Gornergrat and More Things to Do in Zermatt Switzerland
If you are looking for best things to do in Zermatt, I have you covered in this blog. My Zermatt visit was on fourth day of my five days tour of Switzerland. Zermatt is a charming and picturesque village located in the Swiss Alps. Nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, one of the world’s most famous mountains, Zermatt is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and winter sports enthusiasts. The following blog will convince you why you must add Zermatt in your list of best things to do in Switzerland.
Besides the list of interesting activities in Zermatt, the town is famous for several reasons:
The Matterhorn: The Matterhorn, with its distinctive pyramid shape, is one of the most iconic mountains in the world, and Zermatt is located at the foot of this majestic peak.
Car-Free Village: Swiss village of Zermatt is a car-free village, which sets it apart from many other mountain resorts. We left our hired car in our hotel in Zurich and reached by train. This unique characteristic creates a peaceful and clean environment, allowing visitors to enjoy the village on foot or by using electric taxis and buses.
Alpine Beauty: The natural beauty surrounding Zermatt is simply breathtaking. Towering mountains, sparkling glaciers, and lush alpine meadows create a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities and exploration.
Swiss Alpine Culture: Zermatt embodies the traditional Swiss alpine culture with its charming chalet-style architecture, narrow streets, and horse-drawn carriages. The village center is filled with shops selling Swiss watches, outdoor gear, and local crafts. Visitors can indulge in Swiss cuisine, including the famous Swiss fondue and other traditional dishes.
Whether you are looking for a romantic escape or
for some exciting adventure activities, Zermatt has something for everyone.
Zermatt Things to Do in Switzerland – Cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Things to Do in Zermatt
If you have not made up your mind yet about what to do in Zermatt, here is a list of multitude of experiences ideal for both summer and winter
The town is best known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The village is part of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise ski area, which offers an extensive network of slopes catering to all skill levels. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy stunning panoramic views while gliding down the slopes, and there are also several snow parks and freeride areas for more adventurous riders.
Beyond winter sports, Zermatt offers plenty of activities for all seasons. Hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts will find an abundance of trails that cater to different levels of difficulty. The surrounding mountains provide a stunning backdrop for exploring nature and enjoying breathtaking vistas.
The town is also a hub for mountain climbing and is considered a gateway to the Swiss Alps. Climbers from all over the world come to challenge themselves on the mighty Matterhorn and other peaks in the area.
Ski in Zermatt
Take the Gornergrat Railway
All the way from Zurich to Zermatt, to view the mesmerizing alpine scenes, but the journey did not end here. There was one more phase to cover, the journey to Gornergrat. And at that altitude of 3089 m above sea level, it was plain white snow as far as the eye could see. It was like an entry to another world.
The railway line Zermatt to/from Gornergrat is special for a couple of reasons;
- one because it was the first electric railway in Switzerland
- two because it is the highest cogwheel railway of Europe.
Doesn’t it make the journey special!
We arrived at Gornergrat in forty minutes from Zermatt. A short walk from the station and we were at the viewing platform. The gorgeous sight of the mountains around, the cool crisp air, the flaky snow scattered around, the sight of little black birds hovering around, all… too much to take in at the same time.
We got gorgeous views of the glacier from here. For us and for some of the tourists around, it was a first time experience. Sights like this remains etched in mind for a long long time. Pictures keep refreshing them.
It was almost three hours journey from Zurich to Zermatt. So, effectively that day we spent six hours in train just to get the glimpse of the peak Matterhorn, at Zermatt.
From a viewing platform on this 3000 m mountain ridge, Gornergrat, we got the mesmerizing view of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountain world.
Hike Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Matterhorn, at 4478 m, is the most famous mountain in Europe. It is a major Switzerland landmark. Matterhorn is located at the border of the western Swiss canton of Valais between Zermatt and the Italian resort of Breuil-Cervinia. An ideal destination Switzerland for all nature-lovers looking for peace and quiet.
This peak attracts ski fans, mountaineers and snowboarders like a magnet. One of the best experiences would be to take a glacier walk tour of the Aletsch glacier, which a UNESCO site. Aletsch Glacier, the Alps’ largest and longest glacier, lying in the Bernese Alps of south-central Switzerland. But of course one needs both money and time in hand to fulfill all dreams in one life time!
MATTERHORN MUSEUM
The Matterhorn Museum, located in the village center, explores the region’s history and culture. Housed in a 19th century building, it showcases the first ascent of the Matterhorn, mountaineering development, local traditions, and tourism’s impact. Highlights include a reconstructed Valais House and a collection of historic photographs and artifacts. Open year-round, guided tours offer deeper insights into the exhibits and regional history.
GO SHOPPING
In addition to outdoor activities, one of the fun things to do in Zermatt is to go on a shopping spree to pickup souvenirs or a gift for yourself. Its streets are lined with boutique shops selling Swiss watches, outdoor gear, and traditional crafts.
If you have a sweet tooth or are with kids, don’t miss fondue and raclette, and sample delicious Swiss chocolates and pastries. Zermatt boasts a vibrant village center with a range of shops, restaurants, and bars.
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How beautiful! I would love to visit someday, it really seems like a wonderful country.
I’ve always wanted to visit Switzerland someday. I really love to explore the beautiful city and seeing the breathtaking scenery.
The peak looks breathtakingly beautiful. The feel of being on that peak has to be totally different with all the cold environment and white bed. You might get all the feels when you look back at the pictures!
It looks incredible and sounds like you had a really great time despite the travel time. It’s amazing when something is so beautiful gets etched into your memory forever.
It looks like a beautiful place to visit. It also looks like it was cold but so worth it to be in the cold if it means making great memories.
someday, someday list for me.. until then, will look at others’ trip photos like here on your post 🙂
We are visiting Switzerland in May and are currently planning our detailed itinerary. I was happy to come across this post. I would definitely want to go the the high summit and will check out the railway line Zermatt to/from Gornergrat. This train definitely sounds interesting. The view from the viewpoint looked great. I wonder what it will be like in May? Thanks for this input into a great day trip from Zurich!
Zermatt and Gornergratt are really places that are close to paradise. We loved it there and had a great time catching some spectacular views of the Matterhorn.
Very nice post and your photos, too.
Regards!
Excellent spot and view..I feel like visiting the place immediately..!
Indrani, it is just wonderful for me to follow your adventures in Europe and especially in the alps. All the places you have shown us over the months, I have been to and many I know very well but unless I take a ship to Europe, will never see again. Thank you for your wonderful photos and for refreshing my memories.
Alps are a great place to visit. The huge mountains and all the small houses they build there. Makes me wonder all kinds of things. Thanks for the journey.
Splendid sceneries, Indrani, I enjoy them a lot!
I look at these and remember my affection for the cold–a faint stirring of the heart. Gorgeous photos.
Hi Indrani! It seems that everybody is on holidays… Here it’s true, but someone has to stay… 😉
I've always promised myself that I would go to Zermatt; however, more than fifty times in Switzerland and never in Zermatt… 🙁
Blogtrotter Two is preparing to leave St. Florent. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!!
Wow! These photos looks so refreshing!
Visiting from SWF. Mine is up here:
http://www.thedtour.info/2011/08/off-road-war-under-sunny-bright-sky.html
What an amazing experience.
Beautiful photos and an experience to last a lifetime. I live where we have beautiful snow and mountains but I would still like to see scenes like this. Happy weekend.
What a beautiful station, and the scenery is quite superb.
Wonderful pictures. I would love to visit Matterhorn some day..
Happy weekend to you:-)
I feel like I am with you in this tour ^_^. I love the last photo what is that blue in the middle of all the white snow?
Sunset reflection
simply terrific
fascinating place for a tropical fish like me.:p
Beautiful ♥
Glaciers are also fascinating for us people of the low lands! Beautiful views, Indrani. Have a great weekend.
Right about now, I'd dearly love to have a few shovels-full of that snow!!! Wouldn't last long enough tho…maybe I should dump the food in the freezer and save it that way?
Beautiful photos
Happy Friday to you.
RAIN SCENTS
Very beautiful place. Marvellous scenic beauty. Amazing and gorgeous place to visit.
Beautiful scenery and photos, Indrani. What a beautiful place to visit. Great photos, have a wonderful weekend.
SNOW!!! I love this snow!!!
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Hi Indran,
how often have I wandered through the Gorner glacier to the Monte Rosa hut. Zermatt and its surroundings is a great mountains …
Many greetings from Switzerland
Hans-Peter
Very beautiful scenery – I love mountains.
wonderful place to visit
icy photos
Awesome Captures .
lovely post
Looks so cold but beautiful. Love all your photos.
What beautiful, refreshing, scenes to see on a hot summer day.
perfectly refreshing for Summer!
Aloha from Waikiki;
Comfort Spiral
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Wow!
Lovely scenery and beautiful photos!
Happy SWF to you:)
views are outstanding. wonderful trip.
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I've never been to Europe, and must rely on others' impressions of it! The views are stunning here!
Nice pictures again…..beautiful country.
Awesome captures as always, Indrani, and yes, thanks for the memories! Such a gorgeous place! Enjoy your weekend!
Sylvia
Been there done exactly that!! Great shots and fond memories. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
I think it's amazing that you have been so close to the Matterhorn! It really does look like a different world in the Swiss Alps!
Beautiful shots.
Happy sky watching.
Liz @ A Simple Life
What a gorgeous place to visit. I've enjoyed your travel shots very much.
Breathtaking scenery and magnificent shots, Indrani. Definitely the trip of a lifetime!