Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
Zermatt & The Matterhorn (Zermatt) is one of the essential stops in Switzerland, located in the Canton of Valais region. Car-free alpine village beneath the iconic Matterhorn pyramid, Gornergrat cogwheel railway and glacier trails.
With direct connections via SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways, Zermatt & The Matterhorn rewards a stay of 2–4 days so you can balance major landmarks with neighborhood cafés, markets, and easy half-day excursions.
Neighbourhoods & areas
Zermatt & The Matterhorn Historic Center & Old Town
Walkable core with historic architecture, pedestrian squares, and landmarks (Zermatt & The Matterhorn Historic Center & Main Square).
Central Station & Transit Quarter
Convenient hub for SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways arrivals, luggage lockers, and business hotels.
Market & Dining District
Evening bistros, traditional halls, and food stalls serving Traditional Zermatt & The Matterhorn House Specialty and Regional Canton of Valais Market Dish.
Top sights & experiences
Zermatt & The Matterhorn Historic Center & Main Square
Signature highlight in Zermatt & The Matterhorn — reserve morning entry tickets online in peak season.
Zermatt & The Matterhorn National Museum & Cathedral
Signature highlight in Zermatt & The Matterhorn — reserve morning entry tickets online in peak season.
Zermatt & The Matterhorn Panoramic Viewpoint & Old Quarter
Signature highlight in Zermatt & The Matterhorn — reserve morning entry tickets online in peak season.
What to eat
Traditional Zermatt & The Matterhorn House Specialty
Iconic local specialty of Zermatt & The Matterhorn and the Canton of Valais region.
Regional Canton of Valais Market Dish
Iconic local specialty of Zermatt & The Matterhorn and the Canton of Valais region.
Artisanal Canton of Valais Pastry & Wine
Iconic local specialty of Zermatt & The Matterhorn and the Canton of Valais region.
Where to stay by budget
Budget
Well-connected hostels and guesthouses within a 10-minute walk of Zermatt & The Matterhorn's central station or metro lines.
Mid-range
Boutique 3-to-4-star hotels near the historic center and pedestrian promenade.
Luxury
Heritage 5-star grand hotels and design properties with concierge access and views.
Rough nightly ranges: hostels and capsule hotels often run a few thousand yen per person; business hotels commonly CHF 8,000–CHF 20,000 per room; upscale hotels and ryokan can be far higher, especially in peak seasons. See our accommodation guide.
Getting there
Zermatt & The Matterhorn is served by SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways and intercity express trains as well as regional airport transfers. Book high-speed legs 2–6 weeks ahead for early-bird fares.
Getting around
The historic core of Zermatt & The Matterhorn is best explored on foot, supplemented by contactless tap-to-pay metro, tram, or bus lines.
Day trips & side trips
Scenic Regional Excursion from Zermatt & The Matterhorn
30–60 minutes by regional train into the surrounding Canton of Valais countryside and nearby historic towns.
Neighboring Heritage Town
Combine morning sightseeing with a long local lunch featuring Artisanal Canton of Valais Pastry & Wine.
Best time to visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) bring mild walking weather and harvest festivals to Zermatt & The Matterhorn. Summer offers long daylight hours, while winter brings festive markets and lower hotel rates.
Local tips
- Start at Zermatt & The Matterhorn Historic Center & Main Square before 9:00 AM to beat day-trip tour groups.
- Use contactless credit cards or mobile transit passes on Zermatt & The Matterhorn buses, trams, and metro gates.
- Order Traditional Zermatt & The Matterhorn House Specialty at lunch for the best value set menus.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: