Are you looking for your next hiking destination? Why not visit Zermatt in the heart of the Swiss Alps?
Whether coming here solo, with friends or as a family, you won’t be bored. Get inspired before your next hiking holidays with our list of 5 exciting things to do in Zermatt.
What To Do In Zermatt?
There’s hardly a better-known mountain in the world than Matterhorn and the village that lies at its foot is equally famous. Welcome to Zermatt, the European capital of mountaineering, snow sports, and an all-year-round outdoor leisure center, where everyone will find something for themselves.
Whether you are a cogwheel train fan, an avid hiker and adventure seeker, or looking for a great place to relax surrounded by splendid nature, Zermatt has something special just for you. Thanks to fantastic infrastructure and accessibility, you will be able to enjoy the great outdoors regardless of your age and fitness level.
Here are the best 5 unique things to do in Zermatt.
5. Take a Stroll Through the City
Zermatt’s quaint streets are a true delight to explore. Take a leisurely walk and immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of this alpine village. Though small, Zermatt has a lot to offer: artisanal shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries hold treasures ready to be discovered.
Hunt for some typical Swiss souvenirs: watches (wristwatches or beloved by Swiss cuckoo clocks), traditional Swiss shirts with an Edelweiss pattern, or Swiss army knives. Local produce such as cheese, chocolate, and cured meats, or local preserves, would also be a fantastic gift to bring home.
But Zermatt is more than shops only. One of the obligatory things to do in Zermatt is visiting the Old Village. Here you’ll discover what Zermatt looked like 300 years ago, before becoming a famous leisure resort.
“Hinterdorf” (“back village”), spuns just off the main street. Lined with traditional wooden houses dating back to the 16th and 18th centuries, Hinderdorf, with its cobblestone streets and rustic barns, allows you to take a step back in time.
Learn more about the Zermatt’s fascinating history at the subterranean Zermatt Museum called Zermatlantis, which provides an opportunity to delve into the history and culture of the region. Finally, pass by the mountaineers’ cemetery, where you can pay your respects to the pioneers of mountain climbing.
4. Ski All Year Round – Experience the Matterhorn Ski Paradise
Skiing in Zermatt is nothing short of epic. This alpine wonderland transforms into a skier’s paradise, and for good reason: it’s home to one of the most iconic ski resorts on the planet. With over 360 km/ 223.7 miles of skiable terrain stretching across the Swiss-Italian border, the resort offers snow-sure slopes and breathtaking scenery that never stops giving.
Zermatt’s best ski season typically runs from late November to early May, however, you can ski all year round thanks to its high elevation. The lifts soar up to 3,899 m/ 12,792 ft, ensuring top-notch snow and panoramic views over a sea of alpine peaks.
And let’s not forget one of Zermatt’s most brag-worthy experiences—skiing across the border into Italy. Imagine carving your way down pristine slopes in Switzerland and then stopping for a plate of homemade pasta in Cervinia. It’s alpine living at its finest.
What sets Zermatt apart isn’t just the vast terrain or reliable snow. It’s the beauty of skiing beneath the Matterhorn’s towering silhouette. Every turn offers another picture-perfect moment. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the area has something for everyone. Pair that with world-class infrastructure, cozy mountain huts, and expert ski guides, and you’ve got the ultimate ski package in Switzerland.
3. Ride the Historic Gornergrat Cogwheel Train
Whether you’re a train aficionado or just an ordinary Joe, a ride with the famous Gornergrat cogwheel train is definitely one for the books.
Hop aboard this century-old train for awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains.
Having gone down in history as the first electric cableway in Switzerland, the Gornergrat Bahn brings its passengers to the peak of Gornergrat mountain on a staggering 3,089 m/10,135 ft. From there, you can admire unparalleled views of Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks, the Gorner glacier, and valleys.
If you’re short on time but craving a Swiss escape, we highly recommend a 3-day Zermatt rail tour. In just three days, you’ll soak in the beauty of this breathtaking alpine village, and experience so much more.
2. A Day Hike on The Gornergrat
The Gornergrat cogwheel is not only the gate to a panoramic rail tour, because once you’ll step off the train, a Gornergrat guided day hike with a visit to one of the most spectacular 360-degree viewing platforms in the Alps awaits you.
From here, your eyes can trace the jagged ridges of 29 peaks soaring above 4,000 m/13,123 ft, including the towering Dufourspitze of Monte Rosa, Switzerland’s highest point. The silence up here is vast, peaceful, and unforgettable.
Before you begin hiking, you can take time to explore the area around the summit. Stop for a coffee or warm drink at the Kulmhotel Gornergrat, Europe’s highest hotel, where the outdoor sun terrace offers a front-row seat to some of the most stunning alpine views imaginable. You can also browse unique souvenirs in the Gornergrat boutique shops—perfect for bringing home a piece of your adventure.
Next, your guide will lead you on a short descent via train to the next lower station, where the real hike begins. From here, you’ll follow well-marked trails through a protected nature reserve. Look closely and you’ll spot delicate Alpine wildflowers peeking through the rocky ground, tiny bursts of color that thrive in these high-altitude conditions.
Along the way, you’ll reach a serene mountain lake, perfectly still and often mirror-like. On calm days, the Matterhorn reflects so clearly in the water that it looks like a painting. Expect to capture that postcard-perfect photo (and maybe a few epic selfies too).
Eventually, the journey leads you to Restaurant Riffelberg, a historic gem that once hosted Mark Twain during his own alpine escapades. Here, you can pause for refreshments on the sunny terrace while enjoying uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn.
1. Hike to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
A guided day hike to the Matterhorn Glacier paradise, is definitely on top of 5 unique things to do in Zermatt. If you book this incredible experience with us, this is what you can expect:
Your day begins in Zermatt with a warm welcome from your private guide, who will give you a brief overview of the adventure ahead. From there, you’ll step aboard the state-of-the-art cable car and begin your scenic ascent, 45 minutes of pure wonder as the gondola glides above forests, alpine meadows, and sheer cliffs, with the mighty Matterhorn growing ever larger outside your window.
At 3,883 m/12,740 ft, you’ll arrive at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in all of Europe. Here, the world opens up in dazzling white. You’ll have time to marvel at 360-degree panoramic views from the observation deck, with 38 towering peaks over 4,000 m/ 13,123 ft and 14 glaciers shimmering in the sun.
Step into the magical Glacier Palace, a hidden world carved deep inside the glacier itself, where sparkling ice tunnels and intricate sculptures bring the frozen landscape to life.
When you’re ready, your guide will lead you along a moderately challenging trail down to Schwarzsee, a peaceful alpine lake sitting at 2,583 m/8,474 ft.
The hike takes roughly 2–3 hours depending on conditions and pace, with unforgettable views of the Matterhorn every step of the way. Don’t forget your camera—Schwarzsee is one of the best places in Zermatt for iconic Matterhorn shots.
To wrap up the day, take the cable car back down to Zermatt, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, hike part of the way and descend from a lower station.
Either way, you’ll return with your heart full and your camera roll overflowing.
Experience Zermatt with MyMountains
Whether you’re coming to Zermatt for skiing, hiking, or for a rail tour, every experience here is steeped in alpine magic.
At MyMountains, we don’t just show you these places—we guide you into the heart of them.
With expert local guides, seamless planning, and an eye for authentic Swiss experiences, we help you discover the best of Zermatt in a way that’s meaningful, enriching, and tailored just for you.
