that gives you a unique view over Theodul Glacier – literally – right under your feet.

Good to know: Crystal Ride is only available in the summer season (in the winter, you have to request it in advance, and only for groups of 10 people or more). You’ll need to upgrade your ticket and pay a small extra fee if you want to take one of these glass-bottomed cable cars. Otherwise, you just take the regular gondola. They run on the same line but have a separate entrance – so you also skip the line with the upgrade. But you’ll have to wait for the next available luxury gondola (there are just a few of those).

You can book an upgrade online, but it’s easier to just do it at the ticket desk on the spot. You don’t need any special arrangements and you can just decide on the day itself, based on the weather. Of course, it wouldn’t make much sense to pay extra for this if the visibility is low. But on a nice sunny day, it’s definitely worth it.

You can get a one-way ticket upgrade, or do it both ways – when you go up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and/or when you return.

We did the Crystal Ride both ways and would absolutely do it again. It’s such a unique experience! To us, this was one of the very best things we did in Zermatt, and a must when visiting Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The kids kept on talking about it for a long time too – it’s really something you won’t quickly forget and no pictures do it justice!

4. Skiing at Zermatt Snow Park

At such a high altitude and guaranteed snow the whole year round, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is known as one of the best places for skiing in Zermatt. The small ski area on Plateau Rosa at Klein Matterhorn is the only place in Zermatt where you can ski in the summer .

In winter, you can enjoy more than 360 km of ski runs in the area (and ski to Italy on the other side of the mountain, too). In summer, there’s just one rather small ski area at the very top of Klein Matterhorn. But hey, you can ski in summer!

Many professional athletes come to practice here during the summer months, but also regular folks can go skiing at Klein Matterhorn. For that, you’ll need appropriate clothing, ski gear, of course, and a ski pass (which is not included in the regular sightseeing ticket). For more info, please see the official website .

In addition, snow tubing is usually also available at Klein Matterhorn in summer.

5. Hiking at Klein Matterhorn: Breithorn Ascent

If you are looking for a more unique experience in Zermatt, you can also go hiking in the snow at Klein Matterhorn . We saw quite some people doing this. Most people just walk a bit on the snow right next to the cable car station and the viewing platform, but the more adventurous also embark on a hike to the nearby Breithorn peak (4,164 m – 13,661 ft).

If you want to climb a four-thousander the (relatively) easy way, this is your chance. And it can be done the whole year round!

The hike from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to Breithorn is a 5.4 km (3.35 mi) round trip hike, with an ascent/descent of about 415 meters (1,361 ft). It takes at least 3.5 – 4 hours. The Breithorn climb is considered an easy/medium-difficulty hike, and they say it could be done from the age of about 12 years.

If you are interested in climbing Breithorn, you can find more practical information about this hike in our Zermatt hiking guide . Since you are hiking on a glacier, you do need proper equipment (crampons, ski poles, ropes, etc.). You should also be careful of glacier crevasses, etc.

If you decide to tackle the Breithorn peak, be sure to start as early in the morning as possible. Ideally, you do this hike on a beautiful sunny day and with a local guide. We saw quite some people hiking on the snow without proper equipment, and while it can be possible, is it really worth that kind of a risk?! As a minimum, be sure that you have the right clothing and footwear and carry a hiking pole.

We visited Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with kids so we didn’t even consider this hike. Instead, we opted for a more accessible option – Matterhorn Glacier Trail – starting at Trockener Steg, one gondola stop lower (so no hiking on the snow).

6. Cinema Lounge

If you are looking for more nice things to do at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, be sure to check out the Cinema Lounge . Located inside the Breithorn Tunnel, it’s a bit hidden out of sight but is easy to find if you know it’s there.

Here, you’ll find several colorful comfortable seats and a big cinema screen where you can watch various short films featuring amazing footage of the alpine world around Zermatt.

While nice to see, this is not an absolute must. So if you are short on time, feel free to skip it. On the other hand, this experience is free of charge. So you can just check it out for a few minutes and decide for yourself.

It’s also something nice to do if the weather isn’t great and you can’t enjoy the scenery around you to the fullest.

7. Shopping and Dining

If you are feeling hungry, you’ll be glad to know that there’s also a restaurant at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It’s called ‘En Güete’ and is Europe’s highest mountain restaurant.

In addition to local cuisine, it also offers nice panoramic views.

The restaurant is open the whole day. Just as the adjoining Peak Shop, where you can stock up on some Swiss souvenirs and local delicacies.

Practical Info & Tips for Visiting Klein Matterhorn

Below, you can find some info and useful tips for planning your visit to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

Getting to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise can be reached by a series of cable cars from Zermatt. First, you take a small gondola called Matterhorn Express from Zermatt to Trockener Steg. From there, you change to a bigger cable car, Matterhorn Glacier Ride to Klein Matterhorn.

The entire journey from Zermatt to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise takes at least 45 minutes. Matterhorn Express gondola from Zermatt to Trockener Steg (via Furi and Schwarzsee) takes 30 minutes, and the Matterhorn Glacier Ride from Trockener Steg to Klein Matterhorn takes 15 minutes. This is purely traveling time, not counting the potential wait for the gondolas or the time to take pictures, etc.

Even if it’s not busy, it will likely take you almost an hour to reach Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt.

Good to know: Your ticket is valid for a day, and you can disembark at any of the intermediate cable car stations (Furi, Schwarzsee, Trockener Steg) and explore more of each area. I recommend doing this after you visit the top, not on your way there.

Tickets & cost

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise can only be reached by cable car, so you’ll need a ticket to get here. Just as everything in Switzerland, it’s not cheap. At the moment of the last update, a regular day ticket to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise costs just over 95 CHF (+-94 EUR or 100 USD). There are various discounts, also for kids – more info further below.

Good to know: Except for the viewing platform, hiking, and skiing/ snow tubing, all the other experiences are indoors. So even if the weather isn’t great, you’ll find plenty to do at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Furthermore, all these activities are included in your ticket . As already mentioned, for skiing, you’ll need a separate ski pass.

Please note that the cable car ticket is only valid for this line – between Zermatt and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. So if you also want to visit Gornergrat , you’ll need a separate ticket for that area or a Peak Pass that covers all the lifts in Zermatt.

Peak Pass is really expensive, especially if you are only visiting Zermatt for a day . Ideally, you explore one area per day (so Gornergrat on one day and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise on the other) as that will allow you to make the most of your day ticket for that specific area – see our suggestions below. If you stay in Zermatt for more than 2 days, then a Peak Pass offers good value, better than day tickets.

Good to know: Swiss Travel Pass gives you up to 50% discount on all the tickets in Zermatt. You can buy this pass online (ideally at least a few days before your trip). For more information, please check our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Swiss Travel Pass: What’s Included & Is It Worth It

What to wear

Be sure to dress warm and wear sensible shoes for visiting Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. In summer, you’ll definitely need a sweater here, and a light rain jacket is good to have too. In winter, dress really warm and wear good winter boots !

We visited Klein Matterhorn on a sunny warm summer day and we wore shorts, t-shirts, and fleece sweaters. Since we also did the Matterhorn Glacier Trail hike, we also wore hiking boots. But we didn’t hike to Breithorn. For that, you’d definitely need warmer clothing.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with kids

If you are wondering if you can visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with kids, then my answer is yes, absolutely! However, there’s something you should know if planning a visit with a baby or a toddler – see below.

Important to know! Due to a risk of altitude sickness, children under 3 years old are not allowed on the gondolas higher than Trockener Steg. So you cannot visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with children younger than 3 years.

But apart from that, children of any age will absolutely love a visit to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise! From the scenic gondola ride from Zermatt, the impressive views from the glass-bottomed Crystal Ride and the viewing platform at Klein Matterhorn, to the fascinating ice world inside the Glacier Palace, etc. There’s enough to keep the kids interested and entertained.

We visited Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with our three kids and they all enjoyed it. Their favorite experience was the Crystal Ride and the Glacier Palace.

The visit to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is not physically challenging at all. Unless you embark on any longer hikes, there is hardly any walking involved at all. The gondolas, the restaurant at Klein Matterhorn, and some activities at the top are also accessible with prams, pushchairs, or wheelchairs.

Good to know: Kids under 9 travel free , and children under 16 get a 50% discount for the gondolas to Klein Matterhorn.

TIP: If you have a Junior Travelcard and children are accompanied by a paying adult, kids under 16 can travel free of charge (you’ll still need to get the free scannable tickets for them for visiting Klein Matterhorn). And yes, foreigners and tourists can get this card for their kids as well. Just one thing to note – you’ll have to purchase it at one of the bigger train stations in Switzerland, before you arrive in Zermatt. But it’s well worth a detour – it can save you a fortune, even if you are only in Switzerland for a few days!

Is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise worth it?

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a very unique place that gives you easy access to some of the most incredible views in the Alps.

Not only can you see fantastic mountain panoramas, but you also get a bird’s eye view over the impressive Theodul Glacier right under your feet. In addition, the Glacier Palace is really special and well worth seeing, just like the Crystal Ride with jaw-dropping views of the glacier.

So yes, it’s well worth visiting Matterhorn Glacier Paradise when you are in Zermatt!

On the other hand, the ticket is quite expensive, and if you visit Klein Matterhorn on a cloudy day when the views are obstructed, you might be somewhat disappointed.

So a lot depends on when you go, how the weather is, and how much time you have. However, if you also take the time to explore the area deeper or do some hiking, you’ll find that it’s well worth it to visit the Klein Matterhorn area, not just for the peak itself.

Below, you can find our recommendations on how to make the most of your visit to Klein Matterhorn, the Glacier Paradise, and the beautiful area around it . Take a look!

What else to see & do when visiting Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

As already mentioned, the Klein Matterhorn ticket allows you to hop on and off at any of the intermediate gondola stations. So if you have an entire day for this area, be sure to make good use of your day ticket!

Here are some suggestions for things to do when visiting Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:

• Walk to a glacial lake and enjoy stunning views of the Matterhorn and the surroundings.
• Hike the Matterhorn Glacier Trail from Trockener Steg to Schwarzsee. It’s quite a long hike, so if you do this, be sure to start your day early. More info here: Hiking Matterhorn Glacier Trail .
• At Schwarzsee , walk to the lake and take some pictures with the ZERMATT sign. In summer, it’s also possible to go swimming in this glacial lake.
• Hike to Furi Suspension Bridge. This circular hike is easy and takes just 1 hour.
• Hike to Zmutt, and from there down to Zermatt. This is an easy-medium hike that will likely take about 1.5 – 2 hours, depending on which route you choose.

How to plan your time

If you have an entire day for the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the surrounding area, we recommend making the most of your ticket. In winter , you could go skiing here – it’s such a beautiful area and the ski runs are amazing!

And if you’re visiting in summer , we recommend the following itinerary for the Klein Matterhorn area:

• Early morning (8-9 AM): Visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The gondolas from Zermatt usually start running from 8-8.30 AM depending on the season. If you want to avoid the crowds, go early!
• Around 11 AM: Take a cable car to Trockenersteg and do the Matterhorn Glacier Trail. Count 2-2.5 hours for this hike. Pack a picnic or plan to eat at one of the restaurants at the beginning or at the end of this hike. There are no facilities in between.
• After the hike, take some time to relax at Schwarzsee and then take a gondola to Furi.
• Afternoon: In Furi, you have several easy hiking options. One is to walk to Furi Suspension Bridge, and from there to Gorner Gorge, and on to Zermatt. Alternatively, hike from Furi to Zmutt, and from there down to Zermatt. These are mostly downhill hikes and not too long either – a nice way to see more of the beautiful surroundings of the Zermatt area.

Important! Keep an eye on the gondola schedule if you are planning to take it all the way to Zermatt (instead of hiking down from Furi)! Gondolas usually run until 4-5 PM, depending on which station you take it from.

Good to know: You can adjust this itinerary and climb to Breithorn Peak instead of hiking the Matterhorn Glacier Trail, or you can skip the longer hikes altogether. Even if you don’t hike, it’s still worth leaving the gondola at each of the stations and exploring the surroundings.

There are also cafes/ mountain huts everywhere, so plenty of places for lunch, some cake in the afternoon, or simply a drink with amazing views around you.

TIP: If you only have a day in Zermatt and want to see all the best places in the shortest possible time, take a look at our recommended 1-day Zermatt itinerary .

So, this is our guide to visiting Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – Klein Matterhorn in Zermatt.

I hope that it gives you a better idea of what to expect and helps you make the most of your trip.

Be sure to check out our other guides to the Zermatt area:

• What to see: Best Things to Do in Zermatt
• Must-do: Gornergrat (all seasons) & Riffelsee Lake (summer)
• Best Hikes in Zermatt
• Matterhorn Glacier Trail – the best LONGER hike in Zermatt.
• Gornergrat Scenic Trail – the best SHORT hike in Zermatt.
• Riffelsee Lake Trail – the best EASY & SHORT hike in Zermatt.
• 5 Lakes Walk Zermatt – the best alpine scenery.
• Charles Kuonen Bridge Hike – visit the longest suspension bridge in the Alps.

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

Some of our favorite places in Switzerland:

• Best Day Trips from Lucerne
• Mt Pilatus Golden Round Trip
• How to Visit Mt Pilatus from Lucerne
• Jungfraujoch
• Schynige Platte
• Grindelwald – First
• … for more destinations, please check our Switzerland travel guide

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Thursday 13th of July 2023

Hi Jurga, My husband and I and another couple are going to Zermatt next month. I want to ride the gondolas up to see the Matterhorn. I want to ride the glass bottom ones as well. We do not want to hike or ski, just see all the views. Any advise? Amelia

Friday 14th of July 2023

@Jurga, Thank you!! Do you recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time? A few weeks / a few days? Would we be foolish to wait until we arrive the day of to purchase tickets? Amelia

Hi Amelia, simply take a gondola to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, upgrade to the glass-bottom gondola, and enjoy the views. They also just recently opened a gondola connection from Matterhorn to Cervinia in Italy, so if you start early and you like riding gondolas, you may want to take that one as well. For the best views, also consider taking a railway to Gornergrat - it's one of the top places to see in Zermatt. Enjoy your trip!

Friday 7th of April 2023

Information in your website is great. We are visiting Zermatt next month. I like your recommended itinerary for the Klein Matterhorn area. It seems fun since we like easy hikes. However, I want to know if you would recommend the Peak2Peak to visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat on the same day?

Babette Baltazar

Saturday 20th of May 2023

@Jurga, we just came back from our trip to Switzerland - Geneva, Zermatt, Interlaken, and Lucerne. We had a great time. The information in your travel blog for these places were very helpful. Even with snow along the way to the suspension bridge in Furi, we did the uphill hike. It was amazing. Well, everything in Switzerland is amazing. Thank you so much.

Tuesday 11th of April 2023

@Jurga, thank you so much for the information.

Saturday 8th of April 2023

Hi Babette, if you are planning to visit both - Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat on the same day, then it doesn't matter that much which ticket you get. At the moment, the Peak Pass for one day costs 195 CHF for adults and two separate tickets for each of those areas will cost you exactly the same (you can see here). The Peak Pass only gives a significant discount if you stay in the area for at least 3 days. If you are indeed visiting all these places in a day, either option is fine, but the Peak Pass is probably simpler because you only need one ticket. If you have two days, get separate tickets - one per day and per area. It's a bit cheaper that way than a 2-day pass. From 3 days on (and if planning to take trains/gondolas each day), the Peak Pass is better. As for hiking, if you are traveling in May, keep in mind that there might still be quite some snow at the higher altitudes, so you may not be able to do all the hikes as you expect. It really depends on the weather over the next weeks.

Friday 6th of January 2023

Your website is Great. Thank you. When doing the Matterhorn Glacier Trail you mention Steep spots. Are they steep in elevation or is Scrambling required? From Wisconsin, but go to Colorado & hike the trails there.

Monday 9th of January 2023

Hi Dave, if you do this hike downhill, it's not too difficult. The last part - just before you get to Schwarzsee is really steep downwards, so hiking poles can be useful. Without hiking poles, you may need to use your hands here or there for this part. You can see one picture from this part here and you can also read all the details about this hike here: Matterhorn Glacier Trail. If you are an avid hiker and the trail is not too wet, it's really nothing to worry about.

Home » Activities » Mountain Viewpoint

Zermatt Gornergrat – Best Matterhorn Views

• Valais , Zermatt
• Last Updated: 28 May 2023
• By Tanya, Founder of Swiss Family Fun

If you buy something through a link here, we may earn a commission. See our disclosure policy . Note that p rices and opening times may change without notice.

The Gornergrat is our favorite place to enjoy Matterhorn views. It’s easy to access with a cogwheel mountain train, which takes you up to the viewpoint at 3089m. At the top, you have a clear view of the Matterhorn, as well the impressive Gorner glacier and dozens of other tall peaks.

Of course, it can be crowded, especially in high season. But there’s lots of room to wander (most of it safe for kids with barriers) and many places to lounge and soak in the view. There are also plenty of services at the top, including a restaurant, gift shops, and hotel.

As part of this outing, you should definitely visit the nearby Riffelsee lake, a short walk from the train station. Even better, try one of the easy hiking options, allowing you to leave the crowds behind and enjoy the Matterhorn view a little longer.

Zermatt itinerary

How to get there, operating times, tickets for hikers, riding train up to gornergrat, exploring the top, optional walk up to viewpoint, hiking options, short walk to riffelsee lake, hike from riffelsee to riffelalp or riffelberg, hike from gornergrat to riffelsee.

If you want a printable itinerary for Zermatt that includes the Gornergrat, you can purchase my new eBook:

Switzerland with Kids: 3 Days in Zermatt

It’s a detailed three day itinerary for families, exploring the best parts of Zermatt. For each day, I include options for no hiking, easy hikes, longer hikes, and fun extras for kids, like playgrounds and scooter rides. Plus family-friendly hotels and restaurants, where to shop for essentials, how to get discount tickets, and optional day trips for longer itineraries.

The Gornergrat is a mountain viewpoint in Zermatt, in southern Switzerland ( see on Google Maps ). It is reached with a mountain train that goes from the Zermatt village to the Gornergrat viewpoint at 3089m.

Here is the Zermatt Summer Map , with the Gornergrat area circled in yellow. 

The Gornergrat train station is directly across from the Zermatt train station. You can’t miss it. See on map .

If you are staying in Zermatt: Simply walk to the Zermatt main train station or take any bus that goes to the train station.

To Zermatt by train: Simply take a train to Zermatt and exit the station. The Gornergrat mountain train station is directly across the street. 

To Zermatt by car: You cannot drive directly to Zermatt because it is a car-free village. So drive to Täsch ( Bahnhofstrasse 1, 3929 Täsch ) and park at the train station. Take a train to Zermatt, about a 12-15 min journey, trains leave about every 20 mins.

The Gornergrat train runs all year (except for brief breaks for revisions, check website for details ) and welcomes tourists in all seasons. Hiking season in this area is from about late June through mid-October, weather permitting. In winter, the train also services the ski slopes. Make sure to check the webcam before going up. There’s no reason to pay the big bucks if you will be stuck in a cloud.

During summer and winter, the train runs about every 24 minutes, from about 8:00 to 19:00. In spring and late fall, it runs less frequently, about once an hour. See current schedule .

Tickets for Gornergrat train

Note: Gornergrat is offering an anniversary discount from June – Sept 2023 – CHF 12.50 off a return ticket. Purchase online here .

To visit the Gornergrat, you’ll need a return ticket on the Gornergrat cogwheel train. You can purchase tickets at the Gornergrat ticket counter or book tickets online in advance to skip the ticket line. You do not need a reservation. Book tickets * 

The price varies by season. In 2023, a round trip adult ticket costs:

• CHF 126 in June-August
• CHF 110 in May/Sept/Oct
• CHF 88 from Nov-April. 

Children 9-15 are half-fare. Children under 9 ride free. See current prices .

If you are using discount cards, you must buy them in person. You get a 50% discount with GA, Swiss Travel Pass , SBB Half-fare card and children 6-16. No discount with Eurail, SBB Day Pass, or Gemeinde Day Pass. 

If you are hiking and skipping some of the train stations, you don’t need to pay for a full return trip on the Gornergrat train. You can buy a one-way ticket up to your starting point, then buy another one way ticket on your way down.

Each train station along the way has a ticket office. This gives you some flexibility to change your mind about how far you are hiking. 

The trains can fill up quickly in high season, so best to arrive a bit early to get in line. We get up early so it’s empty.

I recommend sitting on the right side of the train, since that’s the side where you’ll see the Matterhorn. But any seat has a good view so don’t worry too much. The train slowly winds its way up the mountain, taking about 38 minutes to reach the top.

Here is end of the line at the Gornergrat train station. From here you have a great view of the Matterhorn and two fantastic glaciers, not to mention all the surrounding alpine landscape. This area tends to be the most crowded because more people keep spilling out the train. So walk up the mountain a bit to escape the crush.

At the top, there is a large complex with a hotel, restaurant, cafe, souvenir shop, WC, etc.

We had lunch at the self-service cafe, which was adequate. The next time we went, we brought a picnic and ate it by the Riffelsee.

If you want to stretch your legs and vary the view, follow the paved path above the restaurant for a higher viewpoint.

At the top of this paved path, there is a big flat area with benches.

Beyond this, there is a short dirt path shown below. Not many people take it, so you can escape the crowds a bit here.

Follow the yellow “Hiking Loop” sign.

We spent about 30 mins walking around and building rock towers.

When you are done exploring, make your way back to the train and ride back to Zermatt. Or try one of the hiking options below.

There is a trail stretching from the Gornergrat top station, down to the Riffelsee, then to a couple alpine villages on the way down to Zermatt. Since the trail parallels the mountain railway, you can start and stop at different stations, making it easy to adjust the trail length.

The easiest option is to ride the train one stop down to Rotenboden. You can exit the train and get back on with your round trip ticket. It’s a five minute walk down to the Riffelsee. Many of the classic pictures you’ll see of the Matterhorn are taken here, with the mountain reflected in this lake.

This a popular choice, but still not nearly as crowded as the Gornergrat viewpoints. The path to the lake is not stroller-friendly, but it’s super short (5 mins, 400m) and worth the effort. Here is the trail down to the lake.

For families (or anyone really), we really like the Riffelseeweg trail, about 3 km from Riffelsee to Riffelberg, where you can catch the Gornergrat train back to Zermatt. It’s not suitable for strollers, but it’s not difficult. We were practically the only ones on the trail and the Matterhorn was in view almost the entire trail. See details for the Riffelseeweg trail here .

You can also hike from Gornergrat to the Riffelsee, a lovely rocky hike parallel to the train tracks. I really enjoyed this section, both in fall and as a snowshoe trail . If you want a long hike, just keep walking once you reach the Riffelsee and continue to Riffelberg. 

See more Zermatt family hikes

Don’t forget to Pin this for later…

• TAGS: Our Favorites

You might also like

Support us!

When you book something through our links, it costs you the same but we earn a small commission. This support helps us keep our website free to use. Thanks!

via SkyScanner

via Booking.com

via DiscoverCars

via GetYourGuide

We respect your privacy. Please review our privacy policy to understand how we process and store data submitted through the comment form below. If you submit this form, you explicitly agree to the terms described in our privacy policy.

25 Responses

Thanks for all the details. This was very helpful to plan my trip. We are looking forward to our trip.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful, helpful post! very excited to try this hike on our upcoming trip

You are so welcome! Thanks for taking the time to write a comment. It’s so nice to hear from people that found the blog helpful. Wishing you a great trip!

Oh. How. I. Love. Reading. About. Your. Adventures! I have a question about this hike from Rotenboden to RiffelALP. The map that you’ve included shows the trail ending at RiffelBERG. We will be taking our grandchildren on this hike in two weeks, but are slightly confused. Is the most scenic hike from Rotenboden to RiffelBERG the one that shows the longest time? After we get to RiffelBERG, it looks like there’s only one choice of trails from RiffelBERG to RiffelALP.

Thanks! We have hiked from Rotenboden to Riffelberg twice, the route shown in this post. That trail has amazing views the whole time. We have never continued the hike from Riffelberg to Riffelalp, but I examined the possible trails on Google Earth and I think this route would be best: https://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=zwwklqmxwjtyozop. It bypasses Riffelberg and goes directly to Riffelalp. I think will be the best. Let me know if you do it. Have fun!

Hi. Loved the way u described the place. We are traveling with our parents aged 65+ and DO 18 months in may to Switzerland. Wanted to know can we do the hike with her. We will have to carry her in carrier.

Hi, Your blog is very informative about travelling to Zermat and hiking activities, thank you, love it a lot.

I will be there with my family (2 kids 5 yo and 8 yo), seemed that your hiking route is doable for my kids at their age. Do you think the weather on October 20-ish still possible for this hiking?

we are planning to go morning to Gornergrat and enjoy the viewing before we start the hiking and reach Riffleberg by lunch time. Will there be any restaurant to stop by in Riffleberg?

reading your blog, i think the hiking is very much self-manage easily, with all the direction/information available throughout the track, am i correct? so no need to book guide for the hiking activities

thanks so much in advance

So glad you found my blog helpful. It’s very possible that the Riffelsee hike is covered in snow by 20 Oct, but just check the webcams before you go to see if the trail is still possible. Yes, there are two restaurants in Riffelberg, but again you’ll have to check the websites to see if they are open that weekend. I hope you have a wonderful time in Zermatt!

Hi Tanya – when did you go to Zermatt/Matterhorn region? I’m guessing summer from the clothing but would be interested which month?! And/or if you’d recommend anywhere to stay (if you do that). Thanks!

Hi Claire, We’ve been to Zermatt twice, both times in late July, early August. I’ve heard from friends that the weather tends to be clearer in September and October, better chance of seeing the Matterhorn. But it’s just luck. I don’t have any recs on where to stay (we rented apartments in towns near Zermatt). But my friend Kate has a couple suggestions on her blog: http://www.mominzurich.com/weekend-in-zermatt/ and http://www.mominzurich.com/skiing-in-zermatt/ Wishing you a great trip!

Are there any playgrounds in Zermatt?

Sorry for the late reply. Yes, there are lots of playgrounds in Zermatt. You can see a complete list here: http://www.zermatt.ch/en/families/Outdoor-Activities/Playgrounds

Wow, so thorough and gorgeous! Thanks for this! That really isn't so bad for a hike with a 3 year old. So encouraging!

damn you Matterhorn!! (for that camera, lol) .. such amazing pictures and great adventure for kids!! As soon as mine are bit bigger we shall start as well… My friend just moved to Zurich I passed her your blog for inspiration 🙂

We loved this hike too and I am sooo envious of the fantastic weather you had! It's so hit or miss up there. Just means we need to go again, I think!

A fantastic trip. It's great to read such a practical guide, thanks. Hope to follow in your footsteps soon.

An absolute must for sure! Thanks for all the great info and advice 🙂

Wonderful photos and great advice. I'd love to bring the kids here over the summer. Thanks for the inspiration!

We were thinking about a trip in September and this will be so so helpful! thank you!

Wow! We are also planning our trip for September! This is so helpful and really makes me think it is possible! Hurrah! Thank you!

Oh I love the Matterhorn, who doesn't!? We stayed in Zermatt for Christmas ski week. Would love to see it in all its summer glory!

Planning a trip for September when my sister is in town and we will have an extra set of hands (3:2 is a decent ratio with our 3 yo and 5 yo). Thanks for the post…this will give me a great start for researching our trip. Now, hopefully I can find accommodations and nice weather!

Tanya, thanks so much for the helpful advice. We will be traveling to Zermatt the first week of July and now I know the best way to go about it. Hopefully, we will be have a sunny day like you. It is always tricky in Switzerland.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Hi! I’m Tanya and our family has been living & hiking in Switzerland since 2005, collecting dozens of fun hikes and activities for all ages and abilities. More about us…

Need help planning?

Short on time? Get our interactive map with curated itineraries. Learn more…

Have questions? Book a video call with me to create a custom itinerary.

Need inspiration? Get our Switzerland Bucket List ebook with twenty “Top 10” checklists.

Subscribers may login below. At the moment, membership is by invite only.

Off to the highest mountain station in Europe

Matterhorn glacier paradise.

• Book early and save
• without queuing into the mountains
• Secure online shopping

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise can be reached from Zermatt in a journey time of around 40 minutes, including changes. Here you can find the return ticket to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

At an airy 3'883 metres of altitude you will find Europe’s highest mountain station. Want to go higher still? The summit lift will bring you to the viewing platform with a 360º panoramic view that includes 38 Alpine giants. A visit to the world’s highest glacier palace will make the excursion an experience you will never forget. Travel in one of the Matterhorn Glacier Ride’s brand new Crystal Ride cabins for a special thrill. 

The following ticket options are available for individual trips to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: 

• Return ticket
• Full fare (100%) or half-fare (50%) where relevant discount applies
• Return trip to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (option of getting on or off at stations en route)
• Admission to the Glacier Palace 
• Use of the viewing platform and the Cinema Lounge (as timetabled)
• Admission to the 3S InfoCube 
• Bike transport (as far as Trockener Steg)
• Dogs are carried for free
• Bambini 3 - 8.99 years of age* free
• Children 9 - 15.99 years of age 50%
• Children 9 - 15.99 years of age with Junior Card/Grandchild Card (accompanied) free
• GA, half-fare, Swiss Travel Pass 50%
• Groups from 10 guests please send requests to [email protected]

* Children under three years of age are not allowed to travel on the section from Trockener Steg to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise for health reasons (altitude sickness). 

The amount of the reduction depends on the date of birth. Offical ID showing date of birth required. 

• Single: 2 days
• Return: 10 days

Questions & answers

No, the ticket prices are exactly the same. However, the Matterhorn app has a smaller range of tickets to choose from. In the Matterhorn app you can also load ski passes onto the SBB Swisspass. The Matterhorn app is available to download free from the App Store  or Google Play store .

With the half-fare card/GA you get 50% off the following tickets:

• Single & return tickets to all stations in Switzerland (until and including Testa Grigia)
• Peak2Peak ticket, Gornergrat round trip ticket
• Kombi-tickets
• Bike passes

On the Peak Pass you get a 25% discount with the half-fare card/GA.

You can buy the reduced tickets online if you have a SwissPass with a valid half-fare/GA travelcard. The ticket will be charged directly to your card. Please remember to carry the SwissPass card with you (mobile SwissPass is not possible). Otherwise, we ask you to buy your reduced tickets at one of our sales points upon presentation of your reduction card.

13 Amazing Things To Do in Zermatt Switzerland

A s a non-skier, I’m not as familiar with the small towns and villages along the Swiss Alps. But the moment I saw a photo of the picturesque destination of Zermatt with the iconic Matterhorn peak in the background, I knew I would love to visit it. Zermatt is in the Visp district and Valais Canton, not far from the northern Italian border, making it a great place to visit as part of a larger Italy/Switzerland trip.

We loved our short visit to Zermatt and enjoyed the various Zermatt Switzerland attractions. While we visited in the summer, we’ve included some things to do in Zermatt in the winter.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.

We visited Zermatt as part of our Adventures by Disney Italy/Switzerland trip. After looking at the photos online, we were so excited to visit. It’s such a quaint, charming town.

Our trip started in Stresa after we flew into the Milan airport. After four nights in Stresa, we made the journey into Zermatt.

13 Amazing Zermatt Switzerland Attractions and Things To Do

The matterhorn.

Of course, if you are planning to visit the village of Zermatt, you’ll definitely want to see the Matterhorn. Depending on the weather/cloud cover, you can see the Zermatt Matterhorn peak from most areas of the town. There are some additional ways to get a little closer and to get some fantastic views of the Matterhorn. But it was also just great to see it as we did other things in town, like shop and sit on our hotel room balcony.

Gornergrat Railway

The Gornergrat Bahn Railway offers a great way to get some fantastic views of both the Matterhorn and the other mountain peaks. The train takes you from the village in Zermatt up to the Gornergrat Station, about 10,000 feet above sea level. There are amazing views the whole way up (and down!).

The Gornergrat Railway is something you can completely take at your own pace. Just grab a schedule at the village station, or check online. The ticket allows you to get off and get back on (each station only once). Or, you can just choose to go to the top, admire the view, and then go back down for a round trip.

Popular activities throughout the journey include hiking and mountain biking. In the summer, you may also want to find the popular Wallis blacknose sheep. They roam from late June to early September and are wearing GPS-enabled collars. You can find them by using the information on the official website .

We opted to go all the way to the top to the viewing platform to take photos. Then, my family also chose to hike down to the next station, while I took the train all the way down. We didn’t have too much free time, and I wanted to do some shopping.

If you’d like to do an official hike, there are maps of hiking trails online . We saw people with all different ability levels, from casual hikers to some with hiking poles and other equipment.

You can purchase priority boarding tickets here , or buy regular tickets (or priority) in person, based on availability. You can also buy online .

See the Goats

While we didn’t see the sheep in Zermatt, we did see the goats. We had heard all about these famous goats, who walk through the center of town each day, twice a day. The approximately 50 goats are led through town in a parade at about 9 am and 5 pm.

On one of our vacation days, we heard their bells around 5 pm and ran out just in time to see their march. It’s really fun to watch them. You can see more information here .

Spas and Hotels

As you walk through the town of Zermatt, you’ll see beautiful, quaint hotels and inns. Many of these hotels offer spas, pools, and more activities. Even if you aren’t a guest of one of these hotels, you should be able to book a spa treatment if you’d like to enjoy some pampering on your vacation.

You can see some of the top spas in Zermatt here.

Horse and Carriage Rides

Adding to the quaintness of the town of Zermatt is the fact that standard motor vehicles are not permitted. Without cars in town, it is much more walkable.

Guests coming in from the train station can be greeted by a mini electric car. Horse and carriage rides are also available to some guests, depending on the hotel.

You can find more information on horse and carriage rides in Zermatt here .

Forest Fun Park

One of the best things on our vacation agenda was the Forest Fun Park in Zermatt. My family loves ziplining and ropes courses, so we were excited to experience this in such a picturesque environment.

If you are planning to do the Forest Fun Park during your trip, you’ll want to make sure you pack the appropriate attire – pants or longer shorts, and close-toed shoes. There are two different options – the kids’ trail and the big trail.

After getting outfitted with our safety equipment (harness, helmet, and gloves), we watched a safety briefing. Then, we each went through two small ziplines first, before being cleared for the larger courses.

There are a total of five different trails in this big trail area. They are named for colors and vary based on the intensity level and the composition of the ziplines/ropes course obstacles. Some have more ropes course obstacles, while others have more zips. Guests can do any combination of these courses, within three hours.

I struggled a bit with the course (my petite size didn’t help!). My kids, however, absolutely loved this course. They went through the lines multiple times.

While the thrills were exciting, the views were absolutely fantastic. If you visit, be sure to stop and look around because it’s really stunning. On our visit, the sky was clear and we had some great views of the Matterhorn.

When we were done, there was a small little snack stand where you can sit and relax. They have cold drinks for purchase – necessary after a few hours in the sun.

The Forest Fun Park is a short walk from the village. Some guests also took small electric taxis, which will quickly take you to and from the park.

Matterhorn Museum

Want to learn about the history of Zermatt and the Matterhorn? The Matterhorn Museum is a subterranean museum focused on showcasing the transformation and development of Zermatt into the town it is today. It also showcases the history of the first ascent of the Matterhorn and the lives lost during that trip as well as special exhibitions.

Dated online tickets can be purchased in advance on the official Zermatt website .

Snow Activities and Winter Sports

While I’m not a skier, it’s apparent that the ski resort Zermatt is a fantastic place to enjoy world-class skiing in the winter season. The luxurious resorts that line the village offer cozy firepits, ski storage, luxurious pools, and other amenities that skiers seek and appreciate.

Zermatt is also home to some FIS Alpine World Cup races. Special packages are available from the various local hotels for this event.

You can see more information on skiing and snowboarding in Zermatt here .

Shopping In Zermatt

I love shopping, so I was especially excited to take some time to explore the little shops that line the main street in Zermatt. It’s not a large street, but it’s filled with some cute stores with fun merchandise.

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc, not the Euro (they aren’t in the EU). Prices are generally pretty high, and the conversion can be a little misleading if you are used to Euros. Meaning, you may be paying more for an item than you think you are paying.

Some of the best merchandise to find in the shops include chocolate (of course), Swiss Army knives that could be personalized while you wait, cuckoo clothes, clothing (pricey, but some great options), and watches. I also found some really nice disposable Swiss pens in one of the gift shops.

If you enjoy shopping, you won’t need to reserve too much time. Just be sure to be mindful of their hours – shops often closed for lunch and weren’t open too late into the evenings.

Eating Various Cuisines

For a really small area, I was surprised at all of the different cuisines represented by the restaurants in Zermatt. Of course, there are Swiss restaurants with traditional dishes, including Restaurant Walliserstube, and Restaurant Whymper-Stube, which were both highly recommended. Be sure to get fondue.

Thanks to the proximity to the Italian border, there are also some great Italian restaurants. We visited Grampy’s Restaurant, an Italian restaurant with different kinds of pasta and pizzas. Other options include Molino and Le Chalet Da Giuseppe.

Although I was initially skeptical, one of our favorite restaurants during our vacation was the Brown Cow Pub. Offering burgers, wings, and fries, the Brown Cow is a casual spot that doesn’t require reservations. The food quality is excellent, and we really enjoyed dining there.

Photography

For an amateur photographer, Zermatt is an absolute paradise. In addition to the Matterhorn, which is obviously a heavily photographed icon, there are other great things to take pictures of. There are animals (the sheep and goats), shops, flowers, plants, the Visp River, panoramic views, and much more.

In addition to my iPhone, I brought along two specialty cameras. I used my Insta360 X3 for 360-degree pictures of the mountains and of the town, while my Insta360 Go3 was clipped to my helmet at the Forest Fun Park.

