Zermatt, Switzerland
- Trek across a wooden walkway suspended between two towering cliffs at Gorner Gorge, where a scenic waterfall plummets down a deep chasm created after the last Ice Age.
- Stroll through Hinterdorfstrasse, a historic 16th-century neighborhood in Zermatt, to see traditional Swiss timber houses built on stone slabs.
- Travel to the summit of Gornergrat on this mountain railway, which connects the village of Zermatt to the mountain’s peak, more than 10,000 feet above sea level.
In the Alpine Meadows
The magnificence of the iconic Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks sit uninterrupted in this car-free, pedestrian village in the Swiss Alps. This tranquil setting straddles Italy's border and illustrates Swiss romance at its finest. Zermatt is home to world-class skiing, 50 mountain lakes, mountain biking, upscale boutiques and cozy, chalet-style restaurants. If scenic trails and gravity sports are calling, Zermatt is your answer. The majestic European hotels of yesteryear live on at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. Originally built at the end of the 19th century, the hotel has maintained a timeless charm that continues to lure modern travelers.
Quick Facts
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Suggested Airport
Geneva Airport (GVA) -
Home of
The Matterhorn -
150 Years
Since First Ascent -
Base Elevation
5,310 feet -
Primary Language
German
Destination Highlights
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Mountain Biking
From trails that are technically demanding to more approachable terrain, Zermatt is a verifiable mountain biker's paradise. Two wheels can pedal you to unbeatable views of the Matterhorn and village below.
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Gornergrat Bahn
For views of the Alps that few are able to see in their lifetime, book a trip on Europe's highest open-air cog railway. Since 1898, it's been running up to the Gornergrat. This is Switzerland's finest natural beauty.
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Forest Fun Park
Designed to thrill and open from April to October every year, Forest Fun Park in Zermatt has a variety of high ropes courses, zip lining options and aerial delights. Children as young as 4 can participate.
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Sunnegga
Ski, ski, ski. The Sunnegga Paradise is a ski area on Rothorn Mountain. Because Switzerland is such a well-known skiers' haven, lift systems have been in place since the 1800s. Both novice and advanced runs are available.
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Fishing Charter
Should you find yourself here in the summer months, seize the opportunity go fly fishing. The mountain lakes surrounding the town of Zermatt are a fisherman's dream of ideal conditions. Book a charter with FlyFishZermatt.
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Restaurant Chez Vrony
Located on the mountain near the ski area, Restaurant Chez Vrony is a lovely chalet that's famous for its bloody mary soup, which is exactly what it sounds like. Expect outstanding service and killer views of the Matterhorn.
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Weather
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Forecasting Your Zermatt Vacation
Zermatt is a skier's paradise. On average, the nearby mountains see anywhere from 250 to 300 inches of snowfall annually - far more than other ski hubs in the United States. The town's location, however, shields it from the heaviest precipitation. You can expect chilly temperatures and snow from October through April and mild conditions the rest of the year. The sun can be very strong in the mountains any time of the year, so be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
