Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Zermatt?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Zermatt?
Most visitors spend two to five days in Zermatt when visiting. The charming town offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the skiing, the hiking, the beautiful scenery, and the food.
Zermatt is the home of Europe's highest ski resort. It's also the place to go for stunning views of Matterhorn. The area is world renowned for its skiing and hiking, and any outdoor enthusiast should not miss a visit to this world class destination.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Zermatt? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Zermatt?
One week is more than enough time to see everything that Zermatt has to offer such as the scenic town and gorgeous mountains. Many visitors prefer to spend two to five days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the skiing, the hiking, the beautiful scenery, and the food at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, especially for families, couples, and backpackers. You can also take a day trip to nearby mountain towns if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend a week in Zermatt
When visiting Zermatt, you can't miss the Matterhorn as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.
Zermatt is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Set against the backdrop of the Alps and the famed Matterhorn, this is a truly breathtaking town that's surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Romance and Charms of Zermatt – Walking Tour ($222)
Zermatt is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.
Snow skiing takes the spotlight during the winter season, so set aside at least a day to hit the slopes. 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.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Tapas tour in Zermatt ($112)
- Activity in private minibus, wine tasting in Valais ($78)
- Wine Tasting in Valais ($84)
Public transit in Zermatt is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.
Known for it's hiking, Zermatt sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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.
This town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.
Shopping in Zermatt is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. 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.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
The small-town atmosphere of Zermatt is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. It's a resort town with many upscale shops and a charming atmosphere.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Romance and Charms of Zermatt – Walking Tour ($222)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Zermatt.
After you've explored most of Zermatt, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
With added time, spend another day on the ski slopes. After all, that's one of the main attractions here. You'll probably improve your skills every day, so check out some of the runs you haven't spent much time on yet.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Zermatt.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Zermatt?
Two weeks is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Zermatt, including the town and mountains. You'll be able to move at your own pace, relax at your hotel or nearby restaurants and parks. You could also use Zermatt as a base for exploring the surrounding mountain areas. Take the extra time to hit the ski slopes, take a hike, admire the wonderful scenery, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant over multiple days. Also, explore some of the smaller nearby mountain towns on day trips.
How to spend 2 weeks in Zermatt
With 2 weeks in Zermatt, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the town has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time skiing on the slopes and hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this town looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
More Info
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