Both of these cameras are small and easy to tuck into a carry-on bag . I used them throughout Switzerland, including our day at Mount Titlis .

Paragliding

Want a completely unique view of Zermatt and the mountains? This tandem paragliding ride can be booked in advance. Since it’s a tandem trip, you won’t have to worry about anything – the guide will handle the logistics of the paragliding.

I didn’t get a chance to do this, but the tour is highly rated. I’d still recommend doing your due diligence. There is also a list of prohibited items on the website – be sure to review those so you don’t bring something that you aren’t allowed to have.

Book the Paragliding

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car

Another thing I wish I had the opportunity to experience is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car. This trip’s starting point is at the Zermatt-Matterhorn Valley station, with a stopover at the Trockerner Steg. From there, you’ll board a cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Palace – a popular attraction in the area.

This area includes ice sculptures, a restaurant, a shop, and a small cinema. You can book tickets for this excursion here .

Book the Matterhorn Glacier

Paradise Cable Car here

Getting to Zermatt

Although cars are not permitted in Zermatt, it’s fairly easy to reach by train. If you are driving (or taking a motor coach), you’ll park in nearby Täsch and take a quick train ride into the town of Zermatt. There are lots of trains running throughout the day, so this is a very easy process.

The train takes you to the Zermatt town center. Many of the hotels are within short walking distance, or many of the hotels have small electric vehicles available to take you.

Flying in? The closest international airports are either Geneva Switzerland or Zurich Switzerland. Once you land, you can take a train to Zermatt.

Get details on the Swiss Travel Pass here .

Where to Stay in Zermatt

For a small town, Zermatt has some fantastic luxury hotels. For our trip, we stayed at the Mont Cervin Palace . This beautiful hotel offers a spa, pool, restaurant, fantastic location, and beautiful rooms.

While the hotel didn’t have air conditioning, our room had a sitting room, one and a half baths, a desk, and a gorgeous balcony with a view of the Matterhorn. We had two rooms for our family of four – adjacent, but not connecting rooms. I loved sitting outside and enjoying the views.

Frequently Asked Questions

The temperatures during our visit were in the high 60s to low 70s. It was so comfortable. I really enjoyed visiting in the summer months, but you’ll want to visit during the winter months if you want to ski.

It does depend on the types of activities you want to do. I’d recommend that you spend at least three nights in Zermatt to have time to do multiple activities and not rush through things.

The post 13 Amazing Things To Do in Zermatt Switzerland appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

Get ready for your next iconic adventure like a pro with these tips

From climbing Kilimanjaro to walking the Camino de Santiago, we asked guides, travelers, and explorers for hacks on how to train for these trips of a lifetime.

The start of a new year is often the time people resolve to tackle bucketlist travel goals: rafting the Colorado River , scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef , exploring the poles. But how does an entry- to intermediate-level adventurer start preparing to make those big dreams a reality?

In 2010, to train for an assignment that required me to live for weeks at Mount Everest Base Camp (elevation 17,598 feet), I snuggled into my cold-weather sleeping bag on the deck outside my home in northern Minnesota during a few weeks of sub-zero temperatures in January. I started with a few hours in daylight and eventually slept out all night without a tent. That exercise helped me discern the number of clothing layers I would need to stay warm and put to rest my fear that I would freeze to death.

The best training isn’t always physical, sometimes it’s psychological or even spiritual. And every adventure requires developing a specific set of skills. That’s why we’ve asked the following experts for their advice on how to approach seven iconic travel experiences.

Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef

“It’s preferable to learn to dive in a place where there’s warm, clear water, as poor visibility can be disorienting and cold water makes it difficult to equalize and draw deep breaths,” says Carrie Miller, co-author of National Geographic’s A Diver’s Guide to the World . Neither should be a problem on the Great Barrier Reef, off the northeastern coast of Australia . There, visibility ranges between 30 to 100 feet depending on the season and water temperatures range from 72 degrees Fahrenheit in the austral summer to 84 degrees in the austral winter.

With many dive training organizations, she says, you can do the coursework and pool sessions in your hometown and complete your course on the Great Barrier Reef.

“Some people don’t take to scuba diving straight away and that’s okay,” she says. “It’s common to struggle with skills like mask clearing and the experience can feel overwhelming.” Practice doing laps in a pool wearing a mask that’s half full of water. This will help you get used to the sensation of water sloshing around your nose.

( Scared to scuba? Here are five reasons it’s finally time to learn .)

One thing to know about the reef is that it has already lost half its corals, so instead of expecting to dive in pristine beauty, use your trip as “an opportunity to learn about the pressures facing the reef,” says Miller.

Whitewater rafting the Grand Canyon  

Extreme heat and submersion are two major risk factors when rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon —neither of which are easy to prepare for in advance, says Kevin Fedarko, a former Colorado River guide and author of the forthcoming book , A Walk in the Park: The Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon.

“There’s an old saying among river guides: ‘If you’re hot, you’re stupid.’ ” To cool off in summer temperatures that often rise well above a hundred degrees, Fedarko recommends that rafters, always under the supervision of their guides, jump into placid sections of the river with their clothes on several times per day. “The Colorado is the best AC you’ve got,” he says. “Getting all of your clothing completely wet allows the effect of evaporative cooling to bring your body temperature back toward normal.”

( Explore 10 amazing river trips in North American parks .)

As for getting dunked in a monster rapid, says Fedarko, “unless you’re a Class V kayaker, the pure shock of being tossed in is so overwhelming there’s little you can do to prepare short of filling up your bathtub with 59-degree water and trying to simulate what it’s like.”

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

The trip to the “ Roof of Africa ,” which soars 19,340 feet above Kilimanjaro National Park , Tanzania , does not require technical climbing skills, but it still calls for caution. Many people ascend too quickly before properly acclimatizing, ultimately succumbing to altitude sickness.

To prepare physically for the ascent, Dave Hahn, a mountaineer and guide for RMI Expeditions , recommends pushing pre-trip workouts beyond just one or two hours at a time. Spend entire days outside doing just about anything. “Ski, snowshoe, pull weeds, whatever. Be slightly uncomfortable for twelve hours at a time,” he says.

( Here’s how the pursuit of one European peak gave rise to modern mountaineering .)

On Kilimanjaro, Hahn tries to time it so that he reaches Uhuru Peak with the sunrise, requiring a near-midnight start, followed by a nearly 10,000-foot descent back to Mweka Camp. “Summit days are extremely long, like 11 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Kili.”

Skiing the Alps

“Skiing in the Alps is so different,” compared to the U.S., says Gordy Megroz, the author of National Geographic’s 100 Slopes of a Lifetime . “The resorts are enormous and often connected.”

For example, Matterhorn Ski Paradise , the highest ski area in the Alps, spans Switzerland and Italy . Because “the hotels are better in Zermatt and the food is better in Italy,” Megroz prefers to stay in Switzerland and ski 6.5 miles in the shadow of the Matterhorn to Cervinia, Italy, to eat lunch.

To prepare for such epic runs, he says, build your endurance and strength by signing up a few months in advance for two- or three-times-per week CrossFit (a workout that focuses on varied, high-intensity, functional movements) or Orange Theory (a workout that focuses on heart-rate zone training) classes. Or find a personal trainer who can set you up with a specific ski training plan.

( Climate change is altering how visitors experience Switzerland’s Eiger mountain .)

“There are no ski areas in the Alps that are easy,” says Megroz—the reason he advises beginner or intermediate skiers to stay on groomed trails, known as “on-piste,” in Europe. If you’re an advanced intermediate and want to explore off-piste, says Megroz, hire a guide. In Europe, unlike in the U.S., many of the ungroomed runs are not bombed by the ski patrol to clear avalanches. “You can certainly ski the off-piste stuff on your own,” says Megroz, “but it’s dangerous.”

Cycling in Tuscany

Few journeys are more idyllic than cycling past the olive groves and vineyards of the Tuscan countryside. On trips like these, “endurance serves travelers more than speed,” says Lauren Hefferon, the founder of 35-year-old bike tour company Ciclismo Classico .

“I always remind people that if they are going on a bike trip, they have all day to cycle the 35 to 40 miles from point A to point B. But even if you ride three to four times per week [pre-trip],” she says, “that will not prepare you for the hills of Tuscany.”

( Take a road trip through Tuscany's breathtaking countryside .)

In addition to logging hours on your bike, Hefferon also recommends going to a gym two to three times per week to build core strength, always reminding clients that multi-day cycling trips are not a race. “Speed might cause exhaustion, disappointment, and an accident.”

Exploring the poles

“People look at these big trips and see the end product,” says Eric Larsen, the polar explorer who in 2010 was the first to reach the North and South Poles and climb Mount Everest in one year. “What you don’t see is the process of getting there.”

This January, Larsen is leading an eight-day polar training course that aims to train BIPOC polar adventurers. His co-leader is Emily Ford , the first Black woman to hike Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail . “I have this philosophy: Train hard, travel easy,” says Larsen. During the course, held on Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota, the attendees spend three days learning how to dress even before they step on to the ice to train.

“It’s very deliberate how slow we go,” says Larsen. “We’re not just throwing people into the woods and telling them, ‘Here’s a toothpick and a piece of jerky.’ The more time you spend outside getting to know your body, the better off you’ll be.”

Walking the Camino de Santiago

Millions of people have walked the Camino de Santiago, the iconic pilgrimage created in the ninth century by the Catholic Church. It’s the one bucket-list travel experience that doesn’t require much—if any—preparation, according to Andrew McCarthy.

In the 1990s, the actor and writer, a self-professed “long-ago lapsed Catholic,” walked the route from Saint Jean Pied-de-Port, France , crossing the Pyrenees mountains, and arriving 500 miles later in Santiago de Compostela, Spain . Halfway through, McCarthy had a life-changing moment when he broke down sobbing in the middle of a field, realizing that fear had dominated his life, a story he retells in his book The Longest Way Home . McCarthy returned to Spain in 2021 to walk the Camino again with his then-19-year-old son, which resulted in his latest book, Walking with Sam .

( Here are three ways to plan a Camino de Santiago hiking pilgrimage . )

So, what is it about this path that is so compelling? “I find walking a powerful thing,” says McCarthy. “It’s the natural rhythm at which we are meant to process things.”

His advice? “Go! Buy your ticket and go within a week. The beauty of the Camino is that it requires no preparation, just a good pair of walking shoes.”

Related Topics

• EXPEDITIONS
• EXPLORATION
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL

You May Also Like

20 of the coolest travel adventures for 2024

Here are the best ways to get outdoors in all 50 states

For hungry minds.

How travellers can join marine scientists predicting the future in Mozambique

7 of the best reef-safe sunscreens

These images will help you see coral reefs in a whole new way

The world’s largest flattop mountain is an adventurer’s paradise

The top 3 adventures in The Florida Keys & Key West

• Environment
• Paid Content
• Photography
• Perpetual Planet

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Experiences

Where to go, what to do and where to stay in picture perfect Switzerland

Advertisement.

The ultimate Swiss luxury vacation.

View of Lauterbrunnen valley and Staubbach Fall in Swiss Alps, Switzerland. (Photo: iStock)

This audio is AI-generated.

Asian travellers seem to have a soft spot for mountainous Switzerland. Maybe the enduring popularity of a certain K-drama called Crash Landing On You, which had pivotal scenes filmed in Switzerland, has something to do with it. Or perhaps its picturesque natural landscapes are so different from the bustling metropolises of Asia, making it one for the bucket list.

So, if you want to indulge in the best that the country has to offer, here are the most luxurious highlights of some of the most popular destinations across the country.

Interlaken: Set jet to an evergreen K-drama filming location

The deep turquoise blue lakes of Interlaken and the snowcapped mountain peaks of the surrounding Jungfrau region might look familiar because this is the region where many Crash Landing on You scenes were filmed. Plus, the town of Interlaken is also a pleasant two-hour train ride from Zurich airport, making this an ideal first stopover upon arrival.

While adventure sports like snowboarding or paragliding (which features prominently in the series) are popular here, a high octane activity that does not require much physical dexterity on the participant’s part is a jet boat ride by Outdoor Switzerland on Lake Brientz, one of two lakes that flank Interlaken. Much of the ride is calm – the boat glides along the lake’s mirror-still surface – so there is time to appreciate the imposing mountain peaks and impressive waterfalls. But every so often, the guide will floor the pedal, causing the boat to spin wildly in a 360-degree turn, for a neat boost of adrenaline. Tip: Ask your guide to point out the pier at the historic town of Iseltwald, where the pivotal piano scene of CLOY was filmed.

In Interlaken, the historic Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – conveniently located in front of a paragliding landing field – is one of the best stays in the area with its classically designed rooms that offer great views of the mountain range.

Otherwise, the rustic Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof in the charming town of Grindelwald offers easy access to the nearby Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe at an elevation of 3,463m – no hiking necessary.

Take the new Eiger Express tricable gondola, which not only takes a speedy 15 minutes to get to the peak, it is also extremely stable even in windy conditions. For an extra-special ascent, consider the VIP package, which includes access to a lounge as well as a ride on a specially designed private gondola cabin with swivel armchairs for panoramic views and a celebratory glass of champagne.

A glass train, the Matterhorn, and a Singaporean speeding down a mountain

Lausanne and Vevey: The Swiss Riviera

That swanky Riviera lifestyle awaits on a sojourn to the cities of Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux, located along the northeastern shore of Lac Leman (as French speakers call Lake Geneva).

Each city is known for something a little different – the annual Montreux Jazz Festival is held in Montreux; Vevey’s old town hosts the ancient Fete des Vignerons wine festival and Lausanne is the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee. Its excellent  Olympic Museum , which has interactive exhibits as well as plenty of Olympics-related memorabilia, is well worth a visit especially since the Summer Olympics takes place in Paris this year.

Also make time to visit the picturesque, terraced vineyards of the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that continues to produce light, crisp and fruity wines made from the local chasselas grapes.

The best way to commute is to hop on a historic Belle Epoque paddle steamboat . Featuring handcrafted interiors which have been restored to their former glory, there are restaurants and lounges within these elegant boats for a leisurely, multi-course meal, all in the name of slow travel.

You cannot beat staying at Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, a 160-year-old grand European hotel with its own Guerlain Spa, some of the most aesthetically pleasing classically designed rooms and suites in the country as well as the two Michelin starred Anne-Sophie Pic restaurant, slated to reopen this September.

Or, for a bit of fashion history, sister hotel Lausanne Palace has a magnificent Coco Chanel suite, named for the designer who once lived there and which still houses several artefacts of hers, like a mini writing desk.

At Umana Bali, you can have an unforgettable time without ever leaving your villa

Geneva: A city of fine living

You know you are in Geneva when building rooftops are adorned with signs spelling out luxury Swiss watch brands like Rolex and Baume & Mercier. After all, this is the city that hosts the world's biggest watch fair, Watches and Wonders.

For weekend getaways or those travelling in larger groups, the Ultima Geneva Grand Villa , located about 20-minute drive from the city, is a swanky nine-room private residence complete with its own staff including a private chef and butler. Its impressive array of features includes outdoor pools, a hammam and screening room. There is even a cavernous underground entertainment centre that we hear is suitable for private parties.

