Travelers flock to Zermatt because it is well-known for its skiing, hiking, romance, and food.
The Matterhorn of course steals the spotlight, its snow-covered peak towering above the little village. One of the tallest mountains in the Alps, it straddles the border of Italy and Switzerland and can be visited from either side. On the Swiss side, Zermatt is the main access point. Experienced mountaineers are permitted to climb to its peak for a fee of about 1200 CHF with a guide provided from Zermatt.
Monte Rosa and Breithorn are two other well-known peaks to climb. Breithorn is probably the easiest. Using the lifts "Furri" (1700 m), "Trockener Steg" (2800 m), and "kleines Matterhorn" (3883 m) you can reach the top of the little Matterhorn. From here there is a walking trail that leads to the top of Breithorn in approximately two hours.
Other highlights include a railway called the Gornergrat which climbs the mountain for a spectacular panorama, as well as the Matterhorn Museum which features equipment from the first climbing expedition. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest place in Europe and can be reached by cable car, while Gorner Gorge features a footpath across narrow bridges and steps as well as a fixed rope route guide visitors through the gorge.
other than skiing and snowboarding, winter sports like curling and ice skating are popular in Zermatt. The ski area of Zermatt reaches from the Rothorn over Gornergrad and the Theodulpass to the Italian villages of Breuil-Cervinia and Valtourneche. The village also has a number of ski schools with multi-lingual instructors and mountain guides for those seeking a chaperone for their winter sports. The best known of these schools is Zermatt Ski School - European Snowsport.
In warmer months, cycling through town is also common, as is mountain biking on the surrounding slopes. Most of the ski lifts allow visitors to carry on mountain bikes, though usually for an extra fee.
As many of Zermatt's hotels are on the pricier end of things, camping is also common for visitors looking to enjoy Switzerland's great outdoors. There is a camping area open in Zermatt during the summer months, as well as one in Tasch.
Skiing:
Skiing and snowboarding are two of the biggest reasons to visit Zermatt. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.
Hiking:
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking near Zermatt. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an experience not to be missed. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.
A nice way to explore destinations in Zermatt is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Village Tour in Zermatt’s Alpine for $239 details
- Kitchen Around - Backstage Dining Tour - Winter Edition for $196 details
- Mystic Zermatt Tour: Peaks, History & Culture for $219 details