Switzerland · Valais
Zermatt travel guide
A car-free village below the Matterhorn
Zermatt and the Matterhorn. Photo: Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Zermatt is a car-free mountain village of wooden chalets, with the Matterhorn rising above it. It's one of the world's great ski resorts, with skiing all year on the glacier.
In summer there are hikes to mirror lakes, the Gornergrat railway and Europe's highest cable car station at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
What Zermatt is known for
- The Matterhorn
The most famous peak in the Alps.
- Year-round skiing
On the glacier.
- Gornergrat railway
A cog railway with views.
- Car-free village
Electric taxis only.
Top things to do in Zermatt
Where to stay in Zermatt
Best time to visit Zermatt
Best value: Apr, Jun, Sep. December to April for skiing; June to September for hiking.
- Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
- PeakBusiest, highest prices
- QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
Getting there and around
About 1h 30m from London to GVA, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?
Trains from Geneva or Zurich, then the shuttle from Täsch. Electric taxis and buses in the village.
Good to know
- Leave your car at Täsch: Zermatt is car-free.
- Clear mornings give the best Matterhorn views.
- A Swiss Travel Pass gives discounts on mountain trains.
Zermatt FAQ
How do I get to Zermatt?
By train from Geneva or Zurich, about 3.5 hours.
Can beginners ski in Zermatt?
Yes, but it suits intermediates best.
More places in Switzerland
InterlakenMountains · Bernese Oberland
LucerneCity · Central Switzerland
GenevaCity · Lake Geneva
St MoritzMountains · Graubünden
Back to the Switzerland travel guide + Add Zermatt to your bucket list