Within the city centre, the all-suite Pierre-Yves Rochon-designed The Woodward stands out like a jewel. Its stunning light-filled Mont Blanc suites with a separate living room and a spacious bathroom are standouts, especially on a sunny day when the mountain can be viewed from across Lake Geneva.

The hotel also houses two-Michelin starred l’Atelier Robuchon . Helmed by executive chef Olivier Jean, who previously headed up the group’s Taipei outpost, expect familiar favourites like perfectly seared steaks and fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes as well as delightful seasonal fare.

Elsewhere, watch shopping is unparalleled but for an artisanal experience, assemble your own mechanical watch at watches and jewellery workshop Initium . Chocoholics will enjoy the city’s Choco Pass , which offers generous tastings (and discounts) at various local chocolatiers including modern chocolatier Giullaume Bichet and the family owned Canonica. And oenophiles can hop on a quaint tuk tuk ride by tour company Welo to visit nearby vineyards and sample some of the city’s finest wines fresh from the source.

Stylish stays: The hotels that these 8 design creatives fell in love with

Chur: Capital city of the Swiss Alps

Chur is the capital of the east Switzerland canton of Graubunden, known for the swish resort town of St. Moritz and health resort destination Davos, popularised as the location of the annual World Economic Forum.

It is also a hub of the Rhaetian Railway, which includes the iconic Glacier Express train that meanders through the Alps across 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. Its Excellence Class seats with oversized windows, are highly recommended for panoramic view. Like a business class flight, the cabin service includes multi-course meals with wine pairings.

To break up the long train journey, stay overnight in the lively university town of Chur. Here, you take a cableway ride from the city centre directly into the mountains. Alternatively, for an undeniably Swiss encounter, let loose and learn how to play the traditional Swiss Alphorn under the tutelage of local legend Werner Erb , an amiable musician with a gift for coaxing simple tunes out of even the most bemused novice.

Thailand's suite spots: The most opulent stay options at remarkable resorts around the country

Zurich: Switzerland’s largest city

Zurich, the country’s financial hub, is the ideal place to cap off a Swiss vacation, especially since it boasts a wealth of cultural attractions, including numerous museums.

The Zurich Opera House offers a lineup of performances while its atmospheric Old Town is home to the historic Grossmunster and Fraumunster churches, the latter featuring stunning stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall.

One museum worth visiting is the Kunsthaus Zurich , which houses an impressive but controversial collection of Impressionist art amassed by World War II arms dealer and industrialist Emil Georg Buhrle. Amid growing controversy, the exhibition was re-curated last November to offer detailed information on Buhrle’s background and the provenance of the artwork, making this an intriguing case study on how modern museums handle disputed artefacts within their collections.

Luxury shopping can be found along Banhofstrasse, the Champs Elysee of Switzerland. This is also where the original outpost of haute chocolatier Sprungli stands, and its decadent truffles are well worth the indulgence.

Luxury hotels are in abundance in this area: There is the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Savoy as well as the Park Hyatt Zurich, a mainstay for pampered travellers, whether for business or leisure.

For a vibrant contrast to the old town, head across the train tracks at Zurich’s main train station to trendy Zurich West, a former industrial area that has been revitalised with former factories and warehouses repurposed into trendy bars, restaurants, galleries and independent Swiss-owned shops.

How to get around Switzerland in style

As a country that prides itself on sustainability, most travellers use Switzerland’s excellent public transport system of trains, buses, trams and boats to get around.

SBB’s luggage transfer service for same day door-to-door luggage delivery is a godsend to avoid dragging huge suitcases through the train stations.

Like the Glacier Express, the GoldenPass Express train, which connects Interlaken to Montreux also has an extra-premium cabin. Its Prestige travel class features plush heated leather seats and are positioned at the front of the train on a slightly elevated platform for even better views. Order the cheese and charcuterie board – and good Swiss wine – and you are set.

The Airportr luggage transfer will pick up your luggage on your day of departure and get them checked in for your flight so you can skip the bag drop queue at the airport.

Sonia Cheng, scion of Hong Kong’s New World billionaire family, is steering the Rosewood hotel brand to new heights

Dawn Teo, owner of Amara Hotel Singapore, wants to build ‘good hotels, handsome buildings in thriving cities’

This Singaporean architect was tasked to refurbish one of the highest placed hotels in the world

Related topics, recommended, recent searches, trending topics, this browser is no longer supported.

We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with CNA to be fast, secure and the best it can possibly be.

To continue, upgrade to a supported browser or, for the finest experience, download the mobile app.

Upgraded but still having issues? Contact us

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Attractions

This New Swiss Museum Is the Perfect Way to Get Your Kids Excited About Science — Here's How to Visit and What to See

Particle physics is having a moment (ever heard of a little film called "Oppenheimer"?) Get to know the secrets of the universe at this newly opened Swiss museum.

Courtesy of CERN Science Gateway

On July 4, 2012, scientists at the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, located 328 feet below the France-Switzerland border outside Geneva , announced that the existence of the Higgs boson — a wave theory first proposed in 1964 — had been proven. It made global headlines, offering new insight into the formation of the universe, and the researchers went on to win the Nobel Prize. 

The complex where the discovery happened — the home of the European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN — has been mostly closed to the public since it opened 70 years ago. In October, in an effort to bring quantum physics to the masses, the CERN Science Gateway opened. The interactive museum invites visitors as young as five.

Related: 20 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

The $111 million building, designed by star architect Renzo Piano, mimics the look of particle accelerators. Two tubes — which appear to be suspended in midair — are connected by a bridge, evoking the themes of atomic movements and information exchange. The structure is also solar-powered and carbon-neutral.

CERN was established in 1954 by a group of visionaries (including the famous Danish physicist Niels Bohr) who wanted to create a world-class laboratory for nuclear research in Europe.

Inside are three exhibitions, two labs, and a 900-seat auditorium. Kids (and adults) can travel back 13.8 billion years to the big bang with computer simulations, or play “quantum tennis” by using their voices — the sound of the speech is projected as a tiny particle that bounces back and forth. CERN scientists also teach short classes on topics including cloud formation, thermodynamics, and how electrons behave in magnetic fields.

The LEGO Robotic Challenge is another fun, hands-on experience. During real-life experiments at CERN, robots are often used in places where humans could be injured. To understand how these safety dilemmas are solved, children assemble a small robot, attach a sensor, and help an engineer program it to perform certain tasks.

Maximilien Brice/Courtesy of CERN Science Gateway

Visitors can also learn about CERN’s history. The center was established in 1954 by a group of visionaries (including the famous Danish physicist Niels Bohr) who wanted to create a world-class laboratory for nuclear research in Europe. It was a reaction to the brain drain after World War II, when many European scientists moved to America. Twelve nations were the original signatories, and today there are 23 member states, including Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. 

Scientists at CERN have made a number of notable achievements. In fact, one of their biggest developments is familiar to all of us: the World Wide Web — which was first envisioned as a way for particle physicists around the globe to communicate more efficiently — was created at CERN in 1989.

Related: Citizen Science Vacations' Are Trending — and These Cool New Trips Might Make You a Better Person

Younger science enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them occupied, but some parts of Gateway are geared for parents. One of the building’s two tubes is home to “Exploring the Unknown,” an exhibition with works by Julius von Bismarck & Benjamin Maus, Chloé Delarue, Ryoji Ikeda, and Yunchul Kim, all participants in CERN’s artist-in-residence program. 

One of the pieces on display is a constantly moving, three-dimensional shadow of a four-dimensional object. Meant to invite questions and evade understanding, it serves as a reminder that some of life’s mysteries are just that — unknowable.

A version of this story first appeared in the February 2024 issue of  Travel + Leisure  under the headline "Geek Squad. "

Related Articles