Matterhorn's Car-Free Village. Glacier skiing, fondue by firelight, and the most iconic peak silhouette in the Alps.
Zermatt is a mountain village in Switzerland's Valais canton, positioned at the foot of the Matterhorn. Famed for its extensive ski terrain and network of hiking trails, it attracts visitors for year-round mountain pursuits. The village itself is car-free, with access restricted to a scenic train journey from the valley below. Within Zermatt, small electric vehicles provide local transport, preserving the alpine atmosphere and its proximity to one of the Alps' most recognisable peaks.
This area, centred on the main Bahnhofstrasse, provides immediate access to shops, restaurants, the main train station, and the Gornergrat railway terminus.
A quieter quarter on the southern edge of the village, this area offers a more residential feel with clear views of the Matterhorn, while remaining within walking distance of the centre.
Located on a hillside above the main village, this elevated position affords panoramic views over Zermatt and towards the surrounding peaks, including the Matterhorn.
This open-air cogwheel railway ascends to a summit with a viewing platform. From the top, there are perspectives of the Matterhorn, the Gorner Glacier, and numerous surrounding peaks over 4,000 metres.
Accessed by cable car, this is the highest cable car station in Europe, located on the Klein Matterhorn. It features a viewing platform and the Glacier Palace, a series of tunnels carved inside the glacier.
This subterranean museum documents the history of Zermatt and the first ascent of the Matterhorn. Exhibits include original artefacts from the 1865 expedition and a recreated mountain village.
A popular mid-altitude hiking trail accessible via the Sunnegga funicular. The route passes five alpine lakes, with some, such as Stellisee and Leisee, offering reflections of the Matterhorn on calm days.
December–March and June–September. The winter season offers cold temperatures and consistent snowfall for skiing and other winter sports. Summer provides warmer, milder conditions suitable for hiking and mountaineering across the region's extensive trail network.
The main international airports are Geneva (GVA) and Zurich (ZRH). From either airport, travellers connect by rail to the village of Täsch, where they transfer to a dedicated shuttle train for the final journey into car-free Zermatt.
The village of Zermatt does not permit private combustion-engine vehicles to preserve its air quality and character. Visitors who drive must park their cars in the nearby village of Täsch and take a frequent shuttle train for the final part of the journey.
Yes, Zermatt offers year-round skiing on the Theodul Glacier, accessed via the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cableways. The summer ski area is one of the largest of its kind in the Alps and is used by both recreational skiers and international race teams.
The region offers a wide spectrum of trails suitable for various fitness levels, from gentle walks to demanding high-altitude routes. Many trailheads are accessible via funiculars and cable cars, allowing for less strenuous high-alpine experiences.